Oceanic Hitchhikers – Assessing Pathogen Risks from Marine Microplastic

Bowley, Jake; Baker‐Austin, Craig; Porter, Adam H.; Hartnell, Rachel; Lewis, Ceri

doi:10.1016/j.tim.2020.06.011

Cited by 298 publications

(184 citation statements)

References 64 publications

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“…Although few data on the intestine per se are available, the above-cited studies demonstrate that microplastics can add to or synergize the adverse effects of the toxics that they contain or have absorbed. Furthermore, microplastics house distinct communities of microbes, that can form fully developed surface biofilms [128,129]. Plastic debris supports the growth of specific bacterial consortia, including bacterial pathogens.…”

Section: Microplastics As Carriers Of Intestinal Toxics and Pathogensmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Immunotoxicity and intestinal effects of nano- and microplastics: a review of the literature

2020

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Background Together with poor biodegradability and insufficient recycling, the massive production and use of plastics have led to widespread environmental contamination by nano- and microplastics. These particles accumulate across ecosystems - even in the most remote habitats - and are transferred through food chains, leading to inevitable human ingestion, that adds to the highest one due to food processes and packaging. Objective The present review aimed at providing a comprehensive overview of current knowledge regarding the effects of nano- and microplastics on intestinal homeostasis. Methods We conducted a literature search focused on the in vivo effects of nano- and microplastics on gut epithelium and microbiota, as well as on immune response. Results Numerous animal studies have shown that exposure to nano- and microplastics leads to impairments in oxidative and inflammatory intestinal balance, and disruption of the gut’s epithelial permeability. Other notable effects of nano- and microplastic exposure include dysbiosis (changes in the gut microbiota) and immune cell toxicity. Moreover, microplastics contain additives, adsorb contaminants, and may promote the growth of bacterial pathogens on their surfaces: they are potential carriers of intestinal toxicants and pathogens that can potentially lead to further adverse effects. Conclusion Despite the scarcity of reports directly relevant to human, this review brings together a growing body of evidence showing that nano- and microplastic exposure disturbs the gut microbiota and critical intestinal functions. Such effects may promote the development of chronic immune disorders. Further investigation of this threat to human health is warranted.

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Section: Microplastics As Carriers Of Intestinal Toxics and Pathogensmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For example, Vibrio spp. and Escherichia coli have been repeatedly found in microplastic biofilms [128]. These biofilms differ in their microbial composition, relative to biofilms formed on natural substrates [130].…”

Section: Microplastics As Carriers Of Intestinal Toxics and Pathogensmentioning

confidence: 99%

Immunotoxicity and intestinal effects of nano- and microplastics: a review of the literature

2020

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“…This will impact some aquaculture sectors more than others since the likelihood of humans ingesting microplastic particles while consuming seafood is small for many of the larger fish species (where the gastrointestinal tract of the fish is removed), but higher for bivalves and several species of small fishes which are consumed whole. Furthermore, microplastic particles have been shown to act as a hotspot for the dispersal of HABs (Mas o et al, 2003) and the accumulation of human pathogens (Bowley et al, 2021), which could directly affect both aquaculture and human health. Therefore, as urbanization processes continues and aquaculture operations need to be expanded to ensure adequate food for the growing population, proper regular monitoring of water quality regime should be enforced including physical, chemical and biological parameters as detailed in the examples of this review.…”

Section: Section 2: Monitoring and Mitigation Strategiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Aquaculture in coastal urbanized areas: A comparative review of the challenges posed by Harmful Algal Blooms

