Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yanping Tan, Jiangyu Dai, Xiufeng Wu, Shiqiang Wu, Jianmin Zhang
Summary: Microplastics (MPs) entering aquatic environments from non-point sources are difficult to manage and have received global attention. This article reviews the detection methods, characteristics, abundances, and removal methods of non-point source MPs in aquatic environments. The lack of reliable and uniform detection methods is a major challenge. Constructed wetlands (CWs) have been proposed as a sustainable and efficient treatment technology for removing non-point source MPs. Fibers, fragments, and films are the dominant shapes of non-point source MPs, with polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polystyrene as the main polymer types. Precipitation, filtration, and ingestion are the main removal methods in CWs. The removal efficiency of fibers in CWs is relatively lower compared to other shapes. Vegetation and organisms in CWs can enhance the removal efficiency of MPs and prevent substrate clogging. Future research should focus on standardization and the development of efficient treatment materials.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Madhuraj Palat Kannankai, Appu Jose Babu, Amal Radhakrishnan, Riya Kumbukattu Alex, Abhinab Borah, Suja Purushothaman Devipriya
Summary: Conventional meta-analysis is ineffective at analyzing the distribution of marine microplastic polymers on a global level. This study utilized machine learning to show the distribution of microplastic polymers in different ocean compartments and identified the most abundant polymers. It also revealed the underestimation of microfiber abundance and the significant role of ocean currents in microplastic transport. Machine learning-aided meta-analysis is proposed as an effective technique to formulate data-driven policies for combating microplastic pollution.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Stephen Nyabire Akanyange, Yan Zhang, Xiaohan Zhao, Gifty Adom-Asamoah, Abdul-Rasheed Abubakari Ature, Cosmos Anning, Chen Tianpeng, Huaqing Zhao, Xianjun Lyu, John C. Crittenden
Summary: Microplastic pollution is increasing globally, with a wide range of sources including plastic debris, synthetic textiles, and personal care products. Research on this issue is concentrated in regions such as Asia and Europe, with limited studies in Africa and South America. The major types of microplastics identified are polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, and polyester. While the confirmation of the effects of microplastics on human health is still in the early stages, global measures to contain and reduce microplastic contamination should be strengthened.
SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Mohammad Boshir Ahmed, Md Saifur Rahman, Jahangir Alom, Md Saif Hasan, M. A. H. Johir, M. Ibrahim H. Mondal, Da-Young Lee, Jaeil Park, John L. Zhou, Myung-Han Yoon
Summary: Microplastics pollution has become a severe environmental concern, with sources from personal care products, synthetic clothing, and wastewater treatment plants. Analytical methods such as pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and Raman spectroscopy are used for MP identification. Among various removal technologies, membrane bioreactor shows the highest efficiency, while hybrid treatment technologies demonstrate the highest removal efficacies for MPs.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
P. S. Goh, H. S. Kang, A. F. Ismail, W. H. Khor, L. K. Quen, D. Higgins
Summary: The contamination of microplastics in aquatic environment is a serious threat to the ecosystem, and efforts are needed to remove them. Current water treatment technologies can partially remove microplastics, but more research is needed to improve the removal efficiency. Nanomaterials show potential in enhancing the removal of microplastics from water environments, and further studies should focus on utilizing nanomaterials to improve the efficiency of microplastic removal.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Beatriz Zachello Nunes, Yuyue Huang, Victor Vasques Ribeiro, Siqi Wu, Henrik Holbech, Lucas Buruaem Moreira, Elvis Genbo Xu, Italo B. Castro
Summary: Despite the existing literature on microplastics in marine environments, their status and impacts on global Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) remain unknown. This study collected extensive data and used a GIS-based approach to analyze microplastic occurrence in MPAs, finding that 68 out of 52 MPAs were contaminated. The study also summarized the wide range of microplastic levels in MPAs and discussed the limitations and future directions for addressing microplastic pollution in MPAs.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Maocai Shen, Yougong Li, Biao Song, Chenyun Zhou, Jilai Gong, Guangming Zeng
