A Global Perspective on Microplastics

Journal of Geophysical Research Oceans, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 125(1)

Published: Jan. 1, 2020

Abstract Society has become increasingly reliant on plastics since commercial production began in about 1950. Their versatility, stability, light weight, and low costs have fueled global demand. Most are initially used discarded land. Nonetheless, the amount of microplastics some oceanic compartments is predicted to double by 2030. To solve this problem, we must understand plastic composition, physical forms, uses, transport, fragmentation into (and nanoplastics). Plastic debris/microplastics arise from land disposal, wastewater treatment, tire wear, paint failure, textile washing, at‐sea losses. Riverine atmospheric storm water, disasters facilitate releases. In surface waters plastics/microplastics weather, biofoul, aggregate, sink, ingested organisms redistributed currents. Ocean sediments likely ultimate destination. Plastics release additives, concentrate environmental contaminants, serve as substrates for biofilms, including exotic pathogenic species. Microplastic abundance increases fragment size decreases, does proportion capable ingesting them. Particles <20 μm may penetrate cell membranes, exacerbating risks. Exposure can compromise feeding, metabolic processes, reproduction, behavior. But more investigation required draw definitive conclusions. Human ingestion contaminated seafood water a concern. Microplastics indoors present yet uncharacterized risks, magnified time spend inside (>90%) polymeric products therein. Scientific challenges include improving microplastic sampling characterization approaches, understanding long‐term behavior, additive bioavailability, organismal ecosystem health Solutions globally based pollution prevention, developing degradable polymers reducing consumption/expanding reuse.

Language: Английский

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Microplastics affect sedimentary microbial communities and nitrogen cycling

Nature Communications, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 11(1)

Published: May 12, 2020

Abstract Microplastics are ubiquitous in estuarine, coastal, and deep sea sediments. The impacts of microplastics on sedimentary microbial ecosystems biogeochemical carbon nitrogen cycles, however, have not been well reported. To evaluate if influence the composition function communities, we conducted a microcosm experiment using salt marsh sediment amended with polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane foam (PUF) or polylactic acid (PLA) microplastics. We report that presence alters community cycling processes. Compared to control sediments without microplastic, PUF- PLA-amended promote nitrification denitrification, while PVC amendment inhibits both These results indicate processes can be significantly affected by different microplastics, which may serve as organic substrates for communities. Considering this evidence increasing microplastic pollution, impact plastics global merits critical investigation.

Language: Английский

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A review of the removal of microplastics in global wastewater treatment plants: Characteristics and mechanisms

Environment International, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 146, P. 106277 - 106277

Published: Nov. 20, 2020

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are considered to be the main sources of microplastic contaminants in aquatic environment, and an in-depth understanding behavior microplastics among critical technologies WWTPs is urgently needed. In this paper, characteristics removal 38 11 countries worldwide were reviewed. The abundance influent, effluent, sludge was compared. Then, based on existing data, efficiency compared by quantitative analysis. Particularly, detailed mechanisms including primary settling with flocculation, bioreactor system, advanced oxidation membrane filtration discussed. Thereafter, load ecological hazard discharged from into soil environments summarized. influent ranged 0.28 particles L-1 3.14 × 104 L-1, while that effluent 0.01 2.97 102 L-1. within range 4.40 103-2.40 105 kg-1. addition, there still 5.00 105-1.39 1010 environment each day Moreover, technologies, analysis revealed filter-based exhibited best efficiency. Fibers large particle sizes (0.5-5 mm) easily separated settling. Polyethene small-particle size (<0.5 trapped bacteria activated system. negative impact wastewater plant worthy attention. unknown transformation products their corresponding toxicity need research.

Language: Английский

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Interaction of chemical contaminants with microplastics: Principles and perspectives

The Science of The Total Environment, Journal Year: 2019, Volume and Issue: 706, P. 135978 - 135978

Published: Dec. 16, 2019

Language: Английский

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Detection of microplastics in human colectomy specimens

JGH Open, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 5(1), P. 116 - 121

Published: Nov. 21, 2020

While dietary exposure to microplastics is increasingly recognized, it unknown if ingested plastics remain within the digestive tract. We aimed examine human colectomy specimens for and report characteristics as well polymer composition of particles.Colectomy samples were obtained from 11 adults (mean age 45.7, six males) who residents Northeastern Peninsular Malaysia. Microplastics identified following chemical digestion subsequent filtration. The then examined (abundance, length, shape, color) three common types using stereo- Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR) microscopes.Microplastics detected in all with an average 331 particles/individual specimen or 28.1 ± 15.4 particles/g tissue. Filaments fibers accounted 96.1% particles, 73.1% filaments transparent. Out 40 random 10 (one had indeterminate spectra patterns), 90% polycarbonate, 50% polyamide, 40% polypropylene.Our study suggests that are ubiquitously present colon.