Trottet¹,

George

Drillet³

et al. 2021

Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology

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Increasing global population has resulted in increased urbanization of coastal areas across the globe. Such an increase generates many challenges for sustainable food production and food security. The development of aquaculture has proven to be an extremely good option to ensure food security (uninterrupted supply and good quality of food) by many countries, especially those with urban areas affected by space limitations such as Singapore. However, the implementation of aquaculture is not without its challenges and impacts to the environment, with Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) being one of the major concerns in coastal waters. In this review we analyze the development of the aquaculture industry with respect to HABs in Singapore and compare it to similar urban areas such as Hong Kong (SAR China), Salalah (Oman), Cape Town (South Africa), Valencia (Spain), Rotterdam (The Netherlands), Tampa bay (USA), Vancouver (Canada), and Sydney (Australia). Along with HABs, the abovementioned urban areas face different challenges in sustainably increasing their aquaculture production with respect to the economy and geography. This review further assesses the different production and monitoring strategies that have been implemented to counter these challenges while sustainably increasing production. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has affected the world with lockdowns and border closures resulting in logistical difficulties in seafood trade which has further accentuated the dependencies on food import. We conclude that the challenges faced by urban areas for sustainable achievement of food security through development of the aquaculture industry can be effectively managed through proper planning, management and collaboration of knowledge/skills on an international level.

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“…Pioneer studies focused on plastic debris abundance and distribution in the marine environment inevitably verified that plastic pollution could act at a wide size range (from macro to nanoplastics), at a broad spectrum of impacts, as skin injuries or smothering from entanglement, gastrointestinal tract lesions or blockage from ingestion, and event act as vectors of pathogens and chemicals (Laist, 1987;Teuten et al, 2009;Kühn et al, 2015;Bowley et al, 2020). Indeed, the potential of smaller plastics to be ingested by marine biota (Barnes et al, 2009) and to be transferred throughout the trophic chain (Eriksson and Burton, 2003;Farrell and Nelson, 2013;Setälä et al, 2014), was rapidly recognized.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Distribution Patterns of Microplastics in Seawater Surface at a Portuguese Estuary and Marine Park

Rodrigues

Antunes

Otero

et al. 2020

Front. Environ. Sci.

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Measuring local levels of marine pollution by microplastics (MP) and identifying potential sources in coastal areas is essential to evaluate the associated impacts to environment and biota. The accumulation of floating MP at the sea surface is of great concern as the neustonic habitat consists of a feeding ground for primary consumers (including filter-feeders) and active predators, which makes these organisms a relevant via of MP input into the marine trophic chain. Here, a baseline evaluation of MP accumulation at the sea surface was conducted with a neuston net (335 μm mesh) at the Arrábida coastal area, in Portugal. The study site encompasses a marine protected area and an estuary, both under strong anthropogenic pressures due to multiple activities taking place. A short-term investigation on local spatiotemporal distribution, concentration and composition of MP was performed for the first time, through the monthly collection (summer 2018 to winter 2019) of samples at 6 stations. All the neuston samples contained MP and their mean concentration was 0.45 ± 0.52 items m−3 (mean ± SD). Both the averaged MP:neuston and MP:ichthyoplankton ratios were higher in December, when concentrations of organisms decreased. Temporal distribution patterns followed expected trends, as MP concentration was clearly higher in winter months due to precipitation and runoff. Although mean MP concentrations did not vary significantly between sampling stations, there was a spatial distribution of MP in relation to particle shape and size. Fragments were the most abundant shape and MP belonging to 1–2 mm size class were dominant. Amongst a diversity of 10 polymers identified by FTIR analysis, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and copolymer PP/PE were the most abundant. Potential links between local sources/activities and the different polymers were suggested. Altogether, the information provided in this study aims to raise awareness among the identified sectors and consequently to act toward the prevention of MP inputs in the region.

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Oceanic Hitchhikers – Assessing Pathogen Risks from Marine Microplastic

Cited by 298 publications

References 64 publications

Immunotoxicity and intestinal effects of nano- and microplastics: a review of the literature

Immunotoxicity and intestinal effects of nano- and microplastics: a review of the literature

Aquaculture in coastal urbanized areas: A comparative review of the challenges posed by Harmful Algal Blooms

Distribution Patterns of Microplastics in Seawater Surface at a Portuguese Estuary and Marine Park

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