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Micro(nano)plastics in Aquatic Environments: State of the Art and Beyond
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Micro(nano)plastics in Aquatic Environments: State of the Art and Beyond

A special issue of Water (ISSN 2073-4441). This special issue belongs to the section "Wastewater Treatment and Reuse".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 December 2023) | Viewed by 15685

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Amin Mojiri

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
Interests: emerging contaminants; water treatment; wastewater treatment; water quality; anammox
Prof. Dr. John Zhou

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
Interests: water quality; fate and transport of emerging contaminants; wastewater treatment; water chemistry; waste management; photocatalysis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Ziyang Lou

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
Interests: emerging contaminants; wastewater treatment; landfill leachate treatment; water treatment; waste management
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Plastic products are widely applied in different fields such as industry, pharmaceuticals and personal care products, agriculture, packaging, textiles, and construction. A significant amount of plastic waste has been generated with the increasing demands for plastic materials. Due to the extensive use of plastics, plastic waste has been identified in various environments, even in polar regions. Of particular concern are microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs), which have become a serious environmental challenge in protecting aquatic environments. Plastic particles smaller than 5 mm (MPs) and 1 μm (NPs) have attracted attention due to their slow degradation, posing long-term threats to the environment and human health.

This Special Issue of the Water journal is dedicated to research on the occurrence and fate of MPs/NPs, and techniques developed for identifying and eliminating MPs/NPs from aquatic environments. In this Special Issue, both original research and review papers are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

  • Characterization of micro(nano)plastic sources in aquatic environments;
  • Development of innovative instrumentation for the detection of micro(nano)plastics in water bodies;
  • Methods and techniques for the removal of micro(nano)plastics from aquatic environments;
  • Risk analysis of the presence of micro(nano)plastics in aquatic environments.

Dr. Amin Mojiri
Prof. Dr. John Zhou
Prof. Dr. Ziyang Lou
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Water is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • microplastics
  • nanoplastics
  • occurrence and fate of MPs/NPs in water bodies
  • effects of MPs/NPs on aquatic ecosystems
  • treatment methods
  • quantification methods

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

4 pages, 172 KiB  
Editorial
Micro(nano)plastics in Aquatic Environments: State of the Art and Beyond
by Amin Mojiri, John L. Zhou and Ziyang Lou
Water 2024, 16(6), 902; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16060902 - 21 Mar 2024
Viewed by 676
Abstract
The significance of water resources cannot be overstated, as they are vital for human survival and the economic and social development of societies [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Micro(nano)plastics in Aquatic Environments: State of the Art and Beyond)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

