Biodeterioration of Untreated Polypropylene Microplastic Particles by Antarctic Bacteria

Habib, Syahir; Iruthayam, Anastasia; Shukor, Mohd Yunus; Alias, Siti Aisyah; Smykla, Jerzy; Yasid, Nur Adeela

doi:10.3390/polym12112616

Cited by 75 publications

(27 citation statements)

References 43 publications

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“…In this context, there is an urgent need to develop remediation technologies to dissipate MPs pollution. The current methodologies for this include physical removal, biodegradation, and chemical treatments [ 7 , 8 ]. These latter include photocatalysis, a process that has been widely used to mineralize recalcitrant organic pollutants in aqueous and gaseous environments [ 9 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Role of the Reactive Species Involved in the Photocatalytic Degradation of HDPE Microplastics Using C,N-TiO2 Powders

et al. 2021

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Microplastics (MPs) are distributed in a wide range of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems throughout the planet. They are known to adsorb hazardous substances and can transfer them across the trophic web. To eliminate MPs pollution in an environmentally friendly process, we propose using a photocatalytic process that can easily be implemented in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). As photocatalysis involves the formation of reactive species such as holes (h+), electrons (e−), hydroxyl (OH●), and superoxide ion (O2●−) radicals, it is imperative to determine the role of those species in the degradation process to design an effective photocatalytic system. However, for MPs, this information is limited in the literature. Therefore, we present such reactive species’ role in the degradation of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) MPs using C,N-TiO2. Tert-butanol, isopropyl alcohol (IPA), Tiron, and Cu(NO3)2 were confirmed as adequate OH●, h+, O2●− and e− scavengers. These results revealed for the first time that the formation of free OH● through the pathways involving the photogenerated e− plays an essential role in the MPs’ degradation. Furthermore, the degradation behaviors observed when h+ and O2●− were removed from the reaction system suggest that these species can also perform the initiating step of degradation.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Role of the Reactive Species Involved in the Photocatalytic Degradation of HDPE Microplastics Using C,N-TiO2 Powders

et al. 2021

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“…Plastic particles can persist, accumulate, and eventually affect the functioning and biodiversity of terrestrial ecosystems (Rillig, 2012). Habib et al (2020) isolated bacteria Pseudomonas sp. ADL15 and Rhodococcus sp.…”

Section: Microplastics In Antarctic Soilsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Occurrence and Distribution of Microplastics in Soils and Intertidal Sediments at Fildes Bay, Maritime Antarctica

et al. 2022

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Increased human activity on the Antarctic Peninsula has generated microplastic contamination in marine systems; however, less attention has been paid to soils so far. We investigated the occurrence of microplastics in 11 surface soils and intertidal sediments collected from Fildes Bay, King George Island. A transect of soils at Antarctic stations until Fildes Bay was made (i.e., S1–S5). Intertidal sediments along the shore (i.e., IS1–IS5) and a reference sample from Ardley Island (i.e., IS6) were also collected. All samples were stored at 4°C and analyzed for the organic matter content, particle size, and pH. Plastic particles were counted and classified by shape using metal dissecting forceps and a stereomicroscope and further analyzed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). They were classified by length as fibers (length: 500–2,000 μm) and fragments (length: 20–500 μm). In soil, fragments reached an average of 13.6 particles/50 ml sample, while in intertidal sediments, no fragments were found, but a fiber abundance of 1.5 particles/50 ml sample was observed. The principal component analysis shows a relationship between fibers and intertidal sediments, whereas fragments present a relationship with soils. There were differences between the numbers of fragments found in soils and intertidal sediments (p = 0.003), with a high abundance of fragments at site S5, but no significant differences were observed for fibers. The physicochemical soil analysis revealed that larger particle sizes were observed in intertidal sediments (average = 706.94 ± 230.51 μm) than in soils (p = 0.0007). The organic matter content was higher in soil than in intertidal sediments (p = 0.006) reaching an average of 6.0%. Plastic fragments and organic matter were significantly correlated (r = 0.779, p = 0.005), while fibers were positively correlated with particle size (r = 0.713, p = 0.014). The fragments were composed of phenoxy resin with the same appearance, shape, and bright orange color as the coatings of the facilities. According to the FT-IR analysis, the fibers had different colors and were composed of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Cotton was also present at the sites surrounding the sampling site close to the base effluent. The presence of fiber on Ardley Island (i.e., control) may indicate that microplastic contamination has reached protected areas. This is the first study to confirm the presence of plastic debris in Antarctic soils. Further studies should focus on the identification of plastic sources and on the management of human activities and their eventual effects on biota.

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“…Primarily the biodeterioration of MNPs, like other types of plastic, is initiated by the adherence of the microorganisms to the surface of the polymer to facilitate surface colonization. During this attachment, the chemical and physical actions of the microorganism, enhanced by the action of other biological agents and external environmental conditions (chemicals, light and temperature), result in the modification in the properties of the MNPs ( Habib et al, 2020 ). Subsequently, the organisms depolymerize the deteriorated plastics via the actions of their extracellular enzymes and generate free radicals.…”

Section: Biodegradation Of Mnpsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Environmental Impacts of Microplastics and Nanoplastics: A Current Overview

et al. 2021

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The increasing distribution of miniaturized plastic particles, viz. microplastics (100 nm–5 mm) and nanoplastics (less than 100 nm), across the various ecosystems is currently a subject of major environmental concern. Exacerbating these concerns is the fact that microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) display different properties from their corresponding bulk materials; thus, not much is understood about their full biological and ecological implications. Currently, there is evidence to prove that these miniaturized plastic particles release toxic plastic additives and can adsorb various chemicals, thereby serving as sinks for various poisonous compounds, enhancing their bioavailability, toxicity, and transportation. Furthermore, there is a potential danger for the trophic transfer of MNPs to humans and other higher animals, after being ingested by lower organisms. Thus, this paper critically analyzes our current knowledge with regard to the environmental impacts of MNPs. In this regard, the properties, sources, and damaging effects of MNPs on different habitats, particularly on the biotic components, were elucidated. Similarly, the consequent detrimental effects of these particles on humans as well as the current and future efforts at mitigating these detrimental effects were discussed. Finally, the self-cleaning efforts of the planet via a range of saprophytic organisms on these synthetic particles were also highlighted.

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Biodeterioration of Untreated Polypropylene Microplastic Particles by Antarctic Bacteria

Cited by 75 publications

References 43 publications

The Role of the Reactive Species Involved in the Photocatalytic Degradation of HDPE Microplastics Using C,N-TiO2 Powders

The Role of the Reactive Species Involved in the Photocatalytic Degradation of HDPE Microplastics Using C,N-TiO2 Powders

Occurrence and Distribution of Microplastics in Soils and Intertidal Sediments at Fildes Bay, Maritime Antarctica

Environmental Impacts of Microplastics and Nanoplastics: A Current Overview

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