Microplastics in freshwater river sediments in Shanghai, China: A case study of risk assessment in mega-cities,

Environmental Pollution, Volume 234, 2018, Pages 448-456, ISSN 0269-7491,

Abstract:

Microplastics, which are plastic debris with a particle diameter of less than 5 mm, have attracted growing attention in recent years. Its widespread distributions in a variety of habitats have urged scientists to understand deeper regarding their potential impact on the marine living resources.
Most studies on microplastics hitherto are focused on the marine environment, and research on risk assessment
methodology is still limited. To understand the distribution of microplastics in urban rivers, this study investigated river sediments in Shanghai, the largest urban area in China.
Seven sites were sampled to ensure maximum coverage of the city’s central districts, and a tidal flat was also included to compare with river samples. Density separation, microscopic inspection and μ-FT-IR analysis were conducted to analyze the characteristics of microplastics and the type of polymers.
The average abundance of microplastics in six river sediment samples was 802 items per kilogram of dry weight. The abundance in rivers was one to two orders of magnitude higher than in the tidal flat. White microplastic spheres were most commonly distributed in river sediments. Seven types of microplastics were identified, of which
polypropylene was the most prevailing polymers presented.
The study then conducted risk assessment of microplastics in sediments based on the observed results, and proposed a framework of environmental risk assessment. After reviewing waste disposal related legislation and
regulations in China, this study conclude that in situ data and legitimate estimations should be incorporated as part of the practice when developing environmental policies aiming to tackle microplastic pollution.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1KQy0_3mV4Bi0ymswMoWZlEvJXpycyjAy
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2017.11.034.

(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0269749117332797)

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Accumulation, tissue distribution, and biochemical effectsof polystyrene microplastics in the freshwater fish red tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus),

Environmental Pollution, Volume 238, July 2018, Pages 1-9, ISSN 0269-7491,

Abstract:

While the presence of microplastics (MPs) in marine environments has
been detected worldwide, the importance of MPs pollution in freshwater
environments has also been emphasized in recent years.

However, the body of knowledge regarding the biological effects of MPs on freshwater
organisms is still much more limited than on marine organisms.
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the accumulation and tissue
distribution of MPs in the freshwater fish red tilapia (Oreochromis
niloticus), as well as the biochemical effects of MPs on O. niloticus.

During 14 days of exposure to 0.1 μm polystyrene-MPs at concentrations of 1, 10, and 100 μg L−1, the MPs concentrations in various tissues of O. niloticus generally increased over time following the order
gut > gills > liver ≈ brain. Moreover, the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in the fish brain was inhibited by MPs exposure, with a maximum inhibition rate of 37.7%, suggesting the potential neurotoxicity of MPs
to freshwater fish.
The activities of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes [7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) and
7-benzyloxy-4-trifluoromethyl-coumarin O-dibenzyloxylase (BFCOD)] in the fish liver exhibited clear temporal variabilities, with significant decreases followed by elevations compared to the control. The alterations of the EROD and BFCOD activities indicate the potential involvement of CYP enzymes for the metabolism of MPs. The activity of
antioxidative enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the liver was significantly induced throughout the exposure period, while the malondialdehyde (MDA) content did not vary with MPs exposure, suggesting
that the antioxidative enzymatic system in O. niloticus could prevent oxidative damage. These results highlight the ingestion and accumulation of MPs in different tissues of freshwater fish, which lead to perturbations in fish biological systems and should be considered in environmental risk assessment.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=14VQmb-JuSwVXvpObAffYWLlo2tECdaZh
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2018.03.001.

(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0269749117342355)

The post Accumulation, tissue distribution, and biochemical effectsof polystyrene microplastics in the freshwater fish red tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) appeared first on One Earth - One Ocean e. V..

Accumulation, tissue distribution, and biochemical effects of polystyrene microplastics in the freshwater fish red tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus),
Environmental Pollution, Volume 238, July 2018, Pages 1-9, ISSN 0269-7491,

Abstract:

While the presence of microplastics (MPs) in marine environments has been detected worldwide, the importance of MPs pollution in freshwater environments has also been emphasized in recent years. However, the body of knowledge regarding the biological effects of MPs on freshwater organisms is still much more limited than on marine organisms.
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the accumulation and tissue distribution of MPs in the freshwater fish red tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), as well as the biochemical effects of MPs on O. niloticus.
During 14 days of exposure to 0.1 μm polystyrene-MPs at concentrations of 1, 10, and 100 μg L−1, the MPs concentrations in various tissues of O. niloticus generally increased over time following the  order gut > gills > liver ≈ brain.
Moreover, the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in the fish brain was inhibited by MPs exposure, with a maximum
inhibition rate of 37.7%, suggesting the potential neurotoxicity of MPs to freshwater fish. The activities of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes [7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) and 7-benzyloxy-4-trifluoromethyl-coumarin O-dibenzyloxylase (BFCOD)] in the fish liver exhibited clear temporal variabilities, with significant
decreases followed by elevations compared to the control. The alterations of the EROD and BFCOD activities indicate the potential involvement of CYP enzymes for the metabolism of MPs. The activity of antioxidative enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the liver was significantly induced throughout the exposure period, while the
malondialdehyde (MDA) content did not vary with MPs exposure, suggesting that the antioxidative enzymatic system in O. niloticus could prevent oxidative damage.
These results highlight the ingestion and accumulation of MPs in different tissues of freshwater fish, which lead to
perturbations in fish biological systems and should be considered in environmental risk assessment.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=14VQmb-JuSwVXvpObAffYWLlo2tECdaZh
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2018.03.001.(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0269749117342355)

