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Environment International Jul 2023Large-scale plastic pollution occurs in terrestrial and marine environments and degrades into microparticles (MP) and nanoparticles (NP) of plastic. Micro/nanoplastics... (Review)
Review
Large-scale plastic pollution occurs in terrestrial and marine environments and degrades into microparticles (MP) and nanoparticles (NP) of plastic. Micro/nanoplastics (MP/NPs) are found throughout the environment and different kinds of marine organisms and can enter the human body through inhalation or ingestion, particularly through the food chain. MPs/NPs can enter different organisms, and affect different body systems, including the reproductive, digestive, and nervous systems via the induction of different stresses such as oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress. This paper summarizes the effects of MPs/NPs of different sizes on the reproduction of different organisms including terrestrial and marine invertebrates and vertebrates, the amplification of toxic effects between them through the food chain, the serious threat to biodiversity, and, more importantly, the imminent challenge to human reproductive health. There is a need to strengthen international communication and cooperation on the remediation of plastic pollution and the protection of biodiversity to build a sustainable association between humans and other organisms.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Microplastics; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Plastics; Environmental Pollution; Food Chain; Aquatic Organisms
PubMed: 37276763
DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108002 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023Plastics found in our everyday environment are becoming an increasing concern for individual and population-level health, and the extent of exposure and potential toxic... (Review)
Review
Plastics found in our everyday environment are becoming an increasing concern for individual and population-level health, and the extent of exposure and potential toxic effects of these contaminants on numerous human organ systems are becoming clear. Microplastics (MPs), tiny plastic particles, appear to have many of the same biological effects as their plastic precursors and have the compounded effect of potential accumulation in different organs. Recently, microplastic accumulation was observed in the human placenta, raising important questions related to the biological effects of these contaminants on the health of pregnancies and offspring. These concerns are particularly heightened considering the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) framework, which postulates that exposure can programme the lifelong health of the offspring. The current review examines the state of knowledge on this topic and highlights important avenues for future investigation.
Topics: Child; Humans; Pregnancy; Female; Microplastics; Plastics; Child Health; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Environmental Monitoring; Fertility
PubMed: 38239985
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1330396 -
Proceedings of the National Academy of... Jan 2024Plastics are now omnipresent in our daily lives. The existence of microplastics (1 µm to 5 mm in length) and possibly even nanoplastics (<1 μm) has recently raised...
Plastics are now omnipresent in our daily lives. The existence of microplastics (1 µm to 5 mm in length) and possibly even nanoplastics (<1 μm) has recently raised health concerns. In particular, nanoplastics are believed to be more toxic since their smaller size renders them much more amenable, compared to microplastics, to enter the human body. However, detecting nanoplastics imposes tremendous analytical challenges on both the nano-level sensitivity and the plastic-identifying specificity, leading to a knowledge gap in this mysterious nanoworld surrounding us. To address these challenges, we developed a hyperspectral stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) imaging platform with an automated plastic identification algorithm that allows micro-nano plastic analysis at the single-particle level with high chemical specificity and throughput. We first validated the sensitivity enhancement of the narrow band of SRS to enable high-speed single nanoplastic detection below 100 nm. We then devised a data-driven spectral matching algorithm to address spectral identification challenges imposed by sensitive narrow-band hyperspectral imaging and achieve robust determination of common plastic polymers. With the established technique, we studied the micro-nano plastics from bottled water as a model system. We successfully detected and identified nanoplastics from major plastic types. Micro-nano plastics concentrations were estimated to be about 2.4 ± 1.3 × 10 particles per liter of bottled water, about 90% of which are nanoplastics. This is orders of magnitude more than the microplastic abundance reported previously in bottled water. High-throughput single-particle counting revealed extraordinary particle heterogeneity and nonorthogonality between plastic composition and morphologies; the resulting multidimensional profiling sheds light on the science of nanoplastics.
Topics: Humans; Microscopy; Microplastics; Plastics; Drinking Water; Algorithms
PubMed: 38190543
DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2300582121 -
Journal of Hazardous Materials Sep 2023Being an essential component in the plastics industry, phthalates are ubiquitous in the environment and in everyday life. They are considered environmental contaminants... (Review)
Review
Being an essential component in the plastics industry, phthalates are ubiquitous in the environment and in everyday life. They are considered environmental contaminants that have been classified as endocrine-disrupting compounds. Despite di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) being the most common plasticizer and the most studied to date, there are many others that, in addition to being widely used in the plastic, are also applied in the medical and pharmaceutical industries and cosmetics. Due to their wide use, phthalates are easily absorbed by the human body where they can disrupt the endocrine system by binding to molecular targets and interfering with hormonal homeostasis. Thus, phthalates exposure has been implicated in the development of several diseases in different age groups. Collecting information from the most recent available literature, this review aims to relate human phthalates' exposure with the development of cardiovascular diseases throughout all ages. Overall, most of the studies presented demonstrated an association between phthalates and several cardiovascular diseases, either from prenatal or postnatal exposure, affecting foetuses, infants, children, young and older adults. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects remain poorly explored. Thus, considering the cardiovascular diseases incidence worldwide and the constant human exposure to phthalates, this topic should be extensively studied to understand the mechanisms involved.
