The first reported values of microplastics in prostate.

BACKGROUND: Microplastics are ubiquitous, widespread environmental pollutants with unavoidable human exposure. Herein, it was aimed to investigate the presence of microplastics in prostate tissue. METHODS: Prostate tissues from 12 patients who underwent Trans Urethral Resection of the Prostate (TUR-P) were analyzed to investigate the presence of microplastics. Initially, the prostate tissues were analyzed for microplastic particles using a light microscope after extraction. Subsequently, the chemical composition of the particles found in the prostate tissues was characterized using Attenuated Total Reflection-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectrophotometry. RESULTS: Microplastic particles of various types were detected in 6 out of 12 patients. All detected plastic particles in this study were microplastics, with sizes below 26 µm in size. These microplastics exhibited different shapes as pellets, spheres or fibers. Overall, among the 12 analyzed prostate tissue samples, four different types of plastic were identified in six samples. The most common type of microplastic detected was Polyamide (Nylon 6), found in samples from three patients. Other detected types, Polypropylene, Polyacrylic Acid and Poly (dimethylsiloxane) were each determined in samples from one patient. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to demonstrate the presence of microplastics in prostate tissue, serving as an exploratory investigation, which can trigger further research to validate the results in a larger patient cohort.

Microplastic Pollution in High Population Density Zones of Selected Rivers from Southeast Asia.

Southeast Asia (SEA) faces significant environmental challenges due to rapid population growth and economic activity. Rivers in the region are major sources of plastic waste in oceans. Concerns about their contribution have grown, but knowledge of microplastics in the area is still limited. This article compares microplastic levels in sediment and water from urban zones of three major rivers in SEA: Chao Phraya River (Thailand), Saigon River (Vietnam), and Citarum River (Indonesia). The study reveals that in all three rivers, microplastics were found, with the highest concentrations in Chao Phraya's water (80 ± 60 items/m3) and Saigon's sediment (9167 ± 4559 items/kg). The variations in microplastic sizes and concentrations among these rivers may be attributed to environmental factors and the exposure duration of plastic to the environment. Since these rivers are important water supply sources, rigorous land-use regulations and raising public awareness are crucial to mitigate plastic and microplastic pollution.

An assessment of microplastic contamination in beach sediment of Maharashtra State, India, with special reference to anthropogenic activities.

The escalating issue of microplastic (MP) pollution poses a significant threat to the marine environment due to increasing plastic production and improper waste management. The current investigation was aimed at quantifying the MP concentration on 25 beaches on the Maharashtra coast, India. Beach sediments (1 kg) were collected from each site, with five replicates to evaluate the extent of MPs. The samples were homogenized, and three 20 g replicas were prepared for subsequent analysis. Later, the samples were sieved, and MPs were extracted using previously published protocols. The abundance of MPs found as 1.56 ± 0.79 MPs/g, ranges from 0.43 ± 0.07 to 3 ± 0.37 MPs/g. Fibers were found as the most abundant shape of MPs. Size-wise classification revealed dominance of <1 mm and 1-2 mm-sized MPs. Blue- and black-colored MPs were recorded dominantly. Polymer identification of MPs revealed polyurethane, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, acrylic or polymethyl methacrylate, and rubber. The findings revealed that MPs were found to be higher at highly impacted sites, followed by moderately impacted sites and low-impacted sites, possibly due to a different degree of anthropogenic pressure. The study recommended the urgent need for effective policy to prevent plastics accumulation in the coastal environment of Maharashtra State, India. PRACTITIONER POINTS: The study investigated the abundance and distribution of microplastics in the marine environment, specifically in sediments. The most common type of microplastic found was fibers, followed by fragments and films. Microplastics were found to pose a potential risk to the marine ecosystem, although further research is needed to fully understand their ecological impact. Future research should focus on expanding the sample size, assessing long-term effects, exploring sources and pathways, and considering size and shape of microplastics. The findings recommended urgent action to mitigate plastic pollution in Maharashtra coast.

A systematic review on microplastic contamination in marine Crustacea and Mollusca of Asia: Current scenario, concentration, characterization, polymeric risk assessment, and future Prospectives.

