Microplastics In Samples Research Articles

Alteration of microbial mediated carbon cycle and antibiotic resistance genes during plastisphere formation in coastal area

Microorganisms can attach on the surface of microplastics (MPs) through biological fouling process to form a diverse community called the "plastisphere", which has attracted extensive attention. Although the microbial structure and composition of biofilm have been studied, the knowledge of its microbial function and ecological risk is still limited. In this study, we investigated how the surface properties of MPs affect the biofilm communities and metabolic features under different environmental conditions, and explored the biofilm enrichment of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). The results showed that the incubation time, habitat and MPs aging state significantly influenced the structure and composition of biofilm microbial communities, and a small amount of pathogens have been found in the MPs-attached biofilm. The microbial carbon utilization capacity of the biofilm in different incubation habitats varies greatly with highest metabolism capacity appear in the river. The utilization efficiency of different carbon sources is polymer > carbohydrate > amino acid > carboxylic acids > amine/amide, which indicates that the biofilm communities have selectivity between different types of carbon sources. More importantly, ARGs were detected in all the MPs samples and showed a trend of estuary > river > marine. The aged MPs can accumulate more ARGs than the virgin items. In general, MPs in the aquatic environment may become a carrier for pathogens and ARGs to spread to other environment, which may enhance their potential risks to the ecosystem and human health.

Karakteristik, Warna, Dan Ukuran Mikroplastik Yang Ditemukan Pada Air Dan Kerang Hijau Di Pulau Pasaran, Lampung

Plastic waste will be degraded into microplastic which has a size of ≤ 5 mm. These microplastic particles change in size and color due to various natural processes that occur in the environment. The purpose of this study was to determine the shape, color and size characteristics of microplastics found around Pasaran Island. Sampling was carried out by taking microplastic samples in water and green mussels around Pasaran Island. Based on the research results, microplastic fragments, films, fibers, granules and foam were found. Microplastic colors consist of black, blue, green, yellow, red, clear, and white. Microplastic fragments, films and fibers were found in the <50µm to 1000 - 5000 µm size group. Granular microplastic types were found in the <50 µm to 100 - 500 µm size group and foam types were found in the <50 µm to 500 - 1000 µm size group.

Cosplay as a Novel Method for Outreach in Ocean Science

We present our experience using cosplay to engage attendees on the topic of microplastics pollution at the world’s largest Comic-Con convention, held annually in San Diego, California, USA. Cosplay is an activity that has gained popularity in the last two decades. Cosplayers wear costumes and fashion accessories, usually representing specific characters from comic books, manga, anime, or superhero franchises. Cosplayer conventions are often large events. For example, Comic-Con International has > 150,000 attendees over a several-day period, and provides a large platform for outreach. Our costumes and accessories were a mix of science (coral polyp costume; microplastics sampling device ‘sword’), and fantasy (Amphitrite costume; with bracelets and hair made with plastic debris). We found that the novelty factor of our costumes and accessories, not part of the traditional cosplay pantheon of characters, was a captivating way to engage convention attendees. During a 6-hour period in the Exhibit Hall, we dispersed 240 flyers with information on the problem of microplastics pollution and our laboratory’s efforts to develop sensing solutions. Engagement lasted 1–8 minutes in length, with 1–9 attendees at a time. All attendees we engaged took the proffered flyer after the interaction. With a low barrier to entry, and ability to reach large numbers of people, we propose cosplay as a novel method for marine education and outreach. Cosplay can be used by student groups, non-governmental organizations, university researchers, and citizen scientists to educate the public about pressing problems facing the oceans and the proposed solutions.

