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Wang F, Xiang L, Sze-Yin Leung K, Elsner M, Zhang Y, Guo Y, Pan B, Sun H, An T, Ying G, Brooks BW, Hou D, Helbling DE, Sun J, Qiu H, Vogel TM, Zhang W, Gao Y, Simpson MJ, Luo Y, Chang SX, Su G, Wong BM, Fu TM, Zhu D, Jobst KJ, Ge C, Coulon F, Harindintwali JD, Zeng X, Wang H, Fu Y, Wei Z, Lohmann R, Chen C, Song Y, Sanchez-Cid C, Wang Y, El-Naggar A, Yao Y, Huang Y, Cheuk-Fung Law J, Gu C, Shen H, Gao Y, Qin C, Li H, Zhang T, Corcoll N, Liu M, Alessi DS, Li H, Brandt KK, Pico Y, Gu C, Guo J, Su J, Corvini P, Ye M, Rocha-Santos T, He H, Yang Y, Tong M, Zhang W, Suanon F, Brahushi F, Wang Z, Hashsham SA, Virta M, Yuan Q, Jiang G, Tremblay LA, Bu Q, Wu J, Peijnenburg W, Topp E, Cao X, Jiang X, Zheng M, Zhang T, Luo Y, Zhu L, Li X, Barceló D, Chen J, Xing B, Amelung W, Cai Z, Naidu R, Shen Q, Pawliszyn J, Zhu YG, Schaeffer A, Rillig MC, Wu F, Yu G, Tiedje JM. Emerging contaminants: A One Health perspective. Innovation (N Y) 2024; 5:100612. [PMID: 38756954 PMCID: PMC11096751 DOI: 10.1016/j.xinn.2024.100612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Environmental pollution is escalating due to rapid global development that often prioritizes human needs over planetary health. Despite global efforts to mitigate legacy pollutants, the continuous introduction of new substances remains a major threat to both people and the planet. In response, global initiatives are focusing on risk assessment and regulation of emerging contaminants, as demonstrated by the ongoing efforts to establish the UN's Intergovernmental Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste, and Pollution Prevention. This review identifies the sources and impacts of emerging contaminants on planetary health, emphasizing the importance of adopting a One Health approach. Strategies for monitoring and addressing these pollutants are discussed, underscoring the need for robust and socially equitable environmental policies at both regional and international levels. Urgent actions are needed to transition toward sustainable pollution management practices to safeguard our planet for future generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Leilei Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Kelvin Sze-Yin Leung
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
- HKBU Institute of Research and Continuing Education, Shenzhen Virtual University Park, Shenzhen, China
| | - Martin Elsner
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Institute of Hydrochemistry, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Ying Zhang
- School of Resources & Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Yuming Guo
- Climate, Air Quality Research Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Bo Pan
- Faculty of Environmental Science & Engineering, Kunming University of Science & Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Hongwen Sun
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Taicheng An
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Guangguo Ying
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environmental Theoretical Chemistry, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Bryan W. Brooks
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
- Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research (CRASR), Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
| | - Deyi Hou
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Damian E. Helbling
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Jianqiang Sun
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Hao Qiu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Timothy M. Vogel
- Laboratoire d’Ecologie Microbienne, Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1, UMR CNRS 5557, UMR INRAE 1418, VetAgro Sup, 69622 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Yanzheng Gao
- Institute of Organic Contaminant Control and Soil Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Weigang Road 1, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Myrna J. Simpson
- Environmental NMR Centre and Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, ON M1C 1A4, Canada
| | - Yi Luo
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Scott X. Chang
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, 442 Earth Sciences Building, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E3, Canada
| | - Guanyong Su
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of Environmental and Biological Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China
| | - Bryan M. Wong
- Materials Science & Engineering Program, Department of Chemistry, and Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of California-Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Tzung-May Fu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement and Early Warning Technology for Urban Environmental Health Risks, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Dong Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Karl J. Jobst
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, 45 Arctic Avenue, St. John’s, NL A1C 5S7, Canada
| | - Chengjun Ge
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Frederic Coulon
- School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield University, Cranfield MK43 0AL, UK
| | - Jean Damascene Harindintwali
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiankui Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Surficial Geochemistry, Ministry of Education, School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Haijun Wang
- Institute for Ecological Research and Pollution Control of Plateau Lakes, School of Ecology and Environmental Science, Yunnan University, Kunming 650504, China
| | - Yuhao Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhong Wei
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab for Organic Solid Waste Utilization, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Solid Organic Waste Resource Utilization, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Rainer Lohmann
- Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island, Narragansett, RI, USA
| | - Changer Chen
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environmental Theoretical Chemistry, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Yang Song
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Concepcion Sanchez-Cid
- Environmental Microbial Genomics, UMR 5005 Laboratoire Ampère, CNRS, École Centrale de Lyon, Université de Lyon, Écully, France
| | - Yu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ali El-Naggar
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, 442 Earth Sciences Building, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E3, Canada
- Department of Soil Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11241, Egypt
| | - Yiming Yao
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yanran Huang
- Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Chenggang Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Huizhong Shen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement and Early Warning Technology for Urban Environmental Health Risks, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yanpeng Gao
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Chao Qin
- Institute of Organic Contaminant Control and Soil Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Weigang Road 1, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Hao Li
- Faculty of Environmental Science & Engineering, Kunming University of Science & Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Tong Zhang
- Environmental Microbiome Engineering and Biotechnology Laboratory, Center for Environmental Engineering Research, Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Natàlia Corcoll
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Min Liu
- Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science of the Ministry of Education, School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Daniel S. Alessi
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E3, Canada
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Kristian K. Brandt
- Section for Microbial Ecology and Biotechnology, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
- Sino-Danish Center (SDC), Beijing, China
| | - Yolanda Pico
- Food and Environmental Safety Research Group of the University of Valencia (SAMA-UV), Desertification Research Centre - CIDE (CSIC-UV-GV), Road CV-315 km 10.7, 46113 Moncada, Valencia, Spain
| | - Cheng Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Jianhua Guo
- Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Jianqiang Su
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Philippe Corvini
- School of Life Sciences, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, 4132 Muttenz, Switzerland
| | - Mao Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Huan He
- Jiangsu Engineering Laboratory of Water and Soil Eco-remediation, School of Environment, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science of the Ministry of Education, School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Meiping Tong
- College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Weina Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Fidèle Suanon
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, Materials and Molecular Modeling (LCP3M), University of Abomey-Calavi, Republic of Benin, Cotonou 01 BP 526, Benin
| | - Ferdi Brahushi
- Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Agricultural University of Tirana, 1029 Tirana, Albania
| | - Zhenyu Wang
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, and School of Environment & Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Syed A. Hashsham
- Center for Microbial Ecology, Department of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Marko Virta
- Department of Microbiology, University of Helsinki, 00010 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Qingbin Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Gaofei Jiang
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab for Organic Solid Waste Utilization, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Solid Organic Waste Resource Utilization, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Louis A. Tremblay
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, Aotearoa 1142, New Zealand
| | - Qingwei Bu
- School of Chemical & Environmental Engineering, China University of Mining & Technology - Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Jichun Wu
- Key Laboratory of Surficial Geochemistry, Ministry of Education, School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Willie Peijnenburg
- National Institute of Public Health and the Environment, Center for the Safety of Substances and Products, 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
- Leiden University, Center for Environmental Studies, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Edward Topp
- Agroecology Mixed Research Unit, INRAE, 17 rue Sully, 21065 Dijon Cedex, France
| | - Xinde Cao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Minghui Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Taolin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Yongming Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lizhong Zhu
- Department of Environmental Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Xiangdong Li
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Damià Barceló
- Chemistry and Physics Department, University of Almeria, 04120 Almeria, Spain
| | - Jianmin Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Baoshan Xing
- Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Wulf Amelung
- Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation (INRES), Soil Science and Soil Ecology, University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
- Agrosphere Institute (IBG-3), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52428 Jülich, Germany
| | - Zongwei Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ravi Naidu
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), The University of Newcastle (UON), Newcastle, NSW 2308, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), The University of Newcastle (UON), Newcastle, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Qirong Shen
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab for Organic Solid Waste Utilization, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Solid Organic Waste Resource Utilization, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Janusz Pawliszyn
- Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Yong-guan Zhu
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Andreas Schaeffer
- Institute for Environmental Research, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Matthias C. Rillig
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB), Berlin, Germany
| | - Fengchang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Gang Yu
- Advanced Interdisciplinary Institute of Environment and Ecology, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, China
| | - James M. Tiedje
- Center for Microbial Ecology, Department of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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Ferreira-Filipe DA, Oliveira L, Paço A, Fernandes AJS, Costa FM, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos T, Patrício Silva AL. Biodegradation of e-waste microplastics by Penicillium brevicompactum. Sci Total Environ 2024; 935:173334. [PMID: 38763191 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173334] [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: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Electronic and electric waste (e-waste) management strategies often fall short in dealing with the plastic constituents of printed circuit boards (PCB). Some plastic materials from PCB, such as epoxy resins, may release contaminants, but neither potential environmental impact has been assessed nor mitigation strategies have been put forward. This study assessed the biodegradation of microplastics (1-2 mm in size) from PCB by the fungus Penicillium brevicompactum over 28 days, thus contributing to the discussion of mitigation strategies for decreasing the environmental impact of such plastics in the environment. The capacity of P. brevicompactum to induce microplastic fragmentation and degradation has been determined by the increased the number of smaller-sized particles and microplastic mass reduction (up to 75 % within 14 days), respectively. The occurrence of chain scission and oxidation of microplastics exposed to P. brevicompactum when compared with the control conditions (which occurred only after 28 days of exposure) can be observed. Furthermore, Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy performed in dried biomass put in evidence an increase in the absorption intensities in regions that could be attributed to functional groups associated with carbohydrates. The results underline the potential role of the genus Penicillium, particularly P. brevicompactum, in the biodegradation of microplastics from PCB, thus providing the basis for further exploration of its potential for e-waste bioremediation and research on the underlying mechanisms for sustainable approaches to mitigate e-waste pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo A Ferreira-Filipe
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Portugal.
| | | | - Ana Paço
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Portugal
| | | | | | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ana L Patrício Silva
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Portugal
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da Costa JP, Avellan A, Tubić A, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos T. Understanding Interface Exchanges for Assessing Environmental Sorption of Additives from Microplastics: Current Knowledge and Perspectives. Molecules 2024; 29:333. [PMID: 38257246 PMCID: PMC10820944 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29020333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Although the impacts of plastic pollution have long been recognized, the presence, pervasiveness, and ecotoxicological consequences of microplastic-i.e., plastic particles < 5 mm-contamination have only been explored over the last decade. Far less focus has been attributed to the role of these materials and, particularly, microplastics, as vectors for a multitude of chemicals, including those (un)intentionally added to plastic products, but also organic pollutants already present in the environment. Owing to the ubiquitous presence of microplastics in all environmental matrices and to the diverse nature of their chemical and physical characteristics, thoroughly understanding the mechanistic uptake/release of these compounds is inherently complex, but necessary in order to better assess the potential impacts of both microplastics and associated chemicals on the environment. Herein, we delve into the known processes and factors affecting these mechanisms. We center the discussion on microplastics and discuss some of the most prominent ecological implications of the sorption of this multitude of chemicals. Moreover, the key limitations of the currently available literature are described and a prospective outlook for the future research on the topic is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Pinto da Costa
- Department of Chemistry & Center for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (A.C.D.); (T.R.-S.)
| | - Astrid Avellan
- Géosciences-Environnement-Toulouse (GET), UMR 5563 CNRS, UPS, IRD, CNES, OMP, 14, Avenue Edouard Belin, F-31400 Toulouse, France;
| | - Aleksandra Tubić
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Environmental Protection, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia;
| | - Armando C. Duarte
- Department of Chemistry & Center for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (A.C.D.); (T.R.-S.)
