Photo-transformation of microplastics and its toxicity to Caco-2 cells

Yu, Xueyang; Lang, Mengfan; Huang, Dong; Yang, Chengfang; Ouyang, Zhuozhi; Guo, Xuetao

doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150954

Cited by 34 publications

(18 citation statements)

References 28 publications

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“…A recent study has demonstrated, that secondary PP MP particles, especially with sizes < 20 µm are cytotoxic to human cells [17]. In addition to their small size, sharp edges from fragmentation [61], the degree of weathering, and accumulation of oxygen-containing functional groups [62], as well as the leaching of additives [63] may further enhance the cytotoxicity to living organisms. This highlights not only the necessity to evaluate the effects of relevant, weathered samples in future studies, but also the urge for a further evaluation of the environmental behavior and the ecological risks MP and NP particles may bear.…”

Section: Particle Surface and Degradation Characteristicsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Quantifying the fragmentation of polypropylene upon exposure to accelerated weathering

et al. 2022

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Polymers are omnipresent in our everyday lives. For specific applications, their properties can be extensively modified by various types of additives, e.g., processing stabilizers, antioxidants, UV-stabilizers, flame retardants, and plasticizers. While several additives are nowadays considered to be toxic or persistent in the environment, quantitative data characterizing plastic fragmentation and microplastic formation have not yet been discussed in detail. Here, we present a long-term, laboratory-controlled accelerated weathering study on polypropylene (PP) particles with and without processing stabilizers. We were able to identify the stabilizers as Irgafos® 168, and Irganox® 1010. For both PP sample sets, we monitored the degradation using a combination of various analytical methods, such as gel permeation chromatography, particle size distributions, scanning electron microscopy, solid-state 13C magic-angle spinning NMR and liquid-state 1H, 13C, 31P NMR spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry. The stabilizers prevent degradation by simulated solar radiation for about 350 h. Then, degradation sets in rapidly, leading to an exponential decrease in molecular weight and particle size, accompanied by an increase in crystallinity and the formation of oxygen-containing functional groups. After 3200 h, representing approximately 2 years of outdoor weathering, both PP samples exhibit comparable characteristics and sizes, regardless if a stabilizer was initially present. During degradation, an extremely large number of 100,000 daughter particles (4 µm) are formed and released from one MP particle of 192 µm diameter. Their physical properties and chemical composition have largely changed, resulting in a very low molecular weight and a hydrophilic character. These particles no longer resemble pristine PP. We thus expect them to be more prone to biodegradation compared to the starting material.

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Section: Particle Surface and Degradation Characteristicsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Quantifying the fragmentation of polypropylene upon exposure to accelerated weathering

et al. 2022

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“…PS-UV and PS-O 3 showed higher O/C ratios of 14.01% and 16.05%, while PS NPs was only 10.78%. The content of aromatic rings decreased in different degrees, and this might be attributed to the opening of phenyl rings . A previous study has speculated the dynamic oxidation formation of oxygen-containing groups during aging, from epoxy/hydroxyl groups (C–O–C/C–OH) to carbonyl groups (CO) and eventually carboxyl groups (COOH) .…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 94%

“…The content of aromatic rings decreased in different degrees, and this might be attributed to the opening of phenyl rings. 27 A previous study has speculated the dynamic oxidation formation of oxygen-containing groups during aging, from epoxy/ hydroxyl groups (C−O−C/C−OH) to carbonyl groups (C�O) and eventually carboxyl groups (COOH). 28 The increase of C�O on the plastic particles decreased their negative charges, thereby reducing the stability of the PS.…”

Section: ■ Results and Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Aging Processes Dramatically Alter the Protein Corona Constitution, Cellular Internalization, and Cytotoxicity of Polystyrene Nanoplastics

Wen

Sun

Liu

et al. 2022

Environ. Sci. Technol. Lett.

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Humans are exposed to nanoplastics (NPs) through different routes, which raises critical concerns of related health effects. Due to their small sizes, NPs are accessible to the bloodstream and prone to interact with plasma proteins. NPs are susceptible to different aging processes before entering the human body, and it is plausible to evaluate the effect of aging on the physicochemical and biological properties of NPs. Here, we found that ultraviolet (UV) and ozone (O3) aging treatments caused the oxidation of polystyrene NPs, resulting in their differential adsorption characteristics toward plasma proteins. More importantly, UV and O3 aging led to reduced cellular internalization of NPs and herein relieved their cytotoxic effect. Together, our current finding further enriches the understanding of NPs’ toxicity in a realistic scenario.

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“…It was also observed that the chemical reagents/plasticizers released from microplastics would enhance the toxicity effect. Likewise, Yu et al ( 2022 ) have reported that photoaged PS microspheres showed enhanced toxicity to Caco-2 cells. Therefore, it is evident that microplastics of different physical and chemical properties would pose varying toxicity effects.…”

Section: Toxicity Of Microplasticsmentioning

confidence: 93%

Residential houses — a major point source of microplastic pollution: insights on the various sources, their transport, transformation, and toxicity behaviour

Jessieleena

Rathinavelu

Velmaiel

et al. 2023

Environ Sci Pollut Res

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Municipal wastewater has been considered as one of the largest contributors and carriers of microplastics to the aquatic environment. However, the various residential activities that generate municipal wastewater are equally significant whenever the source of microplastics in aquatic system is accounted. However, so far, only municipal wastewater has received wide attention in previous review articles. Hence, this review article is written to address this gap by highlighting, firstly, the chances of microplastics arising from the usage of personal care products (PCPs), laundry washing, face masks, and other potential sources. Thereafter, the various factors influencing the generation and intensity of indoor microplastic pollution and the evidence available on the possibility of microplastic inhalation by humans and pet animals are explained. Followed by that, the removal efficiency of microplastics observed in wastewater treatment plants, the fate of microplastics present in the effluent and biosolids, and their impact on aquatic and soil environment are explored. Furthermore, the impact of aging on the characteristics of microsized plastics has been explored. Finally, the influence of age and size of microplastics on the toxicity effects and the factors impacting the retention and accumulation of microplastics in aquatic species are reviewed. Furthermore, the prominent pathway of microplastics into the human body and the studies available on the toxicity effects observed in human cells upon exposure to microplastics of different characteristics are explored.

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Photo-transformation of microplastics and its toxicity to Caco-2 cells

Cited by 34 publications

References 28 publications

Quantifying the fragmentation of polypropylene upon exposure to accelerated weathering

Quantifying the fragmentation of polypropylene upon exposure to accelerated weathering

Aging Processes Dramatically Alter the Protein Corona Constitution, Cellular Internalization, and Cytotoxicity of Polystyrene Nanoplastics

Residential houses — a major point source of microplastic pollution: insights on the various sources, their transport, transformation, and toxicity behaviour

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