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International Journal of Molecular... May 2022The global utilization of single-use, non-biodegradable plastics, such as bottles made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), has contributed to catastrophic levels of...
Microbial Consortia and Mixed Plastic Waste: Pangenomic Analysis Reveals Potential for Degradation of Multiple Plastic Types via Previously Identified PET Degrading Bacteria.
The global utilization of single-use, non-biodegradable plastics, such as bottles made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), has contributed to catastrophic levels of plastic pollution. Fortunately, microbial communities are adapting to assimilate plastic waste. Previously, our work showed a full consortium of five bacteria capable of synergistically degrading PET. Using omics approaches, we identified the key genes implicated in PET degradation within the consortium's pangenome and transcriptome. This analysis led to the discovery of a novel PETase, EstB, which has been observed to hydrolyze the oligomer BHET and the polymer PET. Besides the genes implicated in PET degradation, many other biodegradation genes were discovered. Over 200 plastic and plasticizer degradation-related genes were discovered through the Plastic Microbial Biodegradation Database (PMBD). Diverse carbon source utilization was observed by a microbial community-based assay, which, paired with an abundant number of plastic- and plasticizer-degrading enzymes, indicates a promising possibility for mixed plastic degradation. Using RNAseq differential analysis, several genes were predicted to be involved in PET degradation, including aldehyde dehydrogenases and several classes of hydrolases. Active transcription of PET monomer metabolism was also observed, including the generation of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)/polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) biopolymers. These results present an exciting opportunity for the bio-recycling of mixed plastic waste with upcycling potential.
Topics: Bacteria; Microbial Consortia; Plasticizers; Plastics; Polyethylene Terephthalates
PubMed: 35628419
DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105612 -
Environmental Science & Technology Aug 2023Plastic recycling and reprocessing activities may release organophosphate ester (OPE) flame retardants and plasticizers into the surrounding environment. However, the...
Nontarget Identification of Novel Organophosphorus Flame Retardants and Plasticizers in Rainfall Runoffs and Agricultural Soils around a Plastic Recycling Industrial Park.
Plastic recycling and reprocessing activities may release organophosphate ester (OPE) flame retardants and plasticizers into the surrounding environment. However, the relevant contamination profiles and impacts remain not well studied. This study investigated the occurrence of 28 OPEs and their metabolites (mOPEs) in rainfall runoffs and agricultural soils around one of the largest plastic recycling industrial parks in North China and identified novel organophosphorus compounds (NOPs) using high-resolution mass spectrometry-based nontarget analysis. Twenty and twenty-seven OPEs were detected in runoff water and soil samples, with total concentrations of 86.0-2491 ng/L and 2.53-199 ng/g dw, respectively. Thirteen NOPs were identified, of which eight were reported in the environment for the first time, including a chlorine-containing OPE, an organophosphorus heterocycle, a phosphite, three novel OPE metabolites, and two oligomers. Triphenylphosphine oxide and diphenylphosphinic acid occurred ubiquitously in runoffs and soils, with concentrations up to 390 ng/L and 40.2 ng/g dw, respectively. The downwind areas of the industrial park showed elevated levels of OPEs and NOPs. The contribution of hydroxylated mOPEs was higher in soils than in runoffs. These findings suggest that plastic recycling and reprocessing activities are significant sources of OPEs and NOPs and that biotransformation may further increase the ecological and human exposure risk.
Topics: Humans; Plasticizers; Plastics; Organophosphorus Compounds; Flame Retardants; Soil; Organophosphates; China; Esters; Environmental Monitoring
PubMed: 37579047
DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c02156 -
Reviews on Environmental Health Dec 2022Phthalates are endocrine disruptors, widely used as plasticizers to impart flexibility in plastics, and as solvents in personal care products. Due to their nearly... (Review)
Review
Phthalates are endocrine disruptors, widely used as plasticizers to impart flexibility in plastics, and as solvents in personal care products. Due to their nearly ubiquitous use in consumer products, most humans are exposed to phthalates daily. There has been extensive research on the reproductive health effects associated with phthalate exposure, but less attention has been paid to other actions. This review aims to summarize the known action of phthalates on different nuclear receptors. Some phthalates bind to and activate the estrogen receptor, making them weakly estrogenic. However, other phthalates antagonize androgen receptors. Some high molecular weight phthalates antagonize thyroid receptors, affecting metabolism. Several phthalates activate and interfere with the normal function of different peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), receptors that have critical roles in lipid metabolism and energy homeostasis. Some phthalates activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, which is critical for xenobiotic metabolism. Although phthalates have a short half-life , because people are continuously exposed, studies should examine the health effects of phthalates associated with long-term exposure. There is limited research on the effects of phthalates on health outcomes aside from reproductive function, particularly concerning are childhood adiposity, behavior, and learning. There is also limited information on actions of phthalates not mediated via nuclear receptors. Humans are exposed to multiple chemicals simultaneously, and how chemical mixtures act on nuclear receptor activity needs study. Although we know a great deal about phthalates, there is still much that remains uncertain. Future studies need to further examine their other potential health effects.