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Department of Chemistry & Center for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (A.C.D.); (T.R.-S.)
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Paço A, Oliveira AM, Ferreira-Filipe DA, Rodrigues ACM, Rocha RJM, Soares AMVM, Duarte AC, Patrício Silva AL, Rocha-Santos T. Facemasks: An insight into their abundance in wetlands, degradation, and potential ecotoxicity. Sci Total Environ 2023; 904:166232. [PMID: 37574074 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166232] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Disposable facemasks represent a new form of environmental contamination worldwide. This study aimed at addressing the abundance of facemasks in an overlooked natural environment with high ecological and economic value - the wetlands (Ria de Aveiro, Portugal, as study case), evaluating their potential biodegradation using naturally occurring fungi and assessing the potential ecotoxicity of released microfibres on local bivalves. All masks collected within 6500 m2 area of Aveiro wetland were 100 % disposable ones (PP-based, confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy - FTIR) with an initial abundance of 0.0023 items/m2 in Sept. 2021, which was reduced by ∼40 % in Apr. 2022 and ∼87 % in Sept. 2022, as a reflection of the government policies. Analysis of the carbonyl index (0.03 to 1.79) underlined their state of degradation, primarily due to sun exposure during low tides. In laboratory conditions, 1 mm2 microplastics obtained from new disposable facemasks were prone to biodegradation by Penicillium brevicompactum and Zalerion maritimum inferred from microplastics mass loss (∼22 to -26 % and ∼40 to 50 %, respectively) and FTIR spectra (particularly in the hydroxyl and carbonyl groups). In addition, microfibres released from facemasks induced sublethal effects on the clam, Venerupis corrugata, mostly in their UV-aged form when compared to pristine ones, characterised by a decrease in cellular energy allocation (CEA) and an increase in aerobic energy metabolism (ETS). Concomitantly, clams exposed to 1250 items/L of UV-aged microplastics (similar to field-reported concentrations) expressed greater clearance capacity, indicating a need to compensate for the potential energy unbalance. This study provides the first baseline monitoring of facemasks in wetlands while bringing new evidence on their biodegradation and ecotoxicity, considering environmentally relevant conditions and keystone organisms in such environments. Such studies require scientific attention for rapid regulatory action against this emerging and persistent pollutant, also targeting remediation and mitigation strategies considering these items under pandemic scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paço
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Ana M Oliveira
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Diogo A Ferreira-Filipe
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Andreia C M Rodrigues
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) and Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | | | - Amadeu M V M Soares
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) and Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ana L Patrício Silva
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) and Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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Rodrigues JP, Santos-Echeandía J, Chaves-Pozo E, Campillo JA, Rocha-Santos T, Duarte AC, Rivera-Hernández JR, Valdés J, Albentosa M. Interactive effects of palladium (Pd) and microplastics (MPs) on metal bioaccumulation and biological responses in the Mediterranean mussel, Mytilus galloprovincialis. Mar Pollut Bull 2023; 194:115284. [PMID: 37478783 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115284] [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: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates the potential of MPs as carriers of pollutants as they can strengthen bioaccumulation of toxic metals on marine organisms. For the first time, the interaction of the metal palladium (Pd) with the widespread MPs, both with increasing concentrations in water environments from anthropogenic sources, was tested. Mytilus galloprovincialis, an important seafood product, was exposed to Pd (24 h) in two ways: water-dissolved and MPs-adsorbed, with depuration followed for 144 h. Quantification of Pd in tissues shown an accumulation 2-3 times higher (59 % of initial Pd) for mussels exposed to MPs-adsorbed Pd and higher in digestive gland than when exposed to water-dissolved Pd (25 %; higher in gills). Additionally, it was demonstrated that Pd induced oxidative stress and altered the feeding behavior of mussels. Therefore, this work support MPs as being vectors of metals (i.e. Pd) to enhance their bioaccumulation on marine organisms which highlights ecological risk of these emerging pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Patrício Rodrigues
- Department of Chemistry & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Juan Santos-Echeandía
- Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo (COV-IEO, CSIC), Subida a Radio Faro 50, 36390 Vigo, Spain
| | - Elena Chaves-Pozo
- Centro Oceanográfico de Murcia (COMU-IEO, CSIC), Carretera de la Azohía s/n, Puerto de Mazarrón, 30860 Murcia, Spain
| | - Juan Antonio Campillo
- Centro Oceanográfico de Murcia, Instituto Español de Oceanografía (COMU-IEO, CSIC), C/Varadero 1, 30740 San Pedro del Pinatar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Department of Chemistry & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Armando C Duarte
- Department of Chemistry & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - José R Rivera-Hernández
- Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Unidad Académica Mazatlán, Joel Montes Camarena s/n Cerro del Vigía, 82047 Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Juliana Valdés
- Centro Oceanográfico de Murcia, Instituto Español de Oceanografía (COMU-IEO, CSIC), C/Varadero 1, 30740 San Pedro del Pinatar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Marina Albentosa
- Centro Oceanográfico de Murcia, Instituto Español de Oceanografía (COMU-IEO, CSIC), C/Varadero 1, 30740 San Pedro del Pinatar, Murcia, Spain
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6
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Rodrigues JP, Rivera-Hernández JR, Bernárdez P, Rocha-Santos T, Duarte AC, Santos-Echeandía J. Metal(oid)s in plastic debris, with distinct features, from Spanish Mediterranean beaches with different anthropogenic pressure: Are these particles potential monitors for metal pollution? Mar Pollut Bull 2023; 193:115107. [PMID: 37327722 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115107] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Metal(oid)s concentrations have been quantified in plastic pieces collected from four beaches located in the Mediterranean coast of Spain with different characteristics (i.e. anthropogenic pressure, zone). Metal(oid)s content was also related to selected plastic criteria (i.e. color, degradation status, polymer). The selected elements were quantified with mean concentrations in the sampled plastics with the following order: Fe > Mg > Zn > Mn > Pb > Sr > As > Cu > Cr > Ni > Cd > Co. Moreover, black, brown, PUR, PS, and coastal line plastics concentrated the higher metal(oid)s levels. Local of sampling (influence of mining exploitation) and severe degradation were key factors for uptake of metal(oid)s from water by plastics as modification of surfaces strengths their adsorption capacity. Determined high levels of Fe, Pb and Zn in plastics reflected the pollution degree of the marine areas. Therefore, this study is a contribution for the potential use of plastics as pollution monitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Patrício Rodrigues
- Department of Chemistry & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - José Roberto Rivera-Hernández
- Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Unidad Académica Mazatlán, Joel Montes Camarena s/n Cerro del Vigía, 82047 Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Patricia Bernárdez
- Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo (IEO, CSIC), Subida a Radio Faro 50, 36390 Vigo, Spain
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Department of Chemistry & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Armando Costa Duarte
- Department of Chemistry & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Juan Santos-Echeandía
- Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo (IEO, CSIC), Subida a Radio Faro 50, 36390 Vigo, Spain.
