Publications
2020
Edo, Carlos; González-Pleiter, Miguel; Leganés, Francisco; Fernández-Piñas, Francisca; Rosal, Roberto
Fate of microplastics in wastewater treatment plants and their environmental dispersion with effluent and sludge Journal Article
In: Environmental Pollution , 2020.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Microplastics, removal efficiency, sewage sludge, wastewater effluent, wastewater treatment plants
@article{Edo2020,
title = {Fate of microplastics in wastewater treatment plants and their environmental dispersion with effluent and sludge},
author = {Carlos Edo and Miguel González-Pleiter and Francisco Leganés and Francisca Fernández-Piñas and Roberto Rosal},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113837},
doi = {10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113837},
year = {2020},
date = {2020-00-00},
journal = {Environmental Pollution },
abstract = {This work studied the occurrence of microplastics in primary and secondary effluents and mixed sludge of a WWTP as well as in processed heat-dried sludge marketed as soil amendment. Sampled microparticles were divided into fragments and fibres, the latter defined as those with cylindrical shape and length to diameter ratio >3. We showed the presence of 12 different anthropogenic polymers or groups of polymers with a predominance of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester and acrylic fibres together with an important amount of manufactured natural fibres. The smaller sampled fraction, in the 25–104 μm range, was the largest in both primary and secondary effluents. Fibres displayed lower sizes than fragments and represented less than one third of the anthropogenic particles sampled in effluents but up to 84% of heat-dried sludge. The plant showed a high efficiency (>90%) in removing microplastics from wastewater. However, the amount of anthropogenic plastics debris in the 25 μm - 50 mm range still released with the effluent amounted to 12.8 ± 6.3 particles/L, representing 300 million plastic debris per day and an approximate load of microplastics of 350 particles/m3 in the receiving Henares River. WWTP mixed sludge contained 183 ± 84 particles/g while heat-dried sludge bore 165 ± 37 particles/g. The sludge of the WWTP sampled in this work, would disseminate 8 × 1011 plastic particles per year if improperly managed. The agricultural use of sludge as soil amendment in the area of Madrid could spread up to 1013 microplastic particles in agricultural soils per year.},
keywords = {Microplastics, removal efficiency, sewage sludge, wastewater effluent, wastewater treatment plants},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
This work studied the occurrence of microplastics in primary and secondary effluents and mixed sludge of a WWTP as well as in processed heat-dried sludge marketed as soil amendment. Sampled microparticles were divided into fragments and fibres, the latter defined as those with cylindrical shape and length to diameter ratio >3. We showed the presence of 12 different anthropogenic polymers or groups of polymers with a predominance of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester and acrylic fibres together with an important amount of manufactured natural fibres. The smaller sampled fraction, in the 25–104 μm range, was the largest in both primary and secondary effluents. Fibres displayed lower sizes than fragments and represented less than one third of the anthropogenic particles sampled in effluents but up to 84% of heat-dried sludge. The plant showed a high efficiency (>90%) in removing microplastics from wastewater. However, the amount of anthropogenic plastics debris in the 25 μm - 50 mm range still released with the effluent amounted to 12.8 ± 6.3 particles/L, representing 300 million plastic debris per day and an approximate load of microplastics of 350 particles/m3 in the receiving Henares River. WWTP mixed sludge contained 183 ± 84 particles/g while heat-dried sludge bore 165 ± 37 particles/g. The sludge of the WWTP sampled in this work, would disseminate 8 × 1011 plastic particles per year if improperly managed. The agricultural use of sludge as soil amendment in the area of Madrid could spread up to 1013 microplastic particles in agricultural soils per year.
2019
Edo, Carlos; Tamayo-Belda, Miguel; Martínez-Campos, Sergio; Martín-Betancor, Keila; González-Pleiter, Miguel; Pulido-Reyes, Gerardo; García-Ruiza, Carmen; Zapata, Félix; Leganés, Francisco; Fernández-Piñas, Francisca; Rosal, Roberto
Occurrence and identification of microplastics along a beach in the Biosphere Reserve of Lanzarote Journal Article
In: Marine Pollution Bulletin, no. 143, pp. 220–227, 2019.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: FTIR, Marine debris, Marine pollution, Microplastics, Raman
@article{Edo2019,
title = {Occurrence and identification of microplastics along a beach in the Biosphere Reserve of Lanzarote},
author = {Carlos Edo and Miguel Tamayo-Belda and Sergio Martínez-Campos and Keila Martín-Betancor and Miguel González-Pleiter and Gerardo Pulido-Reyes and Carmen García-Ruiza and Félix Zapata and Francisco Leganés and Francisca Fernández-Piñas and Roberto Rosal},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.04.061},
doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.04.061},
year = {2019},
date = {2019-00-00},
journal = {Marine Pollution Bulletin},
number = {143},
pages = {220–227},
abstract = {This work studied the accumulation of plastic debris in a remote beach located in La Graciosa island (Chinijo archipelago, Canary Islands). Microplastics were sampled in the 1–5 mm mesh opening range. An average plastic density of 36.3 g/m² was obtained with a large variability along the 90 m of the beach (from 8.5 g/m² to 103.4 g/m²). Microplastic particles preferentially accumulated in the part of the beach protected by rocks. A total number of 9149 plastic particles were collected, recorded and measured, 87% of which corresponded to fragments. Clear colours and microscopic evidence of weathering corresponded to aged plastics wind-driven by the surface Canary Current. The chemical composition of plastics particles corresponded to PE (63%), PP (32%) and PS (3%). Higher PE/PP ratios were recorded in the more protected parts of the beach, suggesting preferential accumulation of more aged fragments.},
keywords = {FTIR, Marine debris, Marine pollution, Microplastics, Raman},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
This work studied the accumulation of plastic debris in a remote beach located in La Graciosa island (Chinijo archipelago, Canary Islands). Microplastics were sampled in the 1–5 mm mesh opening range. An average plastic density of 36.3 g/m² was obtained with a large variability along the 90 m of the beach (from 8.5 g/m² to 103.4 g/m²). Microplastic particles preferentially accumulated in the part of the beach protected by rocks. A total number of 9149 plastic particles were collected, recorded and measured, 87% of which corresponded to fragments. Clear colours and microscopic evidence of weathering corresponded to aged plastics wind-driven by the surface Canary Current. The chemical composition of plastics particles corresponded to PE (63%), PP (32%) and PS (3%). Higher PE/PP ratios were recorded in the more protected parts of the beach, suggesting preferential accumulation of more aged fragments.
2018
Campanale, Claudia; Maddarelli, Carmine; Bagnuolo, Giuseppe; Uricchio, Vito Felice
Occurrence and concentrations of microplastics in an urban river Miscellaneous
2018.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Concentration, Italy, Microplastics, occurrence, Urban river
@misc{Campanale2018,
title = {Occurrence and concentrations of microplastics in an urban river},
author = {Claudia Campanale and Carmine Maddarelli and Giuseppe Bagnuolo and Vito Felice Uricchio},
url = {https://www.plastic-network.org/aw-pl18_A-nEt/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Campanale_SETAC2018.pdf},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-00-00},
abstract = {The term ‘microplastics’ was first used in 2004 to describe very small fragments of plastic (~ 50 m³) in the water column and in sediments. In 2009, Arthur et al. proposed that microplastics should include all fragments < 5 mm. Over the past decade, microplastic debris in both marine and freshwater systems has become an emerging environmental issue. Although 70 – 95 % of the marine litter, including microplastics, come from land environment, studies of microplastics in freshwater systems are limited respect to those focused on marine habitats. Rivers and inland waters may transport microplastics to marine habitats and may be a novel vector for the downstream transport of organic persistent pollutants suggesting an overlooked and potentially significant component of the global microplastic life cycle. Herein we report results from a monitoring study with the main objective of evaluate the occurrence and concentration of microplastics in an italian urban river and assess the hypotheses that microplastics amount could vary in response to temporal and seasonal trends. In order to monitor the trend of microplastic concentrations, two seasonal sampling campaigns have been planned (February and April 2017).
