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Microplastics
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Microplastics in Aquatic Enviroments
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Microplastics in Aquatic Enviroments

A special issue of Microplastics (ISSN 2673-8929).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2024) | Viewed by 9123

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Monique Mancuso

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute for Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnology (IRBIM), National Research Country (CNR), Messina, Spianata S. Raineri 86, 98122 Messina, Italy
Interests: microplastics; seawater; sediments; marine organisms; mediterranean sea antarctica; arctic
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Teresa Bottari

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute for Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnology (IRBIM), National Research Country (CNR), Messina, Spianata S. Raineri 86, 98122 Messina, Italy
Interests: microplastics; microfibers; anthropogenic pollution; marine biota; seawater
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The presence of microplastics in aquatic environments is a global threat. Once microplastics (MPs) are released into aquatic environments, these contaminants enter the water, and microplastics enter the food chain and can cause serious health risks. An assessment of ecological risks is essential. This Special Issue was created to fill in knowledge gaps on various sources, the transportation of microplastics in the water environment, the effects on the environmental and the health of biota and humans,  global policy frameworks, and finally control strategies that are used to prevent microplastics from being released in the aquatic environment.

Dr. Monique Mancuso
Dr. Teresa Bottari
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. Microplastics is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly 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 1000 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
  • arctic
  • antarctic
  • biota
  • seawater
  • sediment
  • freshwater

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 3579 KiB  
Article
A Study on the Distribution of Microplastics in the South Coast of Korea and Gwangyang Bay
by Byeong-Kyu Min, Chon-Rae Cho, Hwi-Su Cheon, Ho-Young Soh and Hyeon-Seo Cho
Microplastics 2024, 3(3), 355-372; https://doi.org/10.3390/microplastics3030022 - 26 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1447
Abstract
Microplastic distribution surveys centered on Korea’s Gwangyang Bay and southern coastal waters. Gwangyang Bay seawater averaged 3.17 ± 1.23 particles/L, and sediments averaged 462.4 ± 143.9 particles/kg. The southern coastal seawater averaged 0.10 ± 0.09 particles/L, and the sediments averaged 50.6 ± 29.7 [...] Read more.
Microplastic distribution surveys centered on Korea’s Gwangyang Bay and southern coastal waters. Gwangyang Bay seawater averaged 3.17 ± 1.23 particles/L, and sediments averaged 462.4 ± 143.9 particles/kg. The southern coastal seawater averaged 0.10 ± 0.09 particles/L, and the sediments averaged 50.6 ± 29.7 particles/kg. Microplastics flowing from land, through physical modeling of ocean currents in Gwangyang Bay and southern coastal waters, pass through the Yeosu Strait and flow into the southern coastal waters. At the same time, it is judged that the southern coastal waters showed somewhat lower abundance than the Gwangyang Bay waters because they move toward the Korean Strait due to the Jeju warm current water and Tsushima current water, strongly generated in summer. In addition, the seawater microplastic abundance showed a higher abundance than that on the site adjacent to the land in the southern coastal waters, which is the study area. On the other hand, the results for sediment microplastic abundance were opposite to the surface seawater microplastic results. Therefore, it is judged that entering one source of pollution does not affect the distribution of microplastics in Gwangyang Bay and southern coastal waters, but rather this occurs in different forms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microplastics in Aquatic Enviroments)
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17 pages, 2780 KiB  
Article
Reduction in the Input of Microplastics into the Aquatic Environment via Wastewater Treatment Plants in Germany
by Philipp Lau, Julia Stein, Luisa Reinhold, Matthias Barjenbruch, Tim Fuhrmann, Ingo Urban, Katrin Bauerfeld and Andrea Holte
Microplastics 2024, 3(2), 276-292; https://doi.org/10.3390/microplastics3020017 - 20 May 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1286
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) has emerged as a significant environmental challenge due to increased plastic production and its widespread presence in the environment. This study aimed to assess MP concentrations throughout the treatment process at nine wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Germany, from influent to [...] Read more.
Microplastic (MP) has emerged as a significant environmental challenge due to increased plastic production and its widespread presence in the environment. This study aimed to assess MP concentrations throughout the treatment process at nine wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Germany, from influent to effluent. A customized sampling technique was employed, followed by field and laboratory preparation and the quantification of polymers (PE, PP, PS, PMMA, and PET) using TED-GCMS. MP concentrations decreased progressively in the WWTPs, with influent concentrations ranging from 2.5 to 13.6 mg/L. Effluent concentrations in the conventional WWTPs ranged from 0.001 to 0.051 mg/L, while advanced treatment via filtration yielded concentrations below the limit of quantification at 0.005 mg/L. All tested of the WWTPs demonstrated an over 99% removal efficiency for microplastics. Despite effective retention by the WWTPs, a critical evaluation of the results is necessary. There is a need to optimize existing technologies and enhance the standardization of sampling, processing, and measurement methods, as well as intensify efforts towards creating preventive measures to reduce plastic emissions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microplastics in Aquatic Enviroments)
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14 pages, 3024 KiB  
Article
Microplastic Volatile Organic Compounds Found within Chrysaora chesapeakei in the Patuxent River, Maryland
by Carol A. Smith, Santosh Mandal, Chunlei Fan and Saroj Pramanik
Microplastics 2024, 3(2), 250-263; https://doi.org/10.3390/microplastics3020015 - 7 May 2024
Viewed by 2464
Abstract
Microplastics are tangible particles of less than 0.2 inches in diameter that are ubiquitously distributed in the biosphere and accumulate in water bodies. During the east-coast hot summers (23–29 °C) of 2021 and 2022, June through September, we captured copious amounts of the [...] Read more.
Microplastics are tangible particles of less than 0.2 inches in diameter that are ubiquitously distributed in the biosphere and accumulate in water bodies. During the east-coast hot summers (23–29 °C) of 2021 and 2022, June through September, we captured copious amounts of the jellyfish Chrysaora chesapeakei, a predominant species found in the Patuxent River of the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland on the United States East Coast. We determined that their gelatinous bodies trapped many microplastics through fluorescent microscopy studies using Rhodamine B staining and Raman Spectroscopy. The chemical nature of the microplastics was detected using gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy headspace (SPME-GC-MS) and solvent extraction (GC-MS) methods through a professional commercial materials evaluation laboratory. Numerous plastic-affiliated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from diverse chemical origins and their functional groups (alkanes, alkenes, acids, aldehydes, ketones, ethers, esters, and alcohols) along with other non-microplastic volatile organic compounds were observed. Our findings corroborate data in the available scientific literature, distinguishing our finding’s suitability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microplastics in Aquatic Enviroments)
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18 pages, 8207 KiB  
Article
Microplastics in Atlantic Ribbed Mussels (Geukensia demissa) from the Delaware Inland Bays, USA
by Jeffrey Ashley, Amanda Pilat, Ariana Ohlweiler, Connor Ogden, Owen Bradley, Priya Modi, Spencer Talbot, Caya Smith, Justin O’Pella and Gulnihal Ozbay
Microplastics 2024, 3(1), 147-164; https://doi.org/10.3390/microplastics3010009 - 1 Mar 2024
Viewed by 1940
Abstract
Due to the prevalence of plastic pollution in coastal ecosystems, aquatic organisms are at high risk for accumulating microplastics (MPs). Filter-feeding bivalves, such as mussels and oysters, may be exposed to, and subsequently accumulate, MPs due to the high volume of water they [...] Read more.
Due to the prevalence of plastic pollution in coastal ecosystems, aquatic organisms are at high risk for accumulating microplastics (MPs). Filter-feeding bivalves, such as mussels and oysters, may be exposed to, and subsequently accumulate, MPs due to the high volume of water they pass through their bodies. This study assessed the levels of MPs within Atlantic ribbed mussels (Geukensia demissa), a common filter feeder found along the United States Atlantic Coast, from 12 sites within Rehoboth Bay, Indian River Bay, and Little Assawoman Bay, collectively known as the Delaware Inland Bays. Composited mussels from each site were digested using potassium hydroxide and filtered. Microplastics were physically identified, sorted based on color, and counted using a digital microscope. Microplastics, almost entirely dominated by synthetic microfibers, were found in all mussels well above laboratory blanks. Across all sites, 40% of microfibers were black, and 27% of fibers were clear. The composite concentrations of MPs ranged from 0.25 to 2.06 particles/g wet tissue, with a mean of 0.08 ± 0.06. In general, higher concentrations were found in mussels collected at sites that were adjacent to more urbanized land use versus those from rural sites. At two sites, individual mussels, in addition to composites, were analyzed and had MP concentrations ranging from 11 to 69 particles/mussel. This study represents the first evaluation of MPs in this ecologically important coastal species and suggests its viability as a biomonitoring species for microplastic pollution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microplastics in Aquatic Enviroments)
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Review