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7
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Silva SAM, Prata JC, Dias-Pereira P, Rodrigues ACM, Soares AMVM, Sarmento RA, Rocha-Santos T, Gravato C, Patrício Silva AL. Microplastics altered cellular responses, physiology, behaviour, and regeneration of planarians feeding on contaminated prey. Sci Total Environ 2023; 875:162556. [PMID: 36870489 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162556] [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: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Freshwater benthic environments are among the major sinks of microplastics (MPs, < 5 mm) sourced on inland anthropogenic activities. The ecotoxicological effects of MPs on benthic macroinvertebrates have been assessed preferably in collectors, shredders, and filter-feeders, but resulting in insufficient knowledge on the potential trophic transfer and its effects on macroinvertebrates with predator behaviour such as planarians. This work evaluated the behavioural (feeding, locomotion), physiological (regeneration) and biochemical responses (aerobic metabolism, energy reserves, oxidative damage) of the planarian Girardia tigrina after consuming contaminated live prey Chironomus riparius larvae previously exposed to microplastics of polyurethane (PU-MPs; 7-9 μm in size; 375 mg PU-MPs/kg). After the feeding period (3 h), planarians consumed 20 % more contaminated prey than uncontaminated prey, probably related to increased curling/uncurling movements of larvae (that might be more appellative to planarians). Histological analysis revealed planarians' limited intake of PU-MPs, mainly detected near the pharynx. The consumption of contaminated prey (and intake of PU-MPs) did not result in oxidative damage but slightly increased the aerobic metabolism and energy reserves which show that the consumption of more prey was sufficient to cope with the potential adverse effects of internalized MPs. Moreover, no effects were observed in the locomotion of planarians in good agreement with the hypothesis of sufficient energy acquired by the exposed planarians. Despite the previous, it seems that the energy acquired was not allocated for planarians' regeneration since a significant delay in the regeneration of the auricles was observed for planarians feeding on contaminated prey. Therefore, further studies should be performed considering the potential long-term effects (i.e., reproduction/fitness) and the effects of MPs that might result from continuous feeding on contaminated prey, representing a more realistic exposure scenario.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara A M Silva
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Joana C Prata
- TOXRUN-Toxicology Research Unit, CESPU, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), 3810-193 Gandra, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Dias-Pereira
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, Porto University (ICBAS-UP), 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Andreia C M Rodrigues
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Amadeu M V M Soares
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Renato A Sarmento
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Produção Vegetal, Universidade Federal do Tocantins (UFT), Campus de Gurupi, Gurupi, Tocantins 77402-970, Brazil
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Carlos Gravato
- Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, Campo Grande 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana L Patrício Silva
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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8
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da Costa JP, Silva AL, Barcelò D, Rocha-Santos T, Duarte A. Threats to sustainability in face of post-pandemic scenarios and the war in Ukraine. Sci Total Environ 2023:164509. [PMID: 37257605 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164509] [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: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
As the World slowly emerged from the then-ongoing pandemic, War broke out in Europe with the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. The enduring military conflict in Ukraine has had sweeping consequences at the human, social, economic, and environmental levels, not only for the nations involved but across Europe and globally. Damaged infrastructures, severe disruption of economic activity, and forced migration have led to negative impacts on sustainability. The COVID-19 pandemic has added another layer of complexity to this already challenging situation, as the virus has further disrupted economic activity and strained healthcare systems. Herein, we examine how the intersection of war and COVID-19 affect the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. How these intersecting challenges have impacted efforts to build a more sustainable future, and how these impacts have a global reach are also assessed. The broader implications of this case for understanding the linkages between conflict, pandemics, and sustainability more generally are also considered, relating these with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Agenda for 2030.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Pinto da Costa
- Department of Chemistry & Center for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Ana Luísa Silva
- Department of Biology & Center for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Damià Barcelò
- Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA), H2O Building, Scientific and Technological Park of the University of Girona, Emili Grahit 101, 17003 Girona, Spain; Water and Soil Quality Research Group, Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Department of Chemistry & Center for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Armando Duarte
- Department of Chemistry & Center for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
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9
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Oliveira AM, Patrício Silva AL, Soares AMVM, Barceló D, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos T. Current knowledge on the presence, biodegradation, and toxicity of discarded face masks in the environment. J Environ Chem Eng 2023; 11:109308. [PMID: 36643396 PMCID: PMC9832688 DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2023.109308] [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] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, facemasks became mandatory, with a great preference for disposable ones. However, the benefits of face masks for health safety are counteracted by the environmental burden related to their improper disposal. An unprecedented influx of disposable face masks entering the environment has been reported in the last two years of the pandemic, along with their implications in natural environments in terms of their biodegradability, released contaminants and ecotoxicological effects. This critical review addresses several aspects of the current literature regarding the (bio)degradation and (eco)toxicity of face masks related contaminants, identifying uncertainties and research needs that should be addressed in future studies. While it is indisputable that face mask contamination contributes to the already alarming plastic pollution, we are still far from determining its real environmental and ecotoxicological contribution to the issue. The paucity of studies on biodegradation and ecotoxicity of face masks and related contaminants, and the uncertainties and uncontrolled variables involved during experimental procedures, are compromising eventual comparison with conventional plastic debris. Studies on the abundance and composition of face mask-released contaminants (microplastics/fibres/ chemical compounds) under pre- and post-pandemic conditions should, therefore, be encouraged, along with (bio)degradation and ecotoxicity tests considering environmentally relevant settings. To achieve this, methodological strategies should be developed to overcome technical difficulties to quantify and characterise the smallest MPs and fibres, adsorbents, and leachates to increase the environmental relevancy of the experimental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Oliveira
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ana L Patrício Silva
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) and Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Amadeu M V M Soares
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) and Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Damià Barceló
- Catalan Institute for Water research (ICRA-CERCA), H2O Building, Scientific and Technological Park of the University of Girona, Emili Grahit 101,17003 Girona, Spain
- Water and Soil Quality Research Group, Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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10
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Silva SAM, Rodrigues ACM, Rocha-Santos T, Silva ALP, Gravato C. Effects of Polyurethane Small-Sized Microplastics in the Chironomid, Chironomus riparius: Responses at Organismal and Sub-Organismal Levels. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:ijerph192315610. [PMID: 36497682 PMCID: PMC9741373 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Freshwater provides valuable services and functions to humankind. However, macroinvertebrates that underpin the delivery of many of those ecosystem services and functions are under an additional threat caused by microplastic pollution. Chironomids are one of the most abundant groups of macroinvertebrates in these environments and the most sensitive to microplastics. This investigation addressed the effects of polyurethane (PU-MPs; 7.0-9.0 µm) on the chironomid Chironomus riparius at the organism and sub-organism levels. For this purpose, two assays were carried out: (i) addressing the effects of PU-MPs on C. riparius partial life cycle traits (larval size and emergence parameters) in a 28 d assay considering concentrations up to 750 mg/Kg, and (ii) larvae behaviour (locomotion) as well as the biochemical responses (oxidative damage, aerobic energy production, and energy reserves) in a 10 d assay considering an environmentally relevant concentration with no observed effects on C. riparius previous life history traits (no observed effect concentration; NOEC = (375 mg/kg). Exposure to PU-MPs did not affect C. riparius larval length nor cumulative and time to emergence. Conversely, when exposed to an environmentally relevant concentration for 10 days, contaminated larvae were revealed to be lighter (but not smaller nor less nutritionally affected in terms of energy reserves) and more active when foraging, which was reflected in the activation of their aerobic metabolism when assessing the electron transport chain as a proxy. Notwithstanding, PU-MPs did not originate observable energy costs, either on protein, lipid, or sugar contents on contaminated larvae, which may justify the absence of effects on larval growth and emergence. Therefore, the increased production of energy used for the locomotion and functioning of larvae was at the expense of the fraction of energy that should have been allocated for the weight of the individuals. A long-term exposure involving a multigenerational assessment would bring intel on the potential (cumulative) sub-lethal effects of PU-MPs on C. riparius fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara A. M. Silva
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Andreia C. M. Rodrigues
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) and Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ana L. Patrício Silva
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) and Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
- Correspondence:
| | - Carlos Gravato
- Faculty of Sciences, CESAM, University of Lisbon, Campos Grande, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
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11
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Rocha-Santos T, Rodrigues DF, Atkinson JD, Lin AYC, Blaney L. Emerging contaminants: JHM current and future trends. J Hazard Mater 2022; 438:129496. [PMID: 35780742 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - John D Atkinson
- Department of Civil, Structural, and Environmental Engineering, State University of New York - University at Buffalo, USA.
| | - Angela Yu-Chen Lin
- Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taiwan.
| | - Lee Blaney
- Department of Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering, University of Maryland Baltimore County, USA.
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12
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Agathokleous E, Barceló D, Aschner M, Azevedo RA, Bhattacharya P, Costantini D, Cutler GC, De Marco A, Docea AO, Dórea JG, Duke SO, Efferth T, Fatta-Kassinos D, Fotopoulos V, Ginebreda A, Guedes RNC, Hayes AW, Iavicoli I, Kalantzi OI, Koike T, Kouretas D, Kumar M, Manautou JE, Moore MN, Paoletti E, Peñuelas J, Picó Y, Reiter RJ, Rezaee R, Rinklebe J, Rocha-Santos T, Sicard P, Sonne C, Teaf C, Tsatsakis A, Vardavas AI, Wang W, Zeng EY, Calabrese EJ. Rethinking Subthreshold Effects in Regulatory Chemical Risk Assessments. Environ Sci Technol 2022; 56:11095-11099. [PMID: 35878124 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c02896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Evgenios Agathokleous
- Collaborative Innovation Center on Forecast and Evaluation of Meteorological Disasters (CIC-FEMD), Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing 210044, Jiangsu China
- Research Center for Global Changes and Ecosystem Carbon Sequestration & Mitigation, School of Applied Meteorology, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing 210044, Jiangsu China
| | - Damià Barceló
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDAEA-CSIC; Barcelona 08034, Spain
- Catalan Institute for Water Research, ICRA-CERCA; Girona 17003, Spain
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine; Bronx, New York 10461, United States
| | - Ricardo Antunes Azevedo
- Departamento de Genética, Escola Superior de Agricultura "Luiz de Queiroz"/Universidade de São Paulo (ESALQ/USP); São Paulo CEP 13418-900, Brazil
| | - Prosun Bhattacharya
- KTH-international Groundwater Arsenic Research Group, Department of Sustainable Development, Environmental Science and Engineering, KTH Royal Institute of Technology; Stockholm SE-100 44, Sweden
| | - David Costantini
- Unité Physiologie Moléculaire et Adaptation (PhyMA), UMR 7221 Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle; CNRS, 7 Rue Cuvier, 75005 Paris, France
| | - G Christopher Cutler
- Department of Plant, Food, and Environmental Sciences, Agricultural Campus, Dalhousie University; Truro, Nova Scotia B2N 5E3, Canada
| | | | - Anca Oana Docea
- Department of Toxicology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova; Craiova 200349, Romania
| | - José G Dórea
- Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade de Brasília; Brasília 70919-970, Brazil
| | - Stephen O Duke
- National Center for Natural Products Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi; Mississippi 38677, United States
| | - Thomas Efferth
- Johannes Gutenberg University, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Biology; Mainz 55128, Germany
| | - Despo Fatta-Kassinos
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Nireas-International Water Research Centre, School of Engineering, University of Cyprus; P.O. Box 20537, Nicosia 1678, Cyprus
| | - Vasileios Fotopoulos
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology and Food Science, Cyprus University of Technology; Lemesos 3603, Cyprus
| | - Antonio Ginebreda
- Environmental Chemistry, IDAEA-CSIC, c/Jordi Girona 18-26, Barcelona 08034, Spain
| | - Raul Narciso C Guedes
- Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa;Viçosa, Minas Gerais 36570-900, Brazil
| | - A Wallace Hayes
- Center for Environmental/Occupational Risk Analysis & Management, University of South Florida, College of Public Health; Tampa, Florida 33612, United States
- Michigan State University; East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Ivo Iavicoli
- Department of Public Health, Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Naples Federico II; Naples 80131, Italy
| | | | - Takayoshi Koike
- Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University; Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8589, Japan
| | - Demetrios Kouretas
- Department of Biochemistry-Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larisa 41500, Greece
| | - Manish Kumar
- School of Engineering, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies; Dehradun 248007, India
| | - José E Manautou
- Pharmaceutical Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - Michael N Moore
- European Centre for Environment & Human Health (ECEHH), University of Exeter Medical School, Knowledge Spa, Royal Cornwall Hospital; Truro TR1 3HD, U.K
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory; Plymouth, Devon PL1 3DH, U.K
- School of Biological & Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth; Plymouth PL 4 8AA, U.K
| | - Elena Paoletti
- Institute of Research on Terrestrial Ecosystems, National Research Council; Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
| | - Josep Peñuelas
- CSIC, Global Ecology Unit CREAF-CSIC-UAB; Bellaterra, Catalonia 08193, Spain
- CREAF; Cerdanyola del Vallès, Catalonia 08193, Spain
| | - Yolanda Picó
- Environmental and Food Safety Research Group (SAMA-UV), Desertification Research Centre (CIDE), Universitat de València-CSIC-GV; Valencia 46113, Spain
| | - Russel J Reiter
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio; San Antonio, Texas 78229, United States
| | - Ramin Rezaee
- International UNESCO Center for Health-Related Basic Sciences and Human Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences,Mashhad 91779-43335, Iran
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 91779-43335, Iran
| | - Jörg Rinklebe
- University of Wuppertal, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Institute of Foundation Engineering, Water, and Waste-Management, Laboratory of Soil, and Groundwater-Management; Wuppertal 42285, Germany