Summary: Cigarette butts, composed of cellulose acetate, release microplastics that have a serious impact on aquatic organisms, but research is still in its early stages. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the release mechanism, potential impacts, and take measures to reduce the effects.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Guangjing Qian, Lai Zhang, Yuxin Chen, Chi Xu
Summary: We investigate the cascading effects of microplastic ingestion by fish on both upper and lower trophic levels in a well-studied aquatic ecosystem model, and find that increasing microplastics in planktivorous fish can cause population structure effects and abrupt declines in fish biomass and reproduction, leading to an ecosystem-level tipping point.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Francisco Belzagui, Valentina Buscio, Carmen Gutierrez-Bouzan, Mercedes Vilaseca
Summary: Microplastic pollution is a growing environmental concern, with cigarette butts containing smoked filters identified as a significant source of microplastics with potential ecological toxicity.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nastaran Razeghi, Amir Hossein Hamidian, Chenxi Wu, Yu Zhang, Min Yang
Summary: Common methods and tools for sampling microplastics in freshwater ecosystems include using Manta trawls for surface water and shovel, trowel, spade, scoop, and spatula for sediments, with Van Veen grab commonly used for deep sediment sampling. There is a need to develop optimal methods to reduce identification time and effort, and to detect smaller-sized plastic particles.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Micaela Buteler, Ethel Villalobos, Andrea Marina Alma, Leonel Silva, Juan Pablo Tomba
Summary: Microplastics from non-woven microfiber wipes used to trap small hive beetles were found to contaminate bees and honey. The study raises concerns about the incorporation of microfibers into the ecosystem and food chain.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pankaj Bhatt, Vinay Mohan Pathak, Ahmad Reza Bagheri, Muhammad Bilal
Summary: Microplastic, as a potential marine and terrestrial pollutant, causes severe ecological problems and is closely related to health issues, requiring effective remediation through physicochemical and microbial technologies.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Agata Egea-Corbacho, Ana Pilar Martin-Garcia, Ana A. Franco, Gemma Albendin, Juana M. Arellano, Rocio Rodriguez-Barroso, M. Dolores Coello, Dolores Coello, Jose F. Cabello, Iria Iglesias Prado, Erik-jan Malta
Summary: This study investigates the impact of microplastics (MP) on aquaculture systems, covering water intake, purification treatment, culture tanks, feed, and the organism. The study shows that purification systems can reduce the entry of MP from the environment, but new MP are observed in the sea bass tank, mainly due to added feed and materials used in aquaculture systems. Different types of MP are found in the sea bass samples. Consideration and reduction of other entry routes are necessary to prevent MP from reaching the human consumer in aquaculture facilities.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Setyo Budi Kurniawan, Nor Sakinah Mohd Said, Muhammad Fauzul Imron, Siti Rozaimah Sheikh Abdullah
Summary: Microplastics are an emerging global concern, especially in aquatic environments. Recent research has highlighted the sources of microplastic pollution and their potential threats to the environment. Further study is needed to understand the origins, trophic transfer mechanisms, and potential risks of microplastic pollution.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Oluchi Mbachu, Graham Jenkins, Prasad Kaparaju, Chris Pratt
Summary: The surge in plastic materials usage and poor handling has led to an increase in microplastic pollution in soils, affecting soil properties, plant health, and microbial activity. The effects of microplastics on soil properties and rhizosphere function vary depending on soil type and microplastic characteristics, with associations between microplastic properties and soil functional parameters. Targeting future research directions on this important topic that intersects all of the Earth's spheres.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Review
Ecology
Jake Martin, Maria Granberg, Jennifer F. Provencher, Max Liborion, Liz Pijogge, Kerstin Magnusson, Ingeborg G. Hallanger, Melanie Bergmann, Stefano Aliani, Alessio Gomiero, Bjorn Einar Grosvik, Jesse Vermaire, Sebastian Primpke, Amy L. Lusher
Summary: Plastic pollution in the Arctic is a high priority for the Arctic Council, and assessments are being conducted on litter and microplastics. Water and sediment have been identified as key areas for monitoring plastics, providing information on their presence, fate, and potential impacts on ecosystems. However, the current data on plastic pollution in the Arctic is limited and collected using inconsistent methods, highlighting the need for a harmonized and coordinated effort to gather reliable data.
