Journal Description
Microplastics
Microplastics
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on the science and technology of primary and secondary microplastics published quarterly online by MDPI.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 27.4 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 3.7 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: APC discount vouchers, optional signed peer review and reviewer names are published annually in the journal.
Latest Articles
Bridging the Gaps between Microplastics and Human Health
Microplastics 2024, 3(1), 46-66; https://doi.org/10.3390/microplastics3010004 - 11 Jan 2024
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Given the broad and intense use of plastic, society is being increasingly affected by its degradation and by-products, particularly by microplastics (MPs), fragments smaller than 5 mm in size, and nanoplastics (NPs), with sizes less than 1 µm. MPs and NPs may enter
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Given the broad and intense use of plastic, society is being increasingly affected by its degradation and by-products, particularly by microplastics (MPs), fragments smaller than 5 mm in size, and nanoplastics (NPs), with sizes less than 1 µm. MPs and NPs may enter the body primarily through inhalation, consumption, and skin contact. Once ingested, MPs can penetrate tissues, deviating to other parts of the body and potentially affecting important cellular pathways such as nonconforming chemokine receptors that control the communication between the fetus and the mother. Consequently, the potential health harm induced via MP internalization is a major issue, evidenced by multiple studies demonstrating harmful consequences in diverse animal models and human cells. Here, an overview of the various modes of exposure to MPs and NPs is presented, including inhalation, placental transfer, ingestion, breastmilk consumption, and skin absorption, as well as placental and fetal toxicity due to plastic particles based on animal and in vitro studies. Though MPs in our environment are becoming more recognized, their developmental toxicity is still scarcely known. Besides negatively affecting pregnancy, MPs and NPs have been shown to potentially harm the developing fetus, given their ability to cross the placental barrier. Still, considerable gaps remain in our understanding of the dispersion and toxicity of these particles in the environment and the precise types of NPs and MPs bearing the greatest dangers. As a result, we advocate for larger-scale epidemiological investigations, the development of novel approaches for measuring NP and MP exposures, and the necessity of understanding the toxicity of various kinds of NPs to guide future research efforts.
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Open AccessArticle
Microplastic in Drinking Water: A Pilot Study
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Microplastics 2024, 3(1), 31-45; https://doi.org/10.3390/microplastics3010003 - 09 Jan 2024
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In recent years, microplastic pollution has been a hot topic as these compounds have been used in various production contexts such as health, food or technology due to their chemical and physical properties and “shelf-life,” making them almost indispensable products in daily life.
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In recent years, microplastic pollution has been a hot topic as these compounds have been used in various production contexts such as health, food or technology due to their chemical and physical properties and “shelf-life,” making them almost indispensable products in daily life. On the other hand, they have a negative impact on the environment and, consequently, on biota and human health. It is therefore necessary to assess the actual presence of microplastics in drinking water by analysing real samples in order to estimate the possible exposure through drinking water consumption. In this pilot study, drinking water from different aqueous matrices was examined for the presence of microplastics and characterized in terms of shape, size, abundance and polymer type by Raman microspectroscopy analysis. Not all samples analysed were found to be contaminated with microplastics, indeed, some, as in the case of water kiosk samples, were found to be free of such contaminants. The results for the various matrices showed that the microplastics content ranged from less than 2 particles/L to a maximum of 5 + 1.5 particles/L, with sizes ranging from 30 to 100 μm and consisted of the most common polymers such as polyethylene, polypropylene or polyethylene terephthalate.
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Open AccessCommunication
The Standard and Reverse Mode Operation of a Hydrocyclone for Microplastic Separation
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Microplastics 2024, 3(1), 22-30; https://doi.org/10.3390/microplastics3010002 - 09 Jan 2024
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Harmonization in the analytical framework is needed to detect, define and further categorize plastics released into the environment. In the range of particles smaller than 200 μm, hydrocyclones (HCs) have proven their capacity in removing microplastics efficiently by offering technical advantages at low
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Harmonization in the analytical framework is needed to detect, define and further categorize plastics released into the environment. In the range of particles smaller than 200 μm, hydrocyclones (HCs) have proven their capacity in removing microplastics efficiently by offering technical advantages at low operational costs. This publication aims to expand scientific knowledge by introducing four commercially available, low-priced microplastics to a pilot-scale HC setting. The physicochemical characteristics of particles as well as the separation efficiency of the test rig were investigated in depth. Particles with a density of >1000 kg/m3 passed the primary vortex and were discharged into the underflow, allowing us to employ standard mode operation. Particles with a density of <1000 kg/m3 entered the secondary vortex and were removed through the overflow. As expected, separation efficiencies were found to be higher for particles revealing a greater density difference when compared with the mobile phase water. Furthermore, an increase in the inlet volume flow revealed significant positive impacts on the separation efficiency for three plastics to a certain threshold. Data on standard and reverse mode operations presented in this publication can lay out an important source for the harmonization and standardization of future HC research, with the goal of overcoming plastic pollution by developing economically competitive separation processes.