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro; Aveiro 3810-193, Portugal
| | - Pierre Sicard
- ARGANS, 260 route du Pin Montard, Biot 06410, France
| | - Christian Sonne
- Aarhus University, Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC); Roskilde DK-4000, Denmark
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center for Biomass Value-added Products, School of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University; Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Christopher Teaf
- Institute of Science & Public Affairs, Florida State University; Tallahassee, Florida 32306, United States
| | - Aristidis Tsatsakis
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Medical School, University of Crete; Heraklion 71003, Greece
| | - Alexander I Vardavas
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Medical School, University of Crete; Heraklion 71003, Greece
| | - Wenjie Wang
- Key Laboratory of Forest Plant Ecology, Northeast Forestry University; Harbin 150040, China
- Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Science; Changchun 130102, China
| | - Eddy Y Zeng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University; Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Edward J Calabrese
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts; Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
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13
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Rocha-Santos T, Malafaia G. Special Collection "Microplastics 2022". J Hazard Mater 2022; 434:128838. [PMID: 35422369 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Guilherme Malafaia
- 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; 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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14
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Ferreira-Filipe DA, Paço A, Natal-da-Luz T, Sousa JP, Saraiva JA, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos T, Patrício Silva AL. Are mulch biofilms used in agriculture an environmentally friendly solution? - An insight into their biodegradability and ecotoxicity using key organisms in soil ecosystems. Sci Total Environ 2022; 828:154269. [PMID: 35276171 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Biobased and biodegradable plastic mulch films (aka, mulch biofilm) have emerged as a sustainable alternative to conventional plastic mulch films in agriculture, promising to reduce soil contamination with plastic residues through in situ biodegradation. However, current standards certifying biodegradable plastics cannot predict biodegradability in natural settings. The scarce studies considering the possible biodegradation and ecotoxicity of mulch biofilms in soil systems question the environmental friendliness of these alternative options. This study assessed the biodegradation of a commercially available mulch biofilm by the soil-dwelling fungus Penicillium brevicompactum (in solid culture media and soil for 15 and 28 days, respectively), and the ecotoxicological effects of mulch biofilm microplastics on the earthworm Eisenia andrei (pristine or UV-weathered, at 0.125-0.250-0.500 g/kg). Results (from microplastics' mass loss, microscopy, and FTIR spectroscopy) suggest that the presence of P. brevicompactum promotes mulch biofilm's biodegradation. Exposure to environmental concentrations of pristine biofilm microplastics (and its ingestion) increased earthworms' sensitivity to touch, induced physiological alterations, decreased energy reserves, and decreased their reproduction (>30%). Conversely, exposure to weathered biofilm microplastics slightly increased earthworms' sensitivity, as well as carbohydrate reserves,without affecting their reproduction. The tested mulch biofilm seems to be, at first sight, an environmentally friendly alternative as it presented susceptibility for biodegradation by a widespread fungus, and the absence of ecotoxicological chronic effects on a key macroinvertebrate species in soil ecosystems when considering environmental relevant concentrations and plastics weathered conditions. Notwithstanding, the obtained results highlight the need to revise current standards, as they often neglect the role of, and their chronic effects on, naturally occurring organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana Paço
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Tiago Natal-da-Luz
- University of Coimbra, Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - José Paulo Sousa
- University of Coimbra, Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Jorge A Saraiva
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ana L Patrício Silva
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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15
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Prata JC, Venâncio C, Girão AV, da Costa JP, Lopes I, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos T. Effects of virgin and weathered polystyrene and polypropylene microplastics on Raphidocelis subcapitata and embryos of Danio rerio under environmental concentrations. Sci Total Environ 2022; 816:151642. [PMID: 34822904 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [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: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are ubiquitous contaminants of freshwater ecosystems. However, few ecotoxicity assays have been conducted on freshwater organisms using environmentally relevant concentrations of virgin and weathered microplastics. This work assessed the adverse effects of virgin and artificially weathered fragments of polystyrene and polypropylene on the microalga Raphidocelis subcapitata (72 h growth inhibition assay) and on embryos of the fish Danio rerio (96 h fish embryo assay) under environmentally relevant concentrations (2000-200,000 MP L-1) and high concentrations (12.5-100 mg L-1). Sizes of microplastics were measured as tens (polystyrene) to hundreds (polypropylene) of micrometers, while aging was assessed by measuring the carbonyl index. In the microalga, the tested high concentrations promoted growth, while environmentally relevant concentration induced either growth inhibition or promotion. In zebrafish embryos, environmentally relevant concentrations decreased body length and heart rates. No relevant effects were observed in organisms exposed to high concentrations for mortality, malformations, hatching rates, and swimming bladder inflation. Virgin microplastics presented slightly higher toxicity but direct comparison was hindered by the lack of a linear dose-response curve. Despite the lack of a clear pattern, adverse effects were often observed in the lowest environmentally relevant concentrations, raising concerns over the impacts of microplastics on freshwater ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana C Prata
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Cátia Venâncio
- University of Coimbra, Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana V Girão
- Department of Materials Engineering and Ceramics (DEMaC) & Aveiro Institute of Materials (CICECO), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - João P da Costa
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Isabel Lopes
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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16
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Monteiro SS, Rocha-Santos T, Prata JC, Duarte AC, Girão AV, Lopes P, Cristovão T, da Costa JP. A straightforward method for microplastic extraction from organic-rich freshwater samples. Sci Total Environ 2022; 815:152941. [PMID: 35007581 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.152941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The extraction of microplastics from organic-rich freshwater samples is challenging and limited information is available in the literature. This study aims at developing efficient methods for water volume reduction and organic matter removal in freshwater samples, while focusing on the reduction of the economic and environmental costs, maintaining microplastics integrity and avoiding contamination. For the water volume reduction approach, centrifuging freshwater samples (water, sediment, algae, leaves, driftwood, fish tissue) at different speeds (3500, 6000 rpm) and times (5, 10 min) showed that 3500 rpm for 5 min was efficient to settle the mineral and organic material, while preserving the polymers and showing high microplastic recovering rates (93 ± 6%). These recovery rates were significantly higher than the traditional sieving approach (77 ± 22%). The posterior minimal consumption of reagents resulting from the reduction of water volume helped to reduce the economic and environmental costs of the devised methodology, becoming more aligned with green chemistry principles. For biogenic organic matter removal, four digestion solutions were tested on freshwater samples, namely 10% potassium hydroxide, Fenton reagent (30% H2O2 + Fe(II)), 7% and 10% sodium hypochlorite (NaClO), under 3 periods of time (1, 6 and 15 h), at 50 °C. Both 7% and 10% NaClO showed the highest rates of organic matter removal (86 ± 1% and 90 ± 1%, respectively), after 6 h at 50 °C. Exposure of virgin and aged polymers (polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, nylon, polyethylene terephthalate) to NaClO showed no weight, visual, surface structure, Fourier transform infrared spectra and carbonyl index changes, except for nylon, although not to an extent that affected its identification. This method resulted in high recovery rates of polymers (92 ± 6%). Thus, 7% NaClO at 50 °C for 6 h (or overnight) may be efficiently used for microplastic analysis in organic-rich freshwater samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia S Monteiro
- CESAM and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- CESAM and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Joana C Prata
- CESAM and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Armando C Duarte
- CESAM and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Ana Violeta Girão
- CICECO and Department of Materials and Ceramic Engineering, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | | | | | - João Pinto da Costa
- CESAM and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
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17
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Avellan A, Duarte A, Rocha-Santos T. Organic contaminants in marine sediments and seawater: A review for drawing environmental diagnostics and searching for informative predictors. Sci Total Environ 2022; 808:152012. [PMID: 34856284 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Marine ecosystems represent major sinks for persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Yet, while their regulations fit localized activity and emissions, POPs are mobile and can persist away from their source. The present review draws an environmental diagnostic of the organic substances studied over the past forty months, which ones accumulated the most, and where. Maximum reported concentration was used as a proxy for the accumulation of contaminants. POPs occurrences studied in the Jan 2018-April 2021 period were recorded into a database, along with (i) the geographical location of the sample and its coastal or offshore origin, (ii) the type of compartment analyzed (water vs sediment), as well as (iii) the POPs and the sample physical-chemical parameters reported. In the articles reviewed, maximum reported concentrations of POPs were in the ng/L range in seawater and in the μg/kg range in sediments. Some hotspots presented concentrations high enough to represent a hazard for sea organisms in the water columns (μg/L range) or in surficial sediments (mg/kg range). On a global scale, offshore (>1 km from the coast) maximum reported concentrations were, for the majority of the POPs, equivalent or higher than coastal ones. Finally, a POP solubility threshold (900 mg/L) was observed above which POPs would not be found in offshore waters, but only in sediments. This review highlights that studying POP accumulation away from their sources is fundamental for the diagnostic of long-lasting marine POPs contaminations. Further, POPs lipophilicity is a good predictor for offshore transport, and an indicator of interest for predicting sediment accumulation. Although POPs fate and transport in oceans is complex and require a finer analysis that this review could provide, the present work is a step forward identifying the hotspots in which POPs could be of particular concern, along with chemical indicators to predict for POPs accumulation in marine reservoirs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Avellan
- Department of Chemistry and CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Armando Duarte
- Department of Chemistry and CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Portugal
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18
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Patrício Silva AL, Tubić A, Vujić M, Soares AMVM, Duarte AC, Barcelò D, Rocha-Santos T. Implications of COVID-19 pandemic on environmental compartments: Is plastic pollution a major issue? J Hazard Mater Adv 2022; 5:100041. [PMID: 36743854 PMCID: PMC8702633 DOI: 10.1016/j.hazadv.2021.100041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 anthropause has impacted human activities and behaviour, resulting in substantial environmental and ecological changes. It has assisted in restoring the ecological systems by improving, for instance, air and water quality and decreasing the anthropogenic pressure on wildlife and natural environments. Notwithstanding, such improvements recessed back, even to a greater extent, when considering increased medical waste, hazardous disinfectants and other chemical compounds, and plastic waste disposal or mismanagement. This work critically reviews the short- and long-term implications of measures against COVID-19 spreading, namely on human activities and different environmental compartments. Furthermore, this paper highlights strategies towards environmental restoration, as the recovery of the lost environment during COVID-19 lockdown suggests that the environmental degradation caused by humans can be reversible. Thus, we can no longer delay concerted international actions to address biodiversity, sustainable development, and health emergencies to ensure environmental resilience and equitable recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana L Patrício Silva
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) and Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro 3810-193, Portugal
| | - Aleksandra Tubić
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 3, Novi Sad 21000, Serbia
| | - Maja Vujić
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 3, Novi Sad 21000, Serbia
| | - Amadeu M V M Soares
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) and Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro 3810-193, Portugal
| | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro 3810-193, Portugal
| | - Damià Barcelò
- Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA-CERCA), Scientific and Technological Park of the University of Girona, H2O Building, Emili Grahit 101, Girona 17003, Spain
- Water and Soil Quality Research Group, Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, Barcelona 08034, Spain
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro 3810-193, Portugal
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19
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Malafaia G, da Luz TM, Araújo APDC, Ahmed MAI, Rocha-Santos T, Barceló D. Novel methodology for identification and quantification of microplastics in biological samples. Environ Pollut 2022; 292:118466. [PMID: 34767867 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118466] [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: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Currently, the evidence of the ingestion of microplastics (MPs) by organisms or the accumulation in different environmental compartments has been achieved using several methodological procedures. However, its uses have not been standardized across studies. In this study, we aim to assess and validate a protocol that can be useful for optimizing the identification and quantification procedures of polyethylene microplastics (PE MPs) in biological samples. Initially, considering that numerous studies filter samples previously digested in cellulosic membranes for isolation and analysis of MPs, we evaluated whether washing these membranes with different reagents could contribute to the complete detachment of particles, as well as to their dispersion in the obtained solutions. However, none of the tested reagents (dimethyl sulfoxide, acetone, ethyl alcohol and chloroform), including purified water, was able to completely remove the MPs adhered to the membranes or facilitate their dispersion in the solutions. On the other hand, we observed that the digestion of the membranes by acetonitrile constituted a procedure that prevents the loss of particles due to adherence, in addition to promoting good dispersion of MPs. Subsequently, we evaluated the use of Neubauer chambers for the quantification of MPs, having observed a good recovery rate (>92%) and results with insignificant variation, in PE MPs solutions with different concentrations (0.15; 0.075 and 0.0375 mg/mL). Ultimately, the validation of the proposed procedures took place from the evaluation of the accumulation of PE MPs in Astyanax spp. juveniles, having demonstrated the efficiency and sensitivity of the method proposed for this purpose. Subsequently, our study provides a methodological alternative that can optimize MPs quantifications in biological samples and reduce the generation of biased or unreliable results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Malafaia
- Laboratório de Pesquisas Biológicas, Instituto Federal Goiano, Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Biotecnologia e Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ecologia e Conservação de Recursos Naturais, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Conservação de Recursos Naturais Do Cerrado, Instituto Federal Goiano, Urutaí, GO, Brazil.