Review
Ecology
Sebastian Primpke, Andy M. Booth, Gunnar Gerdts, Alessio Gomiero, Tanja Koegel, Amy Lusher, Jakob Strand, Barbara M. Scholz-Boettcher, Francois Galgani, Jennifer Provencher, Stefano Aliani, Shreyas Patankarl, Katrin Vorkamp
Summary: The pollution caused by plastics in the environment, including the Arctic region, is a growing concern globally. While larger plastic pieces are easily noticeable, the presence of smaller microplastics poses a threat to Arctic biota and human health. This review discusses the analytical tools, quality assurance, and quality control measures necessary for the identification, quantification, and characterization of microplastics in the Arctic, as well as the importance of standardized data reporting.
Article
Ecology
Jennifer F. Provencher, Stefano Aliani, Melanie Bergmann, Madelaine Bourdages, Lene Buhl-Mortensen, Francois Galgani, Alessio Gomiero, Maria Granberg, Bjorn Einar Grosvik, Bonnie M. Hamilton, Tanja Koegel, Jan Rene Larsen, Amy L. Lusher, Mark L. Mallory, Peter Murphy, Ilka Peeken, Sebastian Primpke, Jakob Strand, Katrin Vorkamp
Summary: The Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme has published a plan and guidelines for the monitoring of litter and microplastics in the Arctic. The article discusses the challenges, opportunities, and future strategies in the long-term monitoring of litter and microplastics in this region. It highlights the need for environmental conditions, standardized measurements, harmonized data storage, and filling knowledge gaps for effective monitoring. The integration of knowledge from northern and indigenous communities and an ecosystem-based approach are also emphasized.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hannah De Frond, Win Cowger, Violet Renick, Susanne Brander, Sebastian Primpke, Suja Sukumaran, Dounia Elkhatib, Steve Barnett, Maria Navas-Moreno, Keith Rickabaugh, Florian Vollnhals, Bridget O'Donnell, Amy Lusher, Eunah Lee, Wenjian Lao, Gaurav Amarpuri, George Sarau, Silke Christiansen
Summary: Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman microspectroscopy are utilized in microplastics research for chemical identification. The variables influencing successful identification of un-weathered microplastics in drinking water samples using these techniques were examined. Physical characteristics of particles and instrumental parameters were found to be correlated with identification accuracy, with different variables being important for each method. Technical recommendations for improving capabilities of both methods and the need for harmonization of spectral reference libraries were provided.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Irene Coralli, Isabel Gossmann, Daniele Fabbri, Barbara M. Scholz-Boettcher
Summary: Polyurethanes (PUR) are a group of polymers with numerous possible structures. This study aimed to analyze PUR in microplastic (MP) samples using pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The use of tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) was found to improve the analytical results by reducing the interactions between pyrolytic MP analytes and the organic matrix of the samples.
ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Sonya R. Moses, Lisa Roscher, Sebastian Primpke, Benedikt Hufnagl, Martin G. J. Loeder, Gunnar Gerdts, Christian Laforsch
Summary: One of the biggest challenges in microplastic research is the lack of standardization and harmonization across various fields, which leads to discrepancies in sampling, analysis methods, and data interpretation. In this study, two commonly used algorithms for data analysis were compared, and while they showed overall agreement in abundance, polymer composition, and size distribution of microplastics, discrepancies were observed in certain polymer types/categories and the smallest particle sizes.
ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Amy L. Lusher, Sebastian Primpke
Summary: Plastic pollution is a global issue, with different motivations and approaches from the public and policymakers. The public focuses on reducing plastic consumption and cleaning local environments, while policymakers work on prevention and mitigation measures. Monitoring recommendations are being defined by international, regional, and national bodies, while research activities validate approaches and compare methods. A clear and open dialogue is needed between all actors to facilitate communication on current methods, further research needs, and feasible solutions.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
G. Shiravani, D. Oberrecht, L. Roscher, S. Kernchen, M. Halbach, M. Gerriets, B. M. Scholz-Bottcher, T. H. Badewien, A. Wurpts
Summary: Microplastic (MP) pollution poses a significant challenge to both human life and the natural system. The irresponsible handling of plastics in daily life has led to a rapid contamination of air, water, and soil with MP. This study focuses on the modeling of MP transport and interaction with fine sediment in estuarine turbidity zones (ETZ), proposing a new approach to improve the formulation of MP settling velocity in these conditions. The model results indicate higher concentrations of MP in ETZ, both in the water column and the bed sediment, which is supported by measurements. Additionally, the model suggests that smaller MP particles are more likely to escape the ETZ and move towards the open sea.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Stefano Aliani, Amy Lusher, Francois Galgani, Dorte Herzke, Vladimir Nikiforov, Sebastian Primpke, Lisa Roscher, Vitor Hugo da Silva, Jakob Strand, Giuseppe Suaria, David Vanavermaete, Katrien Verle, Bavo De Witte, Bert van Bavel
Summary: Flexible decision-making tools are necessary for action plans regarding plastics and pollutants. Reproducible Analytical Pipelines (RAPs) and technological readiness levels (TRLs) will facilitate the validation and harmonization of global plastic pollution monitoring methods.