The post Accumulation, tissue distribution, and biochemical effects of polystyrene microplastics in the freshwater fish red tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) appeared first on One Earth - One Ocean e. V..

Environmental Pollution, Volume 235, 2018, Pages 680-691, ISSN 0269-7491,

Abstract:

Plastic debris has become an environmental problem during
recent years. Among the plastic debris, microplastics (<5 mm; MPLs)
imply an extra problem due to their capacity to enter into the fauna
through ingestion. In this work, we study the capacity of three MPLs,
that include high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polystyrene (PS) and
polystyrene carboxylate (PS-COOH), to sorb 18 perfluoroalkyl substances
(PFASs; including carboxylic acids, sulphonates and one sulphonamide)
from the surrounding waters (freshwater and seawater). Conclusions drawn
from the results are that perfluoro sulphonates and sulphonamides have
more tendency to be sorbed onto MPLs. In addition, PS and PS-COOH have
more affinity for PFASs than HDPE. Finally, the increment of
conductivity and pH of the water decreases the exposure time that is
necessary to reach equilibrium. However, the presence of salts decreases
the tendency of PFASs to be sorbed onto plastic surfaces. These results
highlight the problem associated with the presence of MPLs in inland and
marine waters since toxic compounds can be sorbed onto surrounding
plastics that could be ingested by aquatic fauna.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1rtdzyjDJ0A375NPIpVx_KudbRZihrEQc

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2017.12.075.(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0269749117323436)

The post Adsorption of perfluoroalkyl substances on microplastics under environmental conditions appeared first on One Earth - One Ocean e. V..

Adsorption of perfluoroalkyl substances on microplastics under environmental conditions,
Environmental Pollution, Volume 235, 2018, Pages 680-691, ISSN 0269-7491,

Abstract:

Plastic debris has become an environmental problem during recent years. Among the plastic debris, microplastics (<5 mm; MPLs) imply an extra problem due to their capacity to enter into the fauna through ingestion.
In this work, we study the capacity of three MPLs, that include high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polystyrene (PS) and polystyrene carboxylate (PS-COOH), to sorb 18 perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs; including carboxylic acids, sulphonates and one sulphonamide) from the surrounding waters (freshwater and seawater). Conclusions drawn from the results are that perfluoro sulphonates and sulphonamides have more tendency to be sorbed onto MPLs. In addition, PS and PS-COOH have more affinity for PFASs than HDPE. Finally, the increment of conductivity and pH of the water decreases the exposure time that is necessary to reach equilibrium. However, the presence of salts decreases the tendency of PFASs to be sorbed onto plastic surfaces.
These results highlight the problem associated with the presence of MPLs in inland and marine waters since toxic compounds can be sorbed onto surrounding plastics that could be ingested by aquatic fauna.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1rtdzyjDJ0A375NPIpVx_KudbRZihrEQc

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2017.12.075.(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0269749117323436)

The post Adsorption of perfluoroalkyl substances on microplastics under environmental conditions appeared first on One Earth - One Ocean e. V..

Micro-plastic ingestion by waterbirds from contaminated wetlands in South Africa,

Marine Pollution Bulletin,Volume 126, 2018, Pages 330-333, ISSN 0025-326X,

Abstract:

Despite a large literature on the impacts of micro-plastic
pollution in marine ecosystems, very little research has focused on
these pollutants in freshwater ecosystems. Recently, however, a few
studies have demonstrated that micro-plastic pollutants are ingested by
freshwater taxa, including birds. To explore this potential
environmental threat in African freshwater systems we quantified
micro-plastic pollutants in the faeces and feather brushings of seven
southern African duck species. We analysed 283 faecal samples and 408
feather brushings, and found that 5% of faecal samples and 10% of
feather samples contained micro-plastic fibres. The presence and
abundance of micro-fibres differed between sampling sites, with
significantly higher amounts recorded for the site that received
effluent from a sewage treatment facility. Additionally, micro-fibre
presence differed across duck species, indicating that foraging
behaviour affects plastic ingestion. Our study confirms that African
freshwater ecosystems and the biodiversity they support are under threat
from micro-plastic contamination.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X17309773/pdfft?md5=22349905c39abfd10049e1654cf4bc5d&pid=1-s2.0-S0025326X17309773-main.pdf

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1bMtjfJEvk7s_hK8Lu-MQETqoDaFYY-lk

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.11.021.(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X17309773)

The post Micro-plastic ingestion by waterbirds from contaminated wetlands in South Africa appeared first on One Earth - One Ocean e. V..