Topics: Humans; Child; Phthalic Acids; Plasticizers; Endocrine Disruptors; Plastics
PubMed: 34592072
DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2020-0162 -
Environmental Science & Technology Jan 2024Hazardous chemicals in building and construction plastics can lead to health risks due to indoor exposure and may contaminate recycled materials. We systematically...
Hazardous chemicals in building and construction plastics can lead to health risks due to indoor exposure and may contaminate recycled materials. We systematically sampled new polyvinyl chloride floorings on the Swiss market ( = 151). We performed elemental analysis by X-ray fluorescence, targeted and suspect gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of -phthalates and alternative plasticizers, and bioassay tests for cytotoxicity and oxidative stress, and endocrine, mutagenic, and genotoxic activities (for selected samples). Surprisingly, 16% of the samples contained regulated chemicals above 0.1 wt %, mainly lead and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). Their presence is likely related to the use of recycled PVC in new flooring, highlighting that uncontrolled recycling can delay the phase-out of hazardous chemicals. Besides DEHP, 29% of the samples contained other -phthalates (mainly diisononyl and diisodecyl phthalates, DiNP and DiDP) above 0.1 wt %, and 17% of the samples indicated a potential to cause biological effects. Considering some overlap between these groups, they together make up an additional 35% of the samples of potential concern. Moreover, both suspect screening and bioassay results indicate the presence of additional potentially hazardous substances. Overall, our study highlights the urgent need to accelerate the phase-out of hazardous substances, increase the transparency of chemical compositions in plastics to protect human and ecosystem health, and enable the transition to a safe and sustainable circular economy.
Topics: Humans; Plasticizers; Diethylhexyl Phthalate; Ecosystem; Phthalic Acids; Plastics; Hazardous Substances
PubMed: 38241221
DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c04851 -
International Journal of Pharmaceutics Jan 2023Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), a plasticizer used to soften plastic medical devices (PMDs), was restricted in PMDs due to adverse health effects, being gradually...
Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), a plasticizer used to soften plastic medical devices (PMDs), was restricted in PMDs due to adverse health effects, being gradually replaced by alternative plasticizers (APs). Parenteral nutrition (PN), essential in the care for premature neonates in the neonatal intensive care unit, is stored in plastic storage bags and administered intravenously through plastic infusion circuits. We investigated to which extent PN contributes to current phthalate and AP exposure in premature neonates. First, we showed that DEHP and several APs are present in relevant amounts in PMDs used for neonatal PN administration. Secondly, ex vivo experiments mimicking clinical PN administration showed that lipid emulsions contained significant concentrations of DEHP and several APs (ATBC, TOTM, DEHT & DEHA), while hardly any plasticizers were detected in non-lipid solutions. ATBC leached from infusion circuits, while lipid emulsions were the major source for DEHP, TOTM, DEHT, and DEHA. PN administration resulted in estimated daily exposures of 13.9 µg/kg/d DEHP and 95.7 µg/kg/d ATBC in premature neonates, below their respective reference doses. Our data indicate that premature neonates requiring PN are still exposed to DEHP, as well as to a range of APs, making it a target for reduction of harmful plasticizer exposure.
Topics: Infant, Newborn; Humans; Plasticizers; Diethylhexyl Phthalate; Parenteral Nutrition; Plastics; Polyvinyl Chloride
PubMed: 36526146
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.122472 -
Journal of Hazardous Materials Jan 2021Plastic additives are present as pollutants in the environment because they are released from plastics and have been reported to be toxic to mammals. Due to this... (Review)
Review
Plastic additives are present as pollutants in the environment because they are released from plastics and have been reported to be toxic to mammals. Due to this toxicity, it is crucial to develop ecofriendly tools to decontaminate the environment. Microorganisms are a promising alternative for efficient and effective plastic additive removal. This review describes the current knowledge and significant advances in the microbial degradation of plastic additives (i.e. plasticizers, flame retardants, stabilizers and antioxidants) and biotechnological research strategies that are being used to accelerate the biodegradation process of these additives. It is expected that further research supported by advances in genomics, proteomics, gene expression, enzyme immobilization, protein design, and nanotechnology can substantially increase our knowledge to enhance the enzymatic degradation efficiency, which will accelerate plastic additive degradation and establish successful and cost-effective bioremediation processes. Investigations should also address the identification of the enzymes involved in the degradation process and their catalytic mechanisms to achieve full metabolization of organopollutants (i.e. plastic additives) while avoiding harmful plastic additive biodegradation products. Microorganisms and their enzymes undoubtedly represent a potential resource for developing promising environmental biotechnologies, as they have the best systems for pollutant degradation, and their actions are essential for decontaminating the environment.
