Is the microplastic selective according to the habitat? Records inamphioxus sands, Mäerl bed habitats and Cymodocea nodosa habitats,

Marine Pollution Bulletin,
Volume 130,
2018,
Pages 179-183,
ISSN 0025-326X,

Abstract:

This study estimated for the first time the total loads of
plastic litter (macro- meso- and micro-plastics) in sediments of
different habitat types from the Northern Adriatic Sea. Samples were
collected in March 2016. The sampling sites were settled in shoreline,
on the C. nodosa bottoms, Amphioxus sands, and Mäerl bed habitats.
Microplastics items were present in all sampling site and ranging within
137-703 items/kg d.w. from Mäerl bed habitat to the shoreline. In C.
nodosa bottoms 170 items/kg d.w. were found, while in Amphioxus sands
were recorded on average 194 items/kg d.w. Due to the absence of
statistical associations among litter levels and abundance of B.
lanceolatum in the study area, this research present the needs to
develop a new method and more research to for the evaluation of how much
the interrelation between sensible habitats and microplastic exist.

The post Is the microplastic selective according to the habitat? Records inamphioxus sands, Mäerl bed habitats and Cymodocea nodosa habitats appeared first on One Earth - One Ocean e. V..

The distribution and morphology of microplastics in coastal soils adjacent to the Bohai Sea and the Yellow Sea,

Geoderma,
Volume 322,
2018,
Pages 201-208,
ISSN 0016-7061,

Abstract:

Microplastics (<5 mm) are considered to be emerging pollutants
of global concern. Investigations on microplastics pollution in coastal
and marine environments have increased recently but knowledge gaps still
exist regarding microplastics in coastal beach soils with high-intensity
human activities. In the present study a total of 120 soil samples were
taken from 53 sites along >3000 km of coastline in Shandong province,
east China, adjacent to both the Bohai Sea and the Yellow Sea coastlines
under different land use management. Microplastics were separated from
the soil samples using a continuous flow and floating separation
apparatus. The shape type, size, abundance, spatial distribution,
polymer composition and surface morphology of the microplastics were
identified by a range of advanced microscopic and micro-analytical
methods. The analytical results show that seven shape types, namely
foams, pellets, fragments, flakes, fibers, films and sponges, were
present in the beach soils. The polymer composition of the microplastics
included polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyether urethane
and a polymer blend of both polyethylene and polypropylene.
Approximately 60% of the observed microplastics had a size range < 1 mm.
Microplastic abundance varied greatly among the soils, ranging from 1.3
to 14,712.5 N kg−1 (dry weight) as influenced by high-intensity human
activities such as mariculture, tourism, and port construction. The
seven shape types of microplastics from the coastal environment had
different weathering surface morphologies, showing scratches, creases,
micropores, cracks, either concave or convex, and of various shapes and
sizes, possibly due to physical friction, photochemical oxidation and/or
animal attack. Algae or crude oil was observed on the surface of some
microplastics. The weathered surfaces of microplastics might act as a
high-capacity carrier with adhering microorganisms and chemicals.
Further studies are required on the weathering processes, sorption
capacity and transport of microplastics especially in smaller size
(<1 mm) under coastal conditions.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=131wx-tA08xrjZVl5nZZWTV34jpwqsOMW
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2018.02.015.(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S001670611732150X)

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Microplastics in sediments from the littoral zone of the north Tunisian coast (Mediterranean Sea),

Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science,
Volume 205,
2018,
Pages 1-9,
ISSN 0272-7714,

Abstract:

