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Xiao Z, Zhang X, Hong S, Zhang H, Zhang Y. A platform for microplastic assessment in aquatic environments based on the protein corona-induced aggregation effect. Biosens Bioelectron 2024; 249:116037. [PMID: 38237214 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2024.116037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
The environmental hazards of microplastics have received widespread attention. However, the in-situ detection of microplastics, particularly in aquatic environments, has been challenged by the limitations of detection methods, the large-scale instruments, and small size. Herein, a photoelectrochemical sensor based on the protein corona-induced aggregation effect is designed for the detection of polystyrene microplastics. The sensor has advantages of high sensitivity, reproducibility, and detection capability. A linear detection range of 0.5-500 μg mL-1, a method detection limit of 0.06 μg mL-1, and a limit of quantification of 0.14 μg mL-1 are achieved. Furthermore, the relative standard deviations of intra-day and inter-day precision, ranging from 0.56% to 4.63% and 0.84%-3.36% are obtained. A digital multimeter was employed to construct a platform for the real-time detection in real water samples, streamlining the detection process and yielding clear results. We believe this sensor provides new insight for the in-situ real-time detection of microplastics and has broad applications for the analysis of microplastic pollution in aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zizhen Xiao
- Lab of Optoelectronic Technology for Low Dimensional Nanomaterials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Lab of Optoelectronic Technology for Low Dimensional Nanomaterials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Siyi Hong
- Lab of Optoelectronic Technology for Low Dimensional Nanomaterials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Han Zhang
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Optoelectronic Science & Technology, International Collaborative Laboratory of 2D Materials for Optoelectronics Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, Institute of Microscale Optoelectronics, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China.
| | - Ye Zhang
- Lab of Optoelectronic Technology for Low Dimensional Nanomaterials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China.
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2
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Balestra V, Galbiati M, Lapadula S, Zampieri V, Cassarino F, Gajdošová M, Barzaghi B, Manenti R, Ficetola GF, Bellopede R. Microplastic pollution calls for urgent investigations in stygobiont habitats: A case study from Classical karst. J Environ Manage 2024; 356:120672. [PMID: 38508002 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution in karst systems is still poorly studied, despite the presence of protected species and habitats, and important water reserves. Vulnerable key species hosted in these habitats could consume or assimilate microplastics, which can irreversibly damage management efforts, and thus ecosystems functionality. This can be particularly true for subterranean water habitats where microplastic pollution effects on wildlife management programs are not considered. The aim of this study is to provide a case study from the Classical Karst Region, which hosts peculiar habitats and key species protected at European level, such as the olm Proteus anguinus. As this area has been deeply exploited and modified over time, and is adjacent to highways, roads and railways, which could contribute to pollution within the karst system, threatening the ecosystems, it provides a perfect model system. In this study we collected and investigated water and sediment samples from aquatic environments of surface and subterranean habitats hosting several subterranean environment-adapted organisms. Examined particles were counted and characterized by size, color and shape via visual identification under a microscope, with and without UV light. Furthermore, spectroscopic analyses were carried out in order to identify microplastics typology. Microplastics were found in all examined habitats. In water, microplastics concentration ranged from 37 to 86 items/L, in sediments from 776 to 2064 items/kg. Fibre-shape was the main present, followed by fragments and beads, suggesting multiple sources of pollution, especially textile products. Most of the particles were fluorescent under UV light and were mainly transparent, while not-fluorescent ones were especially black, blue or brown. Samples contained especially polyesters and copolymers. These results highlight intense MP pollution in karst areas, with significant impacts on water quality, and potential effects on subterranean environment-dwelling species. We stress the importance of monitoring pollution in these critical environments for biodiversity and habitat conservation: monitoring in karst areas must become a priority for habitat and species protection, and water resources management, improving analyses on a larger number of aquatic surface and subterranean habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Balestra
- Department of Environment, Land and Infrastructure Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Italy; Biologia Sotterranea Piemonte - Gruppo di Ricerca, Italy.
| | - Matteo Galbiati
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Stefano Lapadula
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Veronica Zampieri
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | | | - Magdalena Gajdošová
- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Benedetta Barzaghi
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Raoul Manenti
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | | | - Rossana Bellopede
- Department of Environment, Land and Infrastructure Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Italy
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3
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Zhao P, Yang S, Zheng Y, Zhang L, Li Y, Li J, Wang W, Wang Z. Polylactic acid microplastics have stronger positive effects on the qualitative traits of rice (Oryza sativa L.) than polyethylene microplastics: Evidence from a simulated field experiment. Sci Total Environ 2024; 917:170334. [PMID: 38301794 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Soil pollution by microplastics (MPs) from different types of agricultural films has received substantial attention due to its potential effects on crop quality. To date, the effects of different types of MPs on rice grain quality and their underlying molecular mechanisms have not been clarified. In this study, we examined the effects of polyethylene MPs (PE-MPs) and biodegradable polylactic acid MPs (PLA-MPs) on rice grain quality at the environmental level (0.5 %) and evaluated the molecular mechanism through transcriptome analysis. PE- and PLA-MPs increased the number of rice grains per plant by 19.83 % and 24.66 %, respectively, and decreased the rice empty-shell rate by 55.89 % and 26.53 %, respectively. However, PLA-MPs increased the 1000-seed weight by 11.37 %, whereas PE-MPs had no obvious impact in this respect. Furthermore, MP exposure, especially that of PE-MPs, affected the content of mineral elements, fatty acids, and amino acids of rice grains by disturbing the expression of genes related to these functions and metabolism. Our findings provide insights into the response of rice grains to the stress caused by different MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Vector Biology and Pathogen Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Life Sciences, Huzhou University, Huzhou 313000, PR China
| | - Siyu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Vector Biology and Pathogen Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Life Sciences, Huzhou University, Huzhou 313000, PR China
| | - Yaoying Zheng
- Institute of Nuclear Agricultural Science, Key Laboratory of Nuclear Agricultural Sciences of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Liqin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Vector Biology and Pathogen Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Life Sciences, Huzhou University, Huzhou 313000, PR China
| | - Yongli Li
- Key Laboratory of Vector Biology and Pathogen Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Life Sciences, Huzhou University, Huzhou 313000, PR China
| | - Jiapeng Li
- Key Laboratory of Vector Biology and Pathogen Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Life Sciences, Huzhou University, Huzhou 313000, PR China
| | - Wei Wang
- Institute of Nuclear Agricultural Science, Key Laboratory of Nuclear Agricultural Sciences of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China.
| | - Zhanqi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Vector Biology and Pathogen Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Life Sciences, Huzhou University, Huzhou 313000, PR China.
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4
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Antacli JC, Di Mauro R, Rimondino GN, Alurralde G, Schloss IR, González GA, Morales S, Ottero A, Vodopivez C. Microplastic pollution in waters of the Antarctic coastal environment of Potter Cove (25 de Mayo Island/King George Island, South Shetlands). Sci Total Environ 2024; 915:170155. [PMID: 38228241 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Plastic pollution in the Southern Ocean around Antarctica is a growing concern, but many areas in this vast region remain unexplored. This study provides the first comprehensive analysis of marine microplastic (MPs) concentrations in Potter Cove, located near the Argentinian Carlini research station on 25 de Mayo/King George Island, Antarctica. Water samples were collected at 14 sites within the cove, representing various influences from the station's activities. Two sampling methods were used: a 5 L Niskin bottle and an in-situ filtering device called Microfilter, allowing for large water volumes to be filtered. MPs were found in 100 % of the samples. Microfilter samples ranged from 0.02 to 2.14 MPs/L, with a mean concentration of 0.44 ± 0.44 MPs/L. Niskin bottle samples showed concentrations from 0.40 to 55.67 MPs/L, with a mean concentration of 19.03 ± 18.21 MPs/L. The dominant types of MPs were anthropogenic black, transparent, and pink microfibers (MFs) measuring between 0.11 and 3.6 mm (Microfilter) and 0.06 to 7.96 mm (Niskin bottle), with a median length of 0.01 mm for both methods. Transparent and black irregular microfragments (MFRs) with diameters from 0.10 to 5.08 mm and a median diameter of 0.49 mm were also prevalent. FTIR-spectroscopy revealed the presence of 14 types of polymers. Cellulose-based materials and polyethylene terephthalate were the most abundant in MFs, while polyurethanes and styrene-based copolymers dominated in MFRs. MPs were more abundant near the Carlini station. Compared to other coastal Antarctic areas, the MPs in the cove were relatively abundant and mostly smaller than 1 mm. Local activities on the island were identified as the primary source of MPs in the cove, and the cyclonic water circulation likely affects the distribution of small-sized particles. To protect the ecosystem, reducing plastic usage, improving waste management, regulating MPs debris, and enhancing wastewater practices are essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Antacli
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Ecología Marina, Av. Vélez Sarsfield 299, 5000 Córdoba, Argentina; Instituto de Diversidad y Ecología Animal (IDEA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina.
| | - R Di Mauro
- Gabinete de Zooplancton, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo Pesquero (INIDEP), Paseo Victoria Ocampo N° 1, B7602HSA Mar del Plata, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - G N Rimondino
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Fisicoquímica de Córdoba (INFIQC), CONICET, Departamento de Físico-Química, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - G Alurralde
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden; Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission HELCOM, Helsinki FI-00160, Finland
| | - I R Schloss
- Instituto Antártico Argentino, 25 de Mayo 1143, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas (CADIC, CONICET), Bernardo Houssay 200, Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina; Universidad Nacional de Tierra del Fuego, Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
| | - G A González
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Ecología Marina, Av. Vélez Sarsfield 299, 5000 Córdoba, Argentina; Instituto de Diversidad y Ecología Animal (IDEA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - S Morales
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Ecología Marina, Av. Vélez Sarsfield 299, 5000 Córdoba, Argentina
| | - A Ottero
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Ecología Marina, Av. Vélez Sarsfield 299, 5000 Córdoba, Argentina
| | - C Vodopivez
- Instituto Antártico Argentino, 25 de Mayo 1143, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Rabari V, Rakib MRJ, Patel H, Idris AM, Malafaia G, Trivedi J. Microplastic prevalence in epipelagic layer: Evidence from epipelagic inhabiting prawns of north-west Arabian Sea. Mar Pollut Bull 2024; 200:116137. [PMID: 38377866 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
The escalating global microplastic (MP) pollution severely threatens marine life due to insufficient waste management and widespread single-use plastic. This study focuses on assessing MP contamination in commercial prawns from Gujarat State, India. Ten prawn species collected at five main fishing harbors revealed 590 MP particles in their gastrointestinal tracts, averaging 6.08 ± 5.96 MPs/g and 1.15 ± 0.78 MPs/individual. Significant variations in contamination levels were observed between species and study sites. Pollution indices indicated very high contamination throughout the study sites. Threads were the predominant shape, with blue and black as prevalent colors. Size-wise, 1-2 mm MPs dominated. Polymer analysis identified polyethylene terephthalate, polyurethane, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. The findings provided crucial preliminary information for ecotoxicology and seafood safety investigations regarding MP contamination in commercially important prawns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasantkumar Rabari
- Animal Taxonomy and Ecology Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University, Patan, Taluka, India
| | - Md Refat Jahan Rakib
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali 3814, Bangladesh.
| | - Heris Patel
- Animal Taxonomy and Ecology Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University, Patan, Taluka, India
| | - Abubakr M Idris
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Khalid University, 62529 Abha, Saudi Arabia; Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, Abha 62529, Saudi Arabia
| | - Guilherme Malafaia
- Post-Graduation Program in Conservation of Cerrado Natural Resources, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Biotechnology and Biodiversity, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Ecology, Conservation, and Biodiversity, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil; Brazilian Academy of Young Scientists (ABJC), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jigneshkumar Trivedi
- Animal Taxonomy and Ecology Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University, Patan, Taluka, India.
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6
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Islam ARMT, Hasan M, Sadia MR, Mubin AN, Ali MM, Senapathi V, Idris AM, Malafaia G. Unveiling microplastics pollution in a subtropical rural recreational lake: A novel insight. Environ Res 2024; 250:118543. [PMID: 38417661 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
While global attention has been primarily focused on the occurrence and persistence of microplastics (MP) in urban lakes, relatively little attention has been paid to the problem of MP pollution in rural recreational lakes. This pioneering study aims to shed light on MP size, composition, abundance, spatial distribution, and contributing factors in a rural recreational lake, 'Nikli Lake' in Kishoreganj, Bangladesh. Using density separation, MPs were extracted from 30 water and 30 sediment samples taken from ten different locations in the lake. Subsequent characterization was carried out using a combination of techniques, including a stereomicroscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The results showed a significant prevalence of MPs in all samples, with an average amount of 109.667 ± 10.892 pieces/kg3 (dw) in the sediment and 98.167 ± 12.849 pieces/m3 in the water. Small MPs (<0.5 mm), fragments and transparent colored particles formed the majority, accounting for 80.2%, 64.5% and 55.3% in water and 78.9%, 66.4% and 64.3% in sediment, respectively. In line with global trends, polypropylene (PP) (53%) and polyethylene (PE) (43%) emerged as the predominant polymers within the MPs. MP contents in water and sediment showed positive correlations with outflow, while they correlated negatively with inflow and lake depth (p > 0.05). Local activities such as the discharge of domestic sewage, fishing waste and agricultural runoff significantly influence the distribution of polypropylene. Assessment of pollution factor, pollution risk index and pollution load index values at the sampling sites confirmed the presence of MPs, with values above 1. This study is a baseline database that provides a comprehensive understanding of MP pollution in the freshwater ecosystem of Bangladesh, particularly in a rural recreational lake. A crucial next step is to explore ecotoxicological mechanisms, legislative measures and future research challenges triggered by MP pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abu Reza Md Towfiqul Islam
- Department of Disaster Management, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur 5400, Bangladesh; Department of Development Studies, Daffodil International University, Dhaka, 1216, Bangladesh.
| | - Mehedi Hasan
- Department of Disaster Management, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur 5400, Bangladesh.
| | - Moriom Rahman Sadia
- Department of Disaster Management, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur 5400, Bangladesh.
| | - Al-Nure Mubin
- Department of Disaster Management, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur 5400, Bangladesh.
| | - Mir Mohammad Ali
- Department of Aquaculture, Sher - e - Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh.
| | | | - Abubakr M Idris
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 62529, Saudi Arabia; Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Guilherme Malafaia
- Post-Graduation Program in Conservation of Cerrado Natural Resources, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Ecology, Conservation, and Biodiversity, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Biotechnology and Biodiversity, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil.