Topics: Pregnancy; Child; Female; Humans; Aged; Environmental Exposure; Cardiovascular Diseases; Phthalic Acids; Diethylhexyl Phthalate; Plasticizers; Plastics
PubMed: 37269565
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131680 -
F1000Research 2024The plastic related research has been an epicentre in recent times. The presence and spread of micro (nano) plastics (MNPs) are well-known in the terrestrial and aquatic... (Review)
Review
The plastic related research has been an epicentre in recent times. The presence and spread of micro (nano) plastics (MNPs) are well-known in the terrestrial and aquatic environment. However, the focus on the fate and remediation of MNP in soil and groundwater is limited. The fate and bioaccumulation of ingested MNPs remain unknown within the digestive tract of animals. There is also a significant knowledge gap in understanding the ubiquitous organic environmental pollutants with MNPs in biological systems. Reducing plastic consumption, improving waste management practices, and developing environmentally friendly alternatives are some of the key steps needed to address MNP pollution. For better handling and to protect the environment from these invisible substances, policymakers and researchers urgently need to monitor and map MNP contamination in soil and groundwater.
Topics: Animals; Plastics; Humans; Microplastics; Nanoparticles; Environmental Pollutants
PubMed: 38659492
DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.142212.2 -
The Science of the Total Environment Jan 2024Microplastics and antimicrobials are widespread contaminants that threaten global systems and frequently co-exist in the presence of human or animal pathogens. Whilst... (Review)
Review
Microplastics and antimicrobials are widespread contaminants that threaten global systems and frequently co-exist in the presence of human or animal pathogens. Whilst the impact of each of these contaminants has been studied in isolation, the influence of this co-occurrence in driving antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in microplastic-adhered microbial communities, known as 'the Plastisphere', is not well understood. This review proposes the mechanisms by which interactions between antimicrobials and microplastics may drive selection for AMR in the Plastisphere. These include: 1) increased rates of horizontal gene transfer in the Plastisphere compared with free-living counterparts and natural substrate controls due to the proximity of cells, co-occurrence of environmental microplastics with AMR selective compounds and the sequestering of extracellular antibiotic resistance genes in the biofilm matrix. 2) An elevated AMR selection pressure in the Plastisphere due to the adsorbing of AMR selective or co-selective compounds to microplastics at concentrations greater than those found in surrounding mediums and potentially those adsorbed to comparator particles. 3) AMR selection pressure may be further elevated in the Plastisphere due to the incorporation of antimicrobial or AMR co-selective chemicals in the plastic matrix during manufacture. Implications for both ecological functioning and environmental risk assessments are discussed, alongside recommendations for further research.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Microplastics; Plastics; Commerce
PubMed: 37924893
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168234 -
Environment International Sep 2023Microplastics (MP) are plastic particles with dimension up to 5 mm. Due to their persistence, global spread across different ecosystems and potential human health... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Microplastics (MP) are plastic particles with dimension up to 5 mm. Due to their persistence, global spread across different ecosystems and potential human health effects, they have gained increasing attention during the last decade. However, the extent of human exposure to MP through different pathways and their intake have not been elucidated.
OBJECTIVES
The objective of this review is to provide an overview on the pathways of exposure to MP through inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact considering data from the open bibliography on MP in air, dust, food, water and drinks.
METHODS
A bibliographic search on Scopus and PubMed was conducted using keywords on MP in outdoor and indoor air, indoor dust, food including beverages and water and human intake (n = 521). Articles were sorted by their title and abstract (n = 213), and only studies reporting MP identification and quantification techniques were further considered (n = 168). A total of 115 articles that include quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) procedures are finally discussed in the present review. Based on MP concentration data available in literature, we estimated the potential inhaled dose (ID), dust intake (DI), the estimated daily intake (EDI) via food and beverages. Finally, the total daily intake (TDI) considering both inhalation and ingestion routes are provided for adults, infants and newborns.
RESULTS
The concentrations of MP in outdoor and indoor air, dust, and in food and water are provided according to the bibliography. Human exposure to MP through dust ingestion, inhalation of air and food/drinks consumption revealed that indoor air and drinking waters were the main sources of MP.
CONCLUSIONS
This study reveals that humans are constantly exposed to MP, and that the indoor environment and the food and water we ingest decisively contribute to MP intake. Additionally, we highlight that infants and newborns are exposed to high MP concentrations and further studies are needed to evaluate the presence and risk of MP in this vulnerable age-population.
Topics: Infant, Newborn; Adult; Infant; Humans; Water; Microplastics; Plastics; Ecosystem; Dust
PubMed: 37607425
DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108150 -
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety Jun 2023Plastic mulch films and biofertilizers (processed sewage sludge, compost or manure) have helped to increase crop yields. However, there is increasing evidence that these...