NATURE REVIEWS EARTH & ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Isabel Gossmann, Karin Mattsson, Martin Hasselloev, Claudio Crazzolara, Andreas Held, Tiera-Brandy Robinson, Oliver Wurl, Barbara M. Scholz-Boettcher
Summary: This study analyzed the mass loads, transport, and vertical behavior of microplastics in Swedish fjords and found that anthropogenic influences in different areas can affect the levels of microplastics.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Toshimi Nakajima, Mao Kuragano, Makoto Yamada, Ryo Sugimoto
Summary: This study compared the contribution of submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) to river nutrient budgets at nearshore and embayment scales, and found that SGD-derived nutrients become more important at larger spatial scales.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fan Liu, Lei Zhang, Chongyang Zhang, Ziguang Chen, Jingguang Li
Summary: NO2 emissions from wall-mounted gas stoves used for household heating have become a significant source of indoor pollution in Chinese urban areas. The high indoor concentration of NO2 poses potential health risks to residents. It is urgently necessary to establish relevant regulations and implement emission reduction technologies to reduce NO2 emissions from wall-mounted gas stoves.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Letter
Environmental Sciences
Hans Peter H. Arp, Raoul Wolf, Sarah E. Hale, Sivani Baskaran, Juliane Gluege, Martin Scheringer, Xenia Trier, Ian T. Cousins, Harrie Timmer, Roberta Hofman-Caris, Anna Lennquist, Andre D. Bannink, Gerard J. Stroomberg, Rosa M. A. Sjerps, Rosa Montes, Rosario Rodil, Jose Benito Quintana, Daniel Zahn, Herve Gallard, Tobias Mohr, Ivo Schliebner, Michael Neumann
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Philomina Onyedikachi Peter, Binessi Edouard Ifon, Francois Nkinahamira, Kayode Hassan Lasisi, Jiangwei Li, Anyi Hu, Chang-Ping Yu
Summary: This study investigates the relationship between dissolved organic matter (DOM) and Rare Earth Elements (REEs) in sediments from Yundang Lagoon, China. The results show four distinct fluorescent components, with protein-like substances being the most prevalent. Additionally, the total fluorescence intensity and LREE concentrations exhibit a synchronized increase from Outer to Inner to Songbai Lake core sediments. The findings demonstrate a strong correlation between DOM content and pollution levels.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Surya Gupta, Pasquale Borrelli, Panos Panagos, Christine Alewell
Summary: The objective of this study is to incorporate soil hydraulic properties into the erodibility factor (K) of USLE-type models. By modifying and improving the existing equations for soil texture and permeability, the study successfully included information on saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) into the calculation of K factor. Using the Random Forest machine learning algorithm, two independent K factor maps with different spatial resolutions were generated. The results show that the decrease in K factor values has a positive impact on the modeling of soil erosion rates.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jesmin Akter, Wendy J. M. Smith, Yawen Liu, Ilho Kim, Stuart L. Simpson, Phong Thai, Asja Korajkic, Warish Ahmed
Summary: The choice of workflow in wastewater surveillance has a significant impact on SARS-CoV-2 concentrations, while having minimal effects on HF183 and no effect on HAdV 40/41 concentrations. Certain components in the workflow can be interchangeable, but factors such as buffer type, chloroform, and homogenization speed can affect the recovery of viruses and bacteria.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yu Luo, Xueting Yang, Diwei Wang, Hongmei Xu, Hongai Zhang, Shasha Huang, Qiyuan Wang, Ningning Zhang, Junji Cao, Zhenxing Shen
Summary: Atmospheric PM2.5, which can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), is associated with cardiorespiratory morbidity and mortality. The study found that both the mass concentration of PM2.5 and the DTT activity were higher during the heating season than during the nonheating season. Combustion sources were the primary contributors to DTT activity during the heating season, while secondary formation dominated during the nonheating season. The study also revealed that biomass burning had the highest inherent oxidation potential among all sources investigated.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Erin L. Murphy, Leah R. Gerber, Chelsea M. Rochman, Beth Polidoro