Superficial waters samples were collected with three surface plankton nets fixed in the middle of the river simultaneously for two different time slot (11:00-13:00 and 13:00-15:00) for a total of six replicates for each campaign. After sample extraction and purification, validation of visually based microplastics identification was achieved using pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Pyrolysis GCMS). The composition of microplastic was studied in term of size, shape, color and polymer type. Results from the six replicates are expressed as mean values (± DEV. ST.) of number of particles per cubic meter (p/m³). Microplastics were found in each net sample for a total amount of 22152 items collected, photographed, enumerated and categorized. Sample concentrations ranged from 3.52 to 13.43 p/m³ showing significantly higher abundances during February than April campaign (Mann?Whitney U Test = 18.00; p-value = 0.028). A total of five polymer have been characterized: PE, PP, PS, PVC and TDI-PUR. All samples contained at least three polymer types: PE, PP and PS. PE accounted for 77% of the total particles identified, followed by PS (12%), PP(10%), PVC (0.9%) and PU (0.4%).},
keywords = {Concentration, Italy, Microplastics, occurrence, Urban river},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {misc}
}
The term ‘microplastics’ was first used in 2004 to describe very small fragments of plastic (~ 50 m³) in the water column and in sediments. In 2009, Arthur et al. proposed that microplastics should include all fragments < 5 mm. Over the past decade, microplastic debris in both marine and freshwater systems has become an emerging environmental issue. Although 70 – 95 % of the marine litter, including microplastics, come from land environment, studies of microplastics in freshwater systems are limited respect to those focused on marine habitats. Rivers and inland waters may transport microplastics to marine habitats and may be a novel vector for the downstream transport of organic persistent pollutants suggesting an overlooked and potentially significant component of the global microplastic life cycle. Herein we report results from a monitoring study with the main objective of evaluate the occurrence and concentration of microplastics in an italian urban river and assess the hypotheses that microplastics amount could vary in response to temporal and seasonal trends. In order to monitor the trend of microplastic concentrations, two seasonal sampling campaigns have been planned (February and April 2017).
Superficial waters samples were collected with three surface plankton nets fixed in the middle of the river simultaneously for two different time slot (11:00-13:00 and 13:00-15:00) for a total of six replicates for each campaign. After sample extraction and purification, validation of visually based microplastics identification was achieved using pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Pyrolysis GCMS). The composition of microplastic was studied in term of size, shape, color and polymer type. Results from the six replicates are expressed as mean values (± DEV. ST.) of number of particles per cubic meter (p/m³). Microplastics were found in each net sample for a total amount of 22152 items collected, photographed, enumerated and categorized. Sample concentrations ranged from 3.52 to 13.43 p/m³ showing significantly higher abundances during February than April campaign (Mann?Whitney U Test = 18.00; p-value = 0.028). A total of five polymer have been characterized: PE, PP, PS, PVC and TDI-PUR. All samples contained at least three polymer types: PE, PP and PS. PE accounted for 77% of the total particles identified, followed by PS (12%), PP(10%), PVC (0.9%) and PU (0.4%).
Superficial waters samples were collected with three surface plankton nets fixed in the middle of the river simultaneously for two different time slot (11:00-13:00 and 13:00-15:00) for a total of six replicates for each campaign. After sample extraction and purification, validation of visually based microplastics identification was achieved using pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Pyrolysis GCMS). The composition of microplastic was studied in term of size, shape, color and polymer type. Results from the six replicates are expressed as mean values (± DEV. ST.) of number of particles per cubic meter (p/m³). Microplastics were found in each net sample for a total amount of 22152 items collected, photographed, enumerated and categorized. Sample concentrations ranged from 3.52 to 13.43 p/m³ showing significantly higher abundances during February than April campaign (Mann?Whitney U Test = 18.00; p-value = 0.028). A total of five polymer have been characterized: PE, PP, PS, PVC and TDI-PUR. All samples contained at least three polymer types: PE, PP and PS. PE accounted for 77% of the total particles identified, followed by PS (12%), PP(10%), PVC (0.9%) and PU (0.4%).
Haider, Tobias; Völker, Carolin; Kramm, Johanna; Landfester, Katharina; Wurm, Frederik Roman
Plastics of the future? The impact of biodegradable polymers on the environment and on society Journal Article
In: 2018.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Degradation, Microplastics, Polyester, Polylactic Acid, Polymers
@article{Haider2018,
title = {Plastics of the future? The impact of biodegradable polymers on the environment and on society},
author = {Tobias Haider and Carolin Völker and Johanna Kramm and Katharina Landfester and Frederik Roman Wurm },
url = {https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.201805766},
doi = {10.1002/anie.201805766},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-00-00},
abstract = {We are living in a plastic age. For most of us, life without polymers and plastics is unthinkable. However, in recent years the littering of plastics and the problems related to their persistence in the environment have become a major focus in both research and the news. Biodegradable polymers like poly(lactic acid) are seen as a suitable alternative to commodity plastics in order to minimize the impact of plastics on the environment after disposal. However, poly(lactic acid) is basically non‐degradable in seawater. Similarly, the degradation rate of other biodegradable polymers also crucially depends on the environments they end up in, such as soil or marine water, or when used in biomedical devices. In this review, we show that biodegradation tests carried out in artificial environments lack transferability to real conditions and, therefore, highlight the necessity of environmentally authentic and relevant field‐testing conditions. In addition, we focus on ecotoxicological implications of biodegradable polymers: Are there any possible adverse effects on biota caused by degradation products of the polymers? We also consider the social aspects and ask how biodegradable polymers influence consumer behavior and municipal waste management. Taken together, this study is intended as a contribution towards evaluating the potential of biodegradable polymers as alternative materials to commodity plastics.},
keywords = {Degradation, Microplastics, Polyester, Polylactic Acid, Polymers},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
We are living in a plastic age. For most of us, life without polymers and plastics is unthinkable. However, in recent years the littering of plastics and the problems related to their persistence in the environment have become a major focus in both research and the news. Biodegradable polymers like poly(lactic acid) are seen as a suitable alternative to commodity plastics in order to minimize the impact of plastics on the environment after disposal. However, poly(lactic acid) is basically non‐degradable in seawater. Similarly, the degradation rate of other biodegradable polymers also crucially depends on the environments they end up in, such as soil or marine water, or when used in biomedical devices. In this review, we show that biodegradation tests carried out in artificial environments lack transferability to real conditions and, therefore, highlight the necessity of environmentally authentic and relevant field‐testing conditions. In addition, we focus on ecotoxicological implications of biodegradable polymers: Are there any possible adverse effects on biota caused by degradation products of the polymers? We also consider the social aspects and ask how biodegradable polymers influence consumer behavior and municipal waste management. Taken together, this study is intended as a contribution towards evaluating the potential of biodegradable polymers as alternative materials to commodity plastics.
Kramm, J.; Völker, C.; Wagner, M.
Superficial or Substantial: Why Care about Microplastics in the Anthropocene? Journal Article
In: Environmntal Science and Technology, vol. 52, no. 6, pp. 3336–3337, 2018.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Environmental toxicology and chemistry, Microplastics, Science, Scientific opinion, Society
@article{Kramm2018,
title = {Superficial or Substantial: Why Care about Microplastics in the Anthropocene?},
author = {J. Kramm and C. Völker and M. Wagner},
url = {https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdfplus/10.1021/acs.est.8b00790},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-00-00},
journal = {Environmntal Science and Technology},
volume = {52},
number = {6},
pages = {3336–3337},
abstract = {In his recent Viewpoint, G. Allen Burton asks why “fellow scientists continue to focus on superficial microplastics risks” as “low exposure concentrations dictate there could be no risk”. He criticizes that scientists overstate the risks of microplastics, misinform the public, and “adversely influence” policy making. While we understand Burton’s frustration with at times sensationalist media reports on microplastics, we also agree with Hale that Burton’s risk assessment is premature. However, the current discourse reveals a much more fundamental issue, namely, that the disciplines of environmentaltoxicology and chemistry have yet to find their role inthe Anthropocene. The recent microbead bans are illuminatingfor this challenge: societies have decided to take action on anenvironmental “threat” before a scientific consensus on itsrelevance has evolved. We can either bemoan this as beingmisinformed or critically reflect on why our disciplines had littlesay in it. We do the latter and respond 3-fold to Burton’s “Why care?” question.
},
keywords = {Environmental toxicology and chemistry, Microplastics, Science, Scientific opinion, Society},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
In his recent Viewpoint, G. Allen Burton asks why “fellow scientists continue to focus on superficial microplastics risks” as “low exposure concentrations dictate there could be no risk”. He criticizes that scientists overstate the risks of microplastics, misinform the public, and “adversely influence” policy making. While we understand Burton’s frustration with at times sensationalist media reports on microplastics, we also agree with Hale that Burton’s risk assessment is premature. However, the current discourse reveals a much more fundamental issue, namely, that the disciplines of environmentaltoxicology and chemistry have yet to find their role inthe Anthropocene. The recent microbead bans are illuminatingfor this challenge: societies have decided to take action on anenvironmental “threat” before a scientific consensus on itsrelevance has evolved. We can either bemoan this as beingmisinformed or critically reflect on why our disciplines had littlesay in it. We do the latter and respond 3-fold to Burton’s “Why care?” question.