| | | | - Amanda Pereira da Costa Araújo
- Laboratório de Pesquisas Biológicas, Instituto Federal Goiano, Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | | | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Damià Barceló
- Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA-CERCA), H2O Building, Scientific and Technological Park of the University of Girona, Emili Grahit 101, 17003, Girona, Spain; Water and Soil Quality Research Group, Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), JordiGirona 1826, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
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20
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Prata JC, da Costa JP, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos T. Suspected microplastics in Atlantic horse mackerel fish (Trachurus trachurus) captured in Portugal. Mar Pollut Bull 2022; 174:113249. [PMID: 34953263 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics have been found in fish, but most studies have focused on the digestive system without considering additional organs. Herein, the objective was to assess the presence of microplastics in internal organs (gills, guts, kidney, heart) of the Atlantic horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) captured of the coast of Portugal (Northeast Atlantic Ocean). Suspected microplastics were present in all organs, with particles of larger size (i.e., equivalent diameter) found in the gut and those of lower size in the heart and its luminal blood. Suspected microplastics of 1-10 μm were the most abundant (65.4%), more likely to translocate, owing to their minute size, but more difficult to properly characterize. These results highlight the need to expand the analytical work on organs and tissues for assessing microplastics in organisms, but also emphasize the actual need for developing analytical methods that allow for an accurate isolation, identification, and characterization of microplastics in biota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana C Prata
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - João P da Costa
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
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21
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Prata JC, Ribeiro AI, Rocha-Santos T. An introduction to the concept of One Health. One Health 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-822794-7.00004-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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22
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Prata JC, Silva ALP, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos T. The road to sustainable use and waste management of plastics in Portugal. Front Environ Sci Eng 2022; 16:5. [PMID: 34697576 PMCID: PMC8527967 DOI: 10.1007/s11783-021-1439-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED As a European Union (EU) member, Portugal must comply with reductions in plastic waste. In Portugal, the 330 items/100 m of beach litter, comprising up to 3.9 million pieces and of which 88% is plastic, is higher than the EU median (149 items/100 m) and must be reduced to 20 items/100 m (94%). Integrative measures are needed to reduce littering and improve plastics' use and disposal under the circular economy. Of this 414 kt of plastic packaging waste, 163 kt were declared plastic packaging, 140 kt subjected to recycling, and 94 kt to energy recovery. The current recycling rate of plastic packaging (34%) should be improved to reach EU recycling averages (42%) and goals and to provide widespread benefits, considering revenues of 167 €/t. As a net importer of waste, Portugal could benefit from the valorization of imported waste. Besides increased recycling, pyrolysis and gasification could provide short-term alternatives for producing value-added substances from plastic waste, such as hydrogen, consistent with the National Plan of Hydrogen and improving ongoing regulations on single-use plastics. This manuscript provides an integrative view of plastics in Portugal, from use to disposal, providing specific recommendations under the circular economy. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL Supplementary material is available in the online version of this article at 10.1007/s11783-021-1439-x and is accessible for authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana C. Prata
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ana L. Patrício Silva
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Armando C. Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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23
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Patrício Silva AL, Prata JC, Duarte AC, Barcelò D, Rocha-Santos T. An urgent call to think globally and act locally on landfill disposable plastics under and after covid-19 pandemic: Pollution prevention and technological (Bio) remediation solutions. Chem Eng J 2021; 426:131201. [PMID: 35791349 PMCID: PMC9248071 DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2021.131201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Landfilling and illegal waste disposal have risen to deal with the COVID-19 potentially infectious waste, particularly in developing countries, which aggravates plastic pollution and inherent environmental threats to human and animal health. It is estimated that 3.5 million metric tonnes of masks (equivalent to 601 TIR containers) have been landfilled worldwide in the first year, with the potential to increase global plastic municipal solid waste by 3.5%, alter biogas composition, and release 2.3 × 1021 microplastics to leachates or adjacent environments, in the coming years. This paper reviews the challenges raised in the pandemic scenario on landfills and discusses the potential environmental and health implications that might drive us apart from the 2030 U.N. sustainable goals. Also, it highlights some innovative technologies to improve waste management (from collection to disposal, waste reduction, sterilization) and mitigates plastic leakage (emission control approaches, application of biotechnological and monitoring/computational tools) that can pave the way to environmental recovery. COVID-19 will eventually subside, but if no action is taken in the short-term towards effective plastic policies, replacement of plastics for sustainable alternatives (e.g., biobased plastics), improvement of waste management streams (prioritising flexible and decentralized approaches), and a greater awareness and responsibility of the general public, stakeholders, industries; we will soon reach a tipping-point in natural environments worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana L Patrício Silva
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Joana C Prata
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Damià Barcelò
- Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA - CERCA), H2O Building, Scientific and Technological Park of the University of Girona, Emili Grahit 101, 17003 Girona, Spain
- Water and Soil Quality Research Group, Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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24
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Patrício Silva AL, Prata JC, Mouneyrac C, Barcelò D, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos T. Risks of Covid-19 face masks to wildlife: Present and future research needs. Sci Total Environ 2021; 792:148505. [PMID: 34465061 PMCID: PMC8217904 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [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: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The use of disposable face masks became essential to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in an unprecedented rise in their production and, unfortunately, to a new form of environmental contamination due to improper disposal. Recent publications reported the abundance of COVID-19-related litter in several environments, wildlife interaction with such items, and the contaminants that can be released from such protective equipment that has the potential to induce ecotoxicological effects. This paper provides a critical review of COVID-19 face mask occurrence in diverse environments and their adverse physiological and ecotoxicological effects on wildlife. It also outlines potential remediation strategies to mitigate the environmental challenge impose by COVID-19-related litter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana L Patrício Silva
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Joana C Prata
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Catherine Mouneyrac
- Mer Molécules Sante (MMS), Université Catholique de l'Ouest, 3 place André Leroy, BP10808, 49008 Angers CEDEX 01, France
| | - Damià Barcelò
- Catalan Institute for Water research (ICRA-CERCA), H2O Building, Scientific and Technological Park of the University of Girona, Emili Grahit 101,17003 Girona, Spain; Water and Soil Quality Research Group, Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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25
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Chouchene K, Rocha-Santos T, Ksibi M. Types, occurrence, and distribution of microplastics and metals contamination in sediments from south west of Kerkennah archipelago, Tunisia. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2021; 28:46477-46487. [PMID: 32632691 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-09938-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are one of the most significant solid waste pollutants in the marine environment and accumulate in sediments around worldwide. In this study, the pollution level, the type, occurrence, and distribution of MPs in sediments from the southwestern Kerkennah archipelago, Tunisia, were investigated. Sediment samples were collected from 20 adjacent sites through three "lines L1, L2, and L3." MPs were separated from sediment by density flotation (NaCl, 1.2 g cm-3) and characterized in terms of shape, size, and color using microscope. The accumulation of toxic chemicals such as trace metals on microplastics was measured by atomic absorption microwave-assisted acid extraction. Polymer types were identified using FTIR-ATR spectroscopy. This study showed that microplastics were found in all samples, which emphasized that their extensive distribution throughout three lines by an average abundance of "MPs" was 611 items/m2. Among the shape categories of plastic particles, fiber and fragment were the most dominant frequent shapes (94%). The more frequent colors found were white (52.7%) and transparent (35.1%). Regarding the sizes, the microplastics below 1 mm were the most common accounting for 97% of all plastics. Results of trace metals Zn, Cu, Pb, Cr, and Ni in sediments with concentrations were reported as 3.48 μg/g, 0.41 μg/g, 0.38 μg/g, 0.33 μg/g, and 0.12 μg/g, respectively. Graphical abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khawla Chouchene
- Laboratoire de Génie de l'Environnement et Ecotechnologie, Université de Sfax, GEET-ENIS, Route de Soukra km 4, Po. Box 1173, 3038, Sfax, Tunisia.