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7
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Ferreira-Filipe DA, Paço A, Pinho B, Silva R, Silva SAM, Jesus F, Pereira JL, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos TAP, Patrício-Silva AL. Microplastics from agricultural mulch films: Biodegradation and ecotoxicity in freshwater systems. Sci Total Environ 2024; 912:169287. [PMID: 38103621 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
The application of bio-based biodegradable mulch films in agriculture has raised environmental concerns regarding their potential impacts on adjacent freshwater ecosystems. This study investigated the biodegradation of microplastics derived from a bio-based biodegradable mulch (bio-MPs) and its acute and chronic ecotoxicity considering relevant scenarios (up to 200 and 250 mg/kg of sediment, using pristine and/or UV-aged particles), using the fungus Penicillium brevicompactum and the dipteran Chironomus riparius as model organisms, respectively, due to their ecological relevance in freshwater environments. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis suggested changes in the fungus's carbohydrate reserves and bio-MP degradation through the appearance of low molecular weight esters throughout a 28 day biodegradation test. In a short-term exposure (48 h), C. riparius larvae exposed to pristine or UV-aged bio-MPs had up to 2 particles in their gut. Exposure to pristine bio-MPs decreased larval aerobic metabolism (<20 %) and increased neurotransmission (>15 %), whereas exposure to UV-aged bio-MPs activated larval aerobic metabolism (>20 %) and increased antioxidant defences (catalase activity by >30 % and glutathione-s-transferase by >20 %) and neurotransmission (>30 %). Longer-term (28-d) exposure to UV-aged bio-MPs did not affect larval survival and growth nor the dipteran's emergence but increased male numbers (>30 %) at higher concentrations. This study suggests that the selected agricultural bio-based mulch film is prone to biodegradation by a naturally occurring fungus. However, there is a potential for endocrine disruption in the case of prolonged exposures to UV-aged microplastics. This study emphasises the importance of further research to elucidate the potential ecological effects of these plastic products, to ensure effective management practices, and to establish new regulations governing their use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo A Ferreira-Filipe
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ana Paço
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Bruna Pinho
- Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Rafael Silva
- Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Sara A M Silva
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Fátima Jesus
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Joana L Pereira
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Teresa A P Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ana L Patrício-Silva
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
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8
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Ren Y, Qi Y, Wang X, Duan X, Ye X. Effects of microplastics on litter decomposition in wetland soil. Environ Pollut 2024; 343:123145. [PMID: 38097161 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) may interfere with the primary ecological processes of soil, which has become a growing global environmental issue. In terrestrial ecosystems, litter decomposition is the main process of nutrient cycling, particularly for carbon (C) and nitrogen (N). However, how microplastic pollution could alter wetland litter decomposition has barely been investigated. Therefore, a 100-day lab-scale litter decomposition experiment was conducted using Shengjin Lake wetland soil, which was treated with two types of MPs (polyethylene, PE and polyvinyl chloride, PVC) at three concentrations (0.1%, 0.5%, and 2.5%, w/w), to explore if and how MPs accumulation could affect wetland litter decomposition processes. According to our research, the PE and PVC greatly slowed the decomposition rate of wetland litter. Compared with control treatments, the addition of MPs decreased litter quality (high C:N), reduced litter decomposition-related soil enzyme activity, decreased the diversity of bacteria, and altered microbial community structure and potential functional gene abundance linked to litter decomposition. These findings revealed that MPs could affect the main process of C and N cycling in wetland ecosystems, providing important cues for further research on the wetland ecosystem function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujing Ren
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecosystem Protection and Restoration, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Yueling Qi
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecosystem Protection and Restoration, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecosystem Protection and Restoration, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Xinyi Duan
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecosystem Protection and Restoration, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Xiaoxin Ye
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecosystem Protection and Restoration, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, China.
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9
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Maharjan KK. Microplastics research in Nepal: Present scenario and current gaps in knowledge. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24956. [PMID: 38318064 PMCID: PMC10838786 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The topic of microplastics has drawn considerable scholarly interest in recent times. The objective of this study is to provide an overview of the current state of microplastic pollution research in Nepal and to make future research recommendations. To achieve the objective, three popular databases (Web of Science, SCOPUS and Google Scholar) were used. The results showed that the current scenario for microplastic research in Nepal is in its early stage, which commenced in 2020. A total of six papers were recorded over the period from 2020 to 2023. The research conducted in the fields were rivers, lakes, snow, and sediments. Studies have provided evidence of the occurrence of microplastics in diverse aquatic ecosystems. Lakeshore sediments show concentrations of 100.5 ± 58.6 items/kg dry weight, while shoreline sediments of Phewa lake exhibit variability between 55 and 122.5 items/kg. The lake water in winter records 2.96 ± 1.83 Microplastics per Liter (MPs/L), river water indicates 202 ± 100 items/m3, and snow demonstrates 30 MP/L. In freshwater ecosystems, microplastics, specifically fibers, were found to be the prevailing type, while fragments were recorded in road dust. The study conducted in Nepal provided evidence of the presence of a wide range of polymers. The polymers encompassed polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide, polystyrene (PS), and polyester. Microplastic research in Nepal, initiated in 2020, covered rivers, lakes, snow, and sediments. Diverse aquatic ecosystems reveal microplastic presence, emphasizing the need for continued study and awareness. Although extensive research has been carried out on the subject of microplastic contamination and its effects on various creatures on a global scale, an examination of the implications of microplastics on animals, plants, and humans in Nepal has not been found in any scholarly publications. There exists a noticeable deficit of research investigating the consumption of microplastics by human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kishor Kumar Maharjan
- Department of Environmental Science, Tri-Chandra Multiple Campus, Tribhuvan University, Nepal
- Faculty of Environmental Management, Prince of Songkla University, Thailand
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10
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Wu Z, Sun J, Xu L, Zhou H, Cheng H, Chen Z, Wang Y, Yang J. Depth significantly affects plastisphere microbial evenness, assembly and co-occurrence pattern but not richness and composition. J Hazard Mater 2024; 463:132921. [PMID: 37944228 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics have become one of the hot concerns of global marine pollution. In recent years, diversity and abiotic influence factors of plastisphere microbial communities were well documented, but our knowledge of their assembly mechanisms and co-occurrence patterns remains unclear, especially the effects of depth on them. Here, we collected microorganisms on microplastics to investigate how ocean depth affects on microbial diversity, community composition, assembly processes and co-occurrence patterns. Our results indicated that there were similar microbial richness and community compositions but microbial evenness and unique microbes were obviously different in different ocean layers. Our findings also demonstrated that deterministic processes played dominant roles in the assembly of the mesopelagic plastisphere microbial communities, while the bathypelagic microbial community assembly was mainly shaped by stochastic processes. In addition, the co-occurrence networks suggested that the relationships between microorganisms in the mesopelagic layer were more complex and stable than those in the bathypelagic layer. Simultaneously, we also found that Proteobacteria and Actinobacteriota were the most abundant keystones which played important roles in microbial co-occurrence networks at both layers. This study enhanced our understanding of microbial diversity, assembly mechanism, and co-occurrence pattern on plastisphere surfaces, and provided useful insights into microorganisms capable of degrading plastics and microbial remediation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Wu
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, Hunan, PR China
| | - Jianxing Sun
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, Hunan, PR China
| | - Liting Xu
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, Hunan, PR China
| | - Hongbo Zhou
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, Hunan, PR China; Key Laboratory of Biohydrometallurgy of Ministry of Education, Changsha 410083, Hunan, PR China
| | - Haina Cheng
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, Hunan, PR China; Key Laboratory of Biohydrometallurgy of Ministry of Education, Changsha 410083, Hunan, PR China
| | - Zhu Chen
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, Hunan, PR China; Key Laboratory of Biohydrometallurgy of Ministry of Education, Changsha 410083, Hunan, PR China
| | - Yuguang Wang
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, Hunan, PR China; Key Laboratory of Biohydrometallurgy of Ministry of Education, Changsha 410083, Hunan, PR China.
| | - Jichao Yang
- College of Marine Science and Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266590, Shandong, PR China.
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11
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Liu L, Ma H, Xing B. Aging and characterization of disposable polypropylene plastic cups based microplastics and its adsorption for methylene blue. Chemosphere 2024; 349:140976. [PMID: 38114021 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) as emerging pollutants are of increasing concern, due to their ubiquitous, uncertain, and complex environmental impacts. Different from the standard spherical MPs without additives, here polypropylene microplastics (PP-MPs) in flake derived from the disposable plastic cup in food-grade in daily life were studied. The characterization of PP-MPs demonstrated that the carbonyl index represented the aging degree was enhanced from 0.26 significantly to 0.82 after 10 days, and the aging process fitted well with pseudo-first-order kinetic. Moreover, the crystallinity degree, polarity and surface negative charges were enhanced, while the hydrophobicity was decreased. The adsorption behavior of PP-MPs toward methylene blue (MB), and the impacts of various pHs, salinities, and humic acid in aquatic environments were also explored. The pseudo-second-order kinetic, Henry and Sips isotherm models provided a good correlation with the experimental data, indicating that the rate-limiting step was closely related with the complex surface adsorption, and the hydrophobic partitioning, polar interaction, electrostatic attraction, and hydrogen bonding were possibly involved in the adsorption. These exhaustive experiments aim to provide a theoretical basis for assessing and better understanding the environmental behavior of disposable PP plastic cups in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Liu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'An, Shaanxi, 710119, PR China
| | - Hongzhu Ma
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'An, Shaanxi, 710119, PR China.
| | - Baoshan Xing
- Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
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12
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Hsu YJ, Huang C, Lee M. Unveiling microplastic spectral signatures under weathering and digestive environments through shortwave infrared hyperspectral sensing. Environ Pollut 2024; 342:123106. [PMID: 38070648 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution presents a novel challenge for marine environmental protection, necessitating comprehensive and long-term monitoring and assessment approaches. Environmental MPs can undergo weathering and microorganism-related digestive processes, altering their original surface properties and chemical structure, thus complicating their quantification and identification. This study aims to establish a comprehensive hyperspectral database for weathered and digestion-degraded MPs, using a wide variety of polymer types collected as either virgin particles or commercial products (within a size range of approximately 3 mm), and to investigate the impact of these processes on their spectral characteristics. Polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) MPs exhibited significant responses to weathering treatment, as indicated by the formation of new characteristic peaks or slight peak shifts around 1679-1705 nm, which can be attributed to the formation of carbonyl and vinyl functional groups through Norrish reactions. Similarly, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and polystyrene (PS) MPs demonstrated notable degradation following digestive treatment, as evidenced by the emergence of new absorption peaks at approximately 1135-1165 nm, possibly associated with alterations involving carbonyl and vinyl functional groups. The results were further validated based on their comparable spectral characteristics of the resultant MPs to reference polymers and possible additives, considering a reasonably accurate match of approximately 80% for the studied MP samples. This study showcases the significant advantage of using shortwave infrared hyperspectral sensing for rapid identification of virgin and exposed MPs with a relatively large scan area after a simple sample preparation. This approach, combined with other complementary characterization techniques, shall provide highly throughput results for MPs identification. This research provides valuable insights into the features extracted from environmental MPs and establishes a foundation for improving their classification efficiency for environmental applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Jhen Hsu
- Department of Safety, Health and Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chihchi Huang
- Department of Safety, Health and Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Mengshan Lee
- Department of Safety, Health and Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
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13
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Maisto M, Ranauda MA, Zuzolo D, Tartaglia M, Postiglione A, Prigioniero A, Falzarano A, Scarano P, Castelvetro V, Corti A, Modugno F, La Nasa J, Biale G, Sciarrillo R, Guarino C. Effects of microplastics on microbial community dynamics in sediments from the Volturno River ecosystem, Italy. Chemosphere 2024; 349:140872. [PMID: 38056715 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the sources, abundance, and ecological implications of microplastic (MP) pollution in Volturno, one of the main rivers in southern Italy, were explored by investigating the MP concentration levels in sediments collected along the watercourse. The samples were sieved through 5- and 2-mm sieves and treated with selective organic solvents. The polymer classes polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), nylon 6 (PA6), and nylon 6,6 (PA66) were quantified using pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Furthermore, a 16S rRNA metagenomic analysis was performed using next-generation sequencing in Ion Torrent™ to explore the bacterial taxonomy and ecological dynamics of sediment samples. The MPs were detected in all samples collected from the study area. PP and PET were the most abundant and frequently detected polymer types in the analysed samples. The total MP concentration ranged from 1.05 to 14.55 ppm (parts per million), identifying two distinct data populations: high- and low-MP-contaminated sediments. According to the Polymer Hazard Index (PHI), MP pollution was categorised as hazard levels III and IV (corresponding to the danger category). Metagenomic data revealed that the presence of MPs significantly affected the abundance of bacterial taxa; Flavobacteraceae and Nocardiaceae, which are known to degrade polymeric substances, were present in high-MP-contaminated sediments. This study provides new insights into the ecological relevance of MP pollution and suggests that microorganisms may serve as biomarkers of MP pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Maisto
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, Via de Sanctis Snc, 82100, Benevento, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta Ranauda
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, Via de Sanctis Snc, 82100, Benevento, Italy
| | - Daniela Zuzolo
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, Via de Sanctis Snc, 82100, Benevento, Italy.