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Open AccessReview
Comparative Review of Instrumental Techniques and Methods for the Analysis of Microplastics in Agricultural Matrices
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Microplastics 2024, 3(1), 1-21; https://doi.org/10.3390/microplastics3010001 - 20 Dec 2023
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Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous and evasive in nature. They can be found in complex agricultural matrices like soil and compost. In the literature, extracting MPs from soil is more prevalent; nonetheless, the same instruments in extraction in soil samples can also be used
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Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous and evasive in nature. They can be found in complex agricultural matrices like soil and compost. In the literature, extracting MPs from soil is more prevalent; nonetheless, the same instruments in extraction in soil samples can also be used to assess MPs in compost despite the high levels of organic material. MPs in agricultural environments have recently become a focus of research due to their status as emerging pollutants. However, the lack of standardized instruments and techniques for analysis is a major challenge in assessing MPs. Despite this limitation, this review article identified and suggested some important factors to consider when selecting suitable methods or instruments for MP analysis. This article also categorized instrumental analysis in MP studies as destructive and non-destructive and highlighted the advantages and disadvantages of methods and instruments such as visual inspection, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy (RS), and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). These highlights will provide researchers with a useful guide to help them choose the most appropriate method and instrumentation technique for their MP analytical research. Additionally, the article discusses the combination of two or more of these analytical instruments to improve efficiency.
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Open AccessArticle
Presence of Microplastics in the Vaquita Marina Protection Zone in Baja California, Mexico
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Microplastics 2023, 2(4), 422-436; https://doi.org/10.3390/microplastics2040031 - 16 Dec 2023
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Microplastics (MP) have been evidenced in marine and coastal areas worldwide, including the Gulf of California in Mexico, where the Vaquita Marina refuge area is located, which in turn borders the protected natural area Alto Golfo de California y Delta del Rio Colorado.
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Microplastics (MP) have been evidenced in marine and coastal areas worldwide, including the Gulf of California in Mexico, where the Vaquita Marina refuge area is located, which in turn borders the protected natural area Alto Golfo de California y Delta del Rio Colorado. This research aimed to determine the concentrations of microplastics in the Vaquita protection zone, analyzing samples of ten transects of surface water and samples in the sand of five beaches on the coast surrounding the Vaquita protection polygon. The total concentrations of MP in the surface water transects were from 0.000 to 0.020 MP/m3 and their most recurrent characteristics were fragments (69.0%), the chemical composition of polyethylene (60.0%), the blue color (39.0%) and a size of 2.1–3.0 mm (31.0%). While for the beaches, these corresponded to averages ranging from 28.2 ± 36.4; 17.6 to 200.7 ± 77.9; 193.7 MP/m2, the most common characteristics of MP from beaches were filaments (33.2%), PE (32.3%), white (28.0%), and a size of 4.1–5.0 mm (32.0%). The results suggest that part of the MP on the beaches and in the Vaquita Marina refuge area could come from urban areas such as the Gulf of California and activities such as fishing. It is recommended to study all the transects of the Vaquita Marina polygon and more beaches surrounding it in different seasons to better understand the status of MP pollution.
