Effective uptake of submicrometre plastics by crop plants via a crack-entry mode

This book covers the topic of microplastics in water and wastewater. The chapters start with introductory issues related to the growing interest in the scientific community on microplastics and the human water cycle and point out where the microplastics could interact with water. The subsequent chapters examine evidence of the microplastic presence in freshwater, such as in both rivers and lakes, in freshwater biota, and hazardous chemicals associated with microplastics in such systems.Another set of chapters discuss the presence of microplastics in wastewater: their sources; their transfer through a wastewater treatment plant; the concentration of microplastics in effluents throughout the world; the plastic biomedia used in wastewater treatment plants and the effect on the surrounding environment of effluent wastewater pipes. These chapters also discuss the sampling methods, the sample treatment and analysis techniques used so far for microplastics in wastewater. Additionally, the presence of microplastics in sewage sludge and in soils irrigated with wastewater or fertilized with sludge are discussed. The possible impact of plastics and their additives on plants, microalgae, and humans are reviewed and presented in a critical way. Finally, a chapter summarizes all the relevant regulations and initiatives that point to the necessity of a global directive for the protection of the environment from plastic and microplastic pollution.The topic of microplastics in freshwater systems and in wastewater has scarcely been studied and requires more attention. Microplastics in Water and Wastewater aims to bring these initial findings to the attention of a broader audience and especially to operators and managers of freshwater and wastewater systems. It will also be helpful to people already aware of the marine debris problem to understand the sources of microplastics in the oceans, from freshwater systems and wastewater treatment plants."All in all, the book is recommended for researchers and policymakers in the fields of environmental chemistry, civil engineering, city planning, waste management and toxicology. Furthermore, it is also worthwhile for those who are concerned about the effects of microplastics on biota and on humans."Professor Hideshige Takada, Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry (LOG), Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, International Pellet WatchISBN: 9781789060027 (print)ISBN: 9781789060034 (eBook)ISBN: 9781789060041 (ePUB)

Microplastics are plastic particles less than 5 mm in diameter. These plastics mostly result from degradation of larger plastics. Due to their small size, they are often accidentally ingested by sea faunas, particularly the deposit and filter feeders. However, information on the ingestion of microplastics by sea fauna such as jellyfish is rare. This paper provides evidence of ingestion of microplastics by jelly fishes (Crambionella orsini) along the Kenyan Coast. Samples were taken from three stations (Mikindani and Makupa in Mombasa, and Dabaso in Mida Creek) between 31st January 2018 and 3rd February 2018 using tow nets. Samples were digested using 10 % KOH at 60 °C for 24 hrs and sieved through a 38 µm sieve. Products below 38 µm were filtered using a 0.8 µm Whatman filters, then dried in an oven and viewed under a dissecting microscope for microplastics. Suspected microplastics were confirmed using a hot needle test. Microplastics obtained were mainly fibres of different colours: black, blue, green, colourless, purple, red and yellow. Colourless fibres were the majority accounting for 53 % of the total number of fibres while purple fibres were the least at only 1 %. Mean concentration of microplastics was highest in Dabaso (0.05 mp/g of tissue), whereas in Mikindani and Makupa were almost equal (i.e., 0.03 ± 0.003 mp/g in Mikindani, and 0.03 ± 0.01 mp/g in Makupa). Statistically, the means were not significantly different between the stations (F1, 2 = 1.34; P = 0.43). This study presents evidence of contamination of the Kenyan coastal waters by microplastics and their ingestion by sea fauna such as jellyfish. Results of this study will help reinforce the plastic ban in the country to prevent further accumulation in the environment.

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Uptake and bioaccumulation of microplastics by plants: Exploring impacts and remediation potential in terrestrial and aquatic environment.

In recent years, polypropylene microplastic has persisted in freshwater ecosystems and biota, forming ever-growing threats. This research aimed to prepare polypropylene microplastics and evaluate their toxicity to the filter feeder Oreochromis mossambicus. In this research, fish were given a dietary supplement of polypropylene microplastics at 100, 500, and 1000 mg/kg for acute (96 h) and sub-acute (14 days) durations to assess toxic effects on liver tissues. FTIR results revealed the presence of polypropylene microplastic in their digestion matter. The ingestion of microplastics in O. mossambicus led to fluctuations in homeostasis, an upsurge in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, an alteration in antioxidant parameters, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione-S–transferase (GST), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx); a promotion in the oxidation of lipid molecules; and a denaturation in the neurotransmitter enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Our data indicated that sustained exposure to microplastics (14 days) produced a more severe threat than acute exposure (96 h). In addition, higher apoptosis, DNA damage (genotoxicity), and histological changes were found in the liver tissues of the sub-acute (14 days) microplastics-treated groups. This research indicated that the constant ingestion of polypropylene microplastics is detrimental to freshwater environments and leads to ecological threats.