| | - Maria Tartaglia
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, Via de Sanctis Snc, 82100, Benevento, Italy
| | - Alessia Postiglione
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, Via de Sanctis Snc, 82100, Benevento, Italy
| | - Antonello Prigioniero
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, Via de Sanctis Snc, 82100, Benevento, Italy
| | - Alessandra Falzarano
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, Via de Sanctis Snc, 82100, Benevento, Italy
| | - Pierpaolo Scarano
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, Via de Sanctis Snc, 82100, Benevento, Italy
| | - Valter Castelvetro
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, Via Giuseppe Moruzzi, 13, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Andrea Corti
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, Via Giuseppe Moruzzi, 13, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Modugno
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, Via Giuseppe Moruzzi, 13, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Jacopo La Nasa
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, Via Giuseppe Moruzzi, 13, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Greta Biale
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, Via Giuseppe Moruzzi, 13, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Rosaria Sciarrillo
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, Via de Sanctis Snc, 82100, Benevento, Italy
| | - Carmine Guarino
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, Via de Sanctis Snc, 82100, Benevento, Italy
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14
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Song K, Jin W, Yang G, Zhang H, Li P, Huang W, Feng Z. A case study on microplastics pollution characteristics in fouling organisms in typical aquaculture bay, China. Mar Environ Res 2024; 193:106286. [PMID: 38109802 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and fouling organisms are prevalent in oceans worldwide. The study aims to investigate the pollution characteristics of MPs in fouling organisms. The study found significant inter-specific differences in the MPs abundance, while the length of MPs is consistent. The average number of MPs in N. exigua is 0.00 ± 0.00. There is a correlation between MPs abundance and weight in sessile group, while gastropods don't. Direct observation has demonstrated that the radulae of N. radula can envelop MPs. Fiber and blue are the predominant forms and colors of MPs found in fouling organisms. It is noteworthy that all film and fragment MPs observed were of a blue hue and had a size limitation of 500 μm. The characteristics of MPs between sessile organisms are more similar than those between gastropods. This study has improved our understanding of the pollution characteristics of MPs in fouling organisms, specifically gastropods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Song
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang, 222005, PR China; Analytical Instrumentation Center, Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, 572000, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, PR China
| | - Wei Jin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang, 222005, PR China
| | - Guang Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang, 222005, PR China
| | - Haichao Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang, 222005, PR China
| | - Pingjing Li
- Analytical Instrumentation Center, Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, 572000, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, PR China
| | - Wei Huang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem and Biogeochemistry, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou, 310012, PR China
| | - Zhihua Feng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang, 222005, PR China; Co-Innovation Center of Jiangsu Marine Bio-industry Technology, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang, 222005, PR China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Salt Marsh Ecology and Resources, Ministry of Natural Resources, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang, 222005, PR China.
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15
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Aksun Tümerkan ET, Köse E, Aksu S, Mol O, Kantamaneni K, Başkurt S, Çınar E, Emiroğlu Ö. Beadlet anemone: A novel bio-indicator of microplastic pollution in the marine environment. J Environ Manage 2024; 349:119538. [PMID: 37948964 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Extensive usage of plastic in different industries and household usage has degraded to microplastic due to environmental conditions over the last year. While several researchers conducted the determination of microplastic (MP) bioaccumulation from rivers to stormwater, except for some filter-feeding species used as a bioindicator, to achieve a holistic approach to the fate of MPs in the marine system, sea anemone was used as an indicator. Microplastics were extracted from surface seawater, sediment, and sea anemones from the same sampling area and characterized. The extracted MPs were confirmed by confocal micro-Raman spectroscopy, and the morphology of the MPs was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the accumulation of microplastics and the type of polymer, shape, colour, and size of these persistent pollutants varied in sediment, surface water, and sea anemone. The abundance of MPs was different, and grey-coloured MPs were detected at a relatively higher level in sea anemones, from 8.7 to 13.3%, and more minor MPs (less than 0.5 mm) at 43.4-56.8% were detected in sea anemones among the sampling stations. In terms of polymer type, there are relatively more types of polymers classified in sea anemones among the sampling stations (six different types of polymers). These results indicated that the utilization of sea anemones as a bioindicator for MPs could be a critical factor in a better understanding of their pathway in the marine ecosystem. This study proved that analysing sea anemones as an indicator could offer a reliable, fast, and time-saving approach for detecting microplastic accumulation in marine systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif Tuğçe Aksun Tümerkan
- Department of Food Processing-Food Technology, Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University, Vocational School of Health Services, Ankara, Turkey; AYBU Central Research Laboratory, Application and Research Center, Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt Univer-sity, Ankara, 06010, Turkey.
| | - Esengül Köse
- Department of Environmental Protection Technologies, Eskişehir Vocational School, Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Eskişehir, Turkey.
| | - Sadi Aksu
- Vocational School of Health Services, Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Eskişehir, Turkey.
| | - Oğuzcan Mol
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Eskişehir,Osmangazi University, Eskişehir, Turkey.
| | - Komali Kantamaneni
- School of Engineering, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, PR1 2HE, United Kingdom.
| | - Sercan Başkurt
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Eskişehir,Osmangazi University, Eskişehir, Turkey.
| | - Emre Çınar
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Eskişehir,Osmangazi University, Eskişehir, Turkey.
| | - Özgür Emiroğlu
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Eskişehir,Osmangazi University, Eskişehir, Turkey.
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16
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Imbulana S, Tanaka S, Yukioka S, Oluwoye I. Occurrence and distribution of plastic particles (10-25,000 μm) and microfibers in the surface water of an urban river network in Japan. Environ Monit Assess 2023; 196:92. [PMID: 38148350 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-12221-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Urban rivers remain the key conduits conveying land-sourced plastics into the ocean. However, detailed information is limited on the concurrent evaluation over a wide array of particle size-specific abundances, characteristics, and distribution patterns of plastics in riverine environments. Therefore, this study provides a comprehensive assessment of plastic pollution in an urban river network in Japan by analyzing mesoplastics (5000-25,000 μm), large microplastics (300-5000 μm), small microplastics (SMPs, 10-300 μm), and microplastic-fibers (MPFs, 10-5000 μm) concurrently, for the first time. Sampling was conducted at seven stations in the Kamo and Katsura Rivers flowing across metropolitan Kyoto City. The analytical procedures involved infrared spectroscopy and fluorescence-staining microscopy. The concentrations of plastics were moderate compared to the global reports and gradually increased along the river flow (3550-15,840 items/m3; 180-13,180 μg/m3), mostly due to urban discharges via non-point sources. The number concentrations increased with decreasing particle size, marking 99.94% of SMPs, including 50% smaller than 40 μm. Conversely, mass concentrations decreased, exhibiting 96% larger than 1000 μm (64% mesoplastics including 20% around 5000 μm), along with 2% SMPs. Polyethylene (PE) and polyvinyl alcohol were distinct among SMPs, with PE indicating higher susceptibility to fragmentation compared to polypropylene and other polymer types. MPF concentrations were homogeneous throughout the watershed (1470-3600 items/m3; 520-1060 μg/m3), with a higher proportion of fibers smaller than 1000 μm (86%), apparently originating from polyethylene terephthalate/nylon/acrylic-like textile fibers. The proportion of MPFs surpassed particles within 100-3000 μm and was considerably high around 300 μm (> 98%). The river network of Kyoto conveys billions of tiny microplastics to the Yodo River, the primary water resource downstream, within a dry day.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachithra Imbulana
- Environmentally-friendly Industries for Sustainable Development Laboratory, Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan.
| | - Shuhei Tanaka
- Environmentally-friendly Industries for Sustainable Development Laboratory, Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Satoru Yukioka
- Environmentally-friendly Industries for Sustainable Development Laboratory, Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Ibukun Oluwoye
- Environmentally-friendly Industries for Sustainable Development Laboratory, Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
- Curtin Corrosion Centre, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA, 6845, Australia
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17
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Zhao X, Qiang M, Yuan Y, Zhang M, Wu W, Zhang J, Gao Z, Gu X, Ma S, Liu Z, Cai L, Han J. Distribution of microplastic contamination in the major tributaries of the Yellow River on the Loess Plateau. Sci Total Environ 2023; 905:167431. [PMID: 37774863 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution in rivers had gained increased attention worldwide. However, the differences in microplastic characteristics among major tributaries of large rivers and the environmental factors influencing these characteristics remain uncertain. Through field investigation and indoor experiments, the distribution of microplastics and their driving factors were investigated at 96 sampling sites along the three main tributaries (Huangfuchuan, Wuding and Yan River) of the Yellow River in the Loess Plateau. The results revealed that the average microplastic abundance followed this order: Yan River (430.30 items kg-1) > Wuding River (145.09 items kg-1) > Huangfuchuan River (253.33 items kg-1). The abundance was lower than that in most parts of the world. There was a generally increasing trend in average microplastic abundance from upstream to downstream in the three rivers. The most frequently observed microplastic colors observed were black and white, and the most common polymer type were PE and PS in all three rivers. The dominant shape and size in the three rivers were fiber and particles measuring 0.5-5.0 mm, all accounting for more than half of the total microplastic content. The microplastic abundance, shape, and size were primarily influenced by mean annual precipitation and population density. This relationship can be attributed to the fact that increased population density driven by higher demand and consumption of plastic products, while augmented rainfall aggravated the occurrence of floods and provided conditions for plastic degradation and accumulation. This study will provide fundamental data for pollution assessing and ecological protection of the Yellow River, and provide a certain reference for future management and protection on the Loess Plateau.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Zhao
- Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China; Changjiang River Scientific Research Institute, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Chinese Academy of Science and Ministry of Water Resources, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Minmin Qiang
- Power China Northwest Survey Design and Research Institute Co. Ltd., Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- Changjiang River Scientific Research Institute, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Man Zhang
- Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China; Changjiang River Scientific Research Institute, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Chinese Academy of Science and Ministry of Water Resources, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wenjing Wu
- Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jiaocheng Zhang
- Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zesen Gao
- Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xinmei Gu
- Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Sitian Ma
- Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zihan Liu
- Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lu Cai
- Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jianqiao Han
- Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China; Changjiang River Scientific Research Institute, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Chinese Academy of Science and Ministry of Water Resources, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.
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18
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Li C, Zhu L, Li WT, Li D. Microplastics in the seagrass ecosystems: A critical review. Sci Total Environ 2023; 902:166152. [PMID: 37567296 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Marine microplastic (MP) pollution represents a global environmental issue that has ignited considerable apprehension within the international community. Seagrass beds, which serve as nearshore marine ecosystems, have emerged as focal points of plastic and MP contamination due to the pronounced density of anthropogenic activities and the hydrological mitigating effects of submerged vegetation. Nevertheless, our comprehension of MPs within seagrass ecosystems remains constrained. In this study, we employed bibliometric analyses and comprehensive data exploration to summarize the historical progression of the development, pivotal areas of interest, and research deficiencies, followed by proposing future research directions for MP pollution in seagrass beds. The 37 selected papers were sourced from the Web of Science Core Collection scientific database as of December 31st, 2022. Based on the current evaluation, MPs are ubiquitously discovered within seagrass canopies, sediments, and marine organisms, while less than 15 % of seagrass species worldwide have been investigated. Moreover, methodological inconsistencies in sampling, processing and visualization between studies hindered the fusion and comparison of data. MPs in upper sediments and seagrass blades were the most widely investigated, with an average abundance of 263.4 ± 309.2 n/kg and 0.09 ± 0.03 n/blade. In all environmental compartments, the prevalent forms of MPs comprise fibrous and fragmented particles, encompassing the dominant polymers such as polypropylene, polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate. However, the source of MPs in seagrass beds based on MP characteristics and local hydrodynamics has not been comprehensively analyzed in previous studies. The evidence for MPs acting as pollutants and contaminant carries impacting the growth and decline of seagrass is also weak. Currently, the precise implications of MPs on submerged vegetation, organisms, and the broader seagrass ecosystem remain inconclusive. However, considering the persistent accumulation of MPs, it is imperative to explore the ecological hazards they may pose within the foreseeable future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changjun Li
- Ocean School, Yantai University, Yantai, China.
| | - Lixin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China; Department of Marine and Environmental Science, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Wen-Tao Li
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Daoji Li
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
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19
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Stapleton MJ, Ansari AJ, Ahmed A, Hai FI. Evaluating the generation of microplastics from an unlikely source: The unintentional consequence of the current plastic recycling process. Sci Total Environ 2023; 902:166090. [PMID: 37553052 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
This study casts light on the potential of microplastic generation during plastic recycling - an unintended consequence of the process. To date, microplastics have been detected in the wastewater and sludge from plastic recycling facilities; however, generation pathways, factors and minimisation strategies are understudied. The purpose of this study is to identify the factors affecting microplastic generation, namely, plastic type and weathering conditions. The size reduction phase, which involved the mechanical shredding of the plastic waste material, was identified to be the predominate source of microplastic generation. Material type was found to significantly affect microplastic generation rates. Focussing on the microplastic particles in the size range of 0.212-1.18 mm, polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) generated 28,600 ± 3961, 21,093 ± 2211, 18,987 ± 752 and 6807 ± 393 particles/kg of plastic material shredded, respectively. The significant variations between different plastic types were correlated (R2 = 0.88) to the hardness of the plastic. Environmental weathering was observed to significantly affect microplastic generation rates. Generation rates increased for PC, PET, PP, and HDPE by 185.05 %, 159.80 %, 123.70 % and 121.74 %, respectively, over a six-month environmental exposure period. The results in this study confirm production of large amounts of microplastics from the plastic recycling industry through its operational processes, which may be a significant source for microplastic pollution if measures to reduce their production and removal from wastewater and sludge are not considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Stapleton
- Strategic Water Infrastructure Laboratory, School of Civil, Mining, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Ashley J Ansari
- Strategic Water Infrastructure Laboratory, School of Civil, Mining, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Aziz Ahmed
- School of Civil, Mining, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Faisal I Hai
- Strategic Water Infrastructure Laboratory, School of Civil, Mining, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
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do Amparo SZS, Carvalho LDO, Silva GG, Viana MM. Microplastics as contaminants in the Brazilian environment: an updated review. Environ Monit Assess 2023; 195:1414. [PMID: 37925384 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-12011-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics have long been present in marine and terrestrial environments and have emerged in recent decades as a global environmental concern. This pollutant has been detected with increasing frequency in Brazilian territory and herein primarily highlights current information and developments about the quantity, distribution, techniques of identification, origins, and sources of microplastics and related pollutants in the Brazilian environment. We evaluated 79 publications from 2018 to December 2022, and some aspects can be highlighted: 27% of studies were published in the Journal Marine Pollution Bulletin; 22% of all studies were conducted in São Paulo city; and 52% of all microplastics found were collected from biota followed by sediment samples. According to the findings given here, microplastics in Brazilian habitats, which can reach concentrations of 4367 to 25,794 items m-2 in sediments, are becoming a serious problem in the Anthropocene age, and some topics regarding the open questions in this area were pointed out in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sthéfany Z S do Amparo
- Departamento de Química-ICEx, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, ZIP 30.270-901, Brazil.