Study on marine microplastics monitoring based on infrared spectroscopy technology

In recent years, microplastics particles have been detected in many sea areas around the world. Microplastics has done great harm to marine and terrestrial seawater ecosystems, so it is necessary to obtain the effective statistical data of microplastics in the environment accurately and quickly for the further study of pollution in microplastics. In this paper, based on IR (Infrared Spectroscopy) technology, hyperspectral images of marine microplastics samples containing different materials were obtained. SVM (Support Vector Machine) algorithm is used to identify microplastics in hyperspectral images. The results show that the microplastics abundance ranges from 5.193 to 20.281 N/L, 6.087 to 38.679 N/L and 7.498 to 11.084 N/L, respectively, and the average abundance is 11.83 N/L, 24.84 N/L and 19.27 N/L, respectively. The types of microplastics in the bottom water of the bay in the study area are mainly fibers (53–68%) and debris (23–34%). NIR (Near Infrared) analysis shows that the characteristic curves of microplastics spectra of the same species with different particle sizes are different. IR technology combined with chemometrics algorithm has great potential for the detection of microplastics in seawater surface and seawater. This method is simple and feasible, and has the feasibility of popularization.

Microplastic pollution in water environment of typical nature reserves and scenery districts in southern China

Microplastics were frequently detected in the ocean, freshwater environment and wastewater treatment plants. This study aims to fill up the knowledge gap of microplastic distribution in nature reserves and scenery districts. Microplastic samples were collected, the distribution characteristics were analyzed with a stereoscopic microscope and a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, and the ecological risks of microplastic pollution were calculated. Microplastics were detected in all the collected water samples and the average abundances of microplastics in the surface water of eleven investigated nature reserves and scenery districts ranged from 542 to 5500 items/m3. The degrees of microplastic pollution of all the surveyed nature reserves and scenery districts were classified as hazard level I. Fiber microplastics represented the largest average proportion (67.4 %) and 91.7 % of the detected microplastics were smaller than 2 mm. Corresponding to the frequent detection of fiber microplastics, cotton was the most abundant (25.5 %) polymer type of the suspected microplastics, followed by polyamide (PA, 20.6 %), polyester (PET, 17.0 %), and cellulose (15.6 %). For the ecological risk of the microplastic polymers, six, two and three nature reserves and scenery districts were defined to be at hazard level I, II and III, respectively. In brief, microplastic pollution occurred in all the surveyed nature reserves/scenery districts and posed different degrees of ecological risks.

Use of surfactant-modified adsorbents in the removal of microplastics from wastewater

Microplastics (<0.5 mm plastic particles) accumulate in water bodies due to their persistency to degradation. This work proposes the use of surfactant in microemulsion system to modify the surface of adsorbents. The experiments tested five adsorbents: coconut bagasse, sugarcane bagasse, banana peel bagasse, bentonite, and diatomite. The microplastic sample was obtained by crushing five different types of plastic, simulating the process of fragmentation that occurs in nature. Tween 80 was used as surfactant in the microemulsion system. First, a pseudoternary phase diagram was obtained to delimitate the microemulsion area. A surfactant-rich microemulsion was used as adsorbent surface modifier. The microemulsion system was characterized by surface tension, droplet size, polydispersion index, and pH. Batch adsorption tests were performed by contacting the microplastic-bearing effluent with each microemulsion-modified and non-modified adsorbent. The procedure performed in this work had the ability to remove almost 80% of the microplastics, indicating the ability of the adsorbents used to reduce the concentration of microplastics that typically accumulate in water bodies.

Microplastics as an emerging threat to human health: Challenges and advancements in their detection

Microplastic pollution has emerged as a significant environmental concern, with potential direct and indirect impacts on ecosystems. Microplastics are pervasive, found in water, food, and even the air we breathe. While their influence on human health is still unclear, microplastics are known to possess endocrine-disrupting properties and can accumulate persistent organic pollutants. Accurate measurement and categorization of microplastics are crucial to understanding their prevalence and impact on contamination. Fortunately, there are several methods available, such as visual analysis, fluorescence techniques, vibrational spectroscopy, and electron microscopy, that offer optimal accuracy in detecting and quantifying microplastics. The increasing presence of microplastics in the food chain has prompted global research efforts to assess potential risks to human health. However, despite ongoing advancements, challenges remain in standardizing analytical procedures and developing methods capable of detecting microplastics as small as nanometers. Visual classification-based methods, though limited in detecting smaller microplastics, show promise for improvement through integration with advanced technologies. This study primarily focuses on microplastic sampling strategies, detection methods, and their respective advantages and disadvantages, shedding light on the advancements and challenges in the field.

The Microplastics Iceberg: Filling Gaps in Our Understanding.