Topics: Animals; Biodegradation, Environmental; Petroleum; Plasticizers; Plastics
PubMed: 33254737
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.123534 -
Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology Dec 2014Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) is a widely used plasticizer to render poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) soft and malleable. Plasticized PVC is used in hospital equipment,... (Review)
Review
Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) is a widely used plasticizer to render poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) soft and malleable. Plasticized PVC is used in hospital equipment, food wrapping, and numerous other commercial and industrial products. Unfortunately, plasticizers can migrate within the material and leach out of it over time, ending up in the environment and, frequently, the human body. DEHP has come under increased scrutiny as its breakdown products are believed to be endocrine disruptors and more toxic than DEHP itself. DEHP and its breakdown products have been identified as ubiquitous environmental contaminants, and daily human exposure is estimated to be in the microgram per kilogram level. The objective of this review is to summarize and comment on published sources of DEHP exposure and to give an overview of its environmental fate. Exposure through bottled water was examined specifically, as this concern is raised frequently, yet only little exposure to DEHP occurs through bottled water, and DEHP exposure is unlikely to stem from the packaging material itself. Packaged food was also examined and showed higher levels of DEHP contamination compared to bottled water. Exposure to DEHP also occurs in hospital environments, where DEHP leaches directly into liquids that passed through PVC/DEHP tubing and equipment. The latter exposure is at considerably higher levels compared to food and bottled water, specifically putting patients with chronic illnesses at risk. Overall, levels of DEHP in food and bottled water were below current tolerable daily intake (TDI) values. However, our understanding of the risks of DEHP exposure is still evolving. Given the prevalence of DEHP in our atmosphere and environment, and the uncertainty revolving around it, the precautionary principle would suggest its phaseout and replacement. Increased efforts to develop viable replacement compounds, which necessarily includes rigorous leaching, toxicity, and impact assessment studies, are needed before alternative plasticizers can be adopted as viable replacements.
Topics: Diethylhexyl Phthalate; Environmental Exposure; Environmental Pollutants; Food Contamination; Humans; Plasticizers; Plastics
PubMed: 25376446
DOI: 10.1007/s00253-014-6183-8 -
Journal of Exposure Science &... May 2022Persistent organic pollutant exposures are well-documented in the Arctic, but fewer studies examined non-persistent chemicals, despite increased market food and consumer...
BACKGROUND
Persistent organic pollutant exposures are well-documented in the Arctic, but fewer studies examined non-persistent chemicals, despite increased market food and consumer product consumption.
OBJECTIVE
To measure phenol, paraben, phthalate, and alternative plasticizer concentrations in Inuit adults.
METHODS
The study included 30 pooled urine samples from Qanuilirpitaa? 2017 Nunavik Inuit Health Survey (Q2017) participants. Creatinine-adjusted geometric mean concentrations (GM) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were compared across sex, age, and regions, and compared to those in the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) and the First Nations Biomonitoring Initiative (FNBI).
RESULTS
Q2017 bisphenol-A concentrations were double the CHMS 2018-2019 concentrations [GM (95% CI): 1.98 (1.69-2.31) versus 0.71 (0.60-0.84) µg/g creatinine], but in line with FNBI [1.74 (1.41-2.13) µg/g creatinine]. Several phthalate concentrations were higher in Q2017 versus CHMS, particularly monobenzyl phthalate, which was was 19-fold higher in Q2017 versus CHMS 2018-2019 [45.26 (39.35-52.06) versus 2.4 (2.0-2.9) µg/g creatinine] and four-fold higher than FNBI. There were also four-fold higher concentrations of the two alternate plasticizer 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol diisobutyrate (TIXB) metabolites in Q2017 compared to CHMS 2018-2019. Women and people living in Ungava Bay had generally higher concentrations of non-persistent chemicals.