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Department of Chemistry and CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Mohamed Ksibi
- Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Sfax, Route de Soukra km 4, PO. Box 1175, 3038, Sfax, Tunisia
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Prata JC, Venâncio C, da Costa JP, Lopes I, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos T. Considerations when using microplates and Neubauer counting chamber in ecotoxicity tests on microplastics. Mar Pollut Bull 2021; 170:112615. [PMID: 34126447 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The ubiquity of microplastics raises issues regarding contamination control measures and laboratory practices. The objective was to adapt the use of counting chambers and plastic microplates on the ecotoxicity evaluation of microplastics. Counting chambers, originally used to quantify cells, can also be used to count high concentrations of microplastics (<100 μm) used in laboratory assays. By decontaminating the chamber and mixing the test solution with Nile Red (1:1), fluorescent particles can be easily counted under optical microscopy. Microplate wells, due to their composition, can be contaminated or release microplastics to the test medium, which can interfere with the results of ecotoxicity assays or spectroscopy readings. A cleaning method based on ethanol was developed, which effectively removed particles by 91% without interfering with microalgae yield. Besides providing practical applications that can improve ecotoxicity assays, this work intends to raise awareness on the need to adapt laboratory practices when working with microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana C Prata
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Cátia Venâncio
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Centre for Functional Ecology (CFE), Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João P da Costa
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Isabel Lopes
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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Prata JC, Sequeira IF, Monteiro SS, Silva ALP, da Costa JP, Dias-Pereira P, Fernandes AJS, da Costa FM, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos T. Preparation of biological samples for microplastic identification by Nile Red. Sci Total Environ 2021; 783:147065. [PMID: 34088143 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [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: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Many methods have been used to isolate and identify microplastics from biological matrices. In biological samples, Nile Red can stain undigested residues, such as fats, soaps, and gels formed during organic matter removal, hindering the identification of fluorescent microplastics (≥2 μm). Thus, adjustments on sample preparation (e.g., fat removal) are required for the accurate identification of Nile Red stained microplastics. Multiples tests allowed to identify that digestion with 10% KOH at 60 °C for 24 h, followed by treatments with boiling water, acetone, and staining, produced good results in fourteen biological samples, including vertebrates and invertebrates. Digestion efficiencies were 94-100%, except for feces, which were 87%. Recovery rates of spiked microplastics were 97-100%, and few effects were observed in the infrared spectra and carbonyl index of seven polymers, with only the occasional yellowing suggesting surface changes. Filtration rates were improved by reducing the amount of sample. Small fluorescent microplastics could be identified in all samples under the microscope. Overall, the proposed method was efficient in removing natural organic matter from biological samples for Nile Red staining, requiring minimal sample handling, improving sample throughput, and allowing quantification of fluorescent microplastics in biological samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana C Prata
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Inês F Sequeira
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Silvia S Monteiro
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Ana Luísa Patrício Silva
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - João P da Costa
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Patrícia Dias-Pereira
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute for the Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, Porto University (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal.
| | | | | | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.
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28
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Prata JC, da Costa JP, Fernandes AJS, da Costa FM, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos T. Selection of microplastics by Nile Red staining increases environmental sample throughput by micro-Raman spectroscopy. Sci Total Environ 2021; 783:146979. [PMID: 33866182 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Nile Red staining enables visual identification and quantification of fluorescent particles as a proxy to microplastics at low cost and high throughput, including those of small sizes (≥2 μm), when preceded by proper natural organic matter removal, but providing no chemical characterization. On the other hand, micro-spectroscopy methods allow chemical characterization of particles based on their spectra, essential for polymer identification, but are costly and time-consuming. This work addresses the combination of both Nile Red staining with micro-Raman spectroscopy for the identification of microplastics. Besides being useful for quantification, Nile Red staining can be advantageously used as an objective criterion for pre-selection of particles for micro-Raman spectroscopy, producing little interference. The use of the 442 nm laser in micro-Raman spectroscopy induces Nile Red luminescence thus allowing to target the specific suspected microplastics when using an orange filter, reducing the number of particles subjected to identification and improving sample throughput. Staining dyes could also be used for mapping suspected microplastics before targeted analysis by micro-Raman spectroscopy. Thus, coupling Nile Red with micro-Raman spectroscopy can be useful to improve time efficiency while using this equipment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana C Prata
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - João P da Costa
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | | | | | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
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Ferreira-Filipe DA, Paço A, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos T, Patrício Silva AL. Are Biobased Plastics Green Alternatives?-A Critical Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:ijerph18157729. [PMID: 34360022 PMCID: PMC8345407 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18157729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Environmental sustainability is driving an intense search for "green materials". Biobased plastics have emerged as a promising alternative. Their building blocks can now be obtained from diverse biomass, by-products, and organic residues due to the advances in biorefineries and bioprocessing technologies, decreasing the demand for fossil fuel resources and carbon footprint. Novel biobased polymers with high added value and improved properties and functionalities have been developed to apply diverse economic sectors. However, the real opportunities and risks of such novel biobased plastic solutions have raised scientific and public awareness. This paper provides a critical review on the recent advances in biobased polymers chemistry and emerging (bio)technologies that underpin their production and discusses the potential for biodegradation, recycling, environmental safety, and toxicity of these biobased solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana Paço
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (A.P.); (A.C.D.); (T.R.-S.)
| | - Armando C. Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (A.P.); (A.C.D.); (T.R.-S.)
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (A.P.); (A.C.D.); (T.R.-S.)
| | - Ana L. Patrício Silva
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal;
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Prata JC, da Costa JP, Lopes I, Andrady AL, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos T. A One Health perspective of the impacts of microplastics on animal, human and environmental health. Sci Total Environ 2021; 777:146094. [PMID: 33677304 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.7] [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: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics contamination is widespread in the environment leading to the exposure of both humans and other biota. While most studies overemphasize direct toxicity of microplastics, particle concentrations, characteristics and exposure conditions being used in these assays needs to be taken into consideration. For instance, toxicity assays that use concentrations over 100,000 times higher than those expected in the environment have limited practical relevance. Thus, adverse effects on animal and human health of current environmental concentrations are identified as a knowledge gap. Conversely, this does not suggest the lack of any significant effects of microplastics on a global scale. The One Health approach provides a novel perspective focused on the intersection of different areas, namely animal, human, and environmental health. This review provides a One Health transdisciplinary approach to microplastics, addressing indirect effects beyond simple toxicological effects. Microplastics can, theoretically, change the abiotic properties of matrices (e.g., soil permeability) and interfere with essential ecosystem functions affecting ecosystem services (e.g., biogeochemical processes) that can in turn impact human health. The gathered information suggests that more research is needed to clarify direct and indirect effects of microplastics on One Health under environmentally relevant conditions, presenting detailed knowledge gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana C Prata
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - João P da Costa
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Isabel Lopes
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Anthony L Andrady
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
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31
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Prata JC, Godoy V, da Costa JP, Calero M, Martín-Lara MA, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos T. Microplastics and fibers from three areas under different anthropogenic pressures in Douro river. Sci Total Environ 2021; 776:145999. [PMID: 33647658 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Sources contributing to specific concentration of microplastics and fibers are still not completely understood. This study aimed at assessing the concentrations of microplastics (2-5000 μm) and fibers (18-5667 μm) in three areas of distinct influences in the Douro river, Porto, Portugal: (i) a countryside area; (ii) a wastewater treatment effluent release zone; and (iii) an area in proximity to a boat dock and maintenance station. Nile Red staining coupled with microscopy allowed the identification of small microplastics (≥2 μm) with a median concentration of the three areas of 231 MP L-1. Most were fragments (69%). Sizes <40 μm were the most abundant (84%). Highest concentrations of microplastics were found near the boat dock/maintenance and lowest in the countryside area. Fibers were mostly natural (non-synthetic, 63%). Highest concentrations of fibers were found in the area influenced by the wastewater effluent, especially of synthetic fibers, and lowest in the countryside area. Concentration of all fibers and synthetic fibers was 46 F L-1 and 6 F L-1, respectively. High concentrations of microplastics and fiber contamination suggest that the wastewater treatment plant effluent and boat dock/maintenance are the likely sources originating hotspot areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana C Prata
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Veronica Godoy
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - João P da Costa
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Monica Calero
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - M A Martín-Lara
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
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32
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Chouchene K, Prata JC, da Costa J, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos T, Ksibi M. Microplastics on Barra beach sediments in Aveiro, Portugal. Mar Pollut Bull 2021; 167:112264. [PMID: 33780756 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MPs) pollution has been recognized as a serious threat to marine environment with the growing use of plastics. There is no sufficient data on the extent and characteristics of MPs pollution in the beach sediments and sand in the Atlantic Ocean. The coastal area is one of the main tourist zones in Aveiro in Portugal, thus, impacted by both tourism and maritime traffic, which are major sources of MPs. Considering this issue, 33 sediment samples were collected from the Praia da Barra beach in Aveiro. This pilot study showed that large quantities of MPs are accumulated on this beach with a median concentration of 100 MP kg-1 (15-320 MP kg-1), that is dominated by polyethylene (30%), polypropylene (27%), polystyrene (18%), nylon (12%), and polyester (6%). Size <1 mm constituted 99.5% of particles, mostly of transparent or black colors, with highest concentrations closest to the water line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khawla Chouchene
- Université de Sfax, Laboratoire de Génie de l'Environnement et Ecotechnologie, GEET-ENIS, Route de Soukra km 4, Po. Box 1173, Sfax 3038, Tunisia.
| | - Joana C Prata
- CESAM and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Portugal
| | - João da Costa
- CESAM and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Armando C Duarte
- CESAM and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Portugal
| | | | - Mohamed Ksibi
- Université de Sfax, Laboratoire de Génie de l'Environnement et Ecotechnologie, GEET-ENIS, Route de Soukra km 4, Po. Box 1173, Sfax 3038, Tunisia
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Prata JC, Castro JL, da Costa JP, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos T, Cerqueira M. Corrigendum to "The importance of contamination control in airborne fibers and microplastic sampling: Experiences from indoor and outdoor air sampling in Aveiro, Portugal" [Mar. Pollut. Bull. 159 (2020) 111522]. Mar Pollut Bull 2021; 166:111888. [PMID: 33707059 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Joana C Prata
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Joana L Castro
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Environment and Planning, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - João P da Costa
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Mário Cerqueira
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Environment and Planning, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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Prata JC, Reis V, da Costa JP, Mouneyrac C, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos T. Contamination issues as a challenge in quality control and quality assurance in microplastics analytics. J Hazard Mater 2021; 403:123660. [PMID: 33264868 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.123660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are widely distributed environmental contaminants. To understand their impacts on the environment and health, more high-quality results are needed. Since microplastics are present in every environment, including indoor air, proper precautions must be adopted in order to prevent contamination of samples and overestimation of environmental concentrations. Thus, to guarantee a proper quality of results, researchers must adopt strict contamination control measures. This review was conducted to understand current contamination control practices. A total of 50 studies published in 2019 were reviewed, including sampling of biota, air, soil, sediment, freshwater and saltwater, regarding 10 contamination control parameters. Overall, studies usually only comply with 4 out of 10 of these measures, which include avoiding the use of plastic materials, covering samples with glass lids or aluminum foil, filtering solutions, or running procedural blanks. The importance of these measures is also exemplified with real observation of contamination. Finally, seven measures to control for contamination are suggested in order to improve the quality of results in microplastic sampling in future assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana C Prata
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Vanessa Reis
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - João P da Costa
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Catherine Mouneyrac
- Mer Molécules Sante (MMS), Université Catholique de l'Ouest, 3 place André Leroy, BP10808, 49008, Angers Cedex 01, France.
| | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
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Patrício Silva AL, Prata JC, Walker TR, Duarte AC, Ouyang W, Barcelò D, Rocha-Santos T. Increased plastic pollution due to COVID-19 pandemic: Challenges and recommendations. Chem Eng J 2021; 405:126683. [PMID: 32834764 PMCID: PMC7430241 DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2020.126683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 322] [Impact Index Per Article: 107.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Plastics have become a severe transboundary threat to natural ecosystems and human health, with studies predicting a twofold increase in the number of plastic debris (including micro and nano-sized plastics) by 2030. However, such predictions will likely be aggravated by the excessive use and consumption of single-use plastics (including personal protective equipment such as masks and gloves) due to COVID-19 pandemic. This review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview on the effects of COVID-19 on macroplastic pollution and its potential implications on the environment and human health considering short- and long-term scenarios; addressing the main challenges and discussing potential strategies to overcome them. It emphasises that future measures, involved in an emergent health crisis or not, should reflect a balance between public health and environmental safety as they are both undoubtedly connected. Although the use and consumption of plastics significantly improved our quality of life, it is crucial to shift towards sustainable alternatives, such as bio-based plastics. Plastics should remain in the top of the political agenda in Europe and across the world, not only to minimise plastic leakage and pollution, but to promote sustainable growth and to stimulate both green and blue- economies. Discussions on this topic, particularly considering the excessive use of plastic, should start soon with the involvement of the scientific community, plastic producers and politicians in order to be prepared for the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana L Patrício Silva
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Joana C Prata
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Tony R Walker
- School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Wei Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Damià Barcelò
- Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA), H2O Building, Scientific and Technological Park of the University of Girona, Emili Grahit 101, 17003 Girona, Spain
- Water and Soil Quality Research Group, Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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Godoy V, Prata JC, Blázquez G, Almendros AI, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos T, Calero M, Martín-Lara MÁ. Effects of distance to the sea and geomorphological characteristics on the quantity and distribution of microplastics in beach sediments of Granada (Spain). Sci Total Environ 2020; 746:142023. [PMID: 33027872 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [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: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics became an unprecedented challenge and mapping their contamination all over the world is needed in order to establish baseline levels and identify the polymers in order to enhance adequate legislation and policy. The main objective of this study is to demonstrate the existence of microplastic pollution on three beaches on the coast of Granada (Spain), namely La Herradura, Motril Beach and La Rábita, characterizing the particles and the relationships in their distribution. This may contribute supporting the studies carried out at a national level in accordance with the Directive on Marine Strategy (2008/56/EC). The results showed a greater median concentration of particles/kg of dry sediment in La Herradura (45.0 ± 24.7) than in Motril (31.5 ± 21.5) and La Rábita (22.0 ± 23.2). These data revealed a higher contamination by microplastics in an enclosed bay-type beach (La Herradura) in comparison with open delta-type beaches. The predominant morphologies were microspheres and fragments, with maximum median concentrations of 38.0 ± 23.7 and 6.0 ± 0.7 particles/kg, respectively. The distribution and size of the particles is affected by the geomorphological and sedimentary characteristics of these beaches, which are different from any other in Spain and in the Mediterranean in general. The beaches of Granada showed more microplastic contamination than Greek or Slovenian beaches, but less than other Spanish beaches. In this area of the Mediterranean, the presence of microplastics can be affected by the wind, sea currents or methodological aspects such as the pore size of the filters used. All of these factors were analysed when comparing the beaches of Granada with other Mediterranean beaches. This study shows that there is contamination by microplastics on the beaches of Granada, which have been little explored until now due to the difficult geological and granulometric characteristics, and gives support to other national studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verónica Godoy
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain.
| | - Joana C Prata
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Gabriel Blázquez
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain.
| | | | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Mónica Calero
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain.
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Patrício Silva AL, Prata JC, Walker TR, Campos D, Duarte AC, Soares AMVM, Barcelò D, Rocha-Santos T. Rethinking and optimising plastic waste management under COVID-19 pandemic: Policy solutions based on redesign and reduction of single-use plastics and personal protective equipment. Sci Total Environ 2020; 742:140565. [PMID: 32622168 PMCID: PMC7324921 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 204] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.0] [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: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Plastics have been on top of the political agenda in Europe and across the world to reduce plastic leakage and pollution. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has severely disrupted plastic reduction policies at the regional and national levels and induced significant changes in plastic waste management with potential for negative impacts in the environment and human health. This paper provides an overview of plastic policies and discusses the readjustments of these policies during the COVID-19 pandemic along with their potential environmental implications. The sudden increase in plastic waste and composition due to the COVID-19 pandemic underlines the crucial need to reinforce plastic reduction policies (and to implement them into action without delays), to scale up in innovation for sustainable and green plastics solutions, and to develop dynamic and responsive waste management systems immediately. Policy recommendations and future research directions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana L Patrício Silva
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Joana C Prata
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Tony R Walker
- School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Diana Campos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Amadeu M V M Soares
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Damià Barcelò
- Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA), H2O Building, Scientific and Technological Park of the University of Girona, Emili Grahit 101, 17003 Girona, Spain; Water and Soil Quality Research Group, Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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Sequeira IF, Prata JC, da Costa JP, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos T. Worldwide contamination of fish with microplastics: A brief global overview. Mar Pollut Bull 2020; 160:111681. [PMID: 33181954 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [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: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Widespread contamination of microplastics may lead to internalization in fish. This literature review from March 2019 to March 2020 details that a median of 60% of fish, belonging to 198 species captured in 24 countries, contain microplastics in their organs. Carnivores species ingested more microplastics than omnivores. Only 14% of fish were from aquaculture. Most studies focused on digestive systems, with presence in other organs currently being insufficiently assessed. Based on this assessment, knowledge gaps that should be addressed in future studies were identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês F Sequeira
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Joana C Prata
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - João P da Costa
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
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Prata JC, Paço A, Reis V, da Costa JP, Fernandes AJS, da Costa FM, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos T. Comment on recent article "Identification of microplastics in white wines capped with polyethylene stoppers using micro-Raman spectroscopy", published in Food Chemistry (2020). Food Chem 2020; 342:128363. [PMID: 33268163 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2020.128363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joana C Prata
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Ana Paço
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Vanessa Reis
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - João P da Costa
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | | | | | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
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Prata JC, Castro JL, da Costa JP, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos T, Cerqueira M. The importance of contamination control in airborne fibers and microplastic sampling: Experiences from indoor and outdoor air sampling in Aveiro, Portugal. Mar Pollut Bull 2020; 159:111522. [PMID: 32771665 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Airborne microplastics and microfibers are released from daily materials, contaminating both indoor and outdoor air. Sampling in Aveiro, Portugal, revealed concentrations of 6 fibers m-3, with more synthetic fibers found in outdoor than indoor (8.5% vs. 4.1%, n = 6), with variations in fiber characteristics between sampling periods. Suspected microplastics (<10 μm) also followed this trend (12 vs. 5 particles m-3). Synthetic fibers presented peculiar characteristics, with larger median sizes of 513 μm and 90% of lighter colors. Nonetheless, numerous fibers and suspected microplastics were found in field blanks, possibly from sampling contamination, reducing the reliability of results. Few previous works have reported field blanks so far, raising concerns about the quality of their results as well. Thus, quality assurance measures should be more strictly applied when working with airborne fibers and microplastics, while more research should focus on the factors involved in the variation of concentrations and characteristics of airborne fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana C Prata
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Joana L Castro
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Environment and Planning, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - João P da Costa
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Mário Cerqueira
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Environment and Planning, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
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Prata JC, da Costa JP, Lopes I, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos T. Environmental status of (micro)plastics contamination in Portugal. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2020; 200:110753. [PMID: 32450440 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.110753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [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: 05/20/2019] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Plastics and microplastics are ubiquitous contaminants in aquatic ecosystems. This critical review is the first attempt at analyzing sources, concentration, impacts and solutions of (micro)plastic litter in Portugal based on all currently available literature. We found that, besides sea-based sources (e.g. shipping, fishing), 5717 t of mismanaged waste and 4.1 trillion microplastics from wastewater, mostly from untreated wastewater, are released to the environment every year. The highest concentrations are found in the North, Center and Lisbon regions, mostly comprised of consumer products, fishing gear and microplastics (<5 mm), especially fragments and pellets. This contamination has resulted in ingestion of plastics by organisms, including mussels, fishes, birds and turtles. Thus, every Portuguese citizen may consume 1440 microplastics a year based on the consumption of mollusks. Awareness campaigns, improvements in waste management and reductions in the release of untreated wastewater are recommended measures to reduce plastic pollution in Portugal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana C Prata
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - João P da Costa
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Isabel Lopes
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
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Prata JC, Silva ALP, Walker TR, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos T. COVID-19 Pandemic Repercussions on the Use and Management of Plastics. Environ Sci Technol 2020; 54:7760-7765. [PMID: 32531154 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c02178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 390] [Impact Index Per Article: 97.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Plastics are essential in society as a widely available and inexpensive material. Mismanagement of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a monthly estimated use of 129 billion face masks and 65 billion gloves globally, is resulting in widespread environmental contamination. This poses a risk to public health as waste is a vector for SARS-CoV-2 virus, which survives up to 3 days on plastics, and there are also broad impacts to ecosystems and organisms. Concerns over the role of reusable plastics as vectors for SARS-CoV-2 virus contributed to the reversal of bans on single-use plastics, highly supported by the plastic industry. While not underestimating the importance of plastics in the prevention of COVID-19 transmission, it is imperative not to undermine recent progress made in the sustainable use of plastics. There is a need to assess alternatives that allow reductions of PPE and reinforce awareness on the proper public use and disposal. Finally, assessment of contamination and impacts of plastics driven by the pandemic will be required once the outbreak ends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana C Prata
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ana L P Silva
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Tony R Walker
- School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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Prata JC, Silva ALP, Walker TR, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos T. COVID-19 Pandemic Repercussions on the Use and Management of Plastics. Environ Sci Technol 2020; 54:7760-7765. [PMID: 32531154 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c02178.0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Plastics are essential in society as a widely available and inexpensive material. Mismanagement of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a monthly estimated use of 129 billion face masks and 65 billion gloves globally, is resulting in widespread environmental contamination. This poses a risk to public health as waste is a vector for SARS-CoV-2 virus, which survives up to 3 days on plastics, and there are also broad impacts to ecosystems and organisms. Concerns over the role of reusable plastics as vectors for SARS-CoV-2 virus contributed to the reversal of bans on single-use plastics, highly supported by the plastic industry. While not underestimating the importance of plastics in the prevention of COVID-19 transmission, it is imperative not to undermine recent progress made in the sustainable use of plastics. There is a need to assess alternatives that allow reductions of PPE and reinforce awareness on the proper public use and disposal. Finally, assessment of contamination and impacts of plastics driven by the pandemic will be required once the outbreak ends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana C Prata
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ana L P Silva
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Tony R Walker
- School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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Prata JC, Alves JR, da Costa JP, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos T. Major factors influencing the quantification of Nile Red stained microplastics and improved automatic quantification (MP-VAT 2.0). Sci Total Environ 2020; 719:137498. [PMID: 32120106 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.137498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [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: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Automated count of Nile Red fluorescent microplastics allows fast and reliable quantification. However, factors involving staining, digital camera conditions and settings introduce variability to the results. The objective of this paper is to identify and propose solutions to these factors and improve on the previous MP-VAT script. While removal of digital sensor defects had little influence on results and staining can be reduced to 5 min, Nile Red concentrations cannot be reduced <0.01 mg mL-1, the 470 nm LED lantern emission must be >1600 lx, and photographic conditions should be maintained as stable as possible ideally improving the filter membrane area and using the recommended settings of 2 s, ISO100, F5.6. It was also found that Nile Red can be removed from microplastics using acetone or hydrogen peroxide with iron. More importantly, both particles and fluorescent are lost with time and thus quantification should be conducted within a week. Finally, MP-VAT 2.0 was developed to remove unselected areas and to identify only red particles, excluding white reflections from quantification. This updated version of MP-VAT produced improved recovery rates of 98.2 ± 6.9 for spiked samples and 95.9 ± 10.3 on actual environmental samples, presenting a cheap and reliable complementary method for microplastic identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana C Prata
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Jorge R Alves
- Faculty of Architecture, University of Porto, 4150-564 Porto, Portugal.