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Open AccessArticle
Abundance and Characteristics of Fibrous Microplastics and Microfibers Isolated in Mullus barbatus from the Adriatic Sea—Preliminary Investigation
Microplastics 2023, 2(4), 411-421; https://doi.org/10.3390/microplastics2040030 - 14 Dec 2023
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Despite the wide distribution of textile microfibers in the marine environment, there is still limited knowledge on microfiber ingestion in fish species intended for human consumption, mostly due to analytical issues. The present study aims to assess the occurrence of microfibers in red
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Despite the wide distribution of textile microfibers in the marine environment, there is still limited knowledge on microfiber ingestion in fish species intended for human consumption, mostly due to analytical issues. The present study aims to assess the occurrence of microfibers in red mullet (Mullus barbatus) samples collected from the Italian waters of the central Adriatic Sea. M. barbatus is a bottom fish that lives in contact with sediment and therefore was proposed as a sentinel species for the monitoring plastic pollution. A visual approach based on the evaluation of specific microfiber surface morphology was applied for the identification of particles of different origins. The preliminary findings showed the presence of microfibers in 80% of red mullet samples with a mean of 5.95 microfibers/individual. The majority (>80%) of the isolated microfibers were of natural/artificial origin, while the dominant colors were blue and black. The obtained results confirmed that benthic fish species are susceptible to microfiber ingestion and indicate the high availability of these particles in the Adriatic basin. Considering the spectroscopic drawbacks in microfiber analyses and the need to improve the current knowledge on the rate of contamination of fishery products, the visual approach could be a feasible, easy, and accessible method in the study of microfiber pollution, and the assessment of consumer health risks.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring, Detection and Mitigation of Micro and Nanoplastics)
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Open AccessReview
Progress in Research on the Bioavailability and Toxicity of Nanoplastics to Freshwater Plankton
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Microplastics 2023, 2(4), 389-410; https://doi.org/10.3390/microplastics2040029 - 28 Nov 2023
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The present review critically examines the advancements in the past 5 years regarding research on the bioavailability and toxicity of the nanoplastics (NPLs) to freshwater plankton. We discuss the recent progress in the understanding of adsorption, absorption, trophic transfer, and biological effects in
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The present review critically examines the advancements in the past 5 years regarding research on the bioavailability and toxicity of the nanoplastics (NPLs) to freshwater plankton. We discuss the recent progress in the understanding of adsorption, absorption, trophic transfer, and biological effects in phyto- and zooplankton induced by NPLs exposure. The influence of plankton on NPLs’ bioavailability via the excretion of biomolecules and formation of eco-corona is also examined. Despite important research developments, there are still considerable knowledge gaps with respect to NPLs’ bioavailability and trophic transfer by plankton as well as a potential adverse effect in natural aquatic systems. As plankton play a critical role in primary production, nutrient cycling, and food web structure, understanding the interactions between NPLs and plankton is essential in assessing the potential implications of NPLs pollution for aquatic ecosystem biodiversity and services.
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Open AccessReview
The Impact of Microplastics on Global Food Production: A Brief Overview of This Complex Sector
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Microplastics 2023, 2(4), 371-388; https://doi.org/10.3390/microplastics2040028 - 15 Nov 2023
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Environmental pollution management combined with food safety represents two of the main challenges of the last decades. Soil and water contamination has historically threatened food safety. As ubiquitous pollutants, microplastics (MPs) have attracted increasing attention over the last few years. These particles can
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Environmental pollution management combined with food safety represents two of the main challenges of the last decades. Soil and water contamination has historically threatened food safety. As ubiquitous pollutants, microplastics (MPs) have attracted increasing attention over the last few years. These particles can affect the balance of terrestrial, aquatic, and aerial ecosystems. Their negative impacts are intensified when they adsorb and carry toxic chemicals. They can circulate through organisms and accumulate in human beings via food and water. Physiological dysfunctions in all species continue to be reported, both in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. This article considers how this might be affecting the global production of food. It reports the adverse effects induced by MPs in soils, their properties and organisms growing within and upon them, including livestock and the pollinating agents necessary for plant growth. A separate section discusses the effects of MPs on aquaculture, mentioning effects on wild species, as well as farmed fish. The growing concern of the food production sector with MPs mimics that of the world with global warming; the danger is real and requires urgent attention.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring, Detection and Mitigation of Micro and Nanoplastics)
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Experimental Validation of the Microplastic Index—Two Approaches to Understanding Microplastic Formation
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Microplastics 2023, 2(4), 350-370; https://doi.org/10.3390/microplastics2040027 - 03 Nov 2023
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The Microplastic Index (MPI) was presented in a previous paper as a method to assess the formation of microplastics during the application of impact and wear stresses, based on selected mechanical and physical properties of polymers. In this paper, the experimental validation of
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The Microplastic Index (MPI) was presented in a previous paper as a method to assess the formation of microplastics during the application of impact and wear stresses, based on selected mechanical and physical properties of polymers. In this paper, the experimental validation of the MPI model is presented. A series of ten polymers was characterized to obtain the relevant parameters for the calculation of the MPI, i.e., the minimum particle size and volume of microplastics formed. The milling (addressing impact stress) and sanding experiments (addressing wear stress) resulted in particle sizes between 3 and 200 μm and 0.3 and 25 μm, respectively. These values were very well predicted by the MPI model, showing smaller particles for brittle polymers and larger ones for ductile polymers. In addition, the experimental-specific wear rates of impact and wear correlated well with the predicted ones, being 0.01–30 mm3/Nm for impact and 0.0002–0.012 mm3/Nm for wear. These results indicate that the MPI can be very well used to predict the tendency of a material to form microplastics. In the search for understanding and mitigating microplastic formation, the MPI can be used by both producers and end users to choose plastic grades that form fewer microplastics.
