Review
Environmental Sciences
Kuok Ho Daniel Tang
Summary: The detection of microplastics in agricultural soils in China has raised concerns due to their potential impacts on agricultural production. This review provides a summary of the abundance, sources, and impacts of microplastics in the country's agricultural soils, as well as sustainable agronomic practices to mitigate their pollution. The study found that microplastics were present in varying amounts, with the highest concentration observed in Yunnan Province. Plastic mulching films were identified as the major source of microplastics in agricultural soils, followed by abandoned greenhouses and the use of organic fertilizers containing microplastics. The presence of microplastics in soils was found to alter soil properties and affect soil biota, as well as impact crop growth and nutrient demands. Sustainable solutions proposed include the use of organic mulches, proper decommissioning of abandoned greenhouses, and setting standards for allowable microplastics contents in fertilizers and irrigation water.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Review
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Hao Du, Jun Wang
Summary: This paper systematically reviewed the analysis methods of microplastics, including physical and chemical characterization. It analyzed and compared the characteristics, application range, and pros and cons of each method, while also addressing the current research gaps and proposing future research recommendations. The study focused mainly on microplastics in aquatic environments, highlighting the need for further research in other environmental compartments.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Paula Masia, Juan L. Mateo, Andres Arias, Marlene Bartolome, Carmen Blanco, Karim Erzini, Francois Le Loc'h, Jean Herve Mve Beh, Deborah Power, Noemi Rodriguez, Gauthier Schaal, Gonzalo Machado-Schiaffino, Eva Garcia-Vazquez
Summary: The study assessed the importance of microplastic pollution for African fishing resources, identified regions particularly affected by MP pollution, and emphasized the importance of increasing coverage of MP pollution in African fishing resources and improving plastic waste management on the continent.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Avelyno H. D'Costa
Summary: This review examines the exposure of microplastics to Decapods and discusses its ecological impacts, implications for human beings, and limitations in the research.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Melania Fiore, Silvia Fraterrigo Garofalo, Alessandro Migliavacca, Alessandro Mansutti, Debora Fino, Tonia Tommasi
Summary: Microplastics pollution is a significant environmental challenge that threatens ecosystems and living species. It is crucial to reduce further emissions and collect existing microplastics.
WATER AIR AND SOIL POLLUTION
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Camille Larue, Geraldine Sarret, Hiram Castillo-Michel, Ana Elena Pradas del Real
Summary: Microplastic and nanoplastic contamination is widespread and has significant impacts on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems due to their toxicity towards photosynthetic organisms and potential risks for plants and consumers. Accumulation of plastic leachates and additives poses a risk for plants and consumers, and the adsorption and translocation of these particles raise concerns for trophic chain contamination. Available techniques for detection of microplastics and nanoplastics in biological samples and media are listed, along with discussions on current gaps in knowledge and future research directions.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Liyuan Qiang, Huibing Hu, Guoqiang Li, Jianlong Xu, Jinping Cheng, Jiaping Wang, Ruoyu Zhang
Summary: Polyethylene microplastics have been found in farmland soil, irrigation water, and soil organisms in agroecosystems. Plastic mulching is a major source of microplastic pollution in agroecosystems. The degradation of plastic mulch debris and enzymatic depolymerization by polyethylene-degrading microorganisms contribute to the formation of microplastics. Microplastic colonization by soil microorganisms can lead to changes in soil microbial community composition, enzyme activities, and nutrient content. The biological uptake of polyethylene microplastics affects soil-dwelling animals' development and behavior. Soil water repellency and water availability can be influenced by the presence of polyethylene microplastics among soil particles. The impacts of polyethylene microplastics on soil properties and biota can affect crop plant growth. This review provides important insights into the degradation process, biological impacts, and associated mechanisms of polyethylene microplastics in agroecosystems, serving as a critical reference for risk assessment and management.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Lei Su, Xiong Xiong, Yulan Zhang, Chenxi Wu, Xiangrong Xu, Chengjun Sun, Huahong Shi
Summary: The rapid development of modern society has resulted in increased plastic usage, leading to plastic waste becoming a global contaminant. Plastic pollution is a highly complex issue involving both natural and human dynamics, and more research is needed to identify key aspects of plastic transportation on a global scale.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Maocai Shen, Zhuotong Zeng, Biao Song, Huan Yi, Tong Hu, Yaxin Zhang, Guangming Zeng, Rong Xiao
Summary: With the outbreak and spread of COVID-19 globally, disposable surgical masks have become widely used, but irresponsible disposal of masks can lead to significant microplastic pollution. Masks can release a large amount of microplastic fibers, and the addition of organic solvents as well as weathering can increase the release of microplastics.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jinrui Zhang, Siyang Rena, Wen Xu, Ce Liang, Jingjing Li, Hanyue Zhang, Yanan Li, Xuejun Liu, Davey L. Jones, David R. Chadwick, Fusuo Zhang, Kai Wang
Summary: Plastic residues and microplastics have negative effects on soil ecosystem functioning, reducing soil wetting, organic carbon, total nitrogen, plant height, root biomass, body mass, and reproduction rate of soil animals. However, they can increase soil enzyme activity.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Zoie Diana, Tibor Vegh, Rachel Karasik, Janet Bering, Juan D. Llano Caldas, Amy Pickle, Daniel Rittschof, Winnie Lau, John Virdin
Summary: Governments worldwide are adopting policies, laws, and ordinances to reduce plastic pollution. However, there is a lack of comprehensive analysis on the content and trends of these policies. This study aims to understand government responses to plastic pollution over time and evaluate the effectiveness of these policies. The findings show that international governments mainly focus on future plans and commitments, while national and subnational governments often use bans. Peer-reviewed literature reports significant reductions in plastic bag consumption after policy adoption.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & POLICY
