Article
Environmental Sciences
Jiani Sun, Mengsong Sui, Tao Wang, Xiaoming Teng, Jing Sun, Miaoxin Chen
Summary: The pollution of microplastics has gained widespread attention due to the increasing usage of plastics. This study found the presence of various types of microplastics in human endometrium, with some types having high abundance and detection rates. Most of the detected microplastics were small particles and were associated with drinking habits and chewing gum. This is the first study to identify microplastics in human endometrium and establish potential connections between microplastic exposure and lifestyle.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Jieun Lee, Kyu-Jung Chae
Summary: Microplastics pose risks to ecosystems and human health, yet a systematic protocol for qualitative and quantitative analysis is still lacking in environmental analytical chemistry. These microplastics are spread through the food web to living organisms, and have even been detected in bottled water. Establishing a systematic protocol for microplastic identification is crucial to ensure accuracy, reliability, and reproducibility in determining their eco-toxicity and removal by biodegradation.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Murat Celik, Haruka Nakano, Keiichi Uchida, Atsuhiko Isobe, Hisayuki Arakawa
Summary: The carbonyl index (CI) of polyethylene and polypropylene microplastics (MPs) collected in coastal waters around Japan was investigated using a specified area under band technique. The mean CI for polyethylene and polypropylene MPs in all samples was 0.69 ± 0.34 and 0.70 ± 0.34, respectively, and the color or shape of the MPs did not significantly affect the CI. The CI of polyethylene, white, and fragment MPs was negatively correlated with the major length of the MPs. Large MPs with relatively little deterioration were found along the west coast of the Sea of Japan, while small MPs were distributed along the east coast. These findings align with the literature on CI-size and MP degradation hypotheses.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Quinn T. Whiting, Keith F. O'Connor, Phillip M. Potter, Souhail R. Al-Abed
Summary: This study demonstrates a high-throughput approach using laser direct infrared (LDIR) spectroscopy to detect and characterize microplastics (MPs) in surface water samples. The method allows for quantification of MPs based on shape, size, and polymer type, and utilizes infrared analysis for polymer identification. The simplicity and automation of LDIR make it an attractive option for large-scale, high-throughput analysis of MPs.
ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Alexander Finnegan, Rebekah C. Susserott, Lip-Hwee Koh, Wei-Boon Teo, Chris Gouramanis
Summary: This study introduces a simple sample preparation method that greatly improves the results of Fourier transform infrared analysis. By compressing the fibers and improving their surfaces, the method achieves high matching scores and reproducibility in spectra generation.
APPLIED SPECTROSCOPY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Arata Mukotaka, Tomoya Kataoka, Yasuo Nihei
Summary: This study utilized FTIR microscope to analyze microplastics in 42 samples collected from five countries, revealing a wide range of concentrations of microplastics in tap water, with fragments as the predominant shape, potentially caused by contamination after processing by water treatment plants.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Yi-Ling Cheng, Ruijie Zhang, Louis Tisinger, Salvatore Cali, Zhou Yu, Hua Yun Chen, An Li
Summary: In this study, the analysis of microplastics in sediment using laser direct infrared imaging was performed. The results showed a significant amount of microplastic particles in the sediment samples, mainly as fragments, and non-plastic micro-sized particles were also identified. The study also discussed the challenges and uncertainties associated with this technique.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tania Toapanta, Elvis D. Okoffo, Sarah Ede, Stacey O'Brien, Stephen D. Burrows, Francisca Ribeiro, Michael Gallen, John Colwell, Andrew K. Whittaker, Sarit Kaserzon, Kevin V. Thomas
Summary: The study evaluated the influence of photo-oxidation on the quantification of isotactic polypropylene by Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry. The degradation rate of fragments was found to be three times faster than beads, likely due to their larger surface area. Additionally, polypropylene subjected to harsh weathering conditions may be underestimated by 42% to 49% when quantified using Pyr-GC/MS with virgin polypropylene calibration standards.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jae-Won Jung, Siyoung Kim, Yong-Soon Kim, Sanghyun Jeong, Jieun Lee
Summary: This study investigated the presence and removal efficiency of microplastics (MPs) in Korean drinking water treatment plants. The results showed that the number of MPs was higher in river sites compared to reservoir sites, with minimal differences during June to October. The main types of MPs found in raw water were polyethylene (PE)/polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA).
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Jana Weisser, Teresa Pohl, Michael Heinzinger, Natalia P. Ivleva, Thomas Hofmann, Karl Glas
Summary: This article discusses data analysis methods for identifying microplastics using vibrational spectra, introduces relevant programs provided by the scientific community, and aims to provide guidance for those who want to establish or enhance data analysis routines for vibrational spectra of microplastics.
