scholarly journals Microplastics and Nanoplastics in the Freshwater and Terrestrial Environment: A Review

Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 2633 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kellie Boyle ◽  
Banu Örmeci
Keyword(s):  
Current Literature ◽  
Critical Analysis ◽  
Terrestrial Ecosystems ◽  
Ecological Impacts ◽  
Plastic Pollution ◽  
Knowledge Gaps ◽  
Terrestrial Environment ◽  
Health Implications ◽  
Transport Behaviour

This review is a critical analysis of current freshwater and terrestrial research with an emphasis on transport, behaviour, fate and subsequent ecological impacts that plastic pollution poses. The current methods of extraction and evaluation of organic-rich samples are also explored for both micro- and nanoplastics. Furthermore, micro- and nanoplastics are discussed with reference to their environmental and health implications for biota. Regulations imposed on the manufacture and distribution of plastics globally are also noted. Within the review, the current literature has been presented and knowledge gaps identified. These include the characterization and quantification of micro- and nanoplastics entering and forming within the freshwater and terrestrial environment, the fate and behaviour of micro- and nanoplastics under varying conditions and the impacts of micro- and nanoplastics on freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems.

scholarly journals Do Microplastics Enter Our Food Chain Via Root Vegetables? A Raman Based Spectroscopic Study on Raphanus sativus

Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (9) ◽  
pp. 2329
Author(s):  
Leda-Eleni Tympa ◽  
Klytaimnistra Katsara ◽  
Panagiotis N. Moschou ◽  
George Kenanakis ◽  
Vassilis M. Papadakis
Keyword(s):  
Raphanus Sativus ◽  
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene ◽  
Terrestrial Ecosystems ◽  
Label Free ◽  
Plastic Pollution ◽  
Potential Threat ◽  
Safety Studies ◽  
Widespread Phenomenon ◽  
Agriculture And Food ◽  
The Impact

The outburst of plastic pollution in terrestrial ecosystems poses a potential threat to agriculture and food safety. Studies have already provided evidence for the uptake of plastic microparticles by several plant species, accompanied by numerous developmental effects, using fluorescence labelling techniques. Here, we introduce the implementation of confocal Raman spectroscopy, a label-free method, for the effective detection of microplastics (MPs) accumulation in the roots of a common edible root vegetable plant, Raphanus sativus, after treatment with acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) powder. We also demonstrate the concomitant occurrence of phenotypic defects in the polymer-treated plants. We anticipate that this work can provide new insights not only into the extent of the impact this widespread phenomenon has on crop plants but also on the methodological requirements to address it.

scholarly journals Spinal cord injury and male infertility—a review of current literature, knowledge gaps, and future research

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (S3) ◽  
pp. S373-S382 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ross Anderson ◽  
Rachel Moses ◽  
Sara Lenherr ◽  
James M. Hotaling ◽  
Jeremy Myers
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Spinal Cord Injury ◽  
Male Infertility ◽  
Current Literature ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Knowledge Gaps ◽  
Cord Injury

Plastic ingestion by seabirds in the circumpolar Arctic: a review

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 506-516 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia E. Baak ◽  
Jannie F. Linnebjerg ◽  
Tom Barry ◽  
Maria V. Gavrilo ◽  
Mark L. Mallory ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Temporal Trends ◽  
Standard Technique ◽  
Arctic Region ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Plastic Pollution ◽  
Knowledge Gaps ◽  
Seabird Species ◽  
Global Trends ◽  
Small Sample Sizes

Plastic pollution is a ubiquitous global environmental problem. Plastic ingestion by seabirds is an increasing issue even in remote areas, such as the Arctic, yet research and monitoring of plastic ingestion in Arctic seabird populations is limited, and there are large knowledge gaps for many geographic regions. There is currently no standard technique for monitoring plastic debris in the Arctic, making it difficult to compare studies and monitor global trends. Here, we review the current state of knowledge of plastic ingestion by seabirds in the Arctic. We analyzed 38 published records that report plastic ingestion by seabirds in the Arctic region. Of the 51 seabird species examined for plastic ingestion in the Arctic, over half have ingested plastic; however, the majority have a limited number of studies, small sample sizes, and (or) data are more than 15 years old. Additionally, the spatial distribution of plastic ingestion reports in the Arctic varies widely, with large knowledge gaps in the northernmost areas of most countries. This indicates that we lack recent information on plastic ingestion for most of the seabird species in the Arctic. Further, less than one-third of studies reference standardized methods from other regions, making it difficult to assess spatial and temporal trends. Long-term monitoring programs should be established in the Arctic to obtain an accurate assessment of plastic ingestion by seabirds in this region.

