Microplastic Pollution and Impact on Aquatic and Terrestrial Ecosystems

A special issue of Toxics (ISSN 2305-6304). This special issue belongs to the section "Ecotoxicology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2024 | Viewed by 9708

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
Interests: ecotoxicology; biomarkers; environmental pollution; emerging contaminants
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy
Interests: emerging contaminants; environmental monitoring and negative effects on organisms; investigation of the possible microplastic's presence in different matrices such as surface water, glacial debris and snow

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The presence of microplastics in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems is an environmental issue of global concern. Once microplastics enter the environment, whether directly or after weathering of large plastic items, they can interact with organisms and other contaminants, potentially posing a serious health risk for living species at all the levels of the ecological hierarchy. For these reasons, there is an urgent need to enlarge the knowledge on microplastic contamination in the environment in order to estimate and assess the exposure and the toxicity of these contaminants towards aquatic and terrestrial organisms. 

This Special Issue will focus on highlighting the latest advances in studies on microplastic contamination and their impact on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Topics may include, but are not limited to, the investigation of the presence, the sources and the fate of microplastics in anthropic and natural ecosystems, including remote areas; the biomonitoring of microplastics using conventional and non-conventional model organisms; field and laboratory studies assessing the impact and/or the toxicity of virgin and/or weathered microplastics relying on both conventional and non-conventional model organisms; and the investigation of mechanism(s) of toxic action of microplastics towards aquatic and terrestrial organisms. Authors are invited to submit original research papers, reviews, and short communications. 

Dr. Marco Parolini
Dr. Beatrice De Felice
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • microplastics
  • (bio)monitoring
  • ecological indicators
  • freshwaters
  • marine ecosystems
  • terrestrial ecosystems
  • bioaccumulation
  • ecotoxicity