Plastic is an indispensable material in modern society; however, high production rates combined with inadequate waste management and disposal have resulted in enormous stress on ecosystems. In addition, plastics can become smaller particles known as microplastics (MPs) due to physical, chemical, and biological drivers. MP pollution has become a significant environmental problem affecting terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems worldwide. Although the topic is not entirely new, it is of great importance to the field of polymers, drawing attention to specific gaps in the existing literature, identifying future areas of research, and improving the understanding of MP pollution and its environmental impacts. Despite progress in this field, problems remain. The lack of standardized methods for MP sampling, separation, extraction, and detection makes it difficult to collect information and establish links between studies. In addition, the distribution and pathways of MPs in ecosystems remain unknown because of their heterogeneous nature and the complex matrices in which they occur. Second, toxicological tests showed that MPs can be ingested by a wide range of organisms, such as Danio rerio and Eisenia fetida, resulting in gut obstruction, physical damage, histological changes, and oxidative stress. The uptake of MP and their toxicological effects depend on their shape, size, concentration, and polymer composition. Furthermore, MPs can enter the food chain, raising concerns regarding potential contaminations for human and environmental health. This review paper sheds light on the pressing issue of MP pollution and highlights the need for interdisciplinary collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and industry leaders.

Challenges of Raman spectra to estimate carbonyl index of microplastics: A case study with environmental samples from sea surface

This study investigates the feasibility of using the carbonyl index (CI) derived from Raman spectra as an indicator of plastic degradation and its relationship with the CI calculated from Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, using microplastic samples of polyethylene (PE) from surface seawater. Multiple methods were used to calculate the CI values of FTIR spectra, while proposed methods were used to calculate the corresponding CI values of Raman spectra. Some significant relations between FTIR CI and Raman CI were observed. However, small R2 values suggest weak functional relationships, which can be attributed to the low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of Raman spectra. These results highlight the challenges of establishing a functional relationship between FTIR CI and Raman CI, including challenges such as the uniformity of Raman spectra, determining optimal Raman measurement parameters, selecting appropriate peaks for Raman CI calculation, deciding on spectral processing methods, and addressing the interdependence of these issues.

An analytical approach to confidence interval estimation of river microplastic sampling

Microplastics (MPs), plastic particles <5 mm in diameter, are emerging ubiquitous pollutants in natural environments, including freshwater ecosystems. As rivers facilitate efficient transport among landscapes, monitoring is crucial for elucidating the origin, dynamics, and fate of MPs. However, standardized methodologies for in situ sampling in freshwater environments remain undefined to date. Specifically, evaluating the sampling error of MP concentration estimates is crucial for comparing results among studies. This study proposes a novel method for computing confidence intervals (CIs) from a single estimate of numerical concentration (expressed in particles·m−3). MPs are expected to disperse according to purely random processes, such as turbulent diffusion, and to consequently exhibit a random distribution pattern that follows a Poisson point process. Accordingly, the present study introduced a framework based on the Poisson point process to compute CIs, which were validated using MP samples from two urban rivers in Chiba, Japan, obtained using a mesh with an opening size of 335 μm. Random number simulations revealed that the CIs were applicable when ≥10 MPs were present in a sample. Further, when ≥50 MPs were present in a sample, the sampling error (95% CI) was within ±30% of the concentration estimates. The proposed framework allows for the intercomparison of single river MP samples despite the lack of sample replicates. Further, the present study emphasizes that the volume of sampled river water is the only controllable parameter that can reduce the sampling error.

Tiny and Everywhere: Microplastic Density and Distribution in Sediments along the West Coast of Lombok Island, Indonesia