Collard, France; Gasperi, Johnny; Gilbert, Bernard; Eppe, Gauthier; Azimi, Sam; Rocher, Vincent; BrunoTassin,
Anthropogenic particles in the stomach contents and liver of the freshwater fish Squalius cephalus Journal Article
In: Science of the Total Environment, no. 643, pp. 1257–1264, 2018.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: European chub, Fibers, Liver, Microplastics, Muscle, Seine River
@article{Collard2018,
title = {Anthropogenic particles in the stomach contents and liver of the freshwater fish Squalius cephalus},
author = {France Collard and Johnny Gasperi and Bernard Gilbert and Gauthier Eppe and Sam Azimi and Vincent Rocher and BrunoTassin},
url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969718323891},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-00-00},
journal = {Science of the Total Environment},
number = {643},
pages = {1257–1264},
abstract = {Anthropogenic particles (APs) are a very broad category of particles produced directly or indirectly by human activities. Their ingestion by biota is well studied in the marine environment. In contrast, studies on AP ingestion in wild freshwater organisms are scarce despite high contamination levels in some rivers and lakes. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the ingestion of APs and the possible occurrence of APs in the liver and muscle of a freshwater fish, Squalius cephalus, from the Parisian conurbation. After isolation, the particles were analyzed using Raman spectroscopy. In sixty stomachs, eighteen APs were found, half of which were plastics and the other half were dyed particles. Twenty-five percent of sampled individuals had ingested at least one AP. The mean length of the APs was 2.41 mm. No significant difference was found between the sites upstream and downstream of Paris. Additionally, 5% of sampled livers contained one or more APs, which were characterized as microplastics (MPs). No APs were found in the muscle tissue. The majority of APs isolated from stomach contents were fibers, which is similar to the findings of a previous river contamination study. This highlights that fish could be more exposed to fibers than previously thought and that more studies on the impacts of fiber ingestion are required. Despite their low occurrence, MPs are reported, for the first time, in the liver of a wild freshwater fish species. While the pathways and impacts are still unknown, MPs also occur in liver of marine mollusks and fish. Physiological in vitro studies are needed to better evaluate the impacts of such phenomena.},
keywords = {European chub, Fibers, Liver, Microplastics, Muscle, Seine River},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Anthropogenic particles (APs) are a very broad category of particles produced directly or indirectly by human activities. Their ingestion by biota is well studied in the marine environment. In contrast, studies on AP ingestion in wild freshwater organisms are scarce despite high contamination levels in some rivers and lakes. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the ingestion of APs and the possible occurrence of APs in the liver and muscle of a freshwater fish, Squalius cephalus, from the Parisian conurbation. After isolation, the particles were analyzed using Raman spectroscopy. In sixty stomachs, eighteen APs were found, half of which were plastics and the other half were dyed particles. Twenty-five percent of sampled individuals had ingested at least one AP. The mean length of the APs was 2.41 mm. No significant difference was found between the sites upstream and downstream of Paris. Additionally, 5% of sampled livers contained one or more APs, which were characterized as microplastics (MPs). No APs were found in the muscle tissue. The majority of APs isolated from stomach contents were fibers, which is similar to the findings of a previous river contamination study. This highlights that fish could be more exposed to fibers than previously thought and that more studies on the impacts of fiber ingestion are required. Despite their low occurrence, MPs are reported, for the first time, in the liver of a wild freshwater fish species. While the pathways and impacts are still unknown, MPs also occur in liver of marine mollusks and fish. Physiological in vitro studies are needed to better evaluate the impacts of such phenomena.
Dris, Rachid; Gasperi, Johnny; Rocher, Vincent; Tassin, Bruno
Microplastic contamination in the Seine River: Spatial and temporal variations of synthetic and non-synthetic fibers Journal Article
In: Techniques - Sciences - Methodes, no. 5, pp. 45–53, 2018.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Fibers, Microplastics, Paris Agglomeration, Plastics, Seine River
@article{Dris2018,
title = {Microplastic contamination in the Seine River: Spatial and temporal variations of synthetic and non-synthetic fibers},
author = {Rachid Dris and Johnny Gasperi and Vincent Rocher and Bruno Tassin},
url = {https://astee-tsm.fr/articles/tsm/abs/2018/04/tsm201805p45/tsm201805p45.html},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-00-00},
journal = {Techniques - Sciences - Methodes},
number = {5},
pages = {45–53},
abstract = {Processed fibers are highly present in our daily life and can be either natural, artificial (regenerated cellulose) or synthetic (made with petrochemicals). Their widespread use leads to a high contamination of the environment. Previous studies focus on plastic particles regardless of their type or shape as long as they are smaller than 5 mm. On the contrary, this study focuses exclusively on fibers using a smaller mesh size net (80 μm) to sample freshwater. First, the short term temporal variability of the fibers in the environment was assessed. While exposing the sampling net during 1 minute, a coefficient of variation of approx. 45% (with n = 6) was determined. It was of only 26% (n = 6) when the exposure was of 3 minutes. The assessment of the distribution through the section showed a possible difference in concentrations between the middle of the water surface and the river banks which could be attributed to the intense river traffic within the Paris Megacity. The vertical variability seems negligible as turbulence and current conditions homogenize the distribution of the fibers. A monthly monitoring showed concentrations of 100.6 ± 99.9 fibers/m³ in the Marne River and of 48.5 ± 98.5, 27.9 ± 26.3, 27.9 ± 40.3 and 22.1 ± 25.3 fibers/m³ from the upstream to downstream points in the Seine River. Once these concentrations are converted into fluxes, it seems that the impact generated by the Paris Megacity cannot be distinguished. Investigations on the role of sedimentation and deposition on the banks are required. This study helped fill some major knowledge gaps regarding the fibers in rivers, their sampling, occurrence, spatial-temporal distribution and fluxes. It is encouraged that future studies include both synthetic and none synthetic fibers.},
keywords = {Fibers, Microplastics, Paris Agglomeration, Plastics, Seine River},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Processed fibers are highly present in our daily life and can be either natural, artificial (regenerated cellulose) or synthetic (made with petrochemicals). Their widespread use leads to a high contamination of the environment. Previous studies focus on plastic particles regardless of their type or shape as long as they are smaller than 5 mm. On the contrary, this study focuses exclusively on fibers using a smaller mesh size net (80 μm) to sample freshwater. First, the short term temporal variability of the fibers in the environment was assessed. While exposing the sampling net during 1 minute, a coefficient of variation of approx. 45% (with n = 6) was determined. It was of only 26% (n = 6) when the exposure was of 3 minutes. The assessment of the distribution through the section showed a possible difference in concentrations between the middle of the water surface and the river banks which could be attributed to the intense river traffic within the Paris Megacity. The vertical variability seems negligible as turbulence and current conditions homogenize the distribution of the fibers. A monthly monitoring showed concentrations of 100.6 ± 99.9 fibers/m³ in the Marne River and of 48.5 ± 98.5, 27.9 ± 26.3, 27.9 ± 40.3 and 22.1 ± 25.3 fibers/m³ from the upstream to downstream points in the Seine River. Once these concentrations are converted into fluxes, it seems that the impact generated by the Paris Megacity cannot be distinguished. Investigations on the role of sedimentation and deposition on the banks are required. This study helped fill some major knowledge gaps regarding the fibers in rivers, their sampling, occurrence, spatial-temporal distribution and fluxes. It is encouraged that future studies include both synthetic and none synthetic fibers.