(2022)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Khaled Ziani, Corina-Bianca Ionita-Mindrican, Magdalena Mititelu, Sorinel Marius Neacsu, Carolina Negrei, Elena Morosan, Doina Draganescu, Olivia-Teodora Preda
Summary: Microplastics, which come from plastic degradation, are pervasive in nature and have detrimental effects on both wildlife and humans. They have been found in marine species, drinking water, and various foods. Inhalation is another possible route of exposure. Research has shown that once absorbed, micro- and nanoparticles can distribute throughout the body, including the liver, spleen, heart, lungs, thymus, reproductive organs, kidneys, and even the brain. Microplastics also transport harmful pollutants and metals across different trophic levels. Their additives and monomers can disrupt biological processes, affect the endocrine and immune system, impair mobility, reproduction, development, and even contribute to carcinogenesis. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated microplastic pollution due to increased use of face masks containing polypropylene and inadequate waste management.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Aarif Yaseen, Irfana Assad, Mohd Sharjeel Sofi, Muhammad Zaffar Hashmi, Sami Ullah Bhat
Summary: Microplastics are a major concern for the environment, with wastewater treatment plants being the main pathway for their entry into ecosystems. Research on microplastics in wastewater treatment plants has primarily been conducted in Europe, followed by the United States, Canada, Asia, and Australia. Personal care and cosmetic products are the main sources of microplastics in these plants, with microfibers and fragments being the most common forms observed. Understanding the fate of microplastics in wastewater treatment plants is crucial for their management.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Gayathri Chamanee, Madushika Sewwandi, Hasintha Wijesekara, Meththika Vithanage
Summary: Plastic wastes in landfills degrade into microplastics, which pose threats to the environment. However, the research on microplastics in landfill leachate is limited. China is the leading country in this field, with Shanghai showing high microplastic abundance.
Review
Environmental Sciences
G. Lamichhane, A. Acharya, R. Marahatha, B. Modi, R. Paudel, A. Adhikari, B. K. Raut, S. Aryal, N. Parajuli
Summary: Plastic pollution poses a severe environmental threat with microplastics and nanoplastics causing adverse effects on the environment and health. Current control methods such as bacterial degradation and sunlight-driven photocatalysts need further development. The search for efficient techniques to analyze microplastics continues, with potential game-changers being sought in fuels and biodegradable plastics.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Marga L. Rivas, Pilar Santidrian Tomillo, Javier Dieguez Uribeondo, Adolfo Marco
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL MARINE BIOLOGY AND ECOLOGY
(2015)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Marga L. Rivas, Carlos Fernandez, Andadolfo Marco
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Pilar Santidrian Tomillo, Vincent S. Saba, Claudia D. Lombard, Jennifer M. Valiulis, Nathan J. Robinson, Frank V. Paladino, James R. Spotila, Carlos Fernandez, Marga L. Rivas, Jenny Tucek, Ronel Nel, Daniel Oro
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2015)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Marga L. Rivas, Adolfo Marco
Article
Ecology
Marga L. Rivas, Pilar Santidrian Tomillo, Javier Dieguez-Uribeondo, Adolfo Marco
MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES
(2016)
Article
Ecology
Marga L. Rivas, Pilar Santidrian Tomillo, Javier Dieguez-Uribeondo, Adolfo Marco
MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES
(2016)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
M. L. Rivas, M. Spinola, H. Arrieta, M. Faife-Cabrera
ANIMAL CONSERVATION
(2018)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marga L. Rivas, Nicole Esteban, Adolfo Marco
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Sergio Lopez-Martinez, Carmen Morales-Caselles, Julianna Kadar, Marga L. Rivas
Summary: The research finds that plastic ingestion by marine megafauna is a widespread issue in various marine regions, with differences in plastic types and colors ingested by different animal groups, but overall, clear fibre microplastics are likely the most predominant types ingested by marine megafauna globally.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sergio Lopez-Martinez, Cipriano Perez-Rubin, Rafael Gavara, Rebecca N. Handcock, Marga L. Rivas
Summary: The presence of plastic in the environment is a major problem for marine ecosystems. This study examines the presence and composition of plastic in four fish species from the Alboran Sea and compares them to published values. It concludes that quantifying plastic presence and composition is essential for understanding potential impacts on marine ecosystems.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Antonio Jose Carpio, Yamel alvarez, Rocio Serrano, M. Belen Vergara, Erklin Quintero, Francisco S. S. Tortosa, Marga L. L. Rivas
Summary: Fisheries bycatch is a major cause of population declines in marine megafauna. There is a discrepancy between fisheries observers and fishers' perceptions of bycatch, particularly related to squid fisheries. Fishers commonly believe that using J-hooks and fixed floats leads to higher sea turtle capture rates, as well as when targeting pelagic fish during the winter season.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Sergio Lopez-Martinez, Esther Gimenez-Luque, Jose Luis Molina-Pardo, Sandra Manzano-Medina, Hector Arribas-Arias, Rafael Gavara, Carmen Morales-Caselles, Marga L. Rivas
Summary: The presence of plastic in the environment is significantly impacting marine biota, with whales and dolphins becoming indicators of litter pollution. Gathering data on this anthropogenic interaction is challenging due to varying methodologies. The study combined personal and historical data to examine the interaction between cetaceans and macro and micro-litter globally. The findings reveal the plastic uptake by Ziphiidae and Delphinidae families and provide insights into the conservation issues of cetacean hotspots affected by marine plastic ingestion.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Education & Educational Research
Marga L. Rivas, Francisco Gonzalez Garcia
REVISTA EUREKA SOBRE ENSENANZA Y DIVULGACION DE LAS CIENCIAS
(2016)
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)