- Centro de Tecnologia em Nanomateriais e Grafeno - CTNano, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, ZIP 31.310-260, Brazil.
| | - Luciana de O Carvalho
- Departamento de Química-ICEx, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, ZIP 30.270-901, Brazil
- Centro de Tecnologia em Nanomateriais e Grafeno - CTNano, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, ZIP 31.310-260, Brazil
| | - Glaura G Silva
- Departamento de Química-ICEx, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, ZIP 30.270-901, Brazil
- Centro de Tecnologia em Nanomateriais e Grafeno - CTNano, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, ZIP 31.310-260, Brazil
| | - Marcelo M Viana
- Departamento de Química-ICEx, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, ZIP 30.270-901, Brazil.
- Centro de Tecnologia em Nanomateriais e Grafeno - CTNano, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, ZIP 31.310-260, Brazil.
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21
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Yi S, Zuo W, Xu L, Wang Y, Gu C, Shan Y, Bai Y. Accumulation and migration of microplastics and its influencing factors in coastal saline-alkali soils amended with sewage sludge. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2023; 266:115597. [PMID: 37866037 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Coastal saline-alkali soil can be transformed to agricultural soil with sewage sludge amendment. However, sewage sludge contains a large number of microplastics (MPs), and the fate of MPs in sludge-treated saline-alkali soil needs to be studied. Therefore, we investigated the accumulation and migration of MPs, and their influencing factors in saline-alkali soil after one-time sewage sludge application (0, 25, 50, 100 and 200 t ha-1 SSA). The results indicated that sewage sludge input contributed to MP accumulation in soil, and the MP abundance in 20-40 cm soil was significantly lower than that in 0-20 cm soil. Fragments and fibers were the most abundant MPs in soil, and the proportions of fragments and 50-200 µm MPs in 20-40 cm soil were lower than those in 0-20 cm soil, while the < 50 µm MP proportion was higher than that in 0-20 cm soil. Correlation analysis showed that MP accumulation rate (0-40 cm) and migration rate (20-40 cm) were negatively correlated with soil organic matter (SOM) content and SSA, but positively correlated with soil pH. Stepwise regression analysis further showed that SOM and SSA were the main factors affecting MP accumulation rate, which explained 47.7% and 46% of its variation, respectively, while pH was the crucial factor affecting the migration rate of MPs, followed by EC and SSA. In conclusion, SSA caused MP accumulation in saline-alkali soil, and SSA primarily affected the MP abundance, while soil OM, pH and EC directly affected MP migration in soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqiang Yi
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225127, PR China
| | - Wengang Zuo
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225127, PR China
| | - Lu Xu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225127, PR China
| | - Yimin Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225127, PR China
| | - Chuanhui Gu
- Environmental Research Center, Duke Kunshan University, Kunshan 215316, PR China
| | - Yuhua Shan
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225127, PR China; Key Laboratory of Arable Land Quality Monitoring and Evaluation, Key Laboratory of Saline-Alkali Soil Improvement and Utilization (Coastal Saline-Alkali Lands), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225127, PR China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Solid Organic Waste Resource Utilization, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Yanchao Bai
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225127, PR China; Key Laboratory of Arable Land Quality Monitoring and Evaluation, Key Laboratory of Saline-Alkali Soil Improvement and Utilization (Coastal Saline-Alkali Lands), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225127, PR China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Solid Organic Waste Resource Utilization, Nanjing 210095, PR China.
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22
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Wu F, Wang T, Li X, Zhao R, He F. Microplastic contamination in the dominant crabs at the intertidal zone of Chongming Island, Yangtze Estuary. Sci Total Environ 2023; 896:165258. [PMID: 37400025 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Crabs are one of the most critical and dominant species of the intertidal zone. Their feeding, burrowing, and other bioturbation activities are common and intense. However, baseline data on microplastic contamination in wild intertidal crabs are still lacking. In this study, we investigated the contamination of microplastics in the dominant crabs, Chiromantes dehaani, of the intertidal zone in Chongming Island, Yangtze Estuary, and explored their probable relationship with the microplastic composition in sediments. A total of 592 microplastic particles were observed in the crab tissues, with an abundance of 1.90 ± 0.53 items·g-1 (1.48 ± 0.45 items·ind-1). The microplastic contamination in the tissues of C. dehaani varied significantly among different sampling sites, organs, and size groups, but not among different sexes. Microplastics in C. dehaani were mainly rayon fibers with small sizes (<1000 μm). Their colors were mostly dark, which is consistent with the sediments samples. A linear regression showed significant correlations between the composition of microplastics in the crabs and that in sediments, although they differed in various crab organs and sediment layers. The target group index identified the feeding preference of C. dehaani on the microplastics with specific shapes, colors, sizes, and polymer types. In general, the microplastic contamination in crabs is affected by both objective environmental conditions and subjective feeding habits of crabs. In the future, more potential sources should be considered to completely distinguish the relationship between the microplastic contamination in crabs and adjacent environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengrun Wu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Xiamen University of Technology, Xiamen 361024, China.
| | - Tao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Xueyan Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Xiamen University of Technology, Xiamen 361024, China
| | - Ran Zhao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Xiamen University of Technology, Xiamen 361024, China
| | - Fengdong He
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Xiamen University of Technology, Xiamen 361024, China
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23
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Zhao H, Zhou Y, Lu Z, Ren X, Barcelo D, Zhang Z, Wang Q. Microplastic pollution in organic farming development cannot be ignored in China: Perspective of commercial organic fertilizer. J Hazard Mater 2023; 460:132478. [PMID: 37688868 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Commercial organic fertilizer, an essential fertilizer for developing organic farming in China, has been identified as a potentially important source of microplastics (MPs) on farmland. However, little is known about the occurrence of MPs in commercial organic fertilizers and their potential ecological risks nationwide. Here, stereoscopy and laser-infrared imaging spectrometry were used to comprehensively investigate the abundance, size, type and morphology of MPs in commercial organic fertilizers collected from mainland China, assess the ecological risks, and predict MP contamination. Commercial organic fertilizers contained many MPs (8.88 ×103 to 2.88 ×105 items/kg), especially rich in small-size MPs (<100 µm), accounting for 76.53%. The highest MP pollution load value was observed in fertilizers collected from East China. Chlorinated polyethylene, polyurethane, polyethylene and polypropylene were the dominant MPs with the shape of film and fragment, concentrated in small sizes (<100 µm). The risk index (H-index) of the MPs was used to quantify the ecological risk of the MPs in the different samples, and most of the fertilizers were at level Ⅲ with high risk. Predictably, 2.32 × 1013 - 2.81 × 1016 MPs will accumulate in orchard soils after five years of fertilization, especially in South, Southwest and East China. This study provides primary scientific data on MP pollution in commercial fertilizer and the health development of organic farming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Zhao
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, PR China
| | - Yanting Zhou
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, PR China
| | - Zonghui Lu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, PR China
| | - Xiuna Ren
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, PR China
| | - Damia Barcelo
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Zengqiang Zhang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, PR China
| | - Quan Wang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, PR China.
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24
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Krikech I, Oliveri Conti G, Pulvirenti E, Rapisarda P, Castrogiovanni M, Maisano M, Le Pennec G, Leermakers M, Ferrante M, Cappello T, Ezziyyani M. Microplastics (≤ 10 μm) bioaccumulation in marine sponges along the Moroccan Mediterranean coast: Insights into species-specific distribution and potential bioindication. Environ Res 2023; 235:116608. [PMID: 37429403 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive in marine environments and widely recognized as emerging environmental pollutants due to the multifaceted risks they exert on living organisms and ecosystems. Sponges (Phylum Porifera) are essential suspension-feeding organisms that may be highly susceptible to MPs uptake due to their global distribution, unique feeding behavior, and sedentary lifestyle. However, the role of sponges in MP research remains largely underexplored. In the present study, we investigate the presence and abundance of MPs (≤10 μm size) in four sponge species, namely Chondrosia reniformis, Ircinia variabilis, Petrosia ficiformis, and Sarcotragus spinosulus collected from four sites along the Mediterranean coast of Morocco, as well as their spatial distribution. MPs analysis was conducted using an innovative Italian patented extraction methodology coupled with SEM-EDX detection. Our findings reveal the presence of MPs in all collected sponge specimens, indicating a pollution rate of 100%. The abundance of MPs in the four sponge species ranged from 3.95×105 to 1.05×106 particles per gram dry weight of sponge tissue, with significant differences observed among sampling sites but no species-specific differences. These results imply that the uptake of MPs by sponges is likely influenced by aquatic environmental pollution rather than the sponge species themselves. The smallest and largest MPs were identified in C. reniformis and P. ficiformis, with median diameters of 1.84 μm and 2.57 μm, respectively. Overall, this study provides the first evidence and an important baseline for the ingestion of small MP particles in Mediterranean sponges, introducing the hypothesis that they may serve as valuable bioindicators of MP pollution in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imad Krikech
- Department of Life Sciences, Polydisciplinary Faculty of Larache, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, 745 BP, 92004 Larache, Morocco; Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno D'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Gea Oliveri Conti
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 87, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Eloise Pulvirenti
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 87, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Paola Rapisarda
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 87, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Castrogiovanni
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 87, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Maisano
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno D'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Gaël Le Pennec
- Laboratoire de Biotechnologie et de Chimie Marines, EMR CNRS 6076, Université de Bretagne Sud, EA 3884-IUEM, BP 92116, 56321 Lorient, Brittany, France
| | - Martine Leermakers
- Analytical, Environmental and Geochemistry (AMGC), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Margherita Ferrante
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 87, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Tiziana Cappello
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno D'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy.
| | - Mohammed Ezziyyani
- Department of Life Sciences, Polydisciplinary Faculty of Larache, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, 745 BP, 92004 Larache, Morocco.
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25
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Laju RL, Jayanthi M, Jeyasanta KI, Patterson J, Bilgi DS, Sathish N, Edward JKP. Microplastic contamination in Indian rural and urban lacustrine ecosystems. Sci Total Environ 2023; 895:165146. [PMID: 37385488 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates the microplastics (MPs) pollution of the lacustrine ecosystems of Tamil Nadu, South India. It examines the seasonal distribution, characteristics and morphology of MPs and assesses the risk posed by MPs pollution. MPs abundance in the 39 rural and urban lakes studied varies from 16 ± 2.69 to 118.17 ± 22.17 items/L (water) and 19.50 ± 4.75 to 156.23 ± 36.41 items/kg (sediment). The water and sediment of urban lakes show average MPs abundances of 88.06 items/L and 115.24 items/kg respectively, while the rural lakes exhibit average MPs abundances of 42.98 items/L and 53.29 items/kg. The results demonstrate that study areas with more residential and urban centers with higher population density and larger discharge of sewage have greater MP abundance. Urban zones have greater MP diversity integrated index (MPDII = 0.73) than rural zones (MPDII = 0.59). Fibres are the dominant group and polyethylene and polypropylene are the most commonly found polymers, possibly gaining entry through land-based plastic litter and urban activities in this region. The weathering index values, 50 % of MPs exhibit high degree of oxidation (WI >0.31) with an age of >10 years. SEM-EDAX results reveal that the weathered MPs from urban lakes have a wider variety of metal elements (Al, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Sr, Hg, Pb and Cd) than those from rural lakes (Na, Cl, Si, Mg, Al, Cu). Though PLI shows low risk (<10) in terms of abundance, PHI reflects pollution status III (10-100) and IV (100-1000) in rural areas and IV and V (>1000) in urban areas based on the toxicity score of the polymer. Ecological risk assessment shows minor risks (<150) at present. The assessment indicates the risk posed by the MPs to the lakes studied and emphasizes the necessity for best MP management practices in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- R L Laju
- Suganthi Devadason Marine Research Institute, Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - M Jayanthi
- Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, Government of Tamil Nadu, Chennai, India
| | | | - Jamila Patterson
- Suganthi Devadason Marine Research Institute, Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Deepak S Bilgi
- Department of Environment and Climate Change, Government of Tamil Nadu, Chennai, India
| | - Narmatha Sathish
- Suganthi Devadason Marine Research Institute, Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, India
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Li Y, Wang J, Shao M, Jia H. Earthworm activity effectively mitigated the negative impact of microplastics on maize growth. J Hazard Mater 2023; 459:132121. [PMID: 37499490 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution can have detrimental effects on soil environments and inhibit crop growth. Earthworms, known as soil engineers, promote crop growth, but their role and impact on the amelioration of microplastic-polluted soil is not yet clear. In this study, we investigated the impact and pathways of earthworm activity on microplastic-contaminated soil by introducing varying densities (without earthworm:0, low-density: 1, medium-density: 2, high-density: 5 ind column-1) of earthworms (epi-endogeic) into soil contaminated with two types of microplastics: polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride. Our results showed that earthworms all survived in soil polluted with two types of microplastics. Meanwhile, earthworm activity increased nutrient content and enzyme activity by 0.2-36.1% and 2.9-34.3%, respectively, and significantly increased soil microbial biomass and community diversity index. Earthworm activity also decreased antioxidant enzyme activity and promoted maize plant growth, including agronomic traits such as plant height, biomass, root length, and root surface area. Furthermore, the nutrient content of maize organs increased by 1.1-29.7%. Partial least squares models confirmed that earthworm activity alleviated the stress effect of microplastic pollution on plant growth by improving soil structure, fertility, and microbial abundance and diversity. The greatest effect on maize growth was observed with the improvement of soil physical-chemical properties. Our results suggest that medium densities of earthworms have the greatest soil improvement effect and provide an important basis for bioremediation of farmland contaminated by microplastics and promoting green and efficient development in agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanpei Li
- Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Northwestern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Jiao Wang
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Yellow River Delta Modern Agriculture, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Ming'an Shao
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Yellow River Delta Modern Agriculture, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Hanzhong Jia
- Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Northwestern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China.