Dris, Rachid; Gasperi, Johnny; Rocher, Vincent; Tassin, Bruno
In: Science of the Total Environment , no. 618, pp. 157–164, 2018.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Fibers, Freshwater, Microplastic sampling, Microplastics, Synthetic fibers
@article{Dris2018b,
title = {Synthetic and non-synthetic anthropogenic fibers in a river under the impact of Paris Megacity: Sampling methodological aspects and flux estimations},
author = {Rachid Dris and Johnny Gasperi and Vincent Rocher and Bruno Tassin},
url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969717330723?via%3Dihub},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-00-00},
journal = {Science of the Total Environment },
number = {618},
pages = {157–164},
abstract = {Processed fibers are highly present in our daily life and can be either natural, artificial (regenerated cellulose) and synthetic (made with petrochemicals). Their widespread use lead inevitably to a high contamination of environment. Previous studies focus on plastic particles regardless of their type or shape as long as they are comprised between 330μm and 5mm. On the contrary, this study focuses exclusively on fibers using a smaller mesh size net (80μm) to sample freshwater. Moreover, all processed organic fibers are considered, irrespective to their nature. First, the short term temporal variability of the fibers in the environment was assessed. While exposing the sampling net during 1min a coefficient of variation of approx. 45% (with n=6) was determined. It was of only 26% (n=6) when the exposure was of 3min. The assessment of the distribution through the section showed a possible difference in concentrations between the middle of the water surface and the river banks which could be attributed to the intense river traffic within the Paris Megacity. The vertical variability seems negligible as turbulence and current conditions homogenize the distribution of the fibers. A monthly monitoring showed concentrations of 100.6±99.9fibers·m-3 in the Marne River and of: 48.5±98.5, 27.9±26.3, 27.9±40.3 and 22.1±25.3fibers·m-3 from the upstream to downstream points in the Seine River. Once these concentrations are converted into fluxes, it seems that the impact generated by the Paris Megacity cannot be distinguished. Investigations on the role of sedimentation and deposition on the banks are required. This study helped fill some major knowledge gaps regarding the fibers in rivers, their sampling, occurrence, spatial-temporal distribution and fluxes. It is encouraged that future studies include both synthetic and none synthetic fibers.},
keywords = {Fibers, Freshwater, Microplastic sampling, Microplastics, Synthetic fibers},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Processed fibers are highly present in our daily life and can be either natural, artificial (regenerated cellulose) and synthetic (made with petrochemicals). Their widespread use lead inevitably to a high contamination of environment. Previous studies focus on plastic particles regardless of their type or shape as long as they are comprised between 330μm and 5mm. On the contrary, this study focuses exclusively on fibers using a smaller mesh size net (80μm) to sample freshwater. Moreover, all processed organic fibers are considered, irrespective to their nature. First, the short term temporal variability of the fibers in the environment was assessed. While exposing the sampling net during 1min a coefficient of variation of approx. 45% (with n=6) was determined. It was of only 26% (n=6) when the exposure was of 3min. The assessment of the distribution through the section showed a possible difference in concentrations between the middle of the water surface and the river banks which could be attributed to the intense river traffic within the Paris Megacity. The vertical variability seems negligible as turbulence and current conditions homogenize the distribution of the fibers. A monthly monitoring showed concentrations of 100.6±99.9fibers·m-3 in the Marne River and of: 48.5±98.5, 27.9±26.3, 27.9±40.3 and 22.1±25.3fibers·m-3 from the upstream to downstream points in the Seine River. Once these concentrations are converted into fluxes, it seems that the impact generated by the Paris Megacity cannot be distinguished. Investigations on the role of sedimentation and deposition on the banks are required. This study helped fill some major knowledge gaps regarding the fibers in rivers, their sampling, occurrence, spatial-temporal distribution and fluxes. It is encouraged that future studies include both synthetic and none synthetic fibers.
Dris, Rachid; Gasperi, Johnny; Tassin, Bruno
Sources and fate of microplastics in urban areas: A focus on Paris megacity Book Chapter
In: Wagner M., Lambert S. (eds. ). Freshwater Microplastics. The Handbook of Environmental Chemistry (Ed.): vol. 58, Springer, Cham, 2018.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Fibers, Freshwater, Microplastics, Plastic pollution, Urban areas, Urban impact
@inbook{Dris2018c,
title = {Sources and fate of microplastics in urban areas: A focus on Paris megacity},
author = {Rachid Dris and Johnny Gasperi and Bruno Tassin},
editor = {Wagner M., Lambert S. (eds.). Freshwater Microplastics. The Handbook of Environmental Chemistry},
url = {https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-61615-5_4#citeas},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-00-00},
volume = {58},
publisher = {Springer, Cham},
abstract = {Since the beginning of the 2010s, the number of investigations on microplastics in freshwater increased dramatically. However, almost no study aims at investigating the various sources and fate of microplastics in a catchment. This chapter aims at analyzing the various sources and fate of microplastics for an urban catchment and its hydrosystem (sewage, runoff, etc.). It presents the results obtained during a 3-year study of the Paris Megacity. Such a study required the development of appropriate sampling strategies for each compartment. It was highlighted that fibers are highly concentrated in the studied area, and therefore a focus in this category of microplastics was carried out. The atmospheric fallout exhibited important levels of fibers. However, at the scale of the Parisian agglomeration, wastewater treatment plant disposals and combined sewer overflows represent the major sources (number of fibers introduced per year) among the studied ones.},
keywords = {Fibers, Freshwater, Microplastics, Plastic pollution, Urban areas, Urban impact},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inbook}
}
Since the beginning of the 2010s, the number of investigations on microplastics in freshwater increased dramatically. However, almost no study aims at investigating the various sources and fate of microplastics in a catchment. This chapter aims at analyzing the various sources and fate of microplastics for an urban catchment and its hydrosystem (sewage, runoff, etc.). It presents the results obtained during a 3-year study of the Paris Megacity. Such a study required the development of appropriate sampling strategies for each compartment. It was highlighted that fibers are highly concentrated in the studied area, and therefore a focus in this category of microplastics was carried out. The atmospheric fallout exhibited important levels of fibers. However, at the scale of the Parisian agglomeration, wastewater treatment plant disposals and combined sewer overflows represent the major sources (number of fibers introduced per year) among the studied ones.
Karbalaei, Samaneh; Hanachi, Parichehr; Walker, Tony R.; Cole, Matthew
Occurrence, sources, human health impacts and mitigation of microplastic pollution Journal Article
In: Environmental Science and Pollution Research 25(36): 36046–36063, 2018.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Controlling sources of microplastics, Marine freshwater and terrestrial microplastics, Microfibers, Microplastics
@article{Karbalaei2018,
title = {Occurrence, sources, human health impacts and mitigation of microplastic pollution},
author = {Samaneh Karbalaei and Parichehr Hanachi and Tony R. Walker and Matthew Cole},
url = {https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11356-018-3508-7},
doi = {10.1007/s1135},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-00-00},
journal = {Environmental Science and Pollution Research 25(36): 36046–36063},
abstract = {The presence and accumulation of plastic and microplastic (MP) debris in the natural environment is of increasing concern and has become the focus of attention for many researchers. Plastic debris is a prolific, long-lived pollutant that is highly resistant to environmental degradation, readily adheres hydrophobic persistent organic pollutants and is linked to morbidity and mortality in numerous aquatic organisms. The prevalence of MPs within the natural environment is a symptom of continuous and rapid growth in synthetic plastic production and mismanagement of plastic waste. Many terrestrial and marine-based processes, including domestic and industrial drainage, maritime activities agricultural runoff and wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) effluent, contribute to MP pollution in aquatic environments. MPs have been identified in food consumed by human and in air samples, and exposure to MPs via ingestion or inhalation could lead to adverse human health effects. Regulations in many countries have already been established or will soon be implemented to reduce MPs in aquatic environments. This review focuses on the occurrence, sources, and transport of MPs in terrestrial and aquatic environments to highlight potential human health effects, and applicable regulations to mitigate impacts of MPs. This study also highlights the importance of personality traits and cognitive ability in reducing the entry of MPs into the environment.},
keywords = {Controlling sources of microplastics, Marine freshwater and terrestrial microplastics, Microfibers, Microplastics},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The presence and accumulation of plastic and microplastic (MP) debris in the natural environment is of increasing concern and has become the focus of attention for many researchers. Plastic debris is a prolific, long-lived pollutant that is highly resistant to environmental degradation, readily adheres hydrophobic persistent organic pollutants and is linked to morbidity and mortality in numerous aquatic organisms. The prevalence of MPs within the natural environment is a symptom of continuous and rapid growth in synthetic plastic production and mismanagement of plastic waste. Many terrestrial and marine-based processes, including domestic and industrial drainage, maritime activities agricultural runoff and wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) effluent, contribute to MP pollution in aquatic environments. MPs have been identified in food consumed by human and in air samples, and exposure to MPs via ingestion or inhalation could lead to adverse human health effects. Regulations in many countries have already been established or will soon be implemented to reduce MPs in aquatic environments. This review focuses on the occurrence, sources, and transport of MPs in terrestrial and aquatic environments to highlight potential human health effects, and applicable regulations to mitigate impacts of MPs. This study also highlights the importance of personality traits and cognitive ability in reducing the entry of MPs into the environment.