scholarly journals Evaluating scenarios toward zero plastic pollution

Science ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 369 (6510) ◽  
pp. 1455-1461 ◽  
Author(s):  
Winnie W. Y. Lau ◽  
Yonathan Shiran ◽  
Richard M. Bailey ◽  
Ed Cook ◽  
Martin R. Stuchtey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Municipal Solid Waste ◽  
Solid Waste ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Terrestrial Ecosystems ◽  
Waste Collection ◽  
Concerted Action ◽  
Plastic Pollution ◽  
Global Action ◽  
Stocks And Flows ◽  
Business As Usual

Plastic pollution is a pervasive and growing problem. To estimate the effectiveness of interventions to reduce plastic pollution, we modeled stocks and flows of municipal solid waste and four sources of microplastics through the global plastic system for five scenarios between 2016 and 2040. Implementing all feasible interventions reduced plastic pollution by 40% from 2016 rates and 78% relative to “business as usual” in 2040. Even with immediate and concerted action, 710 million metric tons of plastic waste cumulatively entered aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. To avoid a massive build-up of plastic in the environment, coordinated global action is urgently needed to reduce plastic consumption; increase rates of reuse, waste collection, and recycling; expand safe disposal systems; and accelerate innovation in the plastic value chain.

scholarly journals Parent-child connectedness : moving beyond traditional attachment theory

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel Lechcier-Kimel
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Attachment Theory ◽  
Current Literature ◽  
Critical Analysis ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Gender Culture ◽  
Extensive Evaluation ◽  
Theoretical Foundations ◽  
Parent Child

The present paper provides a systematic review of the current literature on parent-child connectedness (PCC) through a critical analysis of existing research on the topic. By focusing on the numerous ways the construct of PCC extends beyond the scope of traditional attachment theory, this paper attempts to make PCC more relevant to individuals of varied age, gender, culture and socioeconomic backgrounds. An explanation of PCC as a dependent variable is presented as a means of strengthening the understanding of the construct, and an extensive evaluation of its theoretical foundations is included in order to operationalize this understanding. This paper concludes by suggesting the benefit in broadening the awareness of PCC and by providing recommendations for future research.

scholarly journals Fuzzy Based Spatial Risk Evaluation of Plastic Pollution: A Case Study of Anambra State of Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Chibundo Chukwuma ◽  
Louis Chukwuemeka orakwe ◽  
Ejikeme Emmanuel Emenike ◽  
Chukwuma Chris Okonkwo
Keyword(s):  
State Government ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Drainage Density ◽  
Plastic Waste ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Plastic Pollution ◽  
Terrestrial Environment ◽  
Anambra State ◽  
Spatial Risk ◽  
Plastic Wastes

Abstract Natural systems, human health, and artistic sensitivities are all threatened by plastic pollution in most developed and developing countries. Plastic has emerged as a major global threat with rivers serving as sink for transported plastics, emanating from the terrestrial environment as a result of human activities. Anambra State in Nigeria is arguably the business hub of the South-eastern part of Nigeria, with a massive output of plastic wastes daily from individuals, commercial activities and industries. Owing to an inefficient waste management system, plastic leakage into her drainage networks is a critical environmental challenge. The aim of this study is to geospatially model the vulnerability associated with the various plastic leakage factors to the environment. To achieve this aim, data on different thematic variables which include plastic waste density, slope, land-use, drainage density and distance to drainage network of the study area were modelled, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) was used to delineate the variables in order to obtain final risk map for the study area. The result of the study indicates that a total area very high risk is 1840.03 km2, this constitutes about 40.11% of the study area. Local Governments Areas (LGA) located in the southern part of the study area is more susceptible to plastic waste leakage, this could be linked to factors like high dense population and increasing rate of urbanization in the region. It is recommended that waste collection should be frequent, strategic and higher priority should be attached to the high risked area from this study. Anambra State Government also needs to work together with plastic recycling companies, for effective collection of plastic wastes in the areas classified as hotspots in plastic litter accumulation as one of the mitigation measures.