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17 pages, 947 KiB  
Review
Progress in Research on Microplastic Prevalence in Tropical Coastal Environments: A Case Study of the Johor and Singapore Straits
by Emily Curren, Audrey Ern Lee, Denise Ching Yi Yu and Sandric Chee Yew Leong
Microplastics 2024, 3(3), 373-389; https://doi.org/10.3390/microplastics3030023 - 8 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1034
Abstract
Microplastics are contaminants in marine ecosystems, posing great threats to biota and human health. In this work, we provide an overview of the progress made in understanding microplastic prevalence in tropical coastal environments, focusing on the Johor and the Singapore Straits as a [...] Read more.
Microplastics are contaminants in marine ecosystems, posing great threats to biota and human health. In this work, we provide an overview of the progress made in understanding microplastic prevalence in tropical coastal environments, focusing on the Johor and the Singapore Straits as a case study. We examine the sources, distribution, transport, and ecological impact of microplastic pollution in this region through a systematic review. All papers relating to marine microplastics in Singapore’s sand and benthic sediments, seawater, and marine biota were used for analysis, from 2004 to 2023. In addition, we discuss the influence of envi-ronmental factors such as coastal morphology and anthropogenic activities on patterns of microplastic accumulation. We emphasize that microplastic pollution is more prevalent along the eutrophic Johor Strait compared to the Singapore Strait due to hydrological conditions. Rainfall is also a key factor that influences mi-croplastic abundance during the monsoon seasons. Furthermore, the bacterial and plankton assemblages of organisms on microplastic surfaces are diverse, with eutrophic waters enhancing the diversity of organisms on microplastic surfaces. Novel harmful cyanobacteria and bloom species of phytoplankton were also found on microplastic surfaces. By synthesizing existing research findings and highlighting regional characteristics, this paper contributes to ongoing efforts to mitigate microplastic pollution in tropical regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microplastics in Aquatic Enviroments)
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