2017
Gabriela, Kalčíková; Gotvajn, Andreja Žgajnar; Kladnik, Aleš; Kokalj, Anita Jemec
Impact of polyethylene microbeads on the floating freshwater plant duckweed Journal Article
In: Environmental pollution, vol. 230, pp. 1108-1115, 2017.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Cosmetics, Floating plants, Microbeads, Microplastics
@article{Gabriela2017,
title = {Impact of polyethylene microbeads on the floating freshwater plant duckweed},
author = {Kalčíková Gabriela and Andreja Žgajnar Gotvajn and Aleš Kladnik and Anita Jemec Kokalj},
url = {https://www.plastic-network.org/aw-pl18_A-nEt/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Kalčikova_2017_-MPs_duckweed.pdf},
year = {2017},
date = {2017-00-00},
journal = {Environmental pollution},
volume = {230},
pages = {1108-1115},
abstract = {Microplastics (MP), small plastic particles below 5 mm, have become one of the central concerns of environmental risk assessment. Microplastics are continuously being released into the aquatic environment either directly through consumer products or indirectly through fragmentation of larger plastic materials. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of polyethylene microbeads from cosmetic products on duckweed (Lemna minor), a freshwater floating plant. The effects of microbeads from two exfoliating products on the specific leaf growth rate, the chlorophyll a and b content in the leaves, root number, root length and root cell viability were assessed. At the same time, water leachates from microbeads were also prepared to exclude the contribution of cosmetic ingredients on the measured impacts. Specific leaf growth rate and content of photosynthetic pigments in duckweed leaves were not affected by polyethylene microbeads, but these microbeads significantly affected the root growth by mechanical blocking. Sharp particles also reduced the viability of root cells, while the impact of microbeads with a smooth surface was neglected. It was concluded that microbeads from cosmetic products can also have negative impacts on floating plants in freshwater ecosystems.},
keywords = {Cosmetics, Floating plants, Microbeads, Microplastics},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Microplastics (MP), small plastic particles below 5 mm, have become one of the central concerns of environmental risk assessment. Microplastics are continuously being released into the aquatic environment either directly through consumer products or indirectly through fragmentation of larger plastic materials. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of polyethylene microbeads from cosmetic products on duckweed (Lemna minor), a freshwater floating plant. The effects of microbeads from two exfoliating products on the specific leaf growth rate, the chlorophyll a and b content in the leaves, root number, root length and root cell viability were assessed. At the same time, water leachates from microbeads were also prepared to exclude the contribution of cosmetic ingredients on the measured impacts. Specific leaf growth rate and content of photosynthetic pigments in duckweed leaves were not affected by polyethylene microbeads, but these microbeads significantly affected the root growth by mechanical blocking. Sharp particles also reduced the viability of root cells, while the impact of microbeads with a smooth surface was neglected. It was concluded that microbeads from cosmetic products can also have negative impacts on floating plants in freshwater ecosystems.
Gabriela, Kalčíková; Alič, Branko; Skalar, Tina; Bundschuh, Mirco; Gotvajn, Andreja Žgajnar
Wastewater treatment plant effluents as source of cosmetic polyethylene microbeads to freshwater Journal Article
In: Chemosphere, vol. 188, pp. 25-31, 2017.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Cosmetics, Freshwater, Microplastics, Polyethylene microbead
@article{Gabriela2017b,
title = {Wastewater treatment plant effluents as source of cosmetic polyethylene microbeads to freshwater},
author = {Kalčíková Gabriela and Branko Alič and Tina Skalar and Mirco Bundschuh and Andreja Žgajnar Gotvajn},
url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0045653517313541
},
year = {2017},
date = {2017-00-00},
journal = {Chemosphere},
volume = {188},
pages = {25-31},
abstract = {Microplastics in the environment are either a product of the fractionation of larger plastic items or a consequence of the release of microbeads, which are ingredients of cosmetics, through wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluents. The aim of this study was to estimate the amount of microbeads that may be released by the latter pathways to surface waters using Ljubljana, Slovenia as a case study. For this purpose, microbeads contained in cosmetics were in a first step characterized for their physical properties and particle size distribution. Subsequently, daily emission of microbeads from consumers to the sewerage system, their fate in biological WWTPs and finally their release into surface waters were estimated for Ljubljana. Most of the particles found in cosmetic products were <100 μm. After application, microbeads are released into sewerage system at an average rate of 15.2 mg per person per day. Experiments using a lab-scale sequencing batch biological WWTP confirmed that on average 52% of microbeads are captured in activated sludge. Particle size analyses of the influent and effluent confirmed that smaller particles (up to 60–70 μm) are captured within activated sludge while bigger particles were detected in the effluent. Applying these data to the situation in Ljubljana indicates that about 112,500,000 particles may daily be released into the receiving river, resulting in a microbeads concentration of 21 particles/m3. Since polyethylene particles cannot be degraded and thus likely accumulate, the data raise concerns about potential effects in aquatic ecosystems in future.},
keywords = {Cosmetics, Freshwater, Microplastics, Polyethylene microbead},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Microplastics in the environment are either a product of the fractionation of larger plastic items or a consequence of the release of microbeads, which are ingredients of cosmetics, through wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluents. The aim of this study was to estimate the amount of microbeads that may be released by the latter pathways to surface waters using Ljubljana, Slovenia as a case study. For this purpose, microbeads contained in cosmetics were in a first step characterized for their physical properties and particle size distribution. Subsequently, daily emission of microbeads from consumers to the sewerage system, their fate in biological WWTPs and finally their release into surface waters were estimated for Ljubljana. Most of the particles found in cosmetic products were <100 μm. After application, microbeads are released into sewerage system at an average rate of 15.2 mg per person per day. Experiments using a lab-scale sequencing batch biological WWTP confirmed that on average 52% of microbeads are captured in activated sludge. Particle size analyses of the influent and effluent confirmed that smaller particles (up to 60–70 μm) are captured within activated sludge while bigger particles were detected in the effluent. Applying these data to the situation in Ljubljana indicates that about 112,500,000 particles may daily be released into the receiving river, resulting in a microbeads concentration of 21 particles/m3. Since polyethylene particles cannot be degraded and thus likely accumulate, the data raise concerns about potential effects in aquatic ecosystems in future.
Bänsch-Baltruschat, Beate; Brennholt, Nicole; Kochleus, Christian; Reifferscheid, Georg; Koschorreck, Jan
European conference on plastics in freshwater environments Proceeding
UBA-DOKUMENTATION 05/2017, 2017.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Concentration, Italy, Microplastics, occurrence, Urban river
@proceedings{Bänsch-Baltruschat2017,
title = {European conference on plastics in freshwater environments},
author = {Beate Bänsch-Baltruschat and Nicole Brennholt and Christian Kochleus and Georg Reifferscheid and Jan Koschorreck},
url = {https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/en/publikationen/conference-on-plastics-in-freshwater-environments},
year = {2017},
date = {2017-00-00},
publisher = {UBA-DOKUMENTATION 05/2017},
abstract = {In 2016 the German Environment Agency (UBA) and the German Federal Institute of Hydrology (BfG) organised a conference on plastics in freshwater environments on behalf of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety (BMUB). 220 attendants from 20 European and two non-European countries attended the conference. The objective was to exchange knowledge on plastics in European freshwater environments and to discuss its environmental and societal implications. In preparation of the conference an informal questionnaire was sent to water management agencies in Europe with questions on monitoring, risk awareness and management options. The results of this survey are presented in this issue paper.},
keywords = {Concentration, Italy, Microplastics, occurrence, Urban river},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {proceedings}
}
In 2016 the German Environment Agency (UBA) and the German Federal Institute of Hydrology (BfG) organised a conference on plastics in freshwater environments on behalf of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety (BMUB). 220 attendants from 20 European and two non-European countries attended the conference. The objective was to exchange knowledge on plastics in European freshwater environments and to discuss its environmental and societal implications. In preparation of the conference an informal questionnaire was sent to water management agencies in Europe with questions on monitoring, risk awareness and management options. The results of this survey are presented in this issue paper.
Brennholt, Nicole; Heß, Maren; Reifferscheid, Georg
In: Martin Wagner & Scott Lambert (Eds.): Freshwater microplastics: Emerging environmental contaminants? The Handbook of Environmental Chemistry. Springer-Verlag, 2017.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Environmental plastics, Microplastics, National–international policy instruments, Science–policy interface
@article{Brennholt2017,
title = {Freshwater microplastics: challenges for regulation and management. In: Martin Wagner & Scott Lambert (Eds.): Freshwater microplastics: Emerging environmental contaminants?},
author = {Nicole Brennholt and Maren Heß and Georg Reifferscheid},
url = {https://www.springer.com/de/book/9783319616148},
year = {2017},
date = {2017-00-00},
journal = {Martin Wagner & Scott Lambert (Eds.): Freshwater microplastics: Emerging environmental contaminants? The Handbook of Environmental Chemistry. Springer-Verlag},
abstract = {The accumulation of plastic debris in aquatic environments is one of the major but least studied human pressures on aquatic ecosystems. Besides the general waste burden in waterbodies, (micro)plastic debris gives rise to ecological and social problems. Related to marine ecosystems, these problems are already in the center of interest of science, policy, and public. The United Nations Environment Programme, for instance, drafted a joint report on “marine plastic debris and microplastics,” and the European Community included the issue into the European Marine Strategy Framework Directive, descriptor 10 “marine litter.”
However, (micro)plastic litter in freshwater systems is not yet explicitly addressed in the respective regulations, although the issue is relevant for many international and national policy instruments and initiatives. Many conventions, agreements, regulations, strategies, action plans, programs, and guidelines refer to “all wastes” in general. This should also concern (micro)plastic waste.