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(This article belongs to the Collection Current Opinion in Microplastics)
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Open AccessArticle
Fast Forward: Optimized Sample Preparation and Fluorescent Staining for Microplastic Detection
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Microplastics 2023, 2(4), 334-349; https://doi.org/10.3390/microplastics2040026 - 22 Oct 2023
Cited by 1
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The fast, affordable, and standardized detection of microplastics (MP) remains one of the biggest challenges in MP research. Comparable data are essential for appropriate risk assessments and the implementation of laws and limit values. The fluorescent staining of MP in environmental samples is
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The fast, affordable, and standardized detection of microplastics (MP) remains one of the biggest challenges in MP research. Comparable data are essential for appropriate risk assessments and the implementation of laws and limit values. The fluorescent staining of MP in environmental samples is a possible solution to this problem. This study investigates the optimization of a sample preparation process (hydrogen peroxide digestion) and the staining process (temperature, concentration, time, surfactants as staining aids) for using a specifically developed fluorescent dye for MP detection. The optimization is performed by comparing the sample preparation process and staining of MP from different polymers and natural particles. Further, the suitability of the optimized process for the detection of fluoropolymers and tire abrasion was tested. The results show that the optimized method (increased temperature and optimized stain concentration) can detect microplastics reliably with a total sample preparation and measurement time of 2.5–3 h per sample, reaching recovery rates of 93.3% (polypropylene) to 101.7% (polyester). Moreover, two of the three tested fluoropolymers could be detected reliably. Tire abrasion could not be detected with the here presented method, as the black color leads to strong quenching. A long-term study measuring the MP pollution in the effluent of a municipal wastewater treatment plant compared the optimized and original processes and confirmed the stability of the improved method for routine measurements and contamination control.
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(This article belongs to the Collection Current Opinion in Microplastics)
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Comparing Methods for Microplastic Quantification Using the Danube as a Model
Microplastics 2023, 2(4), 322-333; https://doi.org/10.3390/microplastics2040025 - 17 Oct 2023
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This study investigates the impact different mesh-sized filtration methods have on the amount of detected microplastics in the surface water of the Danube River delta. Further, the distribution of microplastics in different size categories (20 µm, 65 µm, 105 µm) and in the
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This study investigates the impact different mesh-sized filtration methods have on the amount of detected microplastics in the surface water of the Danube River delta. Further, the distribution of microplastics in different size categories (20 µm, 65 µm, 105 µm) and in the water column (0 m, 3 m, 6 m) was analyzed. Our findings show that the Danube River carries 46 p∙L−1 (microplastic particles per liter) with a size larger than 105 µm, 95 p∙L−1 larger than 65 µm and 2677 p∙L−1 that are larger than 20 µm. This suggests a negative logarithmic correlation between mesh size and particle amount. The most abundant polymer throughout all samples was polyethylene terephthalate, followed by polytetrafluorethylene. Overall, the data shows that different sampling methods cannot be compared directly. Further research is needed to find correlations in particle sizes for better comparison between different sampling methods.