Microplastics (MPs) pollution has wreaked havoc on biodiversity and food safety globally. The false ingestion of MPs causes harmful effects on organisms, resulting in a decline in biodiversity. The present review comprehended the current knowledge of MP contamination in Crustacea and Mollusca from 75 peer-reviewed articles published in Asia between 2015 and 2023. A total of 79 species (27 Crustacea and 52 Mollusca) have been recorded to be contaminated with MPs. Out of the total 27 species of Crustacea, Metopograpsus quadridentatus (327.56 MPs/individual) and Balanus albicostatus (0.42 MPs/individual) showed the highest and lowest contamination, respectively. Out of the total 52 species of Mollusca, Dolabella auricularia (2325 MPs/individual) and Crassostrea gigas and Mytilus edulis (0.2 MPs/individual) showed the highest and lowest contamination, respectively. In terms of country-wise MP contamination, China has the highest number of contaminated species in both phylums among Asia. Findings of pollution indices revealed a very high risk of MP contamination in all the countries. Fiber was reported predominantly in both groups. Blue and black-colored MPs having <500 µm and <500 µm-1 mm size were found dominantly in Crustacea and Mollusca, respectively. Polypropylene was recorded as the dominant plastic polymer in both Crustacea and Mollusca. In essence, this review has provided a comprehensive insight into MP concentration in Crustacea and Mollusca of Asia, highlighting variations among species and geographic locations. This understanding is crucial for tackling urgent environmental challenges, safeguarding human health, and promoting global sustainability initiatives amid the escalating issue of plastic pollution. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Microplastic pollution has created havoc on biodiversity and food safety. A total of 27 and 52 species of crustaceans and Mollusca have been recorded to be contaminated with MPs. Metopograpsus quadridentate and Dolabella auricularia have shown higher MPs contamination. Polypropylene was recorded as the dominant plastic polymer in both crustacean and Mollusca. Findings of pollution indices revealed a very high risk of MP contamination in all the countries.

Anthropogenic particle abundance and characteristics in seawater and intertidal sediments of the Tonkin Bay Coast (North Vietnam).

Microplastics (MPs, plastic items from 1 µm to 5 mm in size) are present in all environmental compartments. The evaluation of their concentration, fate, and spatial distribution is still a challenge for the scientific community. This concern is just debuting in developing countries, (i.e., Asia, South America, and Africa). This study deals with the MP contamination in the abiotic marine compartments of Northern Vietnam: seawater and intertidal sediments. Four sites located in the intertidal zone or near the coastline in Tonkin Bay, Vietnam were studied. A total of 16 samples (eight for each compartment) were collected in July 2020 (rainy season) and January 2021 (dry season). Anthropogenic particles (total observed fibers and fragments) were found at levels ranging from 3 to 303 particles/m3 in seawater and from 63 to 955 particles/kg dry weight in sediments. Most of these were fibers less than 300-µm long. Higher levels of seawater at the Nam Dinh site were found in the rainy season compared to the dry one. As the river flow was estimated six times higher during the rainy season than during the dry season, these results suggest the river discharge is a potential source of contamination for the coastal zone. The temporal variability was lower for the sediments than for the seawater, suggesting the long-term integration of the anthropogenic particles in this compartment. A small portion of sorted particles were analyzed by µFTIR (8.35%), and this sub-sample was only composed of fragments. Still, fragments were mostly composed of polypropylene (PP, 82%), polyethylene (PE, 9%), and polystyrene (PS, 9%). The fragment size was similar in the two studied compartments, but it was dependent on polymer types since PS fragments (140 ± 17 µm) were smaller than those made of PE (622 ± 123 µm) and PP (869 ± 905 µm). Future works should investigate the smallest fraction of MP (even nanoplastics) as well as find solutions in order to mitigate MP contamination in the marine environment.

Size Distributions of Microplastics in the St Louis Estuary and Western Lake Superior.