The distribution of microplastics (MPs) was investigated in
the sediments of five sampling sites from the northern Tunisian coast
during June 2017. MPs were categorized according to type, colour and
size. Representative MPs from the five sites were isolated for polymer
identification using Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy in
attenuated total reflectance mode (FTIR-ATR). Results showed that MPs
were recovered, from all sediment samples, indicating for the first
time, their extensive distribution in Tunisian coast. Concentrations
varied from 141.20 ± 25.98 to 461.25 ± 29.74 items kg−1 dry weight.
Fibres, fragments, Styrofoam®, pellets and films were the types
registered in this study. With the exception of Menzel Bourguiba (MB),
fibres significantly outnumbered plastic particles followed by
fragments, Styrofoam®, films and pellets. The predominant colours are as
follows: black > clear > white > red > blue > green for fibres,
blue > white > clear > red > green > yellow > black for fragments,
blue > white > black > clear for films while only white pellets and
Styrofoam® were found. MPs particles ranged from 0.1 to 5 mm in length.
A total of three polymer types were identified, polyethylene (PE),
polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene (PS). Except for industrial pellets,
the presence of MPs is likely due to the degradation of marine plastic
debris accumulating in each site. This work provides original data of
the presence of MPs in coastal sediments from Northern Tunisian coast.
Keywords: Microplastics; Sediment; FTIR-ATR; Northern Tunisia

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1S8wNX6OTqilFGAwjBgNDWToYEqbDNOnR
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecss.2018.03.006.(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0272771417310806)

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The influence of microplastics and halogenated contaminants in feed on toxicokinetics and gene expression in European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax),

Environmental Research,
Volume 164,
2018,
Pages 430-443,
ISSN 0013-9351,

Abstract:

When microplastics pollute fish habitats, it may be ingested
by fish, thereby contaminating fish with sorbed contaminants. The
present study investigates how combinations of halogenated contaminants
and microplastics associated with feed are able to alter toxicokinetics
in European seabass and affect the fish. Microplastic particles (2%)
were added to the feed either with sorbed contaminants or as a mixture
of clean microplastics and chemical contaminants, and compared to feed
containing contaminants without microplastics. For the contaminated
microplastic diet, the accumulation of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
and brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in fish was significantly higher,
increasing up to 40 days of accumulation and then reversing to values
comparable to the other diets at the end of accumulation. The
significant gene expression results of liver (cyp1a, il1β, gstα) after
40 days of exposure indicate that microplastics might indeed exacerbate
the toxic effects (liver metabolism, immune system, oxidative stress) of
some chemical contaminants sorbed to microplastics. Seabass quickly
metabolised BDE99 to BDE47 by debromination, probably mediated by
deiodinase enzymes, and unlike other contaminants, this metabolism was
unaffected by the presence of microplastics. For the other PCBs and
BFRs, the elimination coefficients were significantly lower in fish fed
the diet with contaminants sorbed to microplastic compared to the other
diets. The results indicate that microplastics affects liver
detoxification and lipid distribution, both of which affect the
concentration of contaminants.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1c3uQVivv0FV2n_yYbEAatccNUGlVjMdo
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2018.02.035.(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013935117313610)

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Influence of microplastics on the accumulation and chronic toxic effects of cadmium in zebrafish (Danio rerio),

Chemosphere,
2018,
ISSN 0045-6535,

Abstract:

As the accumulation of microplastics (MPs) in the environment
continues to rise, more concerns focus on the health risk of combined
exposure to MPs and other contaminants. The aim of this study is to
investigate the influences of MPs on the tissue-accumulation of cadmium
(Cd) in zebrafish and explore the related chronic toxic effects induced
by combined exposure of Cd and MPs. After co-exposure to MPs and Cd for
3 weeks, 20 and 200 μg/L MPs increased the accumulation of Cd in
zebrafish livers (46% and 184%), guts (10% and 25%) and gills (9% and
46%). The Cd accumulation was gill > gut > liver. Comprehensive analyzes
of biochemical biomarkers, histopathological observation and functional
gene expression firstly demonstrated that the presence of MPs enhanced
the toxicity of Cd on zebrafish and the combined exposure caused
oxidative damage and inflammation in zebrafish tissues. Collectively,
our results highlight the chronic effects of combined exposure to MPs
and heavy metals.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=19QNBzSwS5Fa24OhiUuVA6i0mES68Q5vh
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.03.145.(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0045653518305629)