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(This article belongs to the Collection Current Opinion in Microplastics)
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Accuracy of a Simple Microplastics Investigation Method on Sandy Beaches
Microplastics 2023, 2(3), 304-321; https://doi.org/10.3390/microplastics2030024 - 17 Sep 2023
Cited by 1
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Environmental pollution by microplastics (MPs) has become a growing concern, and not only professional researchers but also the citizenry are needed to understand the pollution situation and to confirm the decreasing trend of MP pollution as a result of the global reduction in
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Environmental pollution by microplastics (MPs) has become a growing concern, and not only professional researchers but also the citizenry are needed to understand the pollution situation and to confirm the decreasing trend of MP pollution as a result of the global reduction in plastic use. In this study, the author evaluated the accuracy of a simple method of investigating MPs on sandy beaches that can be conducted even by high school students. In a land survey using simple tools such as a tape measure and cardboard, the maximum coefficient of variation is approximately 1%. Even without heavy liquid, 89% of MPs could be recovered using only seawater. An investigation of MP content by sampling 0.5 cm of the surface layer of sand could explain more than half of the MP content when the sand was sampled to a depth of approximately 50 cm below the surface layer. A method in which the recovered MPs are not visually sorted but floating matter after boiling is considered as MPs is acceptable. If there was no concern about pumice contamination, the overestimation was approximately 1.5 times. Simple laboratory equipment such as buckets, sieves, seawater, hot plates, dryers, and electronic balances could achieve lower limits of quantification of MPs of 13 mg-MPs/m2-sand and 2 mg-MPs/kg-sand.
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Open AccessReview
Recent Advances in Microplastics Removal from Water with Special Attention Given to Photocatalytic Degradation: Review of Scientific Research
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Microplastics 2023, 2(3), 278-303; https://doi.org/10.3390/microplastics2030023 - 04 Sep 2023
Cited by 2
Abstract
Microplastic pollution has become a global environmental concern with detrimental effects on ecosystems and human health. Effective removal of microplastics from water sources is crucial to mitigate their impacts. Advanced oxidative processes (AOPs) have emerged as promising strategies for the degradation and elimination
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Microplastic pollution has become a global environmental concern with detrimental effects on ecosystems and human health. Effective removal of microplastics from water sources is crucial to mitigate their impacts. Advanced oxidative processes (AOPs) have emerged as promising strategies for the degradation and elimination of microplastics. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the application of AOPs in the removal of microplastics from water. Various AOPs, such as photocatalysis, ozonation, and Fenton-like processes, have shown significant potential for microplastic degradation. These processes generate highly reactive species, such as hydroxyl radicals, which can break down microplastics into smaller fragments or even mineralize them into harmless byproducts. The efficiency of photocatalytic oxidation depends on several factors, including the choice of photocatalysts, reaction conditions, and the physicochemical properties of microplastics. Furthermore, this review discusses the challenges associated with photocatalytic oxidation, such as the need for optimization of operating parameters and the potential formation of harmful byproducts. Overall, photocatalytic oxidation offers a promising avenue for the removal of microplastics from water, contributing to the preservation of aquatic ecosystems and safeguarding human health. However, further research is needed to address the limitations and optimize the implementation of this process for effective and sustainable microplastic remediation.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring, Detection and Mitigation of Micro and Nanoplastics)
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Open AccessCommunication
Detection of Secondary Microplastics in an Aquatic Mesocosm by Means of Object-Based Image Analysis
Microplastics 2023, 2(3), 268-277; https://doi.org/10.3390/microplastics2030022 - 07 Aug 2023
Cited by 1
Abstract
When plastics are discarded, they do not biodegrade and instead break down over time into progressively smaller particles, termed secondary microplastics, which adversely impact biota and human health as well as persist in the environment for centuries. Our research objective was to evaluate
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When plastics are discarded, they do not biodegrade and instead break down over time into progressively smaller particles, termed secondary microplastics, which adversely impact biota and human health as well as persist in the environment for centuries. Our research objective was to evaluate the capabilities of object-based image analyses in detecting compositionally varied microplastics suspended in an aquatic mesocosm under no-slip and turbulent water conditions. We found that the presence of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and low-density polyethylene microplastic pollution in both single-type and mixed-type suspensions was not detectable by either average red (R), average blue (B), average green (G), or average RBG pixel intensities, but was significantly detectable by means of total RBG pixel intensity from digital imagery of the surface-water. Our findings suggest that object-based image analyses of surface waters to quantify pixel information is better suited for monitoring the presence and absence of suspended microplastics, rather than for the stepwise determination of microplastic concentrations. We propose the development of a smartphone application to facilitate citizen-science monitoring of microplastic contamination as well as comment on future applications utilizing drone imagery to boost cloud-based mapping spatiotemporal plumes.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring, Detection and Mitigation of Micro and Nanoplastics)