Identifying the sources and fate of microplastics in natural systems has garnered a great deal of attention because of their implications for ecosystem health. This work characterizes the size fraction, morphology, color, and polymer composition of microplastics in western Lake Superior and its adjacent harbor sampled in August and September 2021. The results reveal that the overall microplastic counts are similar, with the harbor stations ranging from 0.62 to 3.32 microplastics per liter and the lake stations ranged from 0.83 to 1.4 microplastics per liter. However, meaningful differences between the sample locations can be seen in the size fraction trends and polymer composition. Namely, the harbor samples had relatively larger amounts of the largest size fraction and more diversity of polymer types, which can be attributed to the urbanized activity and shorter water residence time. Power law size distribution modeling reveals deviations that help in the understanding of potential sources and removal mechanisms, although it significantly underpredicts microplastic counts for smaller-sized particles (5-45 µm), as determined by comparison with concurrently collected microplastic samples enumerated by Nile Red staining and flow cytometry.

The microplastics distribution characteristics and their impact on soil physicochemical properties and bacterial communities in food legumes farmland in northern China.

Microplastics (MPs) pose a threat to farmland soil quality and crop safety. MPs exist widely in food legumes farmland soil due to the extensive use of agricultural film and organic fertilizer, but their distribution characteristics and their impact on soil environment have not been reported. The abundance and characteristics of MPs, soil physical and chemical properties, and bacterial community composition were investigated in 76 soil samples from five provinces in northern China. The results showed that the abundance of MPs ranged from 1600 to 36,200 items/kg. MPs in soil were mostly fibrous, less than 0.2 mm, and white. Rayon, polyester and polyethylene were the main types of MPs. The influences of MPs on soil physicochemical properties and bacterial communities mainly depended on the type of MPs. Notably, polyethylene significantly decreased the proportion of silt particles, and increased the nitrate nitrogen content as well as the abundance of MPs-degrading bacteria Paenibacillus (p < 0.05). Moreover, bacteria were more sensitive to polyesters in soil with low concentration of organic matter. This study indicated that MPs in food legumes farmland soil presented a higher-level. And, they partially altered soil physicochemical properties, and soil bacteria especially in soil with low organic matter.

Anthropogenic and biological activities elevate microplastics pollution in headwater ecosystem of Yangtze tributaries in Hindu Kush-Himalayan region.

Microplastic (MP) pollution is widely spread in oceans, freshwater, and terrestrial environments but MPs in mountainous headwater ecosystem are rarely reported. This study focuses on the headwater of Yangtze tributaries of the Hindu Kush-Himalayan (HKH) region. Five streams at elevations of 900 to 3300 m were selected to investigate the distribution of MPs in water and sediments across altitudes. MPs were found in all water and sediment samples from top stream zone nearly in absence of anthropogenic activity, low anthropogenic zone, and high anthropogenic zone, increased from 12-54, 81-185 to 334-847 items/L, and 2-35, 26-84 to 124-428 items/kg, respectively. This elevation-dependent MP distribution indicated that as elevation decreased, anthropogenic activities intensified and increased MPs input and their abundance, size, and diversity. Notably, hydraulic projects, such as damming, were identified as potential barriers to the migration of MPs downstream. Microbiome analyses revealed the presence of bacterial genes associated with plastic biodegradation in all sediment samples. The study indicates that Shangri-la mountainous streams have been polluted with MPs for years with potential risk of generation of nano-sized particles via natural fragmentation and biodegradation, and thus raises concern on MPs pollution in headwaters streams in mountainous regions.

Unveiling the hidden impact: How biodegradable microplastics influence CO2 and CH4 emissions and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) profiles in soil ecosystems.