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Microplastics in the environment: Challenges in analytical chemistry – A review,

Analytica Chimica Acta,
Volume 1017,
2018,
Pages 1-19,
ISSN 0003-2670,

Abstract:

Microplastics can be present in the environment as
manufactured microplastics (known as primary microplastics) or resulting
from the continuous weathering of plastic litter, which yields
progressively smaller plastic fragments (known as secondary
microplastics). Herein, we discuss the numerous issues associated with
the analysis of microplastics, and to a less extent of nanoplastics, in
environmental samples (water, sediments, and biological tissues), from
their sampling and sample handling to their identification and
quantification. The analytical quality control and quality assurance
associated with the validation of analytical methods and use of
reference materials for the quantification of microplastics are also
discussed, as well as the current challenges within this field of
research and possible routes to overcome such limitations.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1LgCH1YDMzaEyBxF0X9qB6cYa22FrGarh
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aca.2018.02.043.(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0003267018302587)

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Microplastics in freshwater systems: A review on occurrence, environmental effects and methods
for microplastics detection,

Water Research,
Volume 137,
2018,
Pages 362-374,
ISSN 0043-1354,

Abstract:

The continuous increase in synthetic plastic production and
poor management in plastic waste have led to a tremendous increase in
the dumping into our aqueous environment. Consequently, microplastics
commonly defined as sizes less than 5 mm are produced and stay in both
seawater and freshwater environment. The presence of microplastics as a
new type of emerging contaminant has become a great issue of concerns
from public and government authorities. The sources of microplastics to
freshwater systems are many with the largest portion from wastewater
treatment plants. The abundance of microplastics varies with the
location, from above 1 million pieces per cubic meter to less than 1
piece in 100 cubic meters. Microplastics can cause several harmful
physical effects on humans and living organisms through such mechanisms
as entanglement and ingestion. The microplastics can act as carriers of
various toxins such as additives from industrial production processes
and persistent contaminants by the sorption in waters. Those toxins may
cause great health problems to humans. A few studies on the fishes
demonstrated that the microplastics and the associated toxins are
bio-accumulated and cause such problems as intestinal damage and change
in metabolic profiles. In studies of microplastics, fresh water is first
sampled by the nets with typical mesh size of 330 μm for collection of
microplastics. After the volume reducing process, the samples will then
go through the purification process including density separation by such
inorganic salts as sodium chloride and digestion process by oxidizing
agents or enzymes. The sequence of these two processes (namely
purification and digestion) is dependent on the sample type. The
purified samples can be studied by several analytical methods. The
commonly used methods for the qualification studies are FTIR
spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, pyrolysis-GC/MS, and liquid
chromatography. A tagging method can be used in the quantification
study. Our literature study finds that there is still no universal
accepted quantification and qualification tools of microplastics in
fresh waters. More work is anticipated so as to obtain accurate
information on microplastics in freshwater, which can then be used for
the better assessment of the environmental risk.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1j__KAjYyC0c42WZCTKNgoHAHud3KJhvE
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2017.12.056.(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0043135417310515)

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Spatial and temporal distribution of microplastics in water and sediments of a freshwater system (Antuã
River, Portugal),

Science of The Total Environment, Volume 633, 15
August 2018, Pages 1549-1559, ISSN 0048-9697,

Abstract:

Microplastics (particles with a size < 5 mm), one of the most emerging
aquatic pollutants, are of particular concern since they can reach high
densities and interact with biotic and abiotic environment. The
occurrence of microplastics in freshwater systems is less understood
than in marine environment. Hence, the present study aims to provide new
insights into microplastics abundances and distribution in Antuã River
(Portugal) by applying the isolation method of wet peroxide oxidation
with addition of zinc chloride to water and sediment samples collected
in March and October 2016, in three sampling sites. The abundance of
microplastics in water ranged from 5 to 8.3 mg m−3 or 58–193 items m−3
in March and from 5.8–51.7 mg m−3 or 71–1265 items m−3 in October. In
sediments, the abundance ranged from 13.5–52.7 mg kg−1 or 100–629 items
kg−1 in March and from 2.6–71.4 mg kg−1 or 18–514 items kg−1 in October.
The water and sediment samples with the greatest abundances were from
São João da Madeira and Aguincheira, respectively. Spatio-temporal
distribution showed different pattern according to methodological
approaches, seasonal and hydrodynamic conditions and the proximity to
urban/industry areas. Analysis of plastics by Fourier transform infrared
spectroscopy underline polyethylene and polypropylene as the most common
polymer types identified in this work. The low medium high oxidation
ratio was 56:22:22 (%) in March and 61:31:8 (%) in October. Foams and
fibers were the most abundant type in São João da Madeira, while fibers
and fragments were the most abundant in Aguincheira and Estarreja in
water and sediment samples, respectively. This study emphasizes the
importance of rivers as carriage systems of microplastics. Further
studies should be performed to identify point sources in order to
mitigate the microplastics contamination in aquatic systems.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1nH49vUagp8VOyd9POU59LpI_a_WKpxsc
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.03.233.(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969718309926)

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Microplastics in surface waters of Dongting Lake and Hong Lake, China,

Science of The Total Environment,
Volume 633,
2018,
Pages 539-545,
ISSN 0048-9697,

Abstract:

Microplastics pollution is an environmental issue of
increasing concern. Much work has been done on the microplastics
pollution in the marine environments. Although freshwaters are potential
sources and transport pathways of plastic debris to the oceans, there is
a lack of knowledge regarding the presence of microplastics in
freshwater systems, especially in China, the world’s largest producer of
plastics. This study investigated the occurrence and properties of
microplastics in surface waters of two important lakes in the middle
reaches of the Yangtze River. The concentration ranges of microplastics
in Dongting Lake and Hong Lake were 900–2800 and 1250–4650n/m3,
respectively. Fiber was the dominant shape. Colored items occupied the
majority. Particles with a size of <330μm comprised >20% of total
microplastics collected in both lakes. Most of the selected particles
were identified as plastics, with polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene
(PP) being the major components. This study can provide valuable
reference for better understanding the microplastics pollution in inland
freshwater ecosystems.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1ktnqBMVIrr6nBH0Lis6vUtsav4Jy1g6c
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.03.211.(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969718309707)

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Microplastic ingestion by Daphnia magna and its enhancement on algal growth,

Science of The Total Environment,
Volume 633,
2018,
Pages 500-507,
ISSN 0048-9697,

Abstract:

The rapid increase in plastic use over the last few decades
has resulted in plastic pollution in freshwater and marine ecosystems.
However, more attention has been paid to plastic pollution in marine
ecosystems than to freshwater ecosystems. This research determined
microplastic ingestion by Daphnia magna and the potential effect of
microplastics on the organism’s survival and reproduction. The study
also examined the potential of microplastics to enhance algal growth in
support of understanding effects of microplastic ingestion on the
organism. When exposed to 25, 50, and 100mg/L fluorescent green
polyethylene microbeads at size of 63–75μm, D. magna ingested
significant amount of plastic microbeads. The number of ingested beads
increased with increasing particle concentration and exposure time.
However, no significant effect on survival and reproduction was observed
although the gut of D. magna was filled with plastic microbeads. In the
algal experiment, Raphidocelis subcapitata grew more in the exposure
media with the present of plastic microbeads than without plastic
microbeads. This result suggests that plastic microbeads could serve as
substrates for R. subcapitata to grow. Raphidocelis subcapitata then
could be transferred to the organism’s gut and provided energy for
survival and reproduction. Results of the present study add to the
literature of microplastic ingestion by aquatic organisms. Caution
should be taken when interpreting hazards of microplastics based on
ingestion, such as the measurement unit and the presence of algae in the
environment.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1nTftG0NvCpA2OD3R-RZviFxCdxewU6Bd
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.03.176.(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969718309355)

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