This chapter provides an overview of the regulatory instruments developed at different levels to address freshwater (micro)plastic litter. Beyond that, specific management options and measures that are either compulsory or voluntary are presented. Nevertheless, only few options have been realized so far. Reasons are numerous, first and foremost the lack of consensus on the definition of microplastics.
The complexity of these particulate stressors with very heterogeneous physicochemical characteristics poses new challenges for regulation and management. We highlight the most important questions from the perspective of freshwater monitoring. Furthermore, we discuss a possible adaption of existing environmental policy instruments and potential management options for single categories of (micro)plastics.},
keywords = {Environmental plastics, Microplastics, National–international policy instruments, Science–policy interface},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The accumulation of plastic debris in aquatic environments is one of the major but least studied human pressures on aquatic ecosystems. Besides the general waste burden in waterbodies, (micro)plastic debris gives rise to ecological and social problems. Related to marine ecosystems, these problems are already in the center of interest of science, policy, and public. The United Nations Environment Programme, for instance, drafted a joint report on “marine plastic debris and microplastics,” and the European Community included the issue into the European Marine Strategy Framework Directive, descriptor 10 “marine litter.”
However, (micro)plastic litter in freshwater systems is not yet explicitly addressed in the respective regulations, although the issue is relevant for many international and national policy instruments and initiatives. Many conventions, agreements, regulations, strategies, action plans, programs, and guidelines refer to “all wastes” in general. This should also concern (micro)plastic waste.
This chapter provides an overview of the regulatory instruments developed at different levels to address freshwater (micro)plastic litter. Beyond that, specific management options and measures that are either compulsory or voluntary are presented. Nevertheless, only few options have been realized so far. Reasons are numerous, first and foremost the lack of consensus on the definition of microplastics.
The complexity of these particulate stressors with very heterogeneous physicochemical characteristics poses new challenges for regulation and management. We highlight the most important questions from the perspective of freshwater monitoring. Furthermore, we discuss a possible adaption of existing environmental policy instruments and potential management options for single categories of (micro)plastics.
However, (micro)plastic litter in freshwater systems is not yet explicitly addressed in the respective regulations, although the issue is relevant for many international and national policy instruments and initiatives. Many conventions, agreements, regulations, strategies, action plans, programs, and guidelines refer to “all wastes” in general. This should also concern (micro)plastic waste.
This chapter provides an overview of the regulatory instruments developed at different levels to address freshwater (micro)plastic litter. Beyond that, specific management options and measures that are either compulsory or voluntary are presented. Nevertheless, only few options have been realized so far. Reasons are numerous, first and foremost the lack of consensus on the definition of microplastics.
The complexity of these particulate stressors with very heterogeneous physicochemical characteristics poses new challenges for regulation and management. We highlight the most important questions from the perspective of freshwater monitoring. Furthermore, we discuss a possible adaption of existing environmental policy instruments and potential management options for single categories of (micro)plastics.
Scherer, Christian; Brennholt, Nicole; Reifferscheid, Georg; Wagner, Martin
Feeding strategy and development drive the ingestion of microplastics by freshwater invertebrates Journal Article
In: Scientific Reports, vol. 7, 2017.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Freshwater invertebrates, Microplastics, Polystyrene spheres, uptake
@article{Scherer2017b,
title = {Feeding strategy and development drive the ingestion of microplastics by freshwater invertebrates},
author = {Christian Scherer and Nicole Brennholt and Georg Reifferscheid and Martin Wagner },
year = {2017},
date = {2017-00-00},
journal = {Scientific Reports},
volume = {7},
abstract = {Microscopic plastic items (microplastics) are ubiquitously present in aquatic ecosystems. With decreasing size their availability and potential to accumulate throughout food webs increase. However, little is known on the uptake of microplastics by freshwater invertebrates. To address this, we exposed species with different feeding strategies to 1, 10 and 90 µm fluorescent polystyrene spheres (3–3 000 particles mL−1). Additionally, we investigated how developmental stages and a co-exposure to natural particles (e.g., food) modulate microplastic ingestion. All species ingested microplastics in a concentration-dependent manner with Daphnia magna consuming up to 6 180 particles h−1, followed by Chironomus riparius (226 particles h−1), Physella acuta (118 particles h−1), Gammarus pulex (10 particles h−1) and Lumbriculus variegatus (8 particles h−1). D. magna did not ingest 90 µm microplastics whereas the other species preferred larger microplastics over 1 µm in size. In C. riparius and D. magna, size preference depended on the life stage with larger specimens ingesting more and larger microplastics. The presence of natural particles generally reduced the microplastics uptake. Our results demonstrate that freshwater invertebrates have the capacity to ingest microplastics. However, the quantity of uptake depends on their feeding type and morphology as well as on the availability of microplastics.},
keywords = {Freshwater invertebrates, Microplastics, Polystyrene spheres, uptake},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Microscopic plastic items (microplastics) are ubiquitously present in aquatic ecosystems. With decreasing size their availability and potential to accumulate throughout food webs increase. However, little is known on the uptake of microplastics by freshwater invertebrates. To address this, we exposed species with different feeding strategies to 1, 10 and 90 µm fluorescent polystyrene spheres (3–3 000 particles mL−1). Additionally, we investigated how developmental stages and a co-exposure to natural particles (e.g., food) modulate microplastic ingestion. All species ingested microplastics in a concentration-dependent manner with Daphnia magna consuming up to 6 180 particles h−1, followed by Chironomus riparius (226 particles h−1), Physella acuta (118 particles h−1), Gammarus pulex (10 particles h−1) and Lumbriculus variegatus (8 particles h−1). D. magna did not ingest 90 µm microplastics whereas the other species preferred larger microplastics over 1 µm in size. In C. riparius and D. magna, size preference depended on the life stage with larger specimens ingesting more and larger microplastics. The presence of natural particles generally reduced the microplastics uptake. Our results demonstrate that freshwater invertebrates have the capacity to ingest microplastics. However, the quantity of uptake depends on their feeding type and morphology as well as on the availability of microplastics.
Kramm, Johanna; Völker, Carolin
Plastikmüll im Meer. Zur Entdeckung eines Umweltproblems Miscellaneous
Aus Politik und Zeitgeschichte (APuZ) 51-52: 17-22, 2017.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Microplastics, Plastic litter, Sea
@misc{Kramm2017,
title = {Plastikmüll im Meer. Zur Entdeckung eines Umweltproblems},
author = {Johanna Kramm and Carolin Völker},
url = {http://www.bpb.de/apuz/261373/plastikmuell-im-meer-zur-entdeckung-eines-umweltproblems?p=all},
year = {2017},
date = {2017-00-00},
abstract = {Es ist erst wenige Jahre her, dass mehrere Medien von der Entstehung eines "achten Kontinents" berichteten. Dieser bestehe aus allerlei Unrat und Müll, vor allem Plastikmüll, der sich durch die Meeresströmung im Nordpazifik gesammelt habe. Die Vorstellung eines neuen Kontinents beflügelte einige zunächst: Niederländische Architekten entwickelten Visionen, den Plastikmüll einzusammeln, um neuen Wohnraum auf einer Insel aus recyceltem Material zu gewinnen. Und der junge Erfinder Boyan Slat entwarf eine Art marine Plastikmüllauffanganlage, die er durch Crowdfunding finanzierte. Inzwischen ist bekannt, dass das Plastik im Nordpazifik keine tragende, kontinentartige Fläche bildet, sondern eher eine "Plastiksuppe". Wegen der Strömungen sammelt sich darin vor allem sogenanntes Mikroplastik, das entweder durch den Zerfall von Plastikmüll entstanden ist oder bei dem es sich um verlorengegangenes Plastikgranulat handelt. Dieses aus dem Meer herauszuholen, wird als zu aufwendig und kostspielig angesehen. Zudem würden durch die Filtration auch kleine, für die Meeresökologie wichtige Lebewesen herausgefischt.
Citation: Kramm, J.; Völker, C. (2017): Plastikmüll im Meer. Zur Entdeckung eines Umweltproblems. In: Aus Politik und Zeitgeschichte (APuZ) 51-52: 17-22.