Biodegradable plastics promise eco-friendliness, yet their transformation into microplastics (bio-MPs) raises environmental alarms. However, how those bio-MPs affect the greenhouse gases (GHGs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in soil ecosystems remains largely unexplored. Here, we investigated the effects of diverse bio-MPs (PBAT, PBS, and PLA) on GHGs and VOCs emission in typical paddy or upland soils. We monitored the carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) fluxes in-situ using the self-developed portable optical gas sensor and analyzed VOC profiles using a proton-transfer reaction mass spectrometer (PTR-MS). Our study has revealed that, despite their biodegradable nature, bio-MPs do not always promote soil GHG emissions as previously thought. Specifically, PBAT and PLA significantly increased CO2 and CH4 emissions up to 1.9-7.5 and 115.9-178.5 fold, respectively, compared to the control group. While PBS exhibited the opposite trend, causing a decrease of up to 39.9% for CO2 and up to 39.9% for CH4. In addition, different types of bio-MPs triggered distinct soil VOC emission patterns. According to the Mann-Whitney U-test and Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA), a recognizable VOC pattern associated with different bio-MPs was revealed. This study claims the necessity of considering polymer-specific responses when assessing the environmental impact of Bio-MPs, and providing insights into their implications for climate change.

Microplastic contaminants detection in aquatic environment by hydrophobic cerium oxide nanoparticles.

Microplastics (MPs) poses a significant threat to ecosystems and human health, demanding immediate attention. The reported research work offers an effective and low cost method towards the detection of toxic MPs. In this study, hydrophobic cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) are synthesized and applied as promising electrode material for the detection of two different types of MPs, i.e. polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). Through electrochemical analyses, such as cyclic voltammetry (CV) and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), hydrophobic CeO2 NPs modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) based sensor demonstrated remarkable sensitivity of ∼0.0343 AmLmg-1cm-2 and detection limit of ∼0.226 mgmL-1, with promising correlation coefficient (R2) towards the detection of PE (∼27-32 µm). Furthermore, hydrophobic CeO2 NPs modified GCE exhibited promising stability and reproducibility towards PE (∼27-32 µm), suggesting the promising potential of hydrophobic CeO2 NPs as electrode materials for an electrochemical microplastics detection.

Microplastic contamination in filter-feeding oyster Saccostrea cuccullata: Novel insights in a marine ecosystem.

Microplastic (MP) pollution has become a pressing global concern. Oysters are well-known filter feeders who ingest food by filtering microscopic particles suspended in the surrounding water. Along with organic matter, filter-feeding also causes accidental ingestion of MP by oysters. Hence, the aim of the current investigation is to understand the MP contamination in filter-feeding oysters. A total of 500 specimens of oyster Saccostrea cuccullata collected from the intertidal zone of five sampling locations on the Gujarat coast, India. Specimens underwent analysis following established protocols. Each specimen was found to exhibit MP contamination, showing an abundance of 2.72 ± 1.98 MPs/g. A negative relationship was found between shell length and MP abundance. Predominantly, fibers were documented across all study sites. Black, blue, and red-colored MPs with 1-2 mm sizes were most dominant. MP polymer composition was identified as polyethylene terephthalate and polypropylene. Findings provide baseline information on levels of MPs contamination, which can be used to monitor future effects of MP pollution.

Historical behaviors of microplastic in estuarine and riverine reservoir sediment.

This study investigates the sedimentation behaviors of microplastics (MPs) within a typical meso-scale river estuary, the Yalu River Estuary (YRE) and its riverine reservoir. It analyzes sediment cores in two habitats of Yalu River, revealing changing MPs abundance over time. Results highlight significant differences in riverine and estuarine MPs deposition. Reservoir sample contains more MPs in fragments. Color variations are notable in estuarine samples but minimal in reservoir sample. After 1980, estuarine cores show an increase in coarser MPs, likely due to growth of aquaculture activities. Although sediment accumulates at 1/10 of the rate in reservoir compared to estuary, MPs in reservoir sediments exceeds estuarine level by over threefold. A possible mechanistic framework is then proposed to discuss the varying MPs behaviors in the two habitats, indicating reservoirs accumulate MPs at a higher rate due to the barrier effect of an upper-stream reservoir, stable hydrodynamics, and weak salinity-induced buoyancy.

Life starts with plastic: High occurrence of plastic pieces in fledglings of northern fulmars.