Crop plants transport irregularly shaped mineral particles from root to shoot: Tracking and quantifying

Abstract: Micro plastics, which are plastic particles smaller than 5 m, they are widely recognized as contaminants in marine environments, pose great threats to marine life and ecosystems, and have gathered much information in scientific literature. Examples of these particles are breakdown products of large plastics, synthetic materials, and even personal hygiene products. Marine organisms consume microplastics directly or indirectly from plankton to large crustaceans and mammals, leading to physical issues, chemical contamination, and altered eating habits. Consuming microplastics may cause internal harm, change digestion processes, and introduce toxins into the food chain. Additionally, microplastics serve as carriers for harmful chemicals, including persistent organic pollutants, thus highlighting the effects of these chemicals on marine organisms. Long-term exposure to micro plastic particles is linked with altered reproductive success, reduced growth rates, and loss of biodiversity in marine ecosystems. The ingestion of microplastics by marine organisms has been extensively reported across multiple trophic levels, including zooplankton, bivalves, crustaceans, fish, seabirds, and marine mammals. Research indicates that many species mistake microplastics for food due to their size, color, and movement, leading to unintentional consumption. For instance, copepods and other zooplankton have been observed ingesting microplastics suspended in the water column, which negatively impacts their feeding efficiency and energy intake. In bivalves like mussels and oysters, both laboratory and field studies have documented the accumulation of microplastics in digestive tissues, resulting in inflammation, reduced filtration capacity, and weakened immune function. The diverse distribution of micro plastic particles is not only a threat to marine biodiversity but also raises questions about the sustainability of marine resources. Addressing the effects of micro plastics on marine life requires comprehensive global efforts, including policy regulation, pollution reduction, and enhanced waste management practices. Standardized methodologies for sampling, detection, and toxicity assessment are urgently needed to enable consistent comparisons across studies and geographic regions. Enhancing microplastic detection techniques and developing reliable biomonitoring tools are crucial steps toward accurately measuring exposure levels and evaluating associated risks. Additionally, future research should prioritize the development and assessment of mitigation strategies, such as biodegradable material alternatives, more efficient waste management systems, and effective policy measures aimed at reducing plastic pollution at its source. This review explores recent research on the biological and ecological impacts of microplastic pollution on marine organisms. The ingestion of microplastics can cause physical harm, including digestive blockages, reduced nutrient uptake, stunted growth, and reproductive disturbances. Furthermore, microplastics serve as carriers for toxic chemicals and pathogens, leading to bioaccumulation and disrupting marine food webs. Particularly at risk are filter feeders, benthic species, and coral reef communities. Although awareness of these issues is increasing, significant gaps remain in understanding the long-term and population-level consequences of micro plastic exposure. It also provides a basic view on the types and effects of micro plastics on specific species and other health concerns.

Microplastic particles are ubiquitous in aquatic environments and are considered a major threat to the large range of heterotrophic organisms that involuntarily consume them. However, there is current uncertainty around the mechanisms underpinning microplastic uptake by aquatic consumers and the consequences for both the fate of the microplastics and the growth potential of consumer populations. We performed a feeding experiment, exposing a model freshwater ciliate, Tetrahymena pyriformis, to six different microplastic concentrations and measured microplastic uptake and population growth over the course of several generations. Microplastic uptake increased in a saturating fashion with concentration, consistent with a Type II functional response, with a maximum feeding rate of 22 microplastic particles individual-1h-1. Interestingly, microplastic uptake decreased through time and we observed that, after egestion, microplastic particles aggregated, rendering them too large for re-consumption. We built and tested a simulation model which matched rates of microplastic uptake when incorporating functional response parameters and assuming 50% immobilisation of microplastics after egestion. Nevertheless, ciliate population growth was compromised by the presence of microplastics, decreasing by 43% over the full microplastic concentration range. Taken together, our results demonstrate the potential for aquatic ciliates to play an important role in the uptake, transfer, and modification of microplastics in freshwater environments with associated negative impacts on population fitness.

Microplastics (MPs) are minuscule plastic particles with significant potential for internalization by various organisms, particularly aquatic species, though they are also detectable in soils and airborne particulate matter. The genus Artemia comprises zooplanktonic microcrustaceans, characterized as non-selective filter feeders, which have long served as subjects in ecotoxicological research. This study undertakes a comprehensive literature review concerning the utilization of Artemia spp. as a tool for investigating the intake and trophic transfer of MPs within food chains. Evidence demonstrates that Artemia species readily ingest various types of MPs and subsequently transfer them through trophic interactions. Several studies indicate adverse effects including reduced survival rates, morphological and histological changes, as well as enzymatic alterations induced by MPs. Nonetheless, in certain instances, the exposure and ingestion of MPs did not manifest any discernible effects on Artemia spp., and in many cases, it was observed that MPs could be depurated from the organism. Upon ingestion, MPs primarily accumulate within the digestive tract but can also be detected in other anatomical regions such as the jaw, tail, and appendages. The utilization of Artemia as a model organism for investigating the ingestion and trophic transfer of MPs represents an emerging area of research, with initial studies dating back to 2015. Consequently, further research endeavors are warranted to elucidate the biological effects stemming from MPs exposure, both in terms of ingestion and trophic transfer. Such investigations should aim to delineate the variables that might interfere with these processes, including exposure duration, MP composition, and diverse toxicity indicators.