},
howpublished = {Aus Politik und Zeitgeschichte (APuZ) 51-52: 17-22},
keywords = {Microplastics, Plastic litter, Sea},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {misc}
}
Es ist erst wenige Jahre her, dass mehrere Medien von der Entstehung eines "achten Kontinents" berichteten. Dieser bestehe aus allerlei Unrat und Müll, vor allem Plastikmüll, der sich durch die Meeresströmung im Nordpazifik gesammelt habe. Die Vorstellung eines neuen Kontinents beflügelte einige zunächst: Niederländische Architekten entwickelten Visionen, den Plastikmüll einzusammeln, um neuen Wohnraum auf einer Insel aus recyceltem Material zu gewinnen. Und der junge Erfinder Boyan Slat entwarf eine Art marine Plastikmüllauffanganlage, die er durch Crowdfunding finanzierte. Inzwischen ist bekannt, dass das Plastik im Nordpazifik keine tragende, kontinentartige Fläche bildet, sondern eher eine "Plastiksuppe". Wegen der Strömungen sammelt sich darin vor allem sogenanntes Mikroplastik, das entweder durch den Zerfall von Plastikmüll entstanden ist oder bei dem es sich um verlorengegangenes Plastikgranulat handelt. Dieses aus dem Meer herauszuholen, wird als zu aufwendig und kostspielig angesehen. Zudem würden durch die Filtration auch kleine, für die Meeresökologie wichtige Lebewesen herausgefischt.
Citation: Kramm, J.; Völker, C. (2017): Plastikmüll im Meer. Zur Entdeckung eines Umweltproblems. In: Aus Politik und Zeitgeschichte (APuZ) 51-52: 17-22.
Citation: Kramm, J.; Völker, C. (2017): Plastikmüll im Meer. Zur Entdeckung eines Umweltproblems. In: Aus Politik und Zeitgeschichte (APuZ) 51-52: 17-22.
Völker, Carolin; Kramm, Johanna; Kerber, Heide; Schramm, Engelbert; Winker, Martina; Zimmermann, Martin
More Than a Potential Hazard – Approaching Risks from a Social-Ecological Perspective Journal Article
In: Sustainability. Special Issue “Social Ecology. State of the Art and Future Prospects” 9 (7), 1039, 2017.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Forest management, Microplastics, normal operation, pharmaceuticals, Provisioning system, Semicentralized water infrastructures
@article{Völker2017,
title = {More Than a Potential Hazard – Approaching Risks from a Social-Ecological Perspective},
author = {Carolin Völker and Johanna Kramm and Heide Kerber and Engelbert Schramm and Martina Winker and Martin Zimmermann},
url = {https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/a7dd/1d75f0d03eff1a8953d355fb7302cd423144.pdf},
year = {2017},
date = {2017-00-00},
journal = {Sustainability. Special Issue “Social Ecology. State of the Art and Future Prospects” 9 (7), 1039},
abstract = {Risks have been classically understood as a probability of damage or a potential hazard resulting in appropriate management strategies. However, research on environmental issues such
as pollutants in the aquatic environment or the impacts of climate change have shown that classical management approaches do not sufficiently cover these interactions between society and nature.
There have been several attempts to develop interdisciplinary approaches to risk that include natural as well as social science contributions. In this paper, the authors aim at developing a social-ecological
perspective on risk by drawing on the concept of societal relations to nature and the model of provisioning systems. This perspective is used to analyze four cases, pharmaceuticals, microplastics,
semicentralized water infrastructures and forest management, with regard to risk identification, assessment and management. Finally, the paper aims at developing a perspective on risks which
takes into account non-intended side-effects, system interdependencies and uncertainty.
},
keywords = {Forest management, Microplastics, normal operation, pharmaceuticals, Provisioning system, Semicentralized water infrastructures},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Risks have been classically understood as a probability of damage or a potential hazard resulting in appropriate management strategies. However, research on environmental issues such
as pollutants in the aquatic environment or the impacts of climate change have shown that classical management approaches do not sufficiently cover these interactions between society and nature.
There have been several attempts to develop interdisciplinary approaches to risk that include natural as well as social science contributions. In this paper, the authors aim at developing a social-ecological
perspective on risk by drawing on the concept of societal relations to nature and the model of provisioning systems. This perspective is used to analyze four cases, pharmaceuticals, microplastics,
semicentralized water infrastructures and forest management, with regard to risk identification, assessment and management. Finally, the paper aims at developing a perspective on risks which
takes into account non-intended side-effects, system interdependencies and uncertainty.
as pollutants in the aquatic environment or the impacts of climate change have shown that classical management approaches do not sufficiently cover these interactions between society and nature.
There have been several attempts to develop interdisciplinary approaches to risk that include natural as well as social science contributions. In this paper, the authors aim at developing a social-ecological
perspective on risk by drawing on the concept of societal relations to nature and the model of provisioning systems. This perspective is used to analyze four cases, pharmaceuticals, microplastics,
semicentralized water infrastructures and forest management, with regard to risk identification, assessment and management. Finally, the paper aims at developing a perspective on risks which
takes into account non-intended side-effects, system interdependencies and uncertainty.
Dris, Rachid; Gasperi, Johnny; Mirande, Cécile; Mandin, Corinne; Guerrouache, Mohamed; Langlois, Valérie; Tassin, Bruno
A first overview of textile fibers, including microplastics, in indoor and outdoor environments Journal Article
In: Environmental Pollution, no. 221, pp. 453–458, 2017.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Dust, Indoor air, Microplastics, Outdoor air, Synthetic fibers
@article{Dris2017,
title = {A first overview of textile fibers, including microplastics, in indoor and outdoor environments},
author = {Rachid Dris and Johnny Gasperi and Cécile Mirande and Corinne Mandin and Mohamed Guerrouache and Valérie Langlois and Bruno Tassin},
url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0269749116312325},
year = {2017},
date = {2017-00-00},
journal = {Environmental Pollution},
number = {221},
pages = {453–458},
abstract = {Studies about microplastics in various environments highlighted the ubiquity of anthropogenic fibers. As a follow-up of a recent study that emphasized the presence of man-made fibers in atmospheric fallout, this study is the first one to investigate fibers in indoor and outdoor air. Three different indoor sites were considered: two private apartments and one office. In parallel, the outdoor air was sampled in one site. The deposition rate of the fibers and their concentration in settled dust collected from vacuum cleaner bags were also estimated. Overall, indoor concentrations ranged between 1.0 and 60.0 fibers/m³. Outdoor concentrations are significantly lower as they range between 0.3 and 1.5 fibers/m³. The deposition rate of the fibers in indoor environments is between 1586 and 11,130 fibers/day/m² leading to an accumulation of fibers in settled dust (190–670 fibers/mg). Regarding fiber type, 67% of the analyzed fibers in indoor environments are made of natural material, primarily cellulosic, while the remaining 33% fibers contain petrochemicals with polypropylene being predominant. Such fibers are observed in marine and continental studies dealing with microplastics. The observed fibers are supposedly too large to be inhaled but the exposure may occur through dust ingestion, particularly for young children.},
keywords = {Dust, Indoor air, Microplastics, Outdoor air, Synthetic fibers},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Studies about microplastics in various environments highlighted the ubiquity of anthropogenic fibers. As a follow-up of a recent study that emphasized the presence of man-made fibers in atmospheric fallout, this study is the first one to investigate fibers in indoor and outdoor air. Three different indoor sites were considered: two private apartments and one office. In parallel, the outdoor air was sampled in one site. The deposition rate of the fibers and their concentration in settled dust collected from vacuum cleaner bags were also estimated. Overall, indoor concentrations ranged between 1.0 and 60.0 fibers/m³. Outdoor concentrations are significantly lower as they range between 0.3 and 1.5 fibers/m³. The deposition rate of the fibers in indoor environments is between 1586 and 11,130 fibers/day/m² leading to an accumulation of fibers in settled dust (190–670 fibers/mg). Regarding fiber type, 67% of the analyzed fibers in indoor environments are made of natural material, primarily cellulosic, while the remaining 33% fibers contain petrochemicals with polypropylene being predominant. Such fibers are observed in marine and continental studies dealing with microplastics. The observed fibers are supposedly too large to be inhaled but the exposure may occur through dust ingestion, particularly for young children.