Plastic pollution threatens many organisms around the world. In particular, the northern fulmar, Fulmarus glacialis, is known to ingest high quantities of plastics. Since data are sparse in the Eurasian Arctic, we investigated plastic burdens in the stomachs of fulmar fledglings from Kongsfjorden, Svalbard. Fifteen birds were collected and only particles larger than 1 mm were extracted, characterised and analysed with Fourier Transform InfraRed spectroscopy. All birds ingested plastic. In total, 683 plastic particles were found, with an average of 46 ± 40 SD items per bird. The most common shape, colour and polymer were hard fragment, white, and polyethylene, respectively. Microplastics (< 5 mm) were slightly more represented than mesoplastics (> 5 mm). This study confirms high numbers of ingested plastics in fulmar fledglings from Svalbard and suggests that fulmar fledglings may be suitable for temporal monitoring of plastic pollution, avoiding potential biases caused by age composition or breeding state.

From the Caribbean to the Arctic, the most abundant microplastic particles in the ocean have escaped detection.

Comprehensive methodologies for monitoring microplastics (MPs) in the ocean are critical for accurately assessing abundances across a broad size spectrum, and to document distributions, sources, sinks, temporal trends, and exposure risks for organisms. Discrete 0.5-L water samples from the northeastern-coast of Venezuela (NECV), Pacific-Arctic Ocean (PAO), and Gulf Stream Current (GSC) were analyzed by Raman microspectroscopy to detect MPs not captured by net-tow surveys. Equivalent spherical diameters (ESD) of most MPs were <5 µm, accounting for 68, 83, 86 % of total inventories in NECV, GSC, PAO samples. We did not observe a single MP particle >53 µm ESD. Abundances of MPs in the 0.5-200 µm size fraction were 5-6 orders of magnitude higher than previous surveys that were almost exclusively based on net tow collections of MPs > 300 µm ESD. Abundances of MPs in NECV samples were ~10-fold higher than those from PAO and GSC. The most abundant polymers were polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), consistent with composition of plastic waste generated globally.

Microplastic and PTFE contamination of food from cookware.

Microplastics are a prolific environmental contaminant that have been evidenced in human tissues. Human uptake of microplastic occurs via inhalation of airborne fibres and ingestion of microplastic-contaminated foods and beverages. Plastic and PTFE-coated cookware and food contact materials may release micro- and nanoplastics into food during food preparation. In this study, the extent to which non-plastic, new plastic and old plastic cookware releases microplastics into prepared food is investigated. Jelly is used as a food simulant, undergoing a series of processing steps including heating, cooling, mixing, slicing and storage to replicate food preparation steps undertaken in home kitchens. Using non-plastic cookware did not introduce microplastics to the food simulant. Conversely, using new and old plastic cookware resulted in significant increases in microplastic contamination. Microplastics comprised PTFE, polyethylene and polypropylene particulates and fibrous particles, ranging 13-318 µm. Assuming a meal was prepared daily per the prescribed methodology, new and old plastic cookware may be contributing 2409-4964 microplastics per annum into homecooked food. The health implications of ingesting microplastics remains unclear.

Occurrence of microplastics and metals in European seabass produced in different aquaculture systems: Implications for human exposure, risk, and food safety.

Microplastics (MPs) are emerging contaminants of increasing concern as they may cause adverse effects and carry other contaminants, which may potentially compromise human health. Despite occurring in aquatic ecosystems worldwide, the knowledge about MP presence in different aquaculture systems and their potential impact on seafood products is still limited. This study aimed to determine the levels of MPs in water, feed, and European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) from three relevant aquaculture systems and estimate human exposure to MPs and metals through seabass consumption. The recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) had the highest MP occurrence in water and feed. MP levels in seabass followed the aquaculture system's levels in water and feed, with RAS-farmed fish presenting the highest MP load, both in the fish gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and muscle, followed by pond-, and cage-farmed fish. MPs' characteristics across aquaculture systems and fish samples remained consistent, with the predominant recovered particles falling within the MP size range. The particles were visually characterized and chemically identified by micro-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (µFTIR). Most of these particles were fibres composed of man-made cellulose and PET. MP levels in GIT were significantly higher than in muscle for pond- and RAS-farmed fish, MPs' bioconcentration factors >1 indicated bioconcentration in farmed seabass. Metal concentrations in fish muscle were below permissible limits, posing low intake risks for consumers according to the available health-based guidance values and estimated dietary scenarios.