In their early life stages, fish are highly susceptible to a wide range of biological and anthropogenic factors (e.g., habitat degradation or pollution) that can influence their growth and survival. Due to their size, microplastics (plastic particles with less than 5 mm) pose an additional threat to fish larvae since their size range coincides with their prey size. The ingestion of microplastics by fish larvae can cause gut blockage and limit food intake, and ultimately affect their growth, reproduction, and survival. This study aimed to evaluate the bioavailability of microplastics and quantify microplastic ingestion by fish larvae in an urban estuary. To this end, seasonal samplings surveys were performed in 2017 along the Douro estuary (NW Portugal). Sub-surface planktonic trawls were conducted along the estuarine horizontal gradient to collect fish larvae and microplastics. Samples were sorted, and fish larvae were identified and kept for further quantification of microplastics ingested. Microplastic bioavailability was determined using a previously optimized protocol. A total of 573 fish larvae were collected, with an average density of 14.63 fish larvae 100 m−3 and mostly composed of few but highly abundant taxa, such as Pomatoschistus spp. and Clupeidae n.i. A total of 609 microplastics were found in water samples, with an average density of 15.52 microplastics 100 m−3—namely, fibers, particles, and films. In Summer, fish larvae presented the highest values of abundance, contrary to the other three seasons when microplastic density surpassed larval fish density. Preliminary tests were conducted to identify the best protocol for the digestion of fish larvae to quantify microplastic ingestion. Additionally, in accordance with those results, fish larvae are currently being digested using H2O2 for a period of 7 h at 65 °C, to evaluate microplastic ingestion by fish larvae and to compare these results with the microplastics collected in the water.

Microplastics pollution is becoming a global environmental concern, and growing evidence has demonstrated the accumulation and distribution of microplastics in terrestrial ecosystems. Once entering into soil, microplastics can change the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil, and then affect the growth of plants. Currently, most attentions have focused on the toxic effects of microplastics on terrestrial plants, only very limited report showed the uptake of microplastics by higher plants under hydroponic culture conditions. The nutrient solution is useful in understanding the mechanism of microplastics uptake, however, it does not account for the importance of affecting factors in the real environment (e.g., the presence of soil organic matter) and therefore do not represent the actual uptake of microplastics in the real-world. Here, we aim to determine whether wheat plants growing in a sand matrix are able to take up 0.2 μm polystyrene (PS) microbeads and translocate these particles from roots to shoots. Wheat was chosen as a representative of cereal crops because it is one of the main staple foods worldwide. A simple and rapid approach for the imaging of fluorescently labelled PS microbeads within plant tissues by confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) was used to investigate the uptake, accumulation, translocation and distribution of microspheres in the wheat plant. Two different fluorescent dyes were encapsulated into the PS microbeads matrix and they were used to detect the localization of PS beads in the root and the green tissue respectively. The presence of PS microbeads in plant tissue was then verified using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Confocal images revealed that the PS luminescence signals were mainly located in the vascular system and on the cell walls of the cortex tissue of the wheat seedling roots after exposure in sand matrix with a concentration of 0.5 g kg−1 of PS beads for 21 d, indicated that the beads passed through the intercellular space via the apoplastic transport system. Microbeads clusters were observed in the intercellular space of epidermal tissues and the steles by SEM. Once inside the central cylinder, the 0.2 μm PS beads were transferred from the roots to the stems and leaves via the vascular system. Here, for the first time, we provide evidence of the adherence, uptake, accumulation, and translocation of submicrometer (0.2 μm) PS within the cereal plant in real sand matrix. Our findings provide a methodology and scientific basis for study of the accumulation mechanism of microplastics in soil-crop systems and their potential risk in food chain transfer.

The sea cucumber Holothuria tubulosa does not reduce the size of microplastics but enhances their resuspension in the water column

Risk Assessment of Contaminants in Sewage Sludge Applied on Norwegian Soils

Soil and plant specific effects on bacterial community composition in the rhizosphere

ABSTRACTOne area of growing concern was the presence of microplastics (MPs) in agricultural irrigation systems, where they entered and affected soil quality and plant health. This study evaluated the impact of MPs on soil quality and plant growth through a comprehensive analysis of existing literature, focusing on studies that examined MPs in irrigation water, including their identification, occurrence, and environmental impacts on agricultural systems. MPs in agricultural irrigation systems are transported by water, deposited in the soil, trapped in sediments, or infiltrated deeper soil layers, interacting with soil chemicals and increasing environmental toxicity risks. Additionally, MPs in irrigation water disrupted soil physical properties by reducing porosity and aggregate stability, while altering nutrient cycling processes, including carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus dynamics. Moreover, MPs negatively affected microbial communities and soil fauna, further compromising soil fertility. These disturbances significantly hinder soil productivity and plant health, suggesting the urgent need for mitigation strategies. The uptake and translocation of MPs by crops impaired plant growth, reduced photosynthetic efficiency, and induced oxidative stress. This study highlights the potential long‐term risks of MPs contamination, emphasizing the threat to agricultural sustainability. Consequently, MPs in irrigation systems posed significant risks to soil health and agricultural productivity, underscoring the importance of addressing this emerging environmental issue to ensure sustainable agricultural practices.