Microplastics have recently received high global attention, as their widespread presence can potentially cause physical and toxicological risks to organisms. The west coast of Lombok Island in Indonesia has a high potential for microplastic accumulation; even so, its presence in this area was not well studied. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the distribution and density of microplastics within the sediments on the west coast of Lombok. Microplastic sampling had been carried out in the northern, middle, and southern portions of the west coast of Lombok based on distinct geographical and vegetational characteristics. Sediment samples were taken within the HTL (High Tide Line) zone based on the excavation depths categories, i.e. A (0–2cm), B (2–4 cm), C (4–6 cm), D (6–8 cm), and D (8–10 cm). The sediment samples were filtered using an aluminum sieve with a mesh size of 4.75 mm, targeting microplastic pieces below that size. A total of 16,685 microplastic debris were found distributed horizontally and vertically throughout the station. There was a significant difference in the microplastic density distributed between stations [F(10,22) = 6.96, p &lt; 0.001] and between sediment depths [F(10,44) = 9.07,p &lt; 0.001]. The order of average microplastic concentration was southern &gt; northern &gt; middle stations group. The highest microplastic number recorded in SMP11 (southern station, open bay, high anthropogenic activity, with river and primary mangrove vegetation) was as many as 2,361 (density, D = 125,920.00 ± 204.33 items/m3), whereas SMP01 (northern station, open bay, low anthropogenic activity, and with river and secondary mangrove vegetation) had the lowest microplastic number of 678 (D = 36,160.00 ± 72.82 items/m3). In general, the majority of microplastics (45.76%) were distributed on the sediment surface (A–B), where there was a repeating pattern in the difference of microplastic density fluctuations of about 3% at every 4cm of sediment depth (B–C and D–E), which is thought to be driven by daily tidal fluctuation.There was no clear pattern that indicated whether the specific type of shoreline or the presence of rivers and mangroves had an influence on the level of microplastic accumulation. However,the southern stations group had a considerably higher average of microplastic accumulation.We suspect that the geographical position towards the main ocean current contributes greatly to the microplastic accumulation at the site.

Detection of microplastic samples based on spatial heterodyne microscopic differential Raman spectroscopy

AbstractAs a new global pollutant, microplastics have been widely a concern in recent years. The traditional microplastic detection technology has the disadvantages of weak signal, high cost, and complicated operation. Therefore, this paper designs and builds a set of spatial heterodyne microscopic differential Raman spectroscopy (SHMDRS) system for microplastic detection. The system combines the spatial heterodyne system (SHS) with the microscopic differential Raman system (MDRS). The system was simulated and designed by ZEMAX software, and the SHMDRS system was built on the experimental platform. The 531.742‐ and 532.567‐nm dual‐wavelength lasers were used as the excitation light source. Four kinds of microplastic samples, namely, PS, PC, PP, and HDPE, were tested to verify the feasibility of the system. Under the integration time of 10 s and the laser power of 200 mW, the microplastic samples were detected by the SHMDRS system and dispersive spectrometer, respectively. The signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) of Raman spectra of different systems was compared and calculated. The differential Raman spectra of four kinds of microplastic samples were obtained by dual‐wavelength laser, and the pure Raman spectra of four kinds of microplastic samples were restored by multiple constrained iterative algorithm. The results show that the spectral resolution of the SHMDRS system is 2.809 cm−1, and the spectral range is 255.47–2023.21 cm−1. The SNRs of the Raman spectra obtained by the SHMDRS system are better than those of the dispersive spectrometer, and the differential Raman spectroscopy can effectively remove the interference of the fluorescence background. This method has a good development prospect.

MICROSCOPIC METHOD TO VERIFY THE EFFICIENCY OF REMOVAL OF ORGANIC POLLUTANTS FROM MICROPLASTIC SURFACES

The purification of microplastic samples is a crucial step in environmental research, aiming to remove contaminants and ensure accurate analysis. This study explores various methods for purifying microplastics, focusing on the removal of organic contaminants, specifically fulvic acids. Comparative analysis using microscopic imaging techniques was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of these methods. The results highlight the complexities involved in microplastic purification and the challenges associated with different approaches. While some methods showed promising outcomes, such as the sonification method, it was also observed that they could potentially alter the microplastic structure. Additionally, the limitations and potential interferences of other purification methods, such as Fenton's solution, were identified. This study underscores the importance of selecting purification methods that minimize negative impacts on microplastics and ensure reliable analysis. Further research is needed to optimize purification techniques and fully understand their effects on microplastic integrity. This research contributes to the broader goal of developing robust methodologies for microplastic analysis in environmental studies.