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 1905 KiB  
Article
Are Microfibers a Threat to Marine Invertebrates? A Sea Urchin Toxicity Assessment
by Jennifer Barbosa dos Santos, Rodrigo Brasil Choueri, Francisco Eduardo Melo dos Santos, Laís Adrielle de Oliveira Santos, Letícia Fernanda da Silva, Caio Rodrigues Nobre, Milton Alexandre Cardoso, Renata de Britto Mari, Fábio Ruiz Simões, Tomas Angel Delvalls and Paloma Kachel Gusso-Choueri
Toxics 2024, 12(10), 753; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12100753 - 17 Oct 2024
Viewed by 733
Abstract
The rise of “fast fashion” has driven up the production of low-cost, short-lived clothing, significantly increasing global textile fiber production and, consequently, exacerbating environmental pollution. This study investigated the ecotoxicological effects of different types of anthropogenic microfibers—cotton, polyester, and mixed fibers (50% cotton: [...] Read more.
The rise of “fast fashion” has driven up the production of low-cost, short-lived clothing, significantly increasing global textile fiber production and, consequently, exacerbating environmental pollution. This study investigated the ecotoxicological effects of different types of anthropogenic microfibers—cotton, polyester, and mixed fibers (50% cotton: 50% polyester)—on marine organisms, specifically sea urchin embryos. All tested fibers exhibited toxicity, with cotton fibers causing notable effects on embryonic development even at environmentally relevant concentrations. The research also simulated a scenario where microfibers were immersed in seawater for 30 days to assess changes in toxicity over time. The results showed that the toxicity of microfibers increased with both concentration and exposure duration, with polyester being the most toxic among the fibers tested. Although synthetic fibers have been the primary focus of previous research, this study highlights that natural fibers like cotton, which are often overlooked, can also be toxic due to the presence of harmful additives. These natural fibers, despite decomposing faster than synthetic ones, can persist in aquatic environments for extended periods. The findings underline the critical need for further research on both natural and synthetic microfibers to understand their environmental impact and potential threats to marine ecosystems and sea urchin populations. Full article
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12 pages, 4162 KiB  
Article
Macroplastic and Microparticle Pollution in Beach Sediments from Urias Coastal Lagoon (Northwest Mexico)
by Daniela Alvarado-Zambrano, José R. Rivera-Hernández and Carlos Green-Ruiz
Toxics 2024, 12(6), 439; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12060439 - 18 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1297
Abstract
This study investigates the occurrence and characteristics of macroplastic and polymer microparticles in the Urias coastal lagoon’s beach sediments, in northwest Mexico. Coastal lagoons, productive and vulnerable ecosystems, are impacted significantly by anthropogenic activities, leadings to their pollution by various contaminants, including plastics. [...] Read more.
This study investigates the occurrence and characteristics of macroplastic and polymer microparticles in the Urias coastal lagoon’s beach sediments, in northwest Mexico. Coastal lagoons, productive and vulnerable ecosystems, are impacted significantly by anthropogenic activities, leadings to their pollution by various contaminants, including plastics. Our research involved sampling sediments from four sites within the lagoon that were influenced by different human activities such as fishing, aquaculture, thermoelectric power plant operations, industrial operations, and domestic wastewater discharge. Our methodology included collecting macroplastics and beach sediment samples, followed by laboratory analyses to identify the plastic debris’ size, shape, color, and chemical composition. The results indicated a notable presence of macroplastic items (144), predominantly bags, styrofoam, and caps made of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The polymer microparticles were mainly fibers, with cotton and polyester as the most common polymers, suggesting a significant contribution from clothing-related waste. The dominant colors of the microparticles were blue and transparent. High densities were observed in areas with slower water exchange. Our findings highlight the urgent need for better waste management practices to mitigate plastic pollution in coastal lagoons, preserving their ecological and economic functions. Full article
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14 pages, 1445 KiB  
Article
Navigating a Microplastic Sea: How the Pacific Cupped Oyster (Magallana gigas) Respond to Microplastic Pollution in Lagoons
by Gianluca De Rinaldis, Paolo Pastorino, Tommaso Scirocco, Claudia Sacchetti, Serena Anselmi, Francesca Provenza, Monia Renzi and Antonietta Specchiulli
Toxics 2024, 12(6), 429; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12060429 - 13 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1365
Abstract
Microplastic pollution poses an escalating concern, particularly in coastal lagoons rich in biodiversity. This study delved into the occurrence of microplastics (MPs) in Magallana gigas (formerly Crassostrea gigas) from the Orbetello and Varano coastal lagoons (Italy), also investigating the response of these [...] Read more.
Microplastic pollution poses an escalating concern, particularly in coastal lagoons rich in biodiversity. This study delved into the occurrence of microplastics (MPs) in Magallana gigas (formerly Crassostrea gigas) from the Orbetello and Varano coastal lagoons (Italy), also investigating the response of these filter-feeding organisms to various colors (P = pink; B = blue; W = white) of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) MP fragments. Oysters were exposed for 7 days under controlled conditions. Subsequently, the oysters underwent analysis for both MP presence and biochemical markers of oxidative stress. Diverse ingestion rates of HDPE were noted among oysters from the two lagoons, eliciting antioxidant responses and modifying baseline activity. The two-way ANOVA revealed the significant effects of treatment (control; HDPE_B; HDPE_P; HDPE_W), site, and the interaction between treatment and site on all biomarkers. Non-metric multidimensional scaling showed a divergent effect of HDPE color on biomarkers. Further investigation is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the influence of MP color, dose-dependent effects, and the long-term impacts of exposure. Comprehending these intricacies is imperative for devising effective strategies to mitigate plastic pollution and safeguard marine health. Full article
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11 pages, 1147 KiB  
Article
Microfibers in the Diet of a Highly Aerial Bird, the Common Swift Apus apus
by Alessandra Costanzo, Roberto Ambrosini, Milo Manica, Daniela Casola, Carlo Polidori, Valentina Gianotti, Eleonora Conterosito, Maddalena Roncoli, Marco Parolini and Beatrice De Felice
Toxics 2024, 12(6), 408; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12060408 - 3 Jun 2024
Viewed by 789
Abstract
Microplastic pollution is a pervasive global issue affecting various ecosystems. Despite the escalating production and well-documented contamination in both aquatic and terrestrial environments, the research focused on airborne microplastics and their interaction with terrestrial birds remains limited. In this study, we collected fecal [...] Read more.
Microplastic pollution is a pervasive global issue affecting various ecosystems. Despite the escalating production and well-documented contamination in both aquatic and terrestrial environments, the research focused on airborne microplastics and their interaction with terrestrial birds remains limited. In this study, we collected fecal sacs from Common swifts (Apus apus) to investigate their diet and to evaluate the potential ingestion of microplastics by both adults and nestlings. The diet was mainly composed of Hymenoptera and Coleoptera and did not differ among sexes and age classes. The 33% of nestlings’ and 52% of adults’ fecal sacs contained anthropogenic items, the totality of which was in the shape form of fibers. The 19.4% of the anthropogenic items were chemically characterized as microplastics, either polyethylene terephthalate (PET; two microfibers) or cellophane (four microfibers). Airborne anthropogenic items, including microplastic, might be passively ingested during the Common swift aerial feeding. In addition, our findings suggest that these ingested microparticles have the potential to be transferred to the offspring through food. While further research is essential to elucidate the pathways of microplastic ingestion, our results reinforce the evidence of the transfer of anthropogenic items from the atmosphere to the biota. Full article
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17 pages, 2891 KiB  
Article
Microplastics and 17α Ethinylestradiol: How Do Different Aquatic Invertebrates Respond to This Combination of Contaminants?
by Caio Rodrigues Nobre, Beatriz Barbosa Moreno, Aline Vecchio Alves, Mayana Karoline Fontes, Bruno Galvão de Campos, Leticia Fernanda da Silva, Luciane Alves Maranho, Luís Felipe de Almeida Duarte, Denis Moledo de Souza Abessa, Rodrigo Brasil Choueri, Paloma Kachel Gusso-Choueri and Camilo Dias Seabra Pereira
Toxics 2024, 12(5), 319; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12050319 - 28 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1309
Abstract
The synthetic hormone 17α ethinyl estradiol (EE2) is a molecule widely used in female contraceptives and recognized as a contaminant of attention (Watch List) in the European Union due to its high consumption, endocrine effects and occurrence in aquatic environments. Its main source [...] Read more.
The synthetic hormone 17α ethinyl estradiol (EE2) is a molecule widely used in female contraceptives and recognized as a contaminant of attention (Watch List) in the European Union due to its high consumption, endocrine effects and occurrence in aquatic environments. Its main source of introduction is domestic sewage where it can be associated with other contaminants such as microplastics (MPs). Due to their characteristics, they can combine with each other and exacerbate their isolated effects on biota. This study evaluated the combined effects of microplastics (MPs) and 17α ethinylestradiol (EE2) on two tropical estuarine invertebrate species: Crassostrea gasar and Ucides cordatus. Polyethylene particles were spiked with EE2 and organisms were exposed to three treatments, categorized into three groups: control group (C), virgin microplastics (MPs), and spiked microplastics with EE2 (MPEs). All treatments were evaluated after 3 and 7 days of exposure. Oysters exhibited changes in phase 2 enzymes and the antioxidant system, oxidative stress in the gills, and reduced lysosomal membrane stability after exposure to MPs and MPEs. Crabs exposed to MPs and MPEs after seven days showed changes in phase 1 enzymes in the gills and changes in phases 1 and 2 enzymes in the hepatopancreas, such as disturbed cellular health. The combined effects of microplastics and EE2 increased the toxicity experienced by organisms, which may trigger effects at higher levels of biological organization, leading to ecological disturbances in tropical coastal ecosystems. Full article
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15 pages, 2173 KiB  
Article
Exposure to Microplastics Made of Plasmix-Based Materials at Low Amounts Did Not Induce Adverse Effects on the Earthworm Eisenia foetida
by Beatrice De Felice, Stefano Gazzotti, Maddalena Roncoli, Eleonora Conterosito, Valentina Gianotti, Marco Aldo Ortenzi and Marco Parolini
Toxics 2024, 12(4), 300; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12040300 - 18 Apr 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1424
Abstract
The implementation of recycling techniques represents a potential solution to the plastic pollution issue. To date, only a limited number of plastic polymers can be efficiently recycled. In the Italian plastic waste stream, the residual, non-homogeneous fraction is called ‘Plasmix’ and is intended [...] Read more.
The implementation of recycling techniques represents a potential solution to the plastic pollution issue. To date, only a limited number of plastic polymers can be efficiently recycled. In the Italian plastic waste stream, the residual, non-homogeneous fraction is called ‘Plasmix’ and is intended for low-value uses. However, Plasmix can be used to create new materials through mechanical recycling, which need to be tested for their eco-safety. This study aimed to investigate the potential toxicity of two amounts (0.1% and 1% MPs in soil weight) of microplastics (MPs) made of naïve and additivated Plasmix-based materials (Px and APx, respectively) on the earthworm Eisenia foetida. Changes in oxidative status and oxidative damage, survival, gross growth rate and reproductive output were considered as endpoints. Although earthworms ingested both MP types, earthworms did not suffer an oxidative stress condition or growth and reproductive impairments. The results suggested that exposure to low amounts of both MPs can be considered as safe for earthworms. However, further studies testing a higher amount or longer exposure time on different model species are necessary to complete the environmental risk assessment of these new materials. Full article
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Review