SIGNIFICANCE
The results suggest higher concentrations of certain non-persistent chemicals in Inuit versus the general Canadian population.
IMPACT
Few studies have explored non-persistent chemical distributions in Northern communities, despite the increasing consumer product and market food consumption. We analyzed 30 pooled samples from the Qanuilirpitaa? Nunavik Inuit Health Survey 2017 to assess exposures to common plasticizes and plastic constituents and compare their levels with the general Canadian population and First Nation groups. We observed particularly higher levels of bisphenol-A, of monobenzyl phthalate, and of two 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol diisobutyrate (TXIB) metabolites among Nunavimmiut compared to the general Canadian population, notably among women and Ungava Bay residents. Larger studies are required to confirm our findings and identify potential adverse health effects from these exposures.
Topics: Adult; Canada; Creatinine; Environmental Monitoring; Environmental Pollutants; Female; Humans; Phthalic Acids; Plasticizers; Plastics
PubMed: 35347231
DOI: 10.1038/s41370-022-00425-w -
The Science of the Total Environment Apr 2023Due to the rising usage of plastics, plastic debris are present throughout marine ecosystems and detrimentally affects marine biota. Additionally, plastics likely result...
Due to the rising usage of plastics, plastic debris are present throughout marine ecosystems and detrimentally affects marine biota. Additionally, plastics likely result in elusive toxicity effects due to addition of plasticizers. The aim of the present study was to reveal the potential effects and mechanism of microplastics (MPs), di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and copollution of MPs and DEHP (MPs-DEHP) on Peneaus vannamei (P. vannamei) juveniles regarding oxidative stress, transcriptomics and metabolomics. MPs, DEHP and MPs-DEHP significantly induced the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT); MPs and DEHP have an antagonistic effect for malondialdehyde (MDA); suggesting that disorders of the antioxidant defence systems. 13, 133 and 58 differentially expressed genes and 21, 82 and 39 differentially expressed metabolites were responsible for the distinction of MPs, DEHP and MPs-DEHP groups, respectively. The combination of transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses showed that MPs, DEHP and MPs-DEHP exposure disturbed amino acid and lipid metabolism, and further induced inflammatory responses and dysfunction of purine metabolism. Furthermore, the presence of MPs might alleviate the biotoxicity of DEHP in P. vannamei. These findings provide new insights into the single and combined toxicological effects of MPs and additives for marine biota.
Topics: Diethylhexyl Phthalate; Plastics; Microplastics; Transcriptome; Ecosystem; Phthalic Acids; Plasticizers
PubMed: 36640892
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161549 -
The Science of the Total Environment Nov 2021The presence of U.S. EPA priority organic contaminants in drinking water poses a dire health risk on consumers. Packaged drinking water such as plastic sachet drinking...
The presence of U.S. EPA priority organic contaminants in drinking water poses a dire health risk on consumers. Packaged drinking water such as plastic sachet drinking water has significantly gained market in both developed and developing countries, especially, its dominance in the Ghanaian market. The treatment process, packaging, and storage of the sachet drinking water contribute to the levels of genotoxic semi-volatile phenols, p-chloroaniline, and plasticizers contamination in the drinking water. The study thus sought to investigate the levels of semi-volatile phenols, p-chloroaniline, and plasticizer contaminants in sachet drinking water on the Ghanaian market and the associated health risk of exposure. The study also investigated the possible sources of the contaminants. A total of thirty (30) different brands of sachet water on the Ghanaian market were studied. The samples were extracted in replicates (n = 3) using Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) cartridges and further analysed with GC-MS (SIM mode). The source apportionment was conducted using absolute principal component analysis coupled with multiple, linear regression (APCA-MLR) and automatic linear regression (APCA-MALR) modelling. The mean total levels for the phenols, p-chloroaniline, and plasticizers were between 210.2 and 18,914.9, 11.2 and 18,871.0, and 21.2 and 69,834.1 ng/L respectively. The cumulative non-cancer risk (hazard quotient) and cancer risk upon exposure were computed to range between 2.1 × 10 and 1.2 and 1.5 × 10 and 1.3 × 10 respectively. About 37% of the samples had elevated cancer risk (>10) which may contribute to the existing incidence, cause for concern. The five sources found for the contaminants were apportioned as "environmental background (major)", "water treatment/disinfectant", "plastic/plasticizers", "storage and preservation", and "residual inter-conversion/degradation sources".
Topics: Aniline Compounds; Drinking Water; Ghana; Phenols; Plasticizers; Plastics; Water Pollutants, Chemical
PubMed: 34303974
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149008