A microfluidic approach for label-free identification of small-sized microplastics in seawater

Marine microplastics are emerging as a growing environmental concern due to their potential harm to marine biota. The substantial variations in their physical and chemical properties pose a significant challenge when it comes to sampling and characterizing small-sized microplastics. In this study, we introduce a novel microfluidic approach that simplifies the trapping and identification process of microplastics in surface seawater, eliminating the need for labeling. We examine various models, including support vector machine, random forest, convolutional neural network (CNN), and residual neural network (ResNet34), to assess their performance in identifying 11 common plastics. Our findings reveal that the CNN method outperforms the other models, achieving an impressive accuracy of 93% and a mean area under the curve of 98 ± 0.02%. Furthermore, we demonstrate that miniaturized devices can effectively trap and identify microplastics smaller than 50 µm. Overall, this proposed approach facilitates efficient sampling and identification of small-sized microplastics, potentially contributing to crucial long-term monitoring and treatment efforts.

Study of Identification of Microplastic Waste in Sand Sediment at Lambutoa Beach, Takalar Regency

Indonesia is currently one of the countries in East Asia which produces around 50% of the world's coastal waste. Microplastics in Indonesian seawater range from 30 to 960 particles/liter. The purpose of this study was to determine the size, amount, type, and microplastic polymers present on Lambutoa Beach in Takalar Regency. This study uses quantitative methods to examine certain populations or samples. Quantitative research methods are used to examine populations or certain samples, data collection uses research measuring instruments, and data analysis is quantitative/statistical in nature, with the aim of testing and proving the hypotheses that have been made/defined. The stages carried out during the research process were sand sediment sampling, sand sediment sample processing, observation and identification of microplastic types, and testing using the FTIR tool. From the results of this study, it was found that there were 49 samples of microplastic waste with an average size of 1-5 mm. There are three types of microplastic contained in the sand sediments that have been tested, namely films, fragments, and foam. For the type of polymer that is most often found in testing sediment samples using the FTIR tool on microplastic samples, these are Other (Nylon) and PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) polymers

Identification and Analysis of Microplastics in Sediments of Muzhapilangad Beach, Kannur

Microplastics, defined as plastic fragments with a size smaller than 5 mm, pose a significant environmental threat. This study aims to quantify and evaluate the extent of microplastic pollution in a specific section of the coastal line located in the Kannur district. Muzhappilangad Beach, extending over a distance of 3.8 kilometres, was chosen as the study area. The study involved collecting samples from the site and then analyzing them in the lab. Sampling was conducted along the beach, and a total of three samples were collected in glass jars. To ensure accuracy and standardization, the processing of samples adhered to the protocol established by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). In the laboratory, the collected microplastic samples underwent thorough analysis utilizing FT-IR spectroscopy, a reliable technique for identifying and characterizing microplastics. The identification of microplastic types present on the shores of Muzhappilangad Beach will serve as a basis for developing effective remediation and prevention strategies. By gaining insight into the specific sources and compositions of microplastics in the area, targeted interventions can be implemented to reduce contamination and mitigate environmental risks. Understanding the magnitude of microplastic pollution and its impact on coastal ecosystems is vital for preserving these fragile environments. This study contributes to the ongoing efforts in combating microplastic contamination and emphasizes the importance of implementing proactive measures to safeguard the marine environment and its associated biodiversity.

Assessment of Small-Scale Microplastics Abundance and Characterization in Urban River: A Case Study in Metro River, Indonesia

Microplastic pollution is a pressing environmental concern with detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems and human health. This study aimed to investigate microplastic contamination in a rapidly urbanizing area along a river and to examine the spatial distribution of microplastic abundance across the study area based on land use type. Seven sampling points were selected along the study site and microplastic samples were extracted using density separation and wet peroxidation (WPO) methods. The characteristics of the microplastic particles, including size, color, shape, and abundance, were analyzed to understand their properties. The results indicated that the microplastic abundance values ranged from 28.33 to 133.00 particles/liter, with an average of 73.55 particles/liter. Small microplastic particles (SMP), with sizes ranging from 1 μm to 1 mm, along with fragment shapes, and clear colors were predominant in the study area. A generalized additive model was utilized to assess the relationship between land use and microplastic abundance. The model demonstrated a significant influence of built-up areas on the presence of microplastics (p-value &lt; 0.05), with an r2 value of 0.76. Residential areas near the river were identified as the likely primary sources of the microplastics.