Marine Pollution Bulletin, Volume 126, 2018, Pages 330-333, ISSN 0025-326X,

Abstract:

Despite a large literature on the impacts of micro-plastic pollution in marine ecosystems, very little research has focused on
these pollutants in freshwater ecosystems. Recently, however, a few studies have demonstrated that micro-plastic pollutants are ingested by
freshwater taxa, including birds. To explore this potential environmental threat in African freshwater systems we quantified
micro-plastic pollutants in the faeces and feather brushings of seven southern African duck species.

We analysed 283 faecal samples and 408 feather brushings, and found that 5% of faecal samples and 10% of feather samples contained micro-plastic fibres. The presence and abundance of micro-fibres differed between sampling sites, with significantly higher amounts recorded for the site that received effluent from a sewage treatment facility. Additionally, micro-fibrepresence differed across duck species, indicating that foraging behaviour affects plastic ingestion. Our study confirms that African freshwater ecosystems and the biodiversity they support are under threat from micro-plastic contamination.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X17309773/pdfft?md5=22349905c39abfd10049e1654cf4bc5d&pid=1-s2.0-S0025326X17309773-main.pdf
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.11.021.(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X17309773)

The post Micro-plastic ingestion by waterbirds from contaminated wetlands in South Africa appeared first on One Earth - One Ocean e. V..

Variation in plastic abundance at different lake beach zones – A case study,

Science of The Total Environment, Volumes 613–614, 1 February 2018,
Pages 530-537, ISSN 0048-9697

Abstract:

Plastic particles in marine and freshwater environments span from macroscopic to microscopic size classes. Each may have a different
impact on individuals, populations and ecosystems, but still the wide variety of methods used in beach sediment sampling inhibit comparisons among studies and therefore hampers a risk assessment. A large portion of the uncertainties is due to differing sampling strategies.

By quantifying the alongshore distribution of macro- and microplastic particles within five beaches of Lake Garda, we aim to shed light on the accumulation behavior of microplastic particles at an exemplary lake which might give indications for potential sampling zones.

The identification of plastic at the single particle level with a spatial resolution down to 1 μm was performed by Raman microspectroscopy. Given the time consuming approach we reduced the number of samples in the field but increased the spatial area where a single sample was taken, by utilizing a transect approach in combination with sediment cores (5 cmdepth).

The study revealed that, in comparison to the water line and the high-water line, the drift line of all five beaches always contained
plastic particles. Since the drift line accumulate particulate matter on a relatively distinct zone, it will enable a comparable sampling of
microplastic particles. The applied sampling approach provided a representative method for quantifying microplastic down to 1 μm on a
shore consisting of pebbles and sand. Hence, as first step towards a harmonization of beach sediment sampling we suggest to perform sampling at the drift line, although further methodological improvements are still necessary.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.08.300.

(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969717323227)

The post Variation in plastic abundance at different lake beach zones – A case study appeared first on One Earth - One Ocean e. V..

Abstract:
Plastic particles in marine and freshwater environments span from
macroscopic to microscopic size classes. Each may have a different
impact on individuals, populations and ecosystems, but still the wide
variety of methods used in beach sediment sampling inhibit comparisons
among studies and therefore hampers a risk assessment. A large portion
of the uncertainties is due to differing sampling strategies.

By quantifying the alongshore distribution of macro- and microplastic
particles within five beaches of Lake Garda, we aim to shed light on the
accumulation behavior of microplastic particles at an exemplary lake
which might give indications for potential sampling zones. The
identification of plastic at the single particle level with a spatial
resolution down to 1 μm was performed by Raman microspectroscopy. Given
the time consuming approach we reduced the number of samples in the
field but increased the spatial area where a single sample was taken, by
utilizing a transect approach in combination with sediment cores (5 cm
depth).

The study revealed that, in comparison to the water line and the
high-water line, the drift line of all five beaches always contained
plastic particles. Since the drift line accumulate particulate matter on
a relatively distinct zone, it will enable a comparable sampling of
microplastic particles. The applied sampling approach provided a
representative method for quantifying microplastic down to 1 μm on a
shore consisting of pebbles and sand. Hence, as first step towards a
harmonization of beach sediment sampling we suggest to perform sampling
at the drift line, although further methodological improvements are
still necessary.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.08.300.

(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969717323227)

The post Variation in plastic abundance at different lake beach zones – A case study appeared first on One Earth - One Ocean e. V..