| | - João P da Costa
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
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Prata JC, Reis V, Paço A, Martins P, Cruz A, da Costa JP, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos T. Effects of spatial and seasonal factors on the characteristics and carbonyl index of (micro)plastics in a sandy beach in Aveiro, Portugal. Sci Total Environ 2020; 709:135892. [PMID: 31884269 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/01/2019] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Coastal environments are highly contaminated with plastics of various sizes. In order to understand the distribution and factors influencing (micro)plastics contamination in the environment, sampling of a sandy beach in Costa Nova, Aveiro, Portugal, was conducted by collecting plastic particles and sediments for density separation in transects from the mean low tide line to the dunes, during wet and dry seasons. For surface collection, microplastics comprised 69.4% of plastics, presenting concentrations of 3-6 items m-2 in the wet season, mostly polyethylene pellets carried ashore by storms, and <1 item m-2 for dry season, lower due to less backwashing, were found. Collection of infrared spectra of these particles allowed characterization by polymer type and carbonyl index of all particles. Variations in carbonyl index were found to be related to season, site and particle color. Density separated microplastics, mostly fibers, presented 23 times higher concentrations than surface collection (22 microplastics kg-1, 280 microplastics m-2), due to the identification of smaller sizes, and with higher concentrations in dry seasons, likely from accumulation in sediment and bathing season. Overall, different sampling methods allowed identification of different particle types and sizes, which may vary according to seasonal and spatial factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana C Prata
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Vanessa Reis
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Ana Paço
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Patrícia Martins
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Ana Cruz
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - João P da Costa
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
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46
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Prata JC, da Costa JP, Lopes I, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos T. Environmental exposure to microplastics: An overview on possible human health effects. Sci Total Environ 2020; 702:134455. [PMID: 31733547 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 740] [Impact Index Per Article: 185.0] [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: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are ubiquitous environmental contaminants leading to inevitable human exposure. Even so, little is known about the effects of microplastics in human health. Thus, in this work we review the evidence for potential negative effects of microplastics in the human body, focusing on pathways of exposure and toxicity. Exposure may occur by ingestion, inhalation and dermal contact due to the presence of microplastics in products, foodstuff and air. In all biological systems, microplastic exposure may cause particle toxicity, with oxidative stress, inflammatory lesions and increased uptake or translocation. The inability of the immune system to remove synthetic particles may lead to chronic inflammation and increase risk of neoplasia. Furthermore, microplastics may release their constituents, adsorbed contaminants and pathogenic organisms. Nonetheless, knowledge on microplastic toxicity is still limited and largely influenced by exposure concentration, particle properties, adsorbed contaminants, tissues involved and individual susceptibility, requiring further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Correia Prata
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - João P da Costa
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Isabel Lopes
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
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Prata JC, Castro JL, da Costa JP, Duarte AC, Cerqueira M, Rocha-Santos T. An easy method for processing and identification of natural and synthetic microfibers and microplastics in indoor and outdoor air. MethodsX 2019; 7:1-9. [PMID: 31890642 PMCID: PMC6931130 DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2019.11.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Microplastics and microfibers can contaminate every matrix, including in the atmosphere, thus leading to incidental inhalation. However, concentrations of airborne synthetic particle in indoor and outdoor environments are not well understood due to the complexities of sampling, sample processing and identification. This work aims at producing a simple protocol to determine the concentrations of airborne microplastics and fibers. This is accomplished by removing organic matter using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), followed by removal of mineral matter by density separation with sodium iodide (NaI). Finally, identification of fibers into synthetic or natural under the stereomicroscope can be achieved following a diagram produced by systematically observing the most common textile fibers. This method produces a recovery rate of 94.4 % for spiked samples and has been proven suitable for environmental samples. Fibers and microplastics in air are easier to identify after carbonaceous matter removal; No loss of microfiber is expected from the solutions used; Recovery rates of spiked samples is 94.4 %.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana C Prata
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Joana L Castro
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.,Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Environment and Planning, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - João P da Costa
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Mário Cerqueira
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Environment and Planning, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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Prata JC, Reis V, Matos JTV, da Costa JP, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos T. A new approach for routine quantification of microplastics using Nile Red and automated software (MP-VAT). Sci Total Environ 2019; 690:1277-1283. [PMID: 31470490 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.07.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are widespread contaminants in the environment. However, most identification protocols rely on long and subjective visual counting, which could be improved using staining dyes. Thus, the objective of this work is to identify the best staining dye protocol and create an objective and quick automated counting software for microplastics. Tests were conducted to identify the most appropriate of eight staining dye solutions and of six wavelengths for virgin and weathered synthetic polymers, textile fibers, natural organic matter and filters. Nile Red produced the best results (without interfering in infrared spectra) rendering microplastics fluorescent at 254 nm, but with limited number of fluorescent polymers, and at 470 nm (with orange filter), with fluorescence of plastics as well as natural organic matter (requiring a digestion step). Next, a script was developed in ImageJ for the automatic quantification and characterization in shape (fiber, fragment, particle) and size of fluorescent microplastics, the Microplastics Visual Analysis Tool (MP-VAT). MP-VAT was evaluated, producing recovery rates in the range of 89.0-111.1% in spiked filters under 470 nm. Furthermore, this package is accompanied by a script that sets a scale from a known filter diameter, MP-SCALE, and a script that allows user threshold setting, MP-ACT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana C Prata
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Vanessa Reis
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - João T V Matos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - João P da Costa
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
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Prata JC, da Costa JP, Girão AV, Lopes I, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos T. Identifying a quick and efficient method of removing organic matter without damaging microplastic samples. Sci Total Environ 2019; 686:131-139. [PMID: 31176812 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.05.456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.6] [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: 04/11/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Natural organic matter may confound the detection of microplastics, requiring a removal step. However, most available protocols are long and lack information on removal efficiency and polymer degradation. Thus, we have determined the digestion efficiency (%) for a pool of organic matter (algae, driftwood, feathers, fish muscle, paraffin, palm oil) for five digestion solutions, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), hydrogen peroxide with iron catalyst (H2O2 + Fe), potassium hydroxide (KOH), nitric acid (HNO3), and sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), under two temperatures (room temperature at 25 °C, 50 °C) and two periods (1, 6 h). H2O2 + Fe and KOH at 50 °C for 1 h had the highest digestion efficiencies, of 65.9% and 58.3% respectively (mostly limited by driftwood and paraffin). Further testing revealed that H2O2 + Fe is more appropriate for plant material and KOH for animal tissue. Weight loss (%), Fourier transform infrared spectrometry and carbonyl index of 9 virgin and 6 weathered polymers (polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, cellulose acetate, nylon) revealed that only identification of cellulose acetate was hindered. Filters were also tested revealing that quartz and glass fibre filters are resistant to these protocols. Thus, a digestion protocol based on H2O2 + Fe or KOH at 50 °C for 1 h may be used on microplastic samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana C Prata
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - João P da Costa
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Ana V Girão
- Department of Materials Engineering and Ceramics (DEMaC), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Isabel Lopes
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
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Ferreira MPS, Santos PSM, Caldeira MT, Estrada AC, da Costa JP, Rocha-Santos T, Duarte AC. White bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) as a sorbent for the removal of zinc from rainwater. Water Res 2019; 162:170-179. [PMID: 31272042 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2019.06.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [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: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The present work aimed to assess the sorption capacity of the common white bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) to remove Zn(II) from rainwater, rendering it suitable for use in buildings, and the efficiency of the process was evaluated for two initial Zn(II) concentrations, representing high (100 μg L-1) and very high (500 μg L-1) levels of Zn(II) in rainwater. The effects of the amount of beans (1, 5 and 10 beans per 50 mL), as well as the initial pH values of the zinc solution [acid (4), neutral (5.6) and basic (7) for atmospheric waters] were also assessed. The removal of Zn from water was affected by the change in pH values. When 5 and 10 beans were used, after 4 h and 2 h of contact time, respectively, the accumulated Zn(II) on the beans was released back into the solution, and this release occurred first for the highest tested pH value. The sorption rate of Zn(II) from the solution increased with the increasing amount of beans, but for 5 and 10 beans this only took place up to 4 h and 2 h, respectively. Furthermore, the removal percentages of Zn(II) increased with the increase of the initial concentrations of the metal in water. Kinetic studies revealed that a pseudo-first-order model provided the best fitting for the experimentally obtained values. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy coupled with attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) analyses of the bean shells and cores indicated that contact with a Zn(II) solution did not cause notable alterations to the chemical structures of these bean components. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analyses suggested that the process of sorption occurred at the surface of the beans (shells). The results obtained in this study also suggest that the matrix of rainwater samples did not interfere with the removal of metal, and that the process of the removal of Zn(II) by the white beans can be applied to real samples. On the whole, results indicate that for the removal of Zn(II) from rainwater, 1 bean up to 6 h, or 5 and 10 beans up to 2 h can be used per 50 mL for the removal of up to 60% of Zn(II) present in water, thus constituting a viable solution for the effective reduction of this metal in rainwater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica P S Ferreira
- CESAM & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Patrícia S M Santos
- CESAM & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Maria T Caldeira
- CESAM & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ana C Estrada
- CICECO & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - João P da Costa
- CESAM & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- CESAM & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Armando C Duarte
- CESAM & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
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