Plastic mulch films and biofertilizers (processed sewage sludge, compost or manure) have helped to increase crop yields. However, there is increasing evidence that these practices significantly contribute to microplastic contamination in agricultural soils, affecting biodiversity and soil health. Here, we draw attention to the use of hydrolase enzymes that depolymerize polyester-based plastics as a bioremediation technique for agricultural soils (in situ), biofertilizers and irrigation water (ex situ), and discuss the need for fully biodegradable plastic mulches. We also highlight the need for ecotoxicological assessment of the proposed approach and its effects on different soil organisms. Enzymes should be optimized to work effectively and efficiently under the conditions found in natural soils (typically, moist solids at an ambient temperature with low salinity). Such optimization is also necessary to ensure that already distressed ecosystems are not disrupted any further.
Topics: Soil; Ecosystem; Microplastics; Agriculture; Ecotoxicology; Sewage; Plastics
PubMed: 37156039
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114982 -
International Journal of Molecular... Sep 2023Plastic pollution became a main challenge for human beings as demonstrated by the increasing dispersion of plastic waste into the environment. Microplastics (MPs) have... (Review)
Review
Plastic pollution became a main challenge for human beings as demonstrated by the increasing dispersion of plastic waste into the environment. Microplastics (MPs) have become ubiquitous and humans are exposed daily to inhalation or ingestion of plastic microparticles. Recent studies performed using mainly spectroscopy or spectrometry-based techniques have shown astounding evidence for the presence of MPs in human tissues, organs and fluids. The placenta, meconium, breast milk, lung, intestine, liver, heart and cardiovascular system, blood, urine and cerebrovascular liquid are afflicted by MPs' presence and deposition. On the whole, obtained data underline a great heterogeneity among different tissue and organs of the polymers characterized and the microparticles' dimension, even if most of them seem to be below 50-100 µm. Evidence for the possible contribution of MPs in human diseases is still limited and this field of study in medicine is in an initial state. However, increasing studies on their toxicity in vitro and in vivo suggest worrying effects on human cells mainly mediated by oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis. Nephrological studies are insufficient and evidence for the presence of MPs in human kidneys is still lacking, but the little evidence present in the literature has demonstrated histological and functional alteration of kidneys in animal models and cytotoxicity through apoptosis, autophagy, oxidative stress and inflammation in kidney cells. Overall, the manuscript we report in this review recommends urgent further study to analyze potential correlations between kidney disease and MPs' exposure in human.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Microplastics; Plastics; Environmental Pollution; Kidney; Fibrosis; Water Pollutants, Chemical
PubMed: 37762695
DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814391 -
Particle and Fibre Toxicology Aug 2023Plastic pollution is greatly serious in the ocean and soil. Microplastics (MPs) degraded from plastic has threatened animals and humans health. The accumulation of MPs...
BACKGROUND
Plastic pollution is greatly serious in the ocean and soil. Microplastics (MPs) degraded from plastic has threatened animals and humans health. The accumulation of MPs in the tissues and blood in animals and humans has been found. There is therefore a need to assess the toxicological effects of MPs on the reproductive system.
RESULTS
In this study, we explored the effect of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) on premature testicular aging in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, we found that testicular sertoli cells (TM4 cells) was prematurely senescent following PS-MPs treatment by the evaluation of a range of aging marker molecules (such as Sa-β-gal, p16 and 21). TM4 cells were then employed for in vitro model to study the potential molecular mechanism by which PS-MPs induce the premature senescence of TM4 cells. NF-κB is identified as a key molecule for PS-MPs-induced TM4 cellular senescence. Furthermore, through eliminating reactive oxygen species (ROS), the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) was blocked in PS-MPs-induced senescent TM4 cells, indicating that ROS triggers NF-κB activation. Next, we analyzed the causes of mitochondrial ROS (mtROS) accumulation induced by PS-MPs, and results showed that Ca overload induced the accumulation of mtROS. Further, PS-MPs exposure inhibits mitophagy, leading to the continuous accumulation of senescent cells. In vivo, 8-week-old C57 mice were used as models to assess the effect of PS-MPs on premature testicular aging. The results illustrated that PS-MPs exposure causes premature aging of testicular tissue by testing aging markers. Additionally, PS-MPs led to oxidative stress and inflammatory response in the testicular tissue.
CONCLUSION
In short, our experimental results revealed that PS-MPs-caused testicular premature aging is dependent on Ca/ROS/NF-κB signaling axis. The current study lays the foundation for further exploration of the effects of microplastics on testicular toxicology.
Topics: Humans; Male; Animals; Mice; Aging, Premature; Microplastics; Polystyrenes; Plastics; NF-kappa B; Reactive Oxygen Species
PubMed: 37641072
DOI: 10.1186/s12989-023-00546-6