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27
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Nam SH, Lee TY, Kim SA, An YJ. Non-traditional species sensitivity distribution approaches to analyze hazardous concentrations of microplastics in marine water. J Hazard Mater 2023; 459:132174. [PMID: 37531763 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Owing to their ubiquitous nature, microplastics are a major environmental concern. This study reviewed the toxicity data of microplastics in marine water, and analyzed their species sensitivity distribution (SSD) curves and hazardous concentrations (HCs). Toxicity database of no-observed effect concentration (NOEC), 50% effect concentration (EC50), and highest observed no-effect concentration (HONEC), and lethal, developing, reproductive, biochemical, and behavioral toxicity endpoints was used. Using 169 chronic NOEC databases, all non-traditional toxicity endpoint databases showed stronger HC values, better fit, and more variable toxicity sensitivity than those derived from traditional values. Moreover, using 426 chronic NOEC, EC50, and HONEC data points, HC values calculated from traditional plus HONEC toxicity values showed weaker HC values, slightly better fit, and more variable toxicity sensitivity than those derived from traditional toxicity values. The SSD approach using non-traditional toxicity and marine water toxicity data can expand the marine water toxicity database, including information on SSD curves and HCs of diverse microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun-Hwa Nam
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Yang Lee
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang A Kim
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Youn-Joo An
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea.
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28
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Yan S, Biswal BK, Balasubramanian R. Insights into interactions of biodegradable and non-biodegradable microplastics with heavy metals. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2023; 30:107419-107434. [PMID: 37335512 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-27906-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Biodegradable microplastics (BMPs) are considered to be environmentally friendly compared to non-biodegradable plastics (NMPs). However, BMPs are likely to become toxic during their transport because of the adsorption of pollutants (e.g., heavy metals) onto them. This study investigated the uptake of six heavy metals (Cd2+, Cu2+, Cr3+, Ni2+, Pb2+, and Zn2+) by a common BMPs (polylactic acid (PLA)) and compared their adsorption characteristics to those of three types of NMPs (polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC)) for the first time. The order of heavy metal adsorption capacity among the four MPs was PE > PLA > PVC > PP. The findings suggest that BMPs contained more toxic heavy metals than some NMPs. Among the six heavy metals, Cr3+ showed considerably stronger adsorption than other heavy metals in both BMPS and NMPs. The adsorption of heavy metals on MPs can be well explained using the Langmuir isotherm model, while the adsorption kinetic curves showed the best fit to the pseudo-second-order kinetic equation. Desorption experiments revealed that BMPs released a higher percentage of heavy metals (54.6-62.6%) in the acidic environment in a shorter time (~ 6 h) compared to NMPs. Overall, this study provides insights into interactions of BMPs and NMPs with heavy metals and their removal mechanisms in aquatic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyue Yan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117576, Singapore
| | - Basanta Kumar Biswal
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117576, Singapore
| | - Rajasekhar Balasubramanian
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117576, Singapore.
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29
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Buteler M, Villalobos E, Alma AM, Silva L, Tomba JP. Management practice for small hive beetle as a source of microplastic contamination in honey and honeybee colonies. Environ Pollut 2023; 334:122151. [PMID: 37437762 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MP) have emerged as a widespread environmental contaminant affecting bee health. In this study we report on the impact of one of the cultural practices used to control the small hive beetle (SBH, Aethina tumida). Management of the beetle often includes the use of in-hive traps of different kinds, such as non-woven microfiber wipes. When placed inside the hive, bees chew on these wipes, which then become fuzzy and fray to the point where beetles become entangled in their fibers. The current study aimed to examine the composition of these microfiber sheets and to evaluate whether their use resulted in unintended MP contamination of bees and honey. We treated hives with one blue microfiber sheet placed on top of the frames for at least three months. After that time, we collected adult bees and honey samples from treated hives, control hives in the same apiary (control near), and control hives in an apiary 7.5 km away (control far). Honey from treated hives had a significantly greater number of blue MF than honey from the control hives (mean ± SD, treatment 11.83 ± 3.76, control near 2.25 ± 0.92 and control far 0.25 ± 0.5 MF/20 gr honey). Also, hives treated with the microfiber sheets had a significantly greater number of blue microfibers in the gut and cuticle of bees, than the control hives located in a different apiary. However, the control and treated bees located in the same apiary had a similar number of blue microfibers (mean ± SD, treatment 4.7 ± 2.28, control near 3 ± 1.63 and control far 0.5 ± 0.58 MF in 20 bees). Thus, the current study raises concerns of the use of microfibers sheets to trap the SBH as it results in the incorporation of microfibers into the ecosystem and the food chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micaela Buteler
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Medio Ambiente y Biodiversidad (INIBIOMA)-CONICET-Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Bariloche, Argentina.
| | - Ethel Villalobos
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA
| | - Andrea Marina Alma
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Medio Ambiente y Biodiversidad (INIBIOMA)-CONICET-Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Bariloche, Argentina
| | - Leonel Silva
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencia y Tecnología de Materiales CONICET, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Juan Pablo Tomba
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencia y Tecnología de Materiales CONICET, Mar del Plata, Argentina
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Liu R, Wang T, Li J, Liu X, Zhu Q. Simulation of seasonal transport of microplastics and influencing factors in the China Seas based on the ROMS model. Water Res 2023; 244:120493. [PMID: 37683497 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Elucidating the mechanisms governing microplastic transport and spatial distribution in offshore waters is essential to microplastic control. However, current research on microplastic transport in the China Seas is largely restricted to small-scale investigations, which do not provide a comprehensive result. Therefore, in this study, we used the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS) combined with the Lagrangian Transport (LTRANS v.2) model to investigate how microplastics are transported around the China Seas during different seasons and under climatological river discharge. Our findings showed that the microplastic pathways and spatial distributions exhibit marked seasonal variations controlled by circulation patterns in the China Seas, river discharge values, and the characteristics of the microplastic materials. Floating microplastics exhibited the longest transport distance in summer, when microplastics from the Pearl River could be transported up to 1375.8 km through the Tokara and Tsushima straits. The heavy pollution areas in summer were located in the South Yellow Sea and East China Sea, mainly resulting from the contribution of the Yangtze River (>66%). In autumn and winter, more than three-quarters of the microplastics beached off the south-central Chinese coast. In addition, simulating the vertical velocity of the water prolonged the time required for microplastics to reach the open ocean, thereby reducing the amount of microplastics entering the Pacific Ocean by 6% compared to the simulation without the vertical velocity of the water in summer. Microplastics with higher densities were generally transported shorter distances. The transmission distances of PET and PS were two orders of magnitude smaller than that of PE. This study enhances knowledge of the sources and fates of offshore microplastics and provides scientific support for offshore microplastic control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongze Liu
- College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Teng Wang
- College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China.
| | - Junde Li
- College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Xiaohui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Satellite Ocean Environment Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Qing Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Geographic Sciences, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
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Zadjelovic V, Wright RJ, Walker TR, Avalos V, Marín PE, Christie-Oleza JA, Riquelme C. Assessing the impact of chronic and acute plastic pollution from construction activities and other anthropogenic sources: A case study from the coast of Antofagasta, Chile. Mar Pollut Bull 2023; 195:115510. [PMID: 37683394 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is a critical environmental issue with far-reaching and not yet fully explored consequences. This study uncovered a significant source of plastic contamination arising from improper application and management of expanded polystyrene (EPS) utilised as expansion joints at a construction site near the coast of Antofagasta, Chile. Through meticulous field observations and calculations, we estimate that a staggering 82.9 million EPS spheres have the potential to be released into the environment from the 7.62 m3 of this material used for the construction of this coastal promenade, constituting a chronic source of pollution. Despite the ongoing construction, we have already evidenced mechanical fragmentation and dispersion of EPS microplastic pollution in the surrounding natural environment. To our knowledge, this is the first study that documents misused construction materials contributing to plastic pollution. In addition to the EPS pollution, our findings reveal an alarming accumulation of litter - an acute pollution source - including plastic cups, bottles, carrier bags, and several other construction materials (e.g. plastic nets, films) that are exacerbating the pollution problems within the region and potentially endangering marine and terrestrial organisms. These observations highlight the urgent need for mitigating measures and intervention policies targeting construction-related plastic and microplastic pollution, along with a more robust regulatory framework for construction activities as well as adequate surveillance and enforcement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinko Zadjelovic
- Centro de Bioinnovación de Antofagasta (CBIA), Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Recursos Biológicos, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta 1271155, Chile; Centre for Biotechnology & Bioengineering (CeBiB), Santiago, Chile.
| | - Robyn J Wright
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Tony R Walker
- School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Vladimir Avalos
- Centro de Bioinnovación de Antofagasta (CBIA), Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Recursos Biológicos, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta 1271155, Chile
| | - Paula E Marín
- Center for Advanced Study of Lithium and Industrial Minerals (CELiMIN) and Departamento de Ingeniería Química y Procesos de Minerales, Universidad de Antofagasta, Campus Coloso, Av. Universidad de Antofagasta, 02800 Antofagasta, Chile
| | | | - Carlos Riquelme
- Centro de Bioinnovación de Antofagasta (CBIA), Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Recursos Biológicos, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta 1271155, Chile
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Dronjak L, Exposito N, Sierra J, Schuhmacher M, Florencio K, Corzo B, Rovira J. Tracing the fate of microplastic in wastewater treatment plant: A multi-stage analysis of treatment units and sludge. Environ Pollut 2023; 333:122072. [PMID: 37331579 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution is ubiquitous in the environment presenting a global problem for both scientists and the general public. One of the major pathways of MPs entering the natural environment is through wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Once MPs reach the natural environment, they are posing threat to aquatic ecosystems and public health. The aim of this study is to investigate the concentration, morphology, and composition of MPs in different treatment units of a WWTP. Sampling included different points across WWTP in the water and sludge lines. Pre-treatment of the samples consists of advanced Fenton oxidation, and alkaline and enzymatic digestion followed by density separation. Once the particles were isolated, their morphology and size were studied using a stereoscopic and optical microscope followed by final confirmation with ATR-FTIR and micro-FTIR spectroscopy. Microplastic particle concentrations exhibit significant reductions as water undergoes treatment in the WWTP. For summer sampling, concentrations decreased from 351 MP/L (influent) to 35 MP/L (primary clarifier), 32 MP/L (biological reactor), and 13 MP/L (2.3 MP/L) (secondary clarifier). Similarly, winter sampling showed reductions from 403 MP/L (influent) to 159 MP/L (primary clarifier), 178 MP/L (biological reactor), and 26 MP/L (5.6 MP/L) (secondary clarifier). Removal efficiency of WWTP is high and exceeds 96%. The most abundant morphology is fibers followed by fragments and films. Polymers such as PE, synthetic cellulose, PP, PVC, PE-PP, PEEA, PA, acrylamide, and PES are widely detected in different units of WWTP. The number of MPs that are avoided from being emitted into the environment through direct water discharge was estimated to be 9.1 × 1012 MP/year. Removed MPs tend to accumulate in the sludge that is used for agricultural purposes although it should be managed as waste properly, avoiding the transition of MPs pollutants to terrestrial ecosystems adding to the number of MPs that will inevitably end up in receiving water bodies through direct WWTP effluent discharge that was set in 5.1 × 1010 MP/year in the studied WWTP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Dronjak
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, University Rovira and Virgili, Paisos Catalans Avenue 26, 43007, Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Nora Exposito
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, University Rovira and Virgili, Paisos Catalans Avenue 26, 43007, Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Jordi Sierra
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, University Rovira and Virgili, Paisos Catalans Avenue 26, 43007, Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain; Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Joan XXIII Avenue s/n, 08028, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Marta Schuhmacher
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, University Rovira and Virgili, Paisos Catalans Avenue 26, 43007, Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Karin Florencio
- Acsa Obras e Infraestructuras S.A.U (Sorigué Group), Ronda Guinardó, 99, 08041, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Beatriz Corzo
- Acsa Obras e Infraestructuras S.A.U (Sorigué Group), Ronda Guinardó, 99, 08041, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Joaquim Rovira
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, University Rovira and Virgili, Paisos Catalans Avenue 26, 43007, Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain; Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, University Rovira and Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain.