14 pages, 3792 KiB  
Article
Beyond Microplastics: Implementation of a Two-Stage Removal Process for Microplastics and Chemical Oxygen Demand in Industrial Wastewater Streams
by Michael Toni Sturm, Erika Myers, Dennis Schober, Anika Korzin and Katrin Schuhen
Water 2024, 16(2), 268; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16020268 - 12 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1087
Abstract
Wastewater from plastic manufacturing or processing industries is often highly polluted with microplastics (MPs) and high levels of oxidizable organic matter, which results in a high chemical oxygen demand (COD). When industrial wastewater enters wastewater streams, the high microplastic load is a high [...] Read more.
Wastewater from plastic manufacturing or processing industries is often highly polluted with microplastics (MPs) and high levels of oxidizable organic matter, which results in a high chemical oxygen demand (COD). When industrial wastewater enters wastewater streams, the high microplastic load is a high burden for municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), as they are not sufficiently removed. To prevent MP from entering the WWTPs, an upstream prevention method is essential. This paper presents a pilot-scale plant study for the removal of MP and COD from industrial wastewater that was tested on-site at a plastic manufacturer in Germany. Eight test phases were performed over 3 months, with each test phase processing 1 m3 wastewater and four treatments. Per test phase, 12 samples were analyzed for 5 parameters: COD, total suspended solids (TSSs), particle count, pH, and turbidity. The results showed an average decrease in MP by 98.26 ± 2.15% measured by TSSs and 97.92 ± 2.31% measured by particle count. This prevents the emission of 1.1 kg MP/m3 water and an estimated 2.7 t MP/year. The COD was reduced efficiently by 94.3 ± 8.9%. Besides MP and COD, this treatment allows reuse of water and agglomerates, resulting in a reduction in the CO2 footprint. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Micro(nano)plastics in Aquatic Environments: State of the Art and Beyond)
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13 pages, 5755 KiB  
Article
Abundance, Distribution, and Characterization of Microplastics on Two Recreational Beaches in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
by Nur Zaida Zahari, Sharmila Devi Vincent, Fera Nony Cleophas, Kamsia Budin and Mohd Khalizan Sabullah
Water 2023, 15(15), 2681; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15152681 - 25 Jul 2023
Viewed by 1342
Abstract
Currently, there is a lack of assessment of the level of microplastics (MPs) pollution on recreational beaches around the world. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the current state of MP pollution on two popular recreational beaches of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, namely, [...] Read more.
Currently, there is a lack of assessment of the level of microplastics (MPs) pollution on recreational beaches around the world. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the current state of MP pollution on two popular recreational beaches of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, namely, (1) Tanjung Aru Beach and (2) UMS ODEC (Outdoor Development Center) beach. MPs from the sediments were extracted using the density separation method and analyzed through a stereoscopic microscope. The overall MPs abundance, weight, size, colors, and polymer types were recorded. Tanjung Aru beach recovered higher numbers of MPs particles for all stations, with 857 MPs/kg dry sediment with a total mass concentration of 57.72 g/kg, while UMS ODEC recorded 160 MPs/kg particles with a total mass concentration of 17.96 g/kg. The maximum MPs abundance was observed in the size of <1 mm with a high proportion of white/transparent coloring. Micro Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed that polypropylene (PP:60%) and polyethylene (PE:43%) were the two most common plastic polymers found on both beaches, followed by polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and the least common was polystyrene (PS). Metals (arsenic, chromium, copper, and nickel) were found within the MPs collected. The present study demonstrated an alarming quantity of MPs on two recreational beaches in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. However, information concerning the primary sources, local dynamics, and repercussions of MPs in this location is still limited; thus, further research is required. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Micro(nano)plastics in Aquatic Environments: State of the Art and Beyond)
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11 pages, 1632 KiB  
Article
Individual and Combined Toxic Effects of Nano-ZnO and Polyethylene Microplastics on Mosquito Fish (Gambusia holbrooki)
by Mahdi Banaee, Amir Zeidi, Reshma Sinha and Caterina Faggio
Water 2023, 15(9), 1660; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15091660 - 24 Apr 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1644
Abstract
The omnipresence of microplastics and nanoparticles has led to their entry into the fresh and marine aquatic systems and affected the biota. The present study aims to evaluate the impact of the interaction of polyethylene microplastic (PE-MPs) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) in [...] Read more.
The omnipresence of microplastics and nanoparticles has led to their entry into the fresh and marine aquatic systems and affected the biota. The present study aims to evaluate the impact of the interaction of polyethylene microplastic (PE-MPs) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) in mosquito fish, Gambusia holbrooki. For this, fish were exposed to 100 µg L−1 PE-MPs (group 2), 200 µg L−1 PE-MPs (group 3), 50 µg L−1 ZnO-NPs (group 4), 50 µg L−1 ZnO-NPs combined with 100 µg L−1 PE-MPs (group 5), and 200 µg L−1 PE-MPs (group 6) and control (group 1) for 14 days. The assessment was made through accumulation studies (MPs and Zn) and antioxidant assay. Significant elevation in the activity of catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase levels was observed in ZnO-NPs alone and in combination with PE-MPs (100 and 200 µg L−1) groups only. High malondialdehyde levels were observed in all the exposed groups. Concordantly total antioxidant (TAN) levels displayed a significant reduction in all treated groups compared to control. Accumulation study on microplastic suggested liver-targeted accumulation of PE-MPs, while for ZnO-NPs, observed PE-MPs assisted accumulation. The study affirms the induction of oxidative stress and ZnO-NPs-induced toxicity facilitated by PE-MPs in fish. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Micro(nano)plastics in Aquatic Environments: State of the Art and Beyond)
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Review