Microplastic Pollution and Monitoring in Seawater and Harbor Environments: A Meta-Analysis and Review

Due to its widespread occurrence in practically all environmental sectors, including the terrestrial, marine, and atmospheric, microplastics (MP) have transitioned from an emerging pollutant to a chronic contaminant. Studies on the prevalence and hazardous effects on marine creatures have been conducted all over the world, but only in coastal environments. Microplastic pollution has emerged as a global concern in marine environments and a danger to animals, predators, and humans because it has been discovered in the marine environment all over the world. This review examines the quantity of MP samples around the world and their colonization by marine microorganisms, as well as the detection, features, origins, and ecological implications of paint fragments and resins in our oceans and ports. These polymers are derived from paints and the fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) matrix used in shipbuilding. Microplastics should be regarded as coming from synthetic polymers found in ship coatings. For assessing microplastic pollution, choosing an appropriate sample technique is essential. Additionally, this review offers an overview of MP investigation methods, concentrating on sampling techniques, laboratory procedures, and the identification of MPs found in seawater, as well as assessing how well they apply to the seaport environment. Because of the widespread discovery of MP pollution, particularly in Africa, Asia, India, South Africa, North America, and Europe, it is clear that monitoring is crucial for determining the efficacy of mitigation efforts to limit the quantity of waste plastic entering the environment, especially through sensors and real-time information transfer systems (e.g., smart digital seawater monitoring).

Characteristics and Risk Assessment of Microplastics in Water and Mussels Sampled from Cape Town Harbour and Two Oceans Aquarium, South Africa

The aim of this study was to measure the characteristics and risk assessment of microplastics (MPs) in Cape Town Harbour (CTH) and the Two Oceans Aquarium (TOA) in Cape Town, South Africa from 2018 to 2020. Water and mussel MP samples were analyzed at 3 sites in CTH and TOA, respectively. Microplastics were mainly filamentous, black/grey and 1000–2000 μm in size. A total of 1778 MPs, averaging 7.50 (± 0.6 standard error of the mean, SEM) MPs/unit were recorded. Average MP concentrations were 10.3 ± 1.1 MPs/L in water and 6.27 ± 0.59 MPs/individual or, based on weight, 3.05 ± 1.09 MPs/g soft tissue wet weight in mussels. Average MPs in seawater in CTH (12.08 ± 1.3 SEM MPs/L) was significantly higher (4.61 ± 1.1 MPs/L) than inside the TOA (U = 536, p = 0.04). Various risk assessment calculations indicate that MPs in seawater poses a greater ecological risk than MPs in mussels at the sites sampled.

Tracking the behavior and characteristics of microplastics using a multi-analytical approach: a case study in two contrasting coastal areas of Japan.

The global survey for the presence of microplastics (MPs) in aquatic environments has attracted widespread scientific attention over the past decade. However, evaluating the composition and characteristics of these anthropogenic debris using highly sensitive techniques is still under consideration. This study demonstrates a multidimensional analytical approach, including isotopic and thermogravimetric analyses to evaluate characteristics and behavior of MPs in the environment. The MP samples were collected in two contrasting coastal areas of Japan. The stable carbon isotope (δ13C) ratios of field-collected polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS) MPs ranged from -25.6‰ to -31.4‰, -23.4‰ to -30.9‰, and -27.3‰ to -28.6‰, respectively. The detected isotope signatures were similar to those of commercial products. In addition, the differences in δ13C signature were determined between MPs with different colors. Through thermal analysis, the single-step endothermic process was observed for environmental PE and PS-MPs. Patterns in the thermograms revealed dissimilarities in degradability among the PE-MPs with different colors. The results reveal that degradation (aging) may play a significant role in the behavior and characteristics of MP debris in the aquatic environment. The present study provides fundamental data of environmental MPs from the isotopic and thermogravimetric aspects and highlights the usefulness of the approach for advances in MP research.