TRAC-TRENDS IN ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Shumin Huang, Xiaoxin Huang, Ran Bi, Qiuxia Guo, Xiaolin Yu, Qinghui Zeng, Ziyu Huang, Tianming Liu, Haisheng Wu, Yuliang Chen, Jialong Xu, Yinge Wu, Pi Guo
Summary: Microplastic pollution is a emerging environmental problem that has little research on its impact on human health. This study investigated the presence of microplastics in human sputum and found that they are ubiquitous in the respiratory tract, indicating inhalation as a potential pathway for plastics to enter the human body. The types and quantities of microplastics were found to be related to factors such as smoking and invasive examination.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Manh Van Do, Thao Xuan Thanh Le, Ngo Dinh Vu, Thom Thi Dang
Summary: This study investigated the distribution and occurrence of microplastics (MPs) in three industrial wastewater treatment plants in Danang city, Vietnam. The results showed that the efficiency of MPs removal in these plants was low, with a significant amount of MPs being discharged into the environment daily. The study also identified the size, shape, color, and chemical compositions of the MPs.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Shumin Huang, Xiaoxin Huang, Ran Bi, Qiuxia Guo, Xiaolin Yu, Qinghui Zeng, Ziyu Huang, Tianming Liu, Haisheng Wu, Yuliang Chen, Jialong Xu, Yinge Wu, Pi Guo
Summary: Microplastic pollution is an emerging environmental problem that hasn't received much research attention regarding its impact on human health. This study investigated the presence of microplastics in human sputum and their potential inhalation by analyzing sputum samples from 22 patients with different respiratory diseases. The results showed that microplastics are present in all sputum samples, suggesting inhalation as a potential pathway for plastic entry into the human body.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Optics
Jeremy Xuan Yu Chew, Zi Heng Lim, Y. Qi, Guangcan Zhou, Guangya Zhou
Summary: Infrared devices are increasingly used in various applications. This paper introduces a novel dispersive spectrometer that has high-throughput and decoupled spectral resolution. The proposed spectrometer utilizes a two-stage Hadamard transform encoding process to increase the signal-to-noise ratio. With a single-pixel detector, the system can be easily implemented in other desired wavelengths. Additionally, a method is developed to remove the need for uniform illumination and improve the ease of device design for in situ measurement.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jieun Lee, Yejin Lee, Jeonghyeon Lee, Minseong Kang, Sanghyun Jeong
Summary: This study reveals that contact lens waste can generate microplastics and nanoplastics in aquatic environments during degradation. However, the discharge of microplastics from wastewater treatment plant effluents and human activity is still unknown. The findings highlight the significant impact of contact lens waste on microplastic pollution in water environments.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kang Li, Jiazhen Zhou, Liping Wang, Zhen Mao, Ruiwei Xu
JOURNAL OF THE AIR & WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION
(2019)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kang Li, Bairen Yang, Liping Wang
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Dan Li, Ningning Yin, Ruiwei Xu, Liping Wang, Zhen Zhang, Kang Li
Summary: The study demonstrates that the use of sludge-amended reconstructed mine substrates has significant effects on plant growth, microbial activity, and soil aggregate stability with the increase in reclamation time. After 3-7 years of reclamation, the stable soil aggregate indexes indicate that the plant-complex substrate-microbe ecological restoration system is effective in early mining soil reclamation.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Na Liu, Dan Li, Kang Li, Liping Wang, Ruiwei Xu, Jiaming Zhang, Bairen Yang
Summary: The study evaluated the combined use of Fe3+ and Zn2+ to enhance biodegradation in a BTF for hydrophobic chlorobenzene (CB) purification. The results showed that the addition of Fe3+ and Zn2+ significantly increased the removal efficiency of CB, especially at an EBRT of 60 sec. The combination of Fe3+ and Zn2+ promoted microbial growth, metabolism, and changes in bacterial populations, leading to improved CB removal efficiency.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Libo Xu, Min Hu, Weiqian Jia, Mengjun Zhang, Qian Tang, Xudong Tian, Yi Huang
Summary: This paper provides a systematic review of atmospheric microplastics (AMPs), including their distribution, sources, transport, and environmental impacts. AMPs are widely distributed in the atmosphere, and their concentrations and characteristics are influenced by environmental factors. The sources of AMPs include the production, use, and recycling of plastic products, as well as land and sea where microplastics accumulate. AMPs have unique physical and chemical properties that can affect regional atmospheric quality, climate, and pose health risks to humans. They can also impact atmospheric ecosystems and terrestrial forest and water ecosystems. However, there are still unsolved scientific and technical questions, and future research should focus on standardization of research methods, source identification, transport mechanisms, and environmental and ecological impacts of AMPs. It is also important to establish scientifically credible and technically feasible monitoring techniques and study the physiological and ecological status of human and ecological systems exposed to AMPs pollution.
CHINESE SCIENCE BULLETIN-CHINESE
(2022)
Article
Soil Science
Kang Li, Mengjun Zhang, Weiqian Jia, Libo Xu, Yi Huang
Summary: Microplastics are a global concern due to their potential threat to ecosystems. The effects of microplastics on soil microbial communities, specifically fungi, were investigated. The study found that the diversity and composition of soil fungal communities were not significantly affected by polyethylene microplastics exposure, but the co-occurrence network patterns were more complex and the abundance of saprotrophic fungi increased. These findings provide valuable insights into the impact of microplastics on soil ecosystems.
APPLIED SOIL ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Dan Li, Kang Li, Yanzehua Liu, Liping Wang, Na Liu, Shaomeng Huang
Summary: A mixed bacterial community (MBC) with excellent biodegradation ability of PAHs was developed from the activated sludge of a coking wastewater plant. The degradation rates of phenanthrene and pyrene by MBC were over 99% after 5 days. The dominant bacteria in MBC were affected by intermediate metabolites.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kang Li, Weiqian Jia, Libo Xu, Mengjun Zhang, Yi Huang
Summary: The inhomogeneity of plastisphere and soil can lead to different microbial communities, potentially impacting soil functions. Biodegradable plastics show differences in bacterial communities compared to traditional plastics. PBAT/PLA microplastics act as a filter, enriching taxa capable of degrading plastic polymers. Predicted metabolic pathways related to human diseases, carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and xenobiotic biodegradation and metabolism are promoted in PBAT/PLA plastisphere, along with an increase in genes associated with carbon and nitrogen cycling.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Shaomeng Huang, Minglei Hu, Dan Li, Liping Wang, Can Zhang, Kang Li, Qiongqiong He
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)