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14 pages, 326 KiB  
Review
Biological Magnification of Microplastics: A Look at the Induced Reproductive Toxicity from Simple Invertebrates to Complex Vertebrates
by Muhammad Bilal, Habib Ul Hassan, Madiha Taj, Naseem Rafiq, Ghulam Nabi, Asif Ali, Karim Gabol, Muhammad Ishaq Ali Shah, Rizwana Abdul Ghaffar, Muhammad Sohail and Takaomi Arai
Water 2023, 15(15), 2831; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15152831 - 05 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2006
Abstract
The issue of microplastic (MP) pollution is one of the most pressing environmental problems faced today and for the future. Plastics are ubiquitous due to their exponential use and mismanagement, resulting in the accumulation of fragments across the world. Hence, the problem of [...] Read more.
The issue of microplastic (MP) pollution is one of the most pressing environmental problems faced today and for the future. Plastics are ubiquitous due to their exponential use and mismanagement, resulting in the accumulation of fragments across the world. Hence, the problem of MP pollution is aggravated when these plastic items disintegrate into smaller particles due to different physical, chemical, and environmental factors. The consumption of these MP pollutants by wildlife is a worldwide concern and a potentially crucial risk for all ecosystems. Consequently, MPs have caused a wide variety of problems for both public health and wildlife concerning vital life processes—specifically reproduction, which is critical to species’ survival in an ecosystem. Despite MPs’ detrimental effects on wildlife reproduction, it remains unclear how MPs can affect the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis. This review highlights the significant reproductive toxicity of MPs in wildlife, with potentially devastating consequences for human health. The findings emphasize the urgency of developing effective solutions for mitigating the adverse effects of MP pollution on the reproductive systems of wildlife and preserving the integrity of aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Micro(nano)plastics in Aquatic Environments: State of the Art and Beyond)
19 pages, 1132 KiB  
Review
Microplastics in Landfill Leachate: A Comprehensive Review on Characteristics, Detection, and Their Fates during Advanced Oxidation Processes
by Lan Wang, Hui Wang, Qiujie Huang, Changfu Yang, Luochun Wang, Ziyang Lou, Qian Zhou, Tiantian Wang and Chengqi Ning
Water 2023, 15(2), 252; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15020252 - 06 Jan 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3851
Abstract
Microplastics are generated from plastic waste in landfills due to physical, chemical, and biological effects, and eventually enter into the leachate. Leachate is a potential source of environmental microplastics which has not been emphasized. Here, we summarized the investigation of microplastics in leachate [...] Read more.
Microplastics are generated from plastic waste in landfills due to physical, chemical, and biological effects, and eventually enter into the leachate. Leachate is a potential source of environmental microplastics which has not been emphasized. Here, we summarized the investigation of microplastics in leachate in 9 countries from 28 papers, provided a comprehensive review of the sampling, detection, and separation of microplastics in leachate, and elaborated on the quality control in each process. There are more than forty types of microplastics in leachate, with diverse shapes, wide size distribution, and concentrations of 0–25 items/L. Commonly used techniques are FTIR, Raman, SEM, and py-GC–MS for characterizing microplastics, while standardization of micro- or nanoplastics for leachate with a complex composition should be further studied. We also discussed in depth the degradation mechanism of microplastics in advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). Microplastics can be decomposed into small molecules such as aldehydes and ketones, and some can even eventually be degraded into CO2 and H2O in AOPs, which may be further implemented in leachate treatment plants. This review provides the scientific fundamentals for understanding the microplastics in landfill leachate and proposes removal strategies for future research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Micro(nano)plastics in Aquatic Environments: State of the Art and Beyond)
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17 pages, 13666 KiB  
Review
Pharmaceutical and Microplastic Pollution before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Surface Water, Wastewater, and Groundwater
by Reza Pashaei, Reda Dzingelevičienė, Aida Bradauskaitė, Alireza Lajevardipour, Malgorzata Mlynska-Szultka, Nerijus Dzingelevičius, Saulius Raugelė, Artūras Razbadauskas, Sajjad Abbasi, Robert M. Rees and Boguslaw Buszewski
Water 2022, 14(19), 3082; https://doi.org/10.3390/w14193082 - 30 Sep 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3814
Abstract
Pharmaceuticals, microplastics, and oil spills are the most hazardous contaminants in aquatic environments. The COVID-19 pandemic enhanced pharmaceutical and microplastic contamination in aquatic environments. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of pharmaceutical and microplastic pollution on a global scale. This study [...] Read more.
Pharmaceuticals, microplastics, and oil spills are the most hazardous contaminants in aquatic environments. The COVID-19 pandemic enhanced pharmaceutical and microplastic contamination in aquatic environments. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of pharmaceutical and microplastic pollution on a global scale. This study assessed the results of pharmaceutical contamination in 25 countries and microplastic pollution in 13 countries. The findings show that pharmaceutical residues were detected in surface water, groundwater, and wastewater influents and effluents. In total, 43 types of pharmaceutical products were detected in 25 countries. Caffeine, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, sulfamethoxazole, and carbamazepine were the most abundant. In total, 32 types of polymers were detected in 13 countries. In the case of microplastics, polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, and polyethylene terephthalate were the more abundant polymers. Particles with a size of 1–2.5 mm and 2.5–5 mm accounted for half of the microplastics present in 13 countries. This study provides new evidence of the importance of emerging pollutants in aquatic environments before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Micro(nano)plastics in Aquatic Environments: State of the Art and Beyond)
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