scholarly journals Battling the Known Unknowns: A Synoptic Review of Aquatic Plastics Research from Australia, the United Kingdom and China

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harriet Paterson ◽  
Jessica Stead ◽  
Thomas Crutchett ◽  
Renae Hovey ◽  
Ben Ford ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Human Health ◽  
International Research ◽  
Health Issue ◽  
Plastic Pollution ◽  
Knowledge Gaps ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Global Environmental ◽  
Known Unknowns

Plastic pollution is a global environmental and human health issue, with plastics now ubiquitous in the environment and biota. Despite extensive international research, key knowledge gaps (“known unknowns”) remain around...

scholarly journals A new Devonian euthycarcinoid reveals the use of different respiratory strategies during the marine-to-terrestrial transition in the myriapod lineage

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (10) ◽  
pp. 201037
Author(s):  
Pierre Gueriau ◽  
James C. Lamsdell ◽  
Roy A. Wogelius ◽  
Phillip L. Manning ◽  
Victoria M. Egerton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Terrestrial Ecosystems ◽  
Terrestrial Environment ◽  
Tracheal System ◽  
Air Breathing ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Land Colonization ◽  
Spherical Cavities ◽  
Additional Support ◽  
Available Information ◽  
Extinct Group

Myriapods were, together with arachnids, the earliest animals to occupy terrestrial ecosystems, by at least the Silurian. The origin of myriapods and their land colonization have long remained puzzling until euthycarcinoids, an extinct group of aquatic arthropods considered amphibious, were shown to be stem-group myriapods, extending the lineage to the Cambrian and evidencing a marine-to-terrestrial transition. Although possible respiratory structures comparable to the air-breathing tracheal system of myriapods are visible in several euthycarcinoids, little is known about the mechanism by which they respired. Here, we describe a new euthycarcinoid from Upper Devonian alluvio-lagoonal deposits of Belgium. Synchrotron-based elemental X-ray analyses were used to extract all available information from the only known specimen. Sulfur X-ray fluorescence (XRF) mapping and spectroscopy unveil sulfate evaporation stains, spread over the entire slab, suggestive of a very shallow-water to the terrestrial environment prior to burial consistent with an amphibious lifestyle. Trace metal XRF mapping reveals a pair of ventral spherical cavities or chambers on the second post-abdominal segment that do not compare to any known feature in aquatic arthropods, but might well play a part in air-breathing. Our data provide additional support for amphibious lifestyle in euthycarcinoids and show that different respiratory strategies were used during the marine-to-terrestrial transition in the myriapod lineage.

scholarly journals Effects of Co-Contamination of Microplastics and Cd on Plant Growth and Cd Accumulation

Toxics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fayuan Wang ◽  
Xiaoqing Zhang ◽  
Shuqi Zhang ◽  
Shuwu Zhang ◽  
Catharine A. Adams ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Soil Ph ◽  
Terrestrial Ecosystems ◽  
Ecological Impacts ◽  
Plant Performance ◽  
Plant Tissues ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Cd Uptake ◽  
Cd Accumulation ◽  
Maize Plants

Microplastics (MPs) occur widely in terrestrial ecosystems. However, information on the interaction of MPs with metals in terrestrial ecosystems is lacking in the literature. The present study investigated the effects of two types of MPs (high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polystyrene (PS)) with different dosages (i.e., 0, 0.1%, 1%, and 10%) on the uptake and effects of Cd in maize plants grown in an agricultural soil. Results showed that addition of Cd at a 5 mg/kg caused inhibited plant growth and resulted in high Cd accumulation in plant tissues. Polyethylene alone showed no significant phytotoxic effects, but a high-dose of HDPE (10%) amplified Cd phytotoxicity. Polystyrene negatively affected maize growth and phytoxicity further increased in the presence of Cd. Both HDPE and PS caused soil diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)-extractable Cd concentrations to increase but did not significantly affect Cd uptake into plant tissues. In the soil without Cd addition, HDPE decreased soil pH, while PS did not significantly alter soil pH. However, in the soil spiked with Cd, both HDPE and PS increased pH. Overall, impacts on plant growth and Cd accumulation varied with MP type and dose, and PS induced substantial phytotoxicity. In conclusion, co-occurring MPs can change Cd bioavailability, plant performance, and soil traits. Our findings highlight the ecological impacts that could occur from the release of MPs into soil.

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