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Vercauteren M, Semmouri I, Van Acker E, Pequeur E, Van Esch L, Uljee I, Asselman J, Janssen CR. Assessment of road run-off and domestic wastewater contribution to microplastic pollution in a densely populated area (Flanders, Belgium). Environ Pollut 2023; 333:122090. [PMID: 37352959 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
Plastics are omnipresent in our daily life. Unfortunately, the produced plastics will partly end up in the environment including aquatic ecosystems. People often refer to littering or illegal waste dumping as sources of plastic emission to the environment. However, daily-life sources could also, unknowingly, contribute considerably to the total microplastic pollution in the ecosystem. Hence, there is an urgent need to study these potential sources. In this research, two common sources, i.e. domestic wastewater and road run-off from tire and road wear particles, were studied in detail to quantify the relative contribution of both domestic sources towards microplastic pollution in freshwater ecosystems in Flanders, Belgium. This assessment shows that every person (in studied area) emits on average 1145 microplastics (25-1000 μm) daily through domestic wastewater, resulting in a yearly discharge of 418,000 microplastic particles per person. The road run-off samples contained between 0.02 and 9.2 mg tire wear particles per litre per day, which corresponds to an emission of 10.8 mg tire wear particles per driven vehicle km. The gross and net emissions of both above mentioned microplastic sources were extrapolated to the whole Flanders region using an emission model. From the yearly gross microplastic pollution in the domestic wastewater, 623 kg (20%) will be discharged in the freshwater. The highest losses originated from the households that have a private drain or are not (yet) connected to an active wastewater treatment plant. In Flanders, the yearly net microplastic emission into the aquatic environment of tire wear particles is estimated to be 246 tonnes (38%), mainly from the direct run-off from the road surface. Based on the results, specific mitigation measures can be installed to reduce the emission of microplastics towards the freshwater ecosystem. Other sources should be quantified in a similar way for a more holistic strategy to counteract plastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maaike Vercauteren
- Ghent University, Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Ilias Semmouri
- Ghent University, Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Emmanuel Van Acker
- Ghent University, Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Emmy Pequeur
- Ghent University, Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Leen Van Esch
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - Inge Uljee
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - Jana Asselman
- Blue Growth Research Lab, Ghent University, Bluebridge, Wetenschapspark 1, 8400, Ostend, Belgium
| | - Colin R Janssen
- Ghent University, Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, 9000, Ghent, Belgium; Blue Growth Research Lab, Ghent University, Bluebridge, Wetenschapspark 1, 8400, Ostend, Belgium
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Trusler MM, Sturrock CJ, Vane CH, Cook S, Lomax BH. X-ray computed tomography: A novel non-invasive approach for the detection of microplastics in sediments? Mar Pollut Bull 2023; 194:115350. [PMID: 37562274 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
As a non-invasive imaging technique, this study explores the application of Computed Tomography (CT) in microplastics research, assessing its potential to distinguish different types and sizes of microplastics (polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, and polyvinyl chloride) from homogenised river-estuarine sediment. When examined in layers within artificial cores, all microplastic types could be observed by CT imagery, with good contrast in X-ray attenuation (based on image gray level intensity) against background sediments. Large microplastics (4 mm diameter) were also detectable when distributed randomly amongst the sediment. These spiked cores had sufficient difference in attenuation to allow segmentation between type, and therefore isolate individual microplastics. Due to limitations on scan resolution, smaller microplastics (≤125 μm diameter) could not be detected in spiked cores. Scans of two sediment cores from a Thames River tributary (UK) revealed two distinctive sediment structures which could influence microplastic accumulation. This information would be lost using conventional recovery procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan M Trusler
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, United Kingdom; British Geological Survey, Keyworth, Nottingham NG12 5GG, United Kingdom.
| | - Craig J Sturrock
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher H Vane
- British Geological Survey, Keyworth, Nottingham NG12 5GG, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Cook
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, United Kingdom
| | - Barry H Lomax
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, United Kingdom
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Chamanee G, Sewwandi M, Wijesekara H, Vithanage M. Global perspective on microplastics in landfill leachate; Occurrence, abundance, characteristics, and environmental impact. Waste Manag 2023; 171:10-25. [PMID: 37634255 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2023.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Plastic wastes deposited in landfills eventually break down and degrade into microplastics by physical, chemical, and biological forces. Though microplastics in leachate pose significant threats to the environment, the leachate generated from landfills has not received much attention as a possible source of environmental microplastics. A descriptive and systematic investigationof the global distribution of microplastics in landfill leachate does not exist to date. Therefore, this attempt is to provide a concise scientometric review of the studies on the presence of microplastics in landfill leachate. The present review revealed that the global trend in research on microplastics in leachate has increased exponentially after 2018 and China is the leading country. Different geographical regions have reported different microplastic abundances with the highest of 291.0 ± 91.0 items/L from a landfill in Shanghai. The use of novel sampling techniques to detect small microplastics (20-100 µm) has led to the high abundance of microplastics in landfill leachate in Shanghai. Due to its widespread usage, polyethylene is the most typically encountered polymer type in landfill leachate around the world. However, it is quite challengingto compare the results among studies due to the use of different size categories and extraction techniques. The removal of microplastics by the current leachate treatment facilities is still mostly unexplored, thus it is crucial to develop novel technologies to treat the microplastics in landfill leachate. Further investigations on the transport of microplastics in landfill leachate are urgently required to have a better understanding of potential human exposure and health implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayathri Chamanee
- Ecosphere Resilience Research Centre, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka; Department of Natural Resources, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya 70140, Sri Lanka
| | - Madushika Sewwandi
- Ecosphere Resilience Research Centre, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka
| | - Hasintha Wijesekara
- Department of Natural Resources, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya 70140, Sri Lanka
| | - Meththika Vithanage
- Ecosphere Resilience Research Centre, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka; Sustainability Cluster, School of Engineering, University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248007, India; Institute of Agriculture, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia.
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Haque MK, Uddin M, Kormoker T, Ahmed T, Zaman MRU, Rahman MS, Rahman MA, Hossain MY, Rana MM, Tsang YF. Occurrences, sources, fate and impacts of plastic on aquatic organisms and human health in global perspectives: What Bangladesh can do in future? Environ Geochem Health 2023; 45:5531-5556. [PMID: 37382719 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-023-01646-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Bangladesh is not an exception to the growing global environmental problem of plastic pollution. Plastics have been deemed a blessing for today's world thanks to their inexpensive production costs, low weight, toughness, and flexibility, but poor biodegradability and massive misuse of plastics are to blame for widespread contamination of the environmental components. Plastic as well as microplastic pollution and its adverse consequences have attracted significant investigative attention all over the world. Plastic pollution is a rising concern in Bangladesh, but scientific studies, data, and related information are very scarce in numerous areas of the plastic pollution problem. The current study examined the effects of plastic and microplastic pollution on the environment and human health, and it examined Bangladesh's existing knowledge of plastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems in light of the rapidly expanding international research in this field. We also made an effort to investigate the current shortcomings in Bangladesh's assessment of plastic pollution. This study proposed several management approaches to the persistent plastic pollution problem by analyzing studies from industrialized and emerging countries. Finally, this work pushed investigators to investigate Bangladesh's plastic contamination thoroughly and develop guidelines and policies to address the issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Kamrul Haque
- Institute of Bangabandhu War of Liberation Bangladesh Studies, National University, Dhaka, 1209, Bangladesh
| | - Minhaz Uddin
- Department of Environmental Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Tapos Kormoker
- Department of Science and Environmental Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, New Territories, 999077, Hong Kong.
| | - Tareq Ahmed
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Department of Biological Science, University of London, Birkbeck, UK
| | - Md Rahat Uz Zaman
- Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet, 3100, Bangladesh
| | - M Safiur Rahman
- Chemistry Division, Atomic Energy Centre, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, Shahbag, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Md Ashekur Rahman
- Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Md Yeamin Hossain
- Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205, Bangladesh.
| | - Md Masud Rana
- Department of Horticulture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Yiu Fai Tsang
- Department of Science and Environmental Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, New Territories, 999077, Hong Kong
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Qiu Y, Zhou S, Zhang C, Qin W, Lv C. A framework for systematic microplastic ecological risk assessment at a national scale. Environ Pollut 2023; 327:121631. [PMID: 37058862 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution is widespread in terrestrial and aquatic environments; however, a systematic assessment of the ecological risks of microplastics is lacking. This study collected research studies on microplastics in soil, aquatic and sediment environments, and screened 128 articles including 3459 sites to assess the ecological risks posed by microplastics in China following a literature quality assessment. We developed a systematic ecological risk assessment framework for microplastics in terms of spatial characterization, biotoxicity and anthropogenic impacts. The results of the pollution load index indicated that 74% and 47% of the soil and aquatic environments studied, respectively, faced a medium or higher level of pollution. Comparing predicted no effect concentrations (PNEC) and measured environmental concentrations (MECs), revealed that soil (97.70%) and aquatic (50.77%) environmental studies were at serious ecological risk from microplastics. The results of the pressure-state-response model showed that the microplastic pollution in Pearl River Delta was in a high-risk state. In addition, we found that ultraviolet radiation and rainfall exacerbate soil microplastic pollution, and higher river runoff may carry large amounts of microplastic from the source. The framework developed in this study will help assess the ecological risks of microplastics in the region to promote the mitigation of plastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Qiu
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing, 210024, China
| | - Shenglu Zhou
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing, 210024, China.
| | - Chuchu Zhang
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Wendong Qin
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing, 210024, China
| | - Chengxiang Lv
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing, 210024, China
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38
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Gündoğdu S, Kutlu B, Özcan T, Büyükdeveci F, Blettler MCM. Microplastic pollution in two remote rivers of Türkiye. Environ Monit Assess 2023; 195:791. [PMID: 37261625 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11426-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems presents an emerging environmental threat that can have adverse effects on ecology, endanger aquatic species, and result in economic damage. Despite the numerous studies reporting the presence of microplastics in marine environments, research into their presence in freshwater systems or inland waters remains limited. This study aimed to assess the level of microplastic pollution transported by the Munzur and Pülümür Rivers and some small rivers that flow into the Uzunçayır dam lake, which is the confluence of the Munzur and Pülümür Rivers in Türkiye. Samples were collected from 23 stations, with the concentration of microplastics ranging from 0.01 MP/m3 at P-4 station to 28.21 MP/m3 at P-10, a station located near a city. Microplastics comprise four types: fiber, film, fragment, and glitter. The average size of microplastics was 1.46 ± 0.05 mm, with the average size of fibers, films, fragments, and glitter-type microplastics being 1.58 ± 0.07 mm, 1.23 ± 0.10 mm, 1.21 ± 0.11 mm, and 0.78 ± 0.16 mm, respectively. The most frequent polymers were polyethylene (31.8%), polystyrene (21.1%), and polypropylene (10.5%). Despite being considered remote and less populated rivers compared to other river systems in Türkiye, all sampling sites showed varying concentrations of microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sedat Gündoğdu
- Faculty of Fisheries, Department of Basic Sciences, Cukurova University, 01330, Adana, Turkey.
| | - Banu Kutlu
- Faculty of Fisheries, Department of Basic Sciences, Munzur University, 62000, Tunceli, Turkey
| | - Tahir Özcan
- Faculty of Marine Sciences and Technology, Iskenderun Technical University, TR-31200, Iskenderun, Hatay, Turkey
| | - Ferhat Büyükdeveci
- Faculty of Fisheries, Cukurova University, 01330, Adana, Turkey
- Adana Directorate of Provincial Food, Agriculture and Livestock, 01330, Adana, Turkey
| | - Martin C M Blettler
- The National Institute of Limnology (INALI; CONICET-UNL), Santa Fe, Argentina
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39
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Huang J, Li Z, Wang Z, Ma H, Wang J, Xing B. Aging, characterization and sorption behavior evaluation of tire wear particles for tetracycline in aquatic environment. Chemosphere 2023; 335:139116. [PMID: 37270042 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Accounting for more than half of the total primary microplastic (MP) emissions, and one-sixth of the total marine MP pollution in China in 2015, tire wear particles (TWP) are inevitable to age and interact with co-existing species, thus pose a potential risk to the surroundings. The impacts of simulated ultraviolet radiation weathering and liquid-phase potassium persulfate oxidation of TWP on the surface physicochemical properties were comparatively explored. The characterization results demonstrated that the content of carbon black, particle size and specific surface area of the aged TWP all decreased, while the changes of the hydrophobicity and polarity were inconsistent. The interfacial interactions with tetracycline (TC) in aqueous were investigated, the well fitted pseudo-second-order kinetics, Dual-mode Langmuir and Scatchard isotherm models indicated the attachment of TC dominated by surface adsorption at lower concentration, and there's a positive synergistic effect among the main sorption domains. Moreover, the results of the influences of co-existing salts and natural organic matter revealed that the potential risks of TWP elevated by the adjacent media in natural compartment. This work provides new insights into the way that TWP interact with contaminants in the real environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiongjun Huang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'An, Shaanxi, 710119, PR China.
| | - Zhiqiang Li
- Today Think Tank Energy Co. LTD, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030024, PR China
| | - Zhuo Wang
- Today Think Tank Energy Co. LTD, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030024, PR China
| | - Hongzhu Ma
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'An, Shaanxi, 710119, PR China.