Spatial and temporal trends of microplastic contamination in surface sediment of Benoa Bay: An urban estuary in Bali-Indonesia.

This study aims to explore microplastic contamination in the sediments of Benoa Bay. Eight locations were sampled, with four duplications denoting the rainy and dry seasons. Based on observations, the microplastic concentration varied from 9.51 to 90.60 particles/kg with an average of 31.08 ± 21.53 particles/kg. The area near the landfill had the highest abundance, while the inlet and center of Benoa Bay and the Sama River had the lowest concentration. The fragments (52.2 %) and large microplastic sizes (64.7 %) were the most documented particles. We also identified 17 polymers, which dominated (37.5 %) by polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene. There were no appreciable variations in abundance between seasons, although there were substantial variations in shape and size. Comprehensive investigation, adequate policies, continuous monitoring, and reducing waste from land- and sea-based sources that engage various stakeholders must be implemented urgently to prevent the release of microplastic into the aquatic ecosystem.

Advanced optical photothermal infrared spectroscopy for comprehensive characterization of microplastics from intravenous fluid delivery systems.

Growing attention is being directed towards exploring the potential harmful effects of microplastic (MP) particles on human health. Previous reports on human exposure to MPs have primarily focused on inhalation, ingestion, transdermal routes, and, potentially, transplacental transfer. The intravenous transfer of MP particles in routine healthcare settings has received limited exploration in existing literature. Standard hospital IV system set up with 0.9 % NaCl in a laminar flow hood with MP contamination precautions. Various volumes of 0.9 % NaCl passed through the system, some with a volumetric pump. Fluid filtered with Anodisc filters washed with isopropyl alcohol. The IV cannula was immersed in Mili-Q water for 72 h to simulate vein conditions. Subsequently, the water was filtered and washed. Optical photothermal infrared (O-PTIR) microspectroscopy is used to examine filters for MP particles. All filters examined from the IV infusion system contained MP particles, including MPs from the polymer materials used in the manufacture of the IV delivery systems (polydimethylsiloxane, polypropylene, polystyrene, and polyvinyl chloride) and MP particles arising from plastic resin additives (epoxy resin, polyamide resin, and polysiloxane-containing MPs). The geometric mean from the extrapolated result data indicated that approximately 0.90 MP particles per mL of 0.9 % NaCl solution can be administered through a conventional IV infusion system in the absence of a volumetric pump. However, with the implementation of a pump, this value may increase to 1.57 particles per mL. Notably, over 72 h, a single cannula was found to release approximately 558 MP particles including polydimethylsiloxane, polysiloxane-containing MPs, polyamide resin, and epoxy resin. Routine IV infusion systems release microplastics. MP particles are also released around IV cannulas, suggesting transfer into the circulatory system during standard IV procedures.

Global prevalence of microplastics in tap water systems: Abundance, characteristics, drivers and knowledge gaps.

Tap water is a main route for human direct exposure to microplastics (MPs). This study recompiled baseline data from 34 countries to assess the current status and drivers of MP contamination in global tap water systems (TWS). It was shown that MPs were detected in 87 % of 1148 samples, suggesting the widespread occurrence of MPs in TWS. The detected concentrations of MPs spanned seven orders of magnitude and followed the linearized log-normal distribution (MSE = 0.035, R2 = 0.965), with cumulative concentrations at 5th, 50th and 95th percentiles of 0.028, 4.491 and 728.105 items/L, respectively. The morphological characteristics were further investigated, indicating that particles smaller than 50 µm dominated in global TWS, with fragment, polyester and transparent as the most common shape, composition and color of MPs, respectively. Subsequently, the SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) algorithm was implemented to quantify the importance of variables affecting the MP abundance in global TWS, showing that the lower particle size limit was the most important variables. Subgroup analysis revealed that the concentration of MPs counted at the size limit of 1 µm was >20 times higher than that above 1 µm. Ultimately, current knowledge gaps and future research needs were elucidated.