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Characterization of Microplastics and Mesoplastics and Presence of Biofilms, Collected in the Gualí Wetland Cundinamarca, Colombia
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Microplastics 2023, 2(3), 255-267; https://doi.org/10.3390/microplastics2030021 - 01 Aug 2023
Abstract
Wetlands are being contaminated by housing developments, effluents, industrial areas, and poor sanitation, resulting in the presence of plastic polymers and the development of biofilms on these materials, which represent an elevated risk to freshwater fauna and flora. The objective of this study
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Wetlands are being contaminated by housing developments, effluents, industrial areas, and poor sanitation, resulting in the presence of plastic polymers and the development of biofilms on these materials, which represent an elevated risk to freshwater fauna and flora. The objective of this study was to characterize mesoplastics and microplastics, collected in the Gualí Wetland, Colombia, as well as to verify the presence of biofilms on such polymers. Nine water samples (36 L per sample) were evaluated at three points of the wetland; the size of the particles was determined by image analysis, the type of polymer through FTIR, and the presence of biofilms by microscopy. A total of 79 items/0.135 m3 were collected, 2 macroplastic items, 53 mesoplastic items, and 24 microplastic items. The presence of fragments (70%) and pellets (41%), with transparent (40%) and white (30%) being the predominant ones, was outstanding. Among the polymers, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) dominated, followed by expanded polystyrene. The results of SEM demonstrated the presence of diatoms on the surface of the plastic polymers. Furthermore, the results showed a greater amount of HDPE mesoplastics and microplastics in the shape of fragments and pellets. In addition, the presence of biofilms on these plastic particles can increase the adsorption of contaminants, negatively affecting this ecosystem. The outcome of this study can be used to identify bacteria that reside in biofilms associated with microplastics and mesoplastics.
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(This article belongs to the Collection Current Opinion in Microplastics)
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Microplastics in Lampanyctus crocodilus (Risso 1810, Myctophidae), a Common Lanternfish Species from the Ibiza Channel (Western Mediterranean)
Microplastics 2023, 2(3), 242-254; https://doi.org/10.3390/microplastics2030020 - 18 Jul 2023
Abstract
Microplastics’ presence in the pelagic environment is still largely unknown due to the difficulty of sampling in this part of the ocean. In this study, we quantify microplastics’ exposure in a pelagic lanternfish species from the western Mediterranean, Lampanyctus crocodilus (Risso 1810), which
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Microplastics’ presence in the pelagic environment is still largely unknown due to the difficulty of sampling in this part of the ocean. In this study, we quantify microplastics’ exposure in a pelagic lanternfish species from the western Mediterranean, Lampanyctus crocodilus (Risso 1810), which occupies an intermediate position in the marine food web. L. crocodilus were captured in the Ibiza Channel by a trawling vessel and microplastics were extracted by digestion of their gastrointestinal systems. Almost half of the analysed lanternfish contained microplastics, mostly blue and black fibres (40.9% and 34.66%, respectively). In fishes with at least one microplastic, the median was 3 MPs/fish (CI 95% = 3.46–6.8), similar to other studies performed in other fish species in the area. Biometric parameters of fish, such as total length and body condition, were not correlated with the number of microplastics. Data presented here contribute to quantifying the severity of microplastic pollution in the pelagic environment and in a wild, non-commercial species.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microplastics in Marine Environment)
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Open AccessArticle
Microplastics on Beaches in the Nautla-Vega de Alatorre Turtle Nesting Area, Veracruz
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, , and
Microplastics 2023, 2(3), 230-241; https://doi.org/10.3390/microplastics2030019 - 14 Jul 2023
Cited by 1
Abstract
The low cost of production and the widespread use of plastics has brought about a problem that is difficult to measure; microplastics are considered emerging pollutants because their presence can pose a risk to the environment. This study focuses on the characterization of