| | - Jiayi Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'An, Shaanxi, 710119, PR China
| | - Baoshan Xing
- Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
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40
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Specchiulli A, Pastorino P, De Rinaldis G, Scirocco T, Anselmi S, Cilenti L, Ungaro N, Renzi M. Multiple approach for assessing lagoon environmental status based on water bodies quality indices and microplastics accumulation. Sci Total Environ 2023:164228. [PMID: 37236488 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Lagoon environments, like all the marine-coastal areas, offer a wide variety of ecosystem services, but at the same time are affected by pressing human activities that lead to deterioration of the environmental quality, loss of biodiversity, habitat destruction and pollution. Since the well-being of population and local economy depend on the environmental status of these ecosystems, it is essential to adopt long-term management tools to achieve the Good Environmental Status sensu European Marine Strategy Framework Directive and Water Framework Directive. A Nature 2000 site (Lesina lagoon, south Italy) was assessed within a project aimed at protecting and restoring biodiversity and lagoon habitat through integrated monitoring, suitable management, and good practices. Here we provide an assessment of the lagoon integrity based on a multi-metrics approach, highlighting match/mismatch among environmental quality indicators and microplastics (MP) pollution. Some environmental quality indices based on ecosystem components as vegetation, macroinvertebrates and water trophic variables were applied together with an accurate evaluation of MPs abundance, distribution, and composition to assess the ecological status of Lesina lagoon before and after cleaning actions with litter removal. Overall, all the ecological descriptors outlined a clear lagoon spatial gradient, with a western saltier and organic-enriched area characterized by the absence of vegetation, macrozoobenthos with lower diversity and richness and high MPs occurrence. The focus on macrozoobenthos, considered as a key component of the lagoon ecosystem, identified much more sites in "poor" status than the other indicators here considered. Moreover, it was found a negative relationship between the Multivariate Marine Biotic Index and MPs items in sediment, suggesting that MP pollution has a negative impact on macrobenthic fauna, concurring to the deterioration of the benthic ecological status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonietta Specchiulli
- National Research Council - Institute for Biological Resources and Marine Biotechnologies (CNR-IRBIM), Lesina, Italy; National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Paolo Pastorino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, 10154 Torino, Italy.
| | - Gianluca De Rinaldis
- National Research Council - Institute of Nanotechnology (CNR-NANOTEC), 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Tommaso Scirocco
- National Research Council - Institute for Biological Resources and Marine Biotechnologies (CNR-IRBIM), Lesina, Italy
| | | | - Lucrezia Cilenti
- National Research Council - Institute for Biological Resources and Marine Biotechnologies (CNR-IRBIM), Lesina, Italy
| | - Nicola Ungaro
- Apulian Regional Agency for the Environmental Prevention and Protection, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Monia Renzi
- National Research Council - Institute for Biological Resources and Marine Biotechnologies (CNR-IRBIM), Lesina, Italy; Department of Life Science, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
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Gomes AR, Freitas ÍN, Luz TMD, Guimarães ATB, Araújo APDC, Kamaraj C, Rahman MM, Islam ARMT, Arias AH, Silva FBD, Karthi S, Cruz-Santiago O, Silva FG, Malafaia G. Multiple endpoints of polyethylene microplastics toxicity in vascular plants of freshwater ecosystems: A study involving Salvinia auriculata (Salviniaceae). J Hazard Mater 2023; 450:131069. [PMID: 36857830 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
More recently, the number of studies on the impacts of microplastics (MPs) on plants has drawn attention considerably. However, many of these studies focused on terrestrial plants, with vascular plants from freshwater ecosystems being little studied. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the possible effects of exposure of Salvinia auriculata, for 28 days, to different concentrations of polyethylene MPs (PE MPs - diameter: 35.46 ± 18.17 µm) (2.7 ×108 and 8.1 ×108 particles/m3), using different biomarkers. Our data indicated that exposure to PE MPs caused alterations in plant growth/development (inferred by the lower floating frond number, "root" length, and the number of "roots"), as well as lower dispersion of individuals in the experimental units. Plants exposed to PE MPs also showed lower epidermal thickness (abaxial leaf face) and a longer length of the central leaf vein and vascular bundle area. Ultrastructural analyses of S. auriculata exposed to MPs revealed rupture of some epidermal cells and trichomes on the adaxial and abaxial, leaf necrosis, and chlorosis. In the "roots", we observed dehydrated filamentous structures with evident deformations in plants exposed to the pollutants. Both on the abaxial leaf face and on the "roots", the adherence of PE MPs was observed. Furthermore, exposure to PE MPs induced lower chlorophyll content, cell membrane damage, and redox imbalance, marked by reduced catalase and superoxide dismutase activity and increased production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species as well as malondialdehyde. However, in general, we did not observe the dose-response effect for the evaluated biomarkers. The values of the integrated biomarker response index, the principal component analysis (PCA) results and the hierarchical clustering analysis confirmed the similarity between the responses of plants exposed to different PE MPs concentrations. Therefore, our study sheds light on how PE MPs can affect S. auriculata and reinforces that putting these pollutants in freshwater environments might be hazardous from an ecotoxicological point of view.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Rodrigues Gomes
- Laboratory of Toxicology Applied to the Environment, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Agronomy, Goiano Federal Institute, Rio Verde, GO, Brazil
| | - Ítalo Nascimento Freitas
- Laboratory of Toxicology Applied to the Environment, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Ecology, Conservation, and Biodiversity, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Thiarlen Marinho da Luz
- Laboratory of Toxicology Applied to the Environment, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Conservation of Cerrado Natural Resources, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil
| | | | | | - Chinnaperumal Kamaraj
- Interdisciplinary Institute of Indian System of Medicine (IIISM), Directorate of Research and Virtual Education, SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Kattankulathur 603203, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Md Mostafizur Rahman
- Laboratory of Environmental Health and Ecotoxicology, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh
| | | | - Andrés Hugo Arias
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-CONICET, Florida 8000, Complejo CCT CONICET Bahía Blanca, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Fábia Barbosa da Silva
- Laboratory of Tissue Culture, Goiano Federal Institute, Rio Verde, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Biotechnology and Biodiversity, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Sengodan Karthi
- Division of Biopesticides and Environmental Toxicology, Sri Paramakalyani Centre for Excellence in Environmental Sciences, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Alwarkurichi, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu 627 412, India
| | - Omar Cruz-Santiago
- Programa Multidisciplinario de Posgrado en Ciencias Ambientales (PMPCA), Agenda Ambiental, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av. Manuel Nava 201, Zona Universitaria, 78210 San Luis Potosí, Mexico
| | - Fabiano Guimarães Silva
- Post-Graduation Program in Agronomy, Goiano Federal Institute, Rio Verde, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Biotechnology and Biodiversity, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Malafaia
- Laboratory of Toxicology Applied to the Environment, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Ecology, Conservation, and Biodiversity, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Conservation of Cerrado Natural Resources, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Programa Multidisciplinario de Posgrado en Ciencias Ambientales (PMPCA), Agenda Ambiental, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av. Manuel Nava 201, Zona Universitaria, 78210 San Luis Potosí, Mexico; Post-Graduation Program in Biotechnology and Biodiversity, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil.
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Wang L, Li S, Ahmad IM, Zhang G, Sun Y, Wang Y, Sun C, Jiang C, Cui P, Li D. Global face mask pollution: Threats to the environment and wildlife, and potential solutions. Sci Total Environ 2023; 887:164055. [PMID: 37178835 PMCID: PMC10174332 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Face masks are an indispensable low-cost public healthcare necessity for containing viral transmission. After the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) became a pandemic, there was an unprecedented demand for, and subsequent increase in face mask production and use, leading to global ecological challenges, including excessive resource consumption and significant environmental pollution. Here, we review the global demand volume for face masks and the associated energy consumption and pollution potential throughout their life cycle. First, the production and distribution processes consume petroleum-based raw materials and other energy sources and release greenhouse gases. Second, most methods of mask waste disposal result in secondary microplastic pollution and the release of toxic gases and organic substances. Third, face masks discarded in outdoor environments represent a new plastic pollutant and pose significant challenges to the environment and wildlife in various ecosystems. Therefore, the long-term impacts on environmental and wildlife health aspects related to the production, use, and disposal of face masks should be considered and urgently investigated. Here, we propose five reasonable countermeasures to alleviate these global-scale ecological crises induced by mask use during and following the COVID-19 pandemic era: increasing public awareness; improving mask waste management; innovating waste disposal methods; developing biodegradable masks; and formulating relevant policies and regulations. Implementation of these measures will help address the pollution caused by face masks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limin Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University; Shijiazhuang 050024, China; Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China
| | - Shengxuan Li
- School of Languages and Culture, Hebei GEO University; Shijiazhuang 050031, China
| | - Ibrahim M Ahmad
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University; Shijiazhuang 050024, China
| | - Guiying Zhang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University; Shijiazhuang 050024, China
| | - Yanfeng Sun
- Ocean College of Hebei Agricultural University, Qinhuangdao 066003, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University; Shijiazhuang 050024, China; Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China
| | - Congnan Sun
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University; Shijiazhuang 050024, China; Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China
| | - Chuan Jiang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University; Shijiazhuang 050024, China; Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China
| | - Peng Cui
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Dongming Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University; Shijiazhuang 050024, China; Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China..
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Khan MB, Urmy SY, Setu S, Kanta AH, Gautam S, Eti S, Rahman MM, Sultana N, Mahmud S, Baten MA. Abundance, distribution and composition of microplastics in sediment and fish species from an Urban River of Bangladesh. Sci Total Environ 2023; 885:163876. [PMID: 37150468 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are a growing concern due to its ubiquitous presence and exceptional stability. We examined the abundance, dispersion, and attributes of MPs in the sediment and fish species of the Turag River in Bangladesh, which separated the industrial city Gazipur from the Mega-city Dhaka. Collected samples were digested and the chemical structure was identified using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. The concentration of MPs in the sediment ranged from 10 to 35 particles kg-1, with a mean abundance of 19.2 ± 2.44 particles kg-1and MPs of the fragment type account for 34 % of all. The majority of MPs were discovered in the 3-5 mm size range. MPs concentrations in freshwater fish gut from the Turag River ranged from 0.63 ± 0.18 to 7.0 ± 1.1 microplastics individual-1. Fiber was found to be the most commonly ingested MPs type (43 %), followed by fragments (41 %), film (12 %), and foam (4 %). The most common type of MPs was transparent (34 %) followed by red (28 %), white (20 %), green (9 %) and black (8 %). The results showed that demersal (1.87 ± 0.39 items individual-1) and benthopelagic (1.5 ± 0.26 items individual-1) fish species had more MPs than pelagic fish (0.63 ± 0.18 items individual-1) species. Polypropylene (PP) was found to be the most dominant polymer type in the sediment sample, and PS (39 %) in the fish sample. Polyethylene (PE) was discovered to be 30 % and PP 25 % in sediment and fish samples, respectively. Other commonly detected polymer types include polyamide (PA), polystyrene (PS), cellulose acetate (CA), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). In different sampling sites along the Turag River, the pollution load index (PLI) of MPs contamination was found to be in the risk level category I. The PLI values reflected the city's anthropogenic influence. The findings of the study could be used to establish a baseline for MPs pollution in Bangladesh's vast freshwater ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Badiuzzaman Khan
- Department of Environmental Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Sabina Yeasmin Urmy
- Department of Environmental Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Shamsunnahar Setu
- Department of Environmental Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Abeer Hossain Kanta
- Department of Environmental Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Sneha Gautam
- Department of Civil Engineering, Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore 641114, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - ShamimaAkther Eti
- Senior Scientific Officer, Fibre & Polymer Research Division, Bangladesh Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (BCSIR), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman
- Senior Scientific Officer, Fibre & Polymer Research Division, Bangladesh Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (BCSIR), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Niger Sultana
- Department of Environmental Science and Disaster Management, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali 3814, Bangladesh
| | - Shahed Mahmud
- Department of Environmental Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Md Abdul Baten
- Department of Environmental Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh
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44
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de Oliveira CRS, da Silva Júnior AH, Mulinari J, Ferreira AJS, da Silva A. Fibrous microplastics released from textiles: Occurrence, fate, and remediation strategies. J Contam Hydrol 2023; 256:104169. [PMID: 36893526 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2023.104169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MP), i.e., particles measuring less than 5 mm in size, are considered emerging pollutants. The ubiquity of MP is causing great concern among environmental and public health agencies. Anthropogenic activities are responsible for the extensive dispersal of MP in nature. Adverse effects on living organisms, interactions with other contaminants occurring in the environment, and the lack of effective degradation/removal techniques are significant issues related to MP. Most MP found in nature are fibrous (FMP). FMP originate from textile products, mainly synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester). Synthetic fibers are intensively used to produce countless goods due to beneficial characteristics such as high mechanical resistance and economic feasibility. FMP are ubiquitous on the planet and impart lasting adverse effects on biodiversity. Data on the consequences of long-term exposure to these pollutants are scarce in the literature. In addition, few studies address the main types of synthetic microfibers released from textiles, their occurrence, adverse effects on organisms, and remediation strategies. This review discusses the relevant topics about FMP and alerts the dangers to the planet. Furthermore, future perspectives and technological highlights for the FMP mitigation/degradation are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Rafael Silva de Oliveira
- Federal University of Santa Catarina, Department of Textile Engineering, João Pessoa street - 2514, 89036-004, Blumenau Campus, Blumenau, SC, Brazil; Federal University of Santa Catarina, Department of Chemical Engineering and Food Engineering, PO Box 476, 88040-900, Trindade Campus, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.
| | - Afonso Henrique da Silva Júnior
- Federal University of Santa Catarina, Department of Chemical Engineering and Food Engineering, PO Box 476, 88040-900, Trindade Campus, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Mulinari
- Federal University of Santa Catarina, Department of Chemical Engineering and Food Engineering, PO Box 476, 88040-900, Trindade Campus, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Alexandre José Sousa Ferreira
- Federal University of Santa Catarina, Department of Textile Engineering, João Pessoa street - 2514, 89036-004, Blumenau Campus, Blumenau, SC, Brazil
| | - Adriano da Silva
- Federal University of Santa Catarina, Department of Chemical Engineering and Food Engineering, PO Box 476, 88040-900, Trindade Campus, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
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Marchant DJ, Martínez Rodríguez A, Francelle P, Jones JI, Kratina P. Contrasting the effects of microplastic types, concentrations and nutrient enrichment on freshwater communities and ecosystem functioning. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2023; 255:114834. [PMID: 36989946 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are now ubiquitous in freshwater environments. As most previous research has focused on species-specific effects of microplastics under controlled laboratory conditions, little is known about the impact of microplastics at higher levels of ecological organisation, such as freshwater communities and their associated ecosystem functions. To fill this knowledge gap, an outdoor experiment using 40 freshwater mesocosms, each 1.57 m3, was used to determine the effects of (i) microplastic type: traditional oil-based high-density polyethylene versus bio-based biodegradable polylactic acid, (ii) concentration of microplastic particles and (iii) nutrient enrichment. The two concentrations of microplastics used were equivalent to measured environmentally occurring concentrations and concentrations known to cause toxicological effects under laboratory conditions. Freshwater communities are also at increasing risk from nutrient enrichment, which can alter community composition in favour of competitively dominant taxa. The independent and interactive effects of these treatments on pelagic community structure (phytoplankton standing stock, taxonomic richness, and composition) and ecosystem functioning (periphyton productivity and leaf litter decomposition) were assessed. Taxonomic richness and community composition were not affected by exposure to the experimental treatments and there were no significant treatment effects on phytoplankton standing stock, periphyton productivity, total or microbial leaf litter decomposition. Overall, multiple microplastic exposures, crossed with nutrient addition had little impact on the structure and functioning of semi-natural freshwater ecosystems. These findings indicate that the negative impacts of microplastics predicted from species-specific studies may not be readily realised at the ecosystem scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle J Marchant
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, United Kingdom.