2016
Dris, Rachid; Gasperi, Johnny; Saad, Mohamed; Mirande, Cécile; Tassin, Bruno
Synthetic fibers in atmospheric fallout: A source of microplastics in the environment? Journal Article
In: Marine Pollution Bulletin, no. 104, pp. 290–293, 2016.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Atmospheric fallout, Microplastic sources, Microplastics, Synthetic fibers, Urban environment
@article{Dris2016,
title = {Synthetic fibers in atmospheric fallout: A source of microplastics in the environment?},
author = {Rachid Dris and Johnny Gasperi and Mohamed Saad and Cécile Mirande and Bruno Tassin},
url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X16300066},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-00-00},
journal = {Marine Pollution Bulletin},
number = {104},
pages = {290–293},
abstract = {Sources, pathways and reservoirs of microplastics, plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, remain poorly documented in an urban context. While some studies pointed out wastewater treatment plants as a potential pathway of microplastics, none have focused on the atmospheric compartment. In this work, the atmospheric fallout of microplastics was investigated in two different urban and sub-urban sites. Microplastics were collected continuously with a stainless steel funnel. Samples were then filtered and observed with a stereomicroscope. Fibers accounted for almost all the microplastics collected. An atmospheric fallout between 2 and 355 particles/m²/day was highlighted. Registered fluxes were systematically higher at the urban than at the sub-urban site. Chemical characterization allowed to estimate at 29% the proportion of these fibers being all synthetic (made with petrochemicals), or a mixture of natural and synthetic material. Extrapolation using weight and volume estimates of the collected fibers, allowed a rough estimation showing that between 3 and 10 tons of fibers are deposited by atmospheric fallout at the scale of the Parisian agglomeration every year (2500 km²). These results could serve the scientific community working on the different sources of microplastic in both continental and marine environments.},
keywords = {Atmospheric fallout, Microplastic sources, Microplastics, Synthetic fibers, Urban environment},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Sources, pathways and reservoirs of microplastics, plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, remain poorly documented in an urban context. While some studies pointed out wastewater treatment plants as a potential pathway of microplastics, none have focused on the atmospheric compartment. In this work, the atmospheric fallout of microplastics was investigated in two different urban and sub-urban sites. Microplastics were collected continuously with a stainless steel funnel. Samples were then filtered and observed with a stereomicroscope. Fibers accounted for almost all the microplastics collected. An atmospheric fallout between 2 and 355 particles/m²/day was highlighted. Registered fluxes were systematically higher at the urban than at the sub-urban site. Chemical characterization allowed to estimate at 29% the proportion of these fibers being all synthetic (made with petrochemicals), or a mixture of natural and synthetic material. Extrapolation using weight and volume estimates of the collected fibers, allowed a rough estimation showing that between 3 and 10 tons of fibers are deposited by atmospheric fallout at the scale of the Parisian agglomeration every year (2500 km²). These results could serve the scientific community working on the different sources of microplastic in both continental and marine environments.
2014
Wagner, Martin; Scherer, Christian; Alvarez-Muñoz, Diana; Brennholt, Nicole; Bourrain, Xavier; Buchinger, Sebastian; Fries, Elke; Grosbois, Cécile; Klasmeier, Jörg; Marti, Teresa; Rodriguez-Mozaz, Sara; Urbatzka, Ralph; Vethaak, A. Dick; Winther-Nielsen, Margrethe; Reifferscheid, Georg
Microplastics in freshwater ecosystems: what we know and what we need to know Journal Article
In: Environmental Sciences Europe 26:12, 2014.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Chemistry, Ecotoxicology, Environmental quality, Litter, Microplastics, Monitoring, Plastics, Polymers, Review, Water framework directive
@article{Wagner2014,
title = {Microplastics in freshwater ecosystems: what we know and what we need to know},
author = {Martin Wagner and Christian Scherer and Diana Alvarez-Muñoz and Nicole Brennholt and Xavier Bourrain and Sebastian Buchinger and Elke Fries and Cécile Grosbois and Jörg Klasmeier and Teresa Marti and Sara Rodriguez-Mozaz and Ralph Urbatzka and A. Dick Vethaak and Margrethe Winther-Nielsen and Georg Reifferscheid},
url = {http://www.enveurope.com/content/26/1/12/abstract},
year = {2014},
date = {2014-00-00},
journal = {Environmental Sciences Europe 26:12},
abstract = {Background
While the use of plastic materials has generated huge societal benefits, the ‘plastic age’ comes with downsides: One issue of emerging concern is the accumulation of plastics in the aquatic environment. Here, so-called microplastics (MP), fragments smaller than 5 mm, are of special concern because they can be ingested throughout the food web more readily than larger particles. Focusing on freshwater MP, we briefly review the state of the science to identify gaps of knowledge and deduce research needs.
State of the science
Environmental scientists started investigating marine (micro)plastics in the early 2000s. Today, a wealth of studies demonstrates that MP have ubiquitously permeated the marine ecosystem, including the polar regions and the deep sea. MP ingestion has been documented for an increasing number of marine species. However, to date, only few studies investigate their biological effects.
The majority of marine plastics are considered to originate from land-based sources, including surface waters. Although they may be important transport pathways of MP, data from freshwater ecosystems is scarce. So far, only few studies provide evidence for the presence of MP in rivers and lakes. Data on MP uptake by freshwater invertebrates and fish is very limited.
Knowledge gaps
While the research on marine MP is more advanced, there are immense gaps of knowledge regarding freshwater MP. Data on their abundance is fragmentary for large and absent for small surface waters. Likewise, relevant sources and the environmental fate remain to be investigated. Data on the biological effects of MP in freshwater species is completely lacking. The accumulation of other freshwater contaminants on MP is of special interest because ingestion might increase the chemical exposure. Again, data is unavailable on this important issue.
Conclusions
MP represent freshwater contaminants of emerging concern. However, to assess the environmental risk associated with MP, comprehensive data on their abundance, fate, sources, and biological effects in freshwater ecosystems are needed. Establishing such data critically depends on a collaborative effort by environmental scientists from diverse disciplines (chemistry, hydrology, ecotoxicology, etc.) and, unsurprisingly, on the allocation of sufficient public funding.},
keywords = {Chemistry, Ecotoxicology, Environmental quality, Litter, Microplastics, Monitoring, Plastics, Polymers, Review, Water framework directive},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Background
While the use of plastic materials has generated huge societal benefits, the ‘plastic age’ comes with downsides: One issue of emerging concern is the accumulation of plastics in the aquatic environment. Here, so-called microplastics (MP), fragments smaller than 5 mm, are of special concern because they can be ingested throughout the food web more readily than larger particles. Focusing on freshwater MP, we briefly review the state of the science to identify gaps of knowledge and deduce research needs.
State of the science
Environmental scientists started investigating marine (micro)plastics in the early 2000s. Today, a wealth of studies demonstrates that MP have ubiquitously permeated the marine ecosystem, including the polar regions and the deep sea. MP ingestion has been documented for an increasing number of marine species. However, to date, only few studies investigate their biological effects.
The majority of marine plastics are considered to originate from land-based sources, including surface waters. Although they may be important transport pathways of MP, data from freshwater ecosystems is scarce. So far, only few studies provide evidence for the presence of MP in rivers and lakes. Data on MP uptake by freshwater invertebrates and fish is very limited.
Knowledge gaps
While the research on marine MP is more advanced, there are immense gaps of knowledge regarding freshwater MP. Data on their abundance is fragmentary for large and absent for small surface waters. Likewise, relevant sources and the environmental fate remain to be investigated. Data on the biological effects of MP in freshwater species is completely lacking. The accumulation of other freshwater contaminants on MP is of special interest because ingestion might increase the chemical exposure. Again, data is unavailable on this important issue.
Conclusions
MP represent freshwater contaminants of emerging concern. However, to assess the environmental risk associated with MP, comprehensive data on their abundance, fate, sources, and biological effects in freshwater ecosystems are needed. Establishing such data critically depends on a collaborative effort by environmental scientists from diverse disciplines (chemistry, hydrology, ecotoxicology, etc.) and, unsurprisingly, on the allocation of sufficient public funding.
While the use of plastic materials has generated huge societal benefits, the ‘plastic age’ comes with downsides: One issue of emerging concern is the accumulation of plastics in the aquatic environment. Here, so-called microplastics (MP), fragments smaller than 5 mm, are of special concern because they can be ingested throughout the food web more readily than larger particles. Focusing on freshwater MP, we briefly review the state of the science to identify gaps of knowledge and deduce research needs.
State of the science
Environmental scientists started investigating marine (micro)plastics in the early 2000s. Today, a wealth of studies demonstrates that MP have ubiquitously permeated the marine ecosystem, including the polar regions and the deep sea. MP ingestion has been documented for an increasing number of marine species. However, to date, only few studies investigate their biological effects.
The majority of marine plastics are considered to originate from land-based sources, including surface waters. Although they may be important transport pathways of MP, data from freshwater ecosystems is scarce. So far, only few studies provide evidence for the presence of MP in rivers and lakes. Data on MP uptake by freshwater invertebrates and fish is very limited.
Knowledge gaps
While the research on marine MP is more advanced, there are immense gaps of knowledge regarding freshwater MP. Data on their abundance is fragmentary for large and absent for small surface waters. Likewise, relevant sources and the environmental fate remain to be investigated. Data on the biological effects of MP in freshwater species is completely lacking. The accumulation of other freshwater contaminants on MP is of special interest because ingestion might increase the chemical exposure. Again, data is unavailable on this important issue.
Conclusions
MP represent freshwater contaminants of emerging concern. However, to assess the environmental risk associated with MP, comprehensive data on their abundance, fate, sources, and biological effects in freshwater ecosystems are needed. Establishing such data critically depends on a collaborative effort by environmental scientists from diverse disciplines (chemistry, hydrology, ecotoxicology, etc.) and, unsurprisingly, on the allocation of sufficient public funding.