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The low cost of production and the widespread use of plastics has brought about a problem that is difficult to measure; microplastics are considered emerging pollutants because their presence can pose a risk to the environment. This study focuses on the characterization of microplastics (MPs) in the nesting area of green (Chelonia mydas) and Kemp’s ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) sea turtles, on the coastal municipalities of Nautla and Vega de Alatorre, Veracruz, Mexico. Five beaches along 15.5 km of coastline were analyzed and samples were taken in the intertidal zone. In this work, only microplastics in sizes from one to five mm were analyzed. A characterization of the potential sources of microplastics at the basin level was carried out and 94% of the samples analyzed presented MPs, the greatest amount was at site Playa Navarro (B32) (1.2 Item/kg dw), and in the high tide zone (4.86 ± 2.79 Item/kg dw). The predominant color of the MPs was white (42%), the most representative form were fragments (31%), while most of the MPs presented sizes of 4–5 mm (35%) followed by 1–2 mm (34%). The chemical composition of most of the MPs was polyethylene (55%). Regarding the sources of the MPs generation, livestock, agriculture, fishing, tourism, wastewater discharges, urban solid waste and, to a lesser extent, the plastic industry were identified. The mobilization factors of the MPs turned out to be the Colipa and Misantla rivers with runoff from the basin, wind, waves and marine currents.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microplastics in Marine Environment)
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Preliminary Assessment into the Prevalence and Distribution of Microplastics in North and South Pacific Island Beaches
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Microplastics 2023, 2(3), 219-229; https://doi.org/10.3390/microplastics2030018 - 29 Jun 2023
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Microplastic pollution has become an increasing danger to marine wildlife and ecosystems worldwide. The continued increase in the production of plastic products has caused microplastic pollution to become more distributed, especially along shorelines. Therefore, to better assess the pervasiveness of microplastics around the
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Microplastic pollution has become an increasing danger to marine wildlife and ecosystems worldwide. The continued increase in the production of plastic products has caused microplastic pollution to become more distributed, especially along shorelines. Therefore, to better assess the pervasiveness of microplastics around the Pacific Islands, in this work, we conducted a preliminary investigation into the pervasiveness of microplastics along eight different North and South Pacific Island beaches located in New Zealand and Hawaii. Microplastic prevalence was investigated as a function of beach location, sand type, and microplastic type. Our analysis found that all eight locations contained some level of microplastics, and sheltered fine-grained sand beaches contained the highest level of microplastics, with the largest particle size distribution. In addition, spectroscopy analysis was conducted to assess the plastic type, which showed that nylon and polypropylene were the most common types of microplastics among the tested samples. The results of this study offer a preliminary insight into the microplastic accumulation among different beaches, indicating that sheltered fine-grained beaches and ecosystems may be more susceptible to microplastic accumulation.
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Open AccessEditorial
Ecotoxicological Impacts of Micro(Nano)plastics in the Environment: Biotic and Abiotic Interactions
Microplastics 2023, 2(3), 215-218; https://doi.org/10.3390/microplastics2030017 - 26 Jun 2023
Abstract
Plastic and microplastic pollution is a complex, muti-faceted challenge that has engaged a broad alliance of stakeholder groups who are concerned with environmental, biotic and human health [...]
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecotoxicological Impacts of Micro(Nano)plastics in the Environment: Biotic and Abiotic Interactions)
Open AccessArticle
Quantification of Very Low Concentrations of Colloids with Light Scattering Applied to Micro(Nano)Plastics in Seawater
Microplastics 2023, 2(2), 202-214; https://doi.org/10.3390/microplastics2020016 - 02 Jun 2023
Abstract
The detection and quantification of micro(nano)plastics in the marine environment are essential requirements to understand the full impacts of plastic pollution on the ecosystem and human health. Here, static light scattering (SLS) and dynamic (DLS) light scattering techniques are assessed for their capacity
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The detection and quantification of micro(nano)plastics in the marine environment are essential requirements to understand the full impacts of plastic pollution on the ecosystem and human health. Here, static light scattering (SLS) and dynamic (DLS) light scattering techniques are assessed for their capacity to detect colloidal particles with diameters between d = 0.1 and 0.8 µm at very low concentrations in seawater. The detection limit of the apparatus was determined using model monodisperse spherical polystyrene latex particles with diameters of 0.2 µm and 0.5 µm. It is shown that the concentration and size of colloids can be determined down to about 10−6 g/L. Light scattering measurements on seawater obtained from different locations in Western Europe show that colloidal particles were detected with DLS in seawater filtered through 0.8 µm pore size filters. The concentration of these particles was not higher than 1 µg/L, with an average diameter of about 0.6 µm. We stress that these particles are not necessarily plastic. No particles were detected after filtration through 0.45 µm pore size filters.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring, Detection and Mitigation of Micro and Nanoplastics)
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