| | - Ana Martínez Rodríguez
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, United Kingdom
| | - Pascaline Francelle
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, United Kingdom
| | - John Iwan Jones
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, United Kingdom
| | - Pavel Kratina
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, United Kingdom
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Chen J, Chen G, Peng H, Qi L, Zhang D, Nie Q, Zhang X, Luo W. Microplastic exposure induces muscle growth but reduces meat quality and muscle physiological function in chickens. Sci Total Environ 2023; 882:163305. [PMID: 37054798 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution has become one of the global environmental concerns, but the contamination and effect of MP on chicken skeletal muscle are scarcely researched. Here, we found MP contamination in the chicken skeletal muscles, which were directly collected from a large-scale chicken farm. Using Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry and Agilent 8700 laser direct infrared imaging spectrometer, we found that polystyrene (PS) and polyamide are the significant type of MPs detected in chicken skeletal muscle. Constant PS-MP oral feeding for >21 days increases the content of MP deposited in chicken breast muscle, but the MP content in the leg muscle was gradually decreased. Surprisingly, the chicken's body and skeletal muscle weight was increased after constant PS-MP feeding. Physiological results showed that PS-MP exposure inhibited energy and lipid metabolism, induced oxidative stress, and potential for neurotoxicity in the skeletal muscle. Metabolomic analysis of the liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and gas chromatography coupled with the mass spectrometer results showed that PS-MP exposure changed the metabolomic profile and reduced meat quality. In vitro, experimental results showed that PS-MP exposure induced chicken primary myoblasts proliferation and apoptosis but decreased myoblasts differentiation. Transcriptome analysis of the skeletal muscle indicates that PS-MP exposure affects skeletal muscle function by regulating genes involved in neural function and muscle development. Considering that chicken is one of the most important meat foods in the world, this study will provide an essential reference for protecting meat food safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Chen
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, and Key Lab of Chicken Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affair, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Genghua Chen
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, and Key Lab of Chicken Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affair, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Haoqi Peng
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, and Key Lab of Chicken Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affair, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Lin Qi
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, and Key Lab of Chicken Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affair, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Danlu Zhang
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, and Key Lab of Chicken Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affair, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Qinghua Nie
- Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, and Key Lab of Chicken Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affair, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Xiquan Zhang
- Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, and Key Lab of Chicken Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affair, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Wen Luo
- Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, and Key Lab of Chicken Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affair, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
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47
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Liu HM, Grist EPM, Xu XY, Lo HS, Wong ACY, Cheung SG. Microplastics pollution in the rivers of a metropolitan city and its estimated dependency on surrounding developed land. Sci Total Environ 2023; 880:163268. [PMID: 37031935 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
The spatial distribution and abundance of suspected microplastics (SMPs) in the surface water of a metropolitan city, as represented by four Hong Kong rivers, was studied during the dry season. Shing Mun River (SM), Lam Tsuen River (LT), and Tuen Mun River (TM) are located in urbanized areas, and SM and TM are tidal rivers. The fourth river, Silver River (SR) is situated in a rural area. TM had a significantly higher SMP abundance (53.80 ± 20.67 n/L) than the other rivers. The SMP abundance increased from upstream to downstream in non-tidal rivers (LT and SR), but not in tidal rivers (TM and SM), probably due to the tidal influence and a more homogeneous urban development along the tidal rivers. Inter-site differences in the SMP abundance were strongly correlated with the built area ratio (defined as the percentage of surrounding developed land area), human activities, and the nature of the river. About half (48.72 %) of the SMPs were <250 μm. Fibers and fragments were most abundant (>98 %), with most of them being transparent (58.54 %), black (14.68 %), or blue (12.12 %). Polyethylene terephthalate (26.96 %) and polyethylene (20.70 %) were the most common polymers. However, the MP abundance could be overestimated due to the presence of natural fibers. By contrast, an underestimation of the MP abundance could result from a smaller volume of water samples collected, due to a low filtration efficiency caused by high organic content and particle concentrations in the water. A more effective solid waste management strategy and upgrading of the sewage treatment facilities for removing microplastics are recommended to ameliorate the microplastic pollution in local rivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- H M Liu
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Eric P M Grist
- College of Engineering, Mathematics & Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - X Y Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - H S Lo
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - A C Y Wong
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - S G Cheung
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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48
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Osman AI, Hosny M, Eltaweil AS, Omar S, Elgarahy AM, Farghali M, Yap PS, Wu YS, Nagandran S, Batumalaie K, Gopinath SCB, John OD, Sekar M, Saikia T, Karunanithi P, Hatta MHM, Akinyede KA. Microplastic sources, formation, toxicity and remediation: a review. Environ Chem Lett 2023; 21:1-41. [PMID: 37362012 PMCID: PMC10072287 DOI: 10.1007/s10311-023-01593-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution is becoming a major issue for human health due to the recent discovery of microplastics in most ecosystems. Here, we review the sources, formation, occurrence, toxicity and remediation methods of microplastics. We distinguish ocean-based and land-based sources of microplastics. Microplastics have been found in biological samples such as faeces, sputum, saliva, blood and placenta. Cancer, intestinal, pulmonary, cardiovascular, infectious and inflammatory diseases are induced or mediated by microplastics. Microplastic exposure during pregnancy and maternal period is also discussed. Remediation methods include coagulation, membrane bioreactors, sand filtration, adsorption, photocatalytic degradation, electrocoagulation and magnetic separation. Control strategies comprise reducing plastic usage, behavioural change, and using biodegradable plastics. Global plastic production has risen dramatically over the past 70 years to reach 359 million tonnes. China is the world's top producer, contributing 17.5% to global production, while Turkey generates the most plastic waste in the Mediterranean region, at 144 tonnes per day. Microplastics comprise 75% of marine waste, with land-based sources responsible for 80-90% of pollution, while ocean-based sources account for only 10-20%. Microplastics induce toxic effects on humans and animals, such as cytotoxicity, immune response, oxidative stress, barrier attributes, and genotoxicity, even at minimal dosages of 10 μg/mL. Ingestion of microplastics by marine animals results in alterations in gastrointestinal tract physiology, immune system depression, oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, differential gene expression, and growth inhibition. Furthermore, bioaccumulation of microplastics in the tissues of aquatic organisms can have adverse effects on the aquatic ecosystem, with potential transmission of microplastics to humans and birds. Changing individual behaviours and governmental actions, such as implementing bans, taxes, or pricing on plastic carrier bags, has significantly reduced plastic consumption to 8-85% in various countries worldwide. The microplastic minimisation approach follows an upside-down pyramid, starting with prevention, followed by reducing, reusing, recycling, recovering, and ending with disposal as the least preferable option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed I. Osman
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, David Keir Building, Queen’s University Belfast, Stranmillis Road, Belfast, BT9 5AG Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Mohamed Hosny
- Green Technology Group, Environmental Sciences Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21511 Egypt
| | | | - Sara Omar
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M. Elgarahy
- Environmental Science Department, Faculty of Science, Port Said University, Port Said, Egypt
- Egyptian Propylene and Polypropylene Company (EPPC), Port-Said, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Farghali
- Department of Agricultural Engineering and Socio-Economics, Kobe University, Kobe, 657-8501 Japan
- Department of Animal and Poultry Hygiene & Environmental Sanitation, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, 71526 Egypt
| | - Pow-Seng Yap
- Department of Civil Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, 215123 China
| | - Yuan-Seng Wu
- Centre for Virus and Vaccine Research, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor Malaysia
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor Malaysia
| | - Saraswathi Nagandran
- Centre for Virus and Vaccine Research, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor Malaysia
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor Malaysia
| | - Kalaivani Batumalaie
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Asia Metropolitan University, 81750 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
| | - Subash C. B. Gopinath
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering & Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), 02600 Arau, Perlis Malaysia
- Institute of Nano Electronic Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), 01000 Kangar, Perlis, Malaysia
- Micro System Technology, Centre of Excellence, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), Pauh Campus, 02600 Arau, Perlis Malaysia
| | - Oliver Dean John
- Faculty of Science and Natural Resources, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Malaysia
| | - Mahendran Sekar
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Royal College of Medicine Perak, Universiti Kuala Lumpur, 30450 Ipoh, Perak Malaysia
| | - Trideep Saikia
- Girijananda Chowdhury Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Guwahati Assam, India
| | - Puvanan Karunanithi
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Manipal University College Malaysia (MUCM), Melaka, Malaysia
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Hayrie Mohd Hatta
- Centre for Research and Development, Asia Metropolitan University, 81750 Johor Bahru, Johor Malaysia
| | - Kolajo Adedamola Akinyede
- Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, Cape Town, 7530 South Africa
- Biochemistry Unit, Department of Science Technology, The Federal Polytechnic, P.M.B.5351, Ado Ekiti, 360231 Ekiti State Nigeria
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49
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Wang TT, Tang WQ, Wu DH, Yu XR, Wang GY, Cai XW, Shao S, Wang S, Mo L, Liu YS, Ying GG, Chen ZB. Abundance and characteristics of microplastics in the Wanquan River estuary, Hainan Island. Mar Pollut Bull 2023; 189:114810. [PMID: 36924692 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
As the nexus where rivers and oceans meet, estuaries are vulnerable to microplastic (MP) pollution derived from rivers. However, few studies have focused on the pollution status of MPs in small estuarine areas. Here, the abundance and characteristics of MPs in surface water and sediment samples from a small estuary, the Wanquan River estuary, were studied. The average abundance of MPs was 6573 ± 2659 n/m3 in surface water and 1065 ± 696 n/kg dw in sediment samples from the Wanquan River estuary. Most of the MPs in water samples and sediments were red (92.9 % and 88.1 %) fragments (87.4 % and 95.5 %) with sizes <1.0 mm (90.8 % and 92.4 %) made up of antifouling paint particles (APPs) (83.5 % and 89.8 %), respectively. A significant positive correlation (p < 0.01) was found between the concentration of Cu2+ and the abundance of APPs in sediment samples from the Wanquan River estuary. The APPs in the sediments can act as a continuous source of toxic chemicals (e.g., Cu2+) to marine environments. The results of this study expand our knowledge about MP pollution in small estuaries, and the ecological risk of APPs in the Wanquan River estuary to aquatic organisms should not be ignored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuan-Tuan Wang
- College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan Province 570228, China
| | - Wang-Qing Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Dong-Hai Wu
- College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan Province 570228, China
| | - Xin-Rui Yu
- College of Marine Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Guang-Yu Wang
- Shanghai Ocean University, International Research Centre for Marine Biosciences at Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science & Technology, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Xing-Wei Cai
- Hainan Academy of Ocean and Fisheries Sciences, Haikou 571126, China
| | - Shuai Shao
- College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan Province 570228, China
| | - Sai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Ling Mo
- Hainan Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Haikou 571126, China
| | - You-Sheng Liu
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Guang-Guo Ying
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhong-Bing Chen
- Department of Applied Ecology, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 16500 Praha-Suchdol, Czech Republic.
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50
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Tuuri EM, Leterme SC. How plastic debris and associated chemicals impact the marine food web: A review. Environ Pollut 2023; 321:121156. [PMID: 36709917 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Contamination from plastic debris is omnipresent in marine environments, posing a substantial risk to marine organisms, food webs and the ecosystem. The overlap between the size range of marine plastic pollution with prey means that plastics are readily available for consumption by organisms at all trophic levels. Large plastic debris can directly result in the death of larger marine organisms, through entanglement, strangulation, choking and starvation through a false sense of satiation. Whereas smaller plastic debris, such as micro- and nano-plastics can have adverse impact to marine organisms due to their large surface area to volume ratio and their ability to translocate within an organism. Various physiological processes are reported to be impacted by these small contaminants, such as feeding behaviour, reproductive outputs, developmental anomalies, changes in gene expression, tissue inflammation and the inhibition of growth and development to both adults and their offspring. Micro- and nano-plastics are still relatively poorly understood and are considered a hidden threat. Plastic is a complex contaminant due to the diversity in sizes, shapes, polymer compositions, and chemical additives. These factors can each have unique and species-specific impacts. Consumption of plastics can occur directly, through ingestion and indirectly, through trophic transfer, entanglement of prey, adherence of plastics to external surfaces, and adherence of organisms to the external surfaces of plastics. This review investigated the intrusion of plastics into the marine food web and the subsequent consequences of plastic pollution to marine biota.The objective of this review was to identify the complexity of impacts to marine organisms through the food web from plastic contamination. Through a concise analysis of the available literature the review has shown that plastic pollution and their associated additives can adversely impact environmental and biological health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise M Tuuri
- Flinders Institute for NanoScale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia.
| | - Sophie Catherine Leterme
- Flinders Institute for NanoScale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia; ARC Training Centre for Biofilm Research and Innovation, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
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