Summary: Plastic pollution has devastating consequences for marine organisms. This study uses a trait-based framework to develop a vulnerability index for marine mammals, seabirds, and sea turtles in Hawai'i. The index ranks 63 study species based on their vulnerability to macroplastic pollution, providing valuable information for species monitoring and management priorities.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kenji Maurice, Amelia Bourceret, Sami Youssef, Stephane Boivin, Liam Laurent-Webb, Coraline Damasio, Hassan Boukcim, Marc-Andre Selosse, Marc Ducousso
Summary: Growing pressure from climate change and agricultural land use is destabilizing soil microbial community interactions. Little is known about microbial community resistance and adaptation to disturbances, hindering our understanding of recovery latency and implications for ecosystem functioning. This study found that anthropic disturbance and natural disturbance have different effects on the topology and stability of soil microbial networks.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yunhao Li, Yali Feng, Haoran Li, Yisong Yao, Chenglong Xu, Jinrong Ju, Ruiyu Ma, Haoyu Wang, Shiwei Jiang
Summary: Deep-sea mining poses a serious threat to marine ecosystems and human health by disturbing sediment and transmitting metal ions through the food chain. This study developed a new regenerative adsorption material, OMN@SA, which effectively removes metal ions. The adsorption mechanism and performance of the material for metal ion fixation were investigated.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Antonio Medici, Margherita Lavorgna, Marina Isidori, Chiara Russo, Elena Orlo, Giovanni Luongo, Giovanni Di Fabio, Armando Zarrelli
Summary: Valsartan, a widely used antihypertensive drug, has been detected in high concentrations in surface waters due to its unchanged excretion and incomplete degradation in wastewater treatment plants. This study investigated the degradation of valsartan and identified 14 degradation byproducts. The acute and chronic toxicity of these byproducts were evaluated in key organisms in the freshwater trophic chain.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jiang Lin, Lianbao Chi, Qing Yuan, Busu Li, Mingbao Feng
Summary: This study investigated the photodegradation behavior and product formation of two representative pharmaceuticals in simulated estuary water. The study found that the formed transformation products of these pharmaceuticals have potential toxicity on marine organisms, including oxidative stress and damage to cellular components.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hua Fang, Dongdong Jiang, Ye He, Siyi Wu, Yuehong Li, Ziqi Zhang, Haoting Chen, Zixin Zheng, Yan Sun, Wenxiang Wang
Summary: This study revealed that exposure to lower levels of air pollutants led to decreased pregnancy rates, with PM10, NO2, SO2, and CO emerging as the four most prominent pollutants. Individuals aged 35 and above exhibited heightened susceptibility to pollutants.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ali Shaan Manzoor Ghumman, Rashid Shamsuddin, Amin Abbasi, Mohaira Ahmad, Yoshiaki Yoshida, Abdul Sami, Hamad Almohamadi
Summary: In this study, inverse vulcanized polysulfides (IVP) were synthesized by reacting molten sulfur with 4-vinyl benzyl chloride, and then functionalized using N-methyl D-glucamine (NMDG). The functionalized IVP showed a high mercury adsorption capacity and a machine learning model was developed to predict the amount of mercury removed. Furthermore, the functionalized IVP can be regenerated and reused, providing a sustainable and cost-effective adsorbent.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rita Bonfiglio, Renata Sisto, Stefano Casciardi, Valeria Palumbo, Maria Paola Scioli, Erica Giacobbi, Francesca Servadei, Gerry Melino, Alessandro Mauriello, Manuel Scimeca
Summary: This study investigated the presence of aluminum in human colon cancer samples and its potential association with biological processes involved in cancer progression. Aluminum was found in tumor areas of 24% of patients and was associated with epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cell death. Additional analyses revealed higher tumor mutational burden and mutations in genes related to EMT and apoptosis in aluminum-positive colon cancers. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of aluminum toxicity may improve strategies for the management of colon cancer patients.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