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22 pages, 2261 KiB  
Review
Potential Effects of Environmental and Occupational Exposure to Microplastics: An Overview of Air Contamination
by Priscilla Boccia, Simona Mondellini, Simona Mauro, Miriam Zanellato, Marco Parolini and Elena Sturchio
Toxics 2024, 12(5), 320; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12050320 - 28 Apr 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1863
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are now ubiquitous environmental contaminants that lead to unavoidable human exposure; they have received increasing attention in recent years and have become an emerging area of research. The greatest concern is the negative impacts of MPs on marine, fresh-water, and terrestrial [...] Read more.
Microplastics (MPs) are now ubiquitous environmental contaminants that lead to unavoidable human exposure; they have received increasing attention in recent years and have become an emerging area of research. The greatest concern is the negative impacts of MPs on marine, fresh-water, and terrestrial ecosystems, as well as human health, to the extent that the World Health Organization (WHO) calls for increased research and standardized methods to assess exposure to MPs. Many countries and international organizations are implementing or proposing legislation in this regard. This review aims to summarize the current state of legislation, indoor and outdoor contamination, and potential human health risk due to exposure to airborne MPs, considering that occupational exposure to MPs is also becoming a growing area of concern. Even though research regarding MPs has continuously increased in the last twenty years, the effects of MPs on human health have been scarcely investigated, and toxicity studies are still limited and not directly comparable, due to the lack of standardized studies in this field. Full article
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