Language: Английский

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Ranking environmental degradation trends of plastic marine debris based on physical properties and molecular structure

Nature Communications, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 11(1)

Published: Feb. 5, 2020

Abstract As plastic marine debris continues to accumulate in the oceans, many important questions surround this global dilemma. In particular, how descriptors would be necessary model degradation behavior of ocean plastics or understand if is possible? Here, we report a data-driven approach elucidate trends by linking abiotic and biotic seawater with physical properties molecular structures. The results reveal hierarchy predictors quantify surface erosion as well combinations features, like glass transition temperature hydrophobicity, classify into fast, medium, slow categories. Furthermore, account for weathering environmental factors, two equations influence mechanical forces.

Language: Английский

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High concentrations of plastic hidden beneath the surface of the Atlantic Ocean

Nature Communications, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 11(1)

Published: Aug. 18, 2020

Abstract Concern over plastic pollution of the marine environment is severe. The mass-imbalance between litter supplied to and observed in ocean currently suggests a missing sink. However, here we show that interior conceals high loads small-sized debris which can balance even exceed estimated inputs into since 1950. combined mass just three most-littered plastics (polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene) 32–651 µm size-class suspended top 200 m Atlantic Ocean 11.6–21.1 Million Tonnes. Considering other sizes polymer types will be found deeper sediments, our results indicate both stocks are much higher than determined previously. It thus critical assess these terms across all size categories groups determine fate danger contamination.

Language: Английский

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Marine Plastic Debris: A New Surface for Microbial Colonization

Environmental Science & Technology, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 54(19), P. 11657 - 11672

Published: Sept. 4, 2020

Plastics become rapidly colonized by microbes when released into marine environments. This microbial community—the Plastisphere—has recently sparked a multitude of scientific inquiries and generated breadth knowledge, which we bring together in this review. Besides providing better understanding community composition biofilm development ecosystems, critically discuss current research on plastic biodegradation the identification potentially pathogenic "hitchhikers" Plastisphere. The Plastisphere is at interface between its surrounding milieu, thus drives every interaction that synthetic material has with environment, from ecotoxicity new links food webs to fate plastics water column. We conclude so far not shown communities starkly differ other inert surfaces, particularly true for mature assemblages. Furthermore, despite progress been made field, recognize it time take plastic–Plastisphere–environment interactions step further identifying present gaps our knowledge offering perspective key aspects be addressed future studies: (I) physical characterization biofilms, (II) inclusion relevant controls, (III) study different successional stages, (IV) use environmentally concentrations biofouled microplastics, (V) prioritization gaining mechanistic functional communities.

Language: Английский

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A review: Research progress on microplastic pollutants in aquatic environments

The Science of The Total Environment, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 766, P. 142572 - 142572

Published: Oct. 8, 2020

Language: Английский

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Seawater‐Degradable Polymers—Fighting the Marine Plastic Pollution

Advanced Science, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 8(1)

Published: Nov. 23, 2020

Abstract Polymers shape human life but they also have been identified as pollutants in the oceans due to their long lifetime and low degradability. Recently, various researchers studied impact of (micro)plastics on marine life, biodiversity, potential toxicity. Even if consequences are still heavily discussed, prevention unnecessary waste is desired. Especially, newly designed polymers that degrade seawater discussed alternatives commodity certain applications. Biodegradable vivo (used for biomedical applications) or during composting often exhibit too slow degradation rates seawater. To date, no comprehensive summary performance has reported, nor studies seawater‐degradation following uniform standards. This review summarizes concepts, mechanisms, other factors affecting process several biodegradable polymer blends. As most such materials cannot slowly, strategies innovative routes preparation seawater‐degradable with rapid natural environments reviewed. It believed this selection will help further understand drive development polymers.

Language: Английский

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