Effectiveness of Household Water Filtration Systems in Eliminating Plastic Particles: A Case Study from Mosul City, Iraq | Chapter 2 | Geography, Earth Science and Environment: Research Highlights Vol. 10

On a global scale, plastic particles are a concern. The presence of microplastics (MPs) in tap water is becoming a global issue because of the risks associated with human consumption and health impacts on humans. Providing clean, safe drinking water may be challenging when MPs are present in drinking water, considered emerging pollutants. This study aimed to assess the presence and characteristics of MPs and to evaluate the removal efficiency (RE%) of household water filter systems (HWFS). The research was carried out in 12 sites in Mosul City. The identification of microplastics, as well as the morphological characterization (color, shape, and size) and analysis of polymer types, was performed by stereomicroscope, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform spectroscopy (FTIR) techniques. The study revealed that the effectiveness of HWFS was between 93% and 30%, depending on several variables such as the age of the filter and the number of its stages. Fibers and fragments were the dominant morphotypes, comprising about 94% of all analyzed MPs. The transparent color accounting for about 52 % of the overall. Roughly 35% of MPs sizes were smaller than 10 µm. Around 58% of all considered polymer types corresponded to polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which was the highest percentage.  In addition, PVC had the highest risk index compared to the other polymer types.

 

Author (s) Details

 

Raghad N. Altaee
Department of Environmental Technologies, College of Environmental Sciences, University of Mosul, Mosul, 41002, Iraq.

 

Kossay K. Al-Ahmady
Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Baghdad, 10011, Iraq.

 

Rasha Khalid Sabri Mhemid
Department of Environmental Technologies, College of Environmental Sciences, University of Mosul, Mosul, 41002, Iraq.

 

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/geserh/v10/5015

 

Impact of Microplastics and Heavy Metals on Fish Health in the Kathajodi River, Odisha, India: A Micronucleus and Hematological Study | Chapter 3 | Contemporary Research and Perspectives in Biological Science Vol. 4

The present study highlights the critical issue of water pollution in the Kathajodi River and its detrimental effects on aquatic life, particularly through the lens of hematological and genetic damage in fish. Utilizing the micronucleus assay as a biomarker for pollution provides a valuable methodology for assessing environmental health and the impact of anthropogenic activities on ecosystems. Water pollutants include contamination due to domestic wastes, insecticides, herbicides, food processing wastes, water pollution from livestock operations, organic compounds, heavy metals, domestic wastes, chemicals waste and others. Kathajodi River water is highly polluted. The alkalinity, hardness, and pH of water have changed in the last few years. Plastics, city sewage and industrial waste are released into the river for drainage purposes. Microplastics and Heavy metals like Pb, Fe, Cu, Mn, and K quantity increase and microplastics have the quality to absorb heavy metals to form dangerous compounds which cause hematological and genetic damage to the aquatic ecosystem. Fish are the best biomarkers to find out the threats towards aquatic ecosystems. Water pollution causes hematological damage as well as genetic damage and the formation of micronucleus. Water sample analysis occurs by evaporation method for extraction of heavy metals and microplastic particles. Fish species like Labeo rohita, Catla catla, Cirrhinus mrigala, Cirrihinus reba were collected from the several stations of Cuttack 20.44⁰N 85.88⁰E to 20.46⁰N -85.89⁰E area and for Hematological study blood was collected by puncturing the caudal vein. Micronucleus assays were done by use of the Giemsa staining method as a result it shows formation of micronucleus and DNA damage which indicates the presence of high levels of pollutants in the water of River Kathajodi Cuttack Odisha. Genotoxic pollution of aquatic ecosystems describes the introduction of contaminants with mutagenic teratogenic and carcinogenic potential into the principal media and genome of the resident organism. Increasing levels of pollutants produce a stressful environment which causes hematological, nuclear and DNA damage somehow creating a question mark regarding the effect of this on human health.

 

Author (s) Details

Subhashri Priyadarsini
Giet University Gunupur, Odisha, India.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/crpbs/v4/2669

Microplastic contamination of Seawater and Fish samples from Bhaucha Dhakka and Versova Beach on the Mumbai Coast | Chapter 10 | Contemporary Research and Perspectives in Biological Science Vol. 10

Plastics gained prominence in enhancing human lives due to their long durability, good mechanical qualities, weather resistance, and extended service life. The prevalence of microplastics in the environment is well recognized, but the deep extent of its impact on ecosystems is unknown. This study investigates the prevalence of microplastics in seawater and three species (Bombay duck, Silver Pomfret, and Indian prawn) of commercially available marine fish from the Mumbai suburbs. The investigation found microplastics in both water and fish samples, with an average concentration of 20 ± 14.8 MPs/L and 42 ± 14.8 MPs/L in two water samples from Versova Beach and Bhaucha Dhakka selected for the study. And 70 ± 10, 36 ± 08, and 23 ± 09 MPs/L respectively in three fish species. The highest concentrations were found in water samples from Bhaucha Dhakka and Bombay duck (Harpadon nehereus) from Bhaucha Dhakka. The discovery of microplastics in fish tissues raises concerns about their potentially harmful impact on fish health and the implications for human consumption. Moreover, ongoing construction and redevelopment projects in and around the Mumbai region are major sources of pollution in nearby water bodies, which may also be linked to microplastic contamination. More research and animal model studies will be critical in filling the knowledge gap on the impacts of microplastics on human health.

 

Author (s) Details

 

Singh, Ayush
SVKMs’ Mithibai College of Arts, Chauhan Institute of Science, and Amrutben Jivanlal College of Commerce and Economics (Empowered Autonomous), Mumbai, India.

Talpade, Meghana Bhushan
SVKMs’ Mithibai College of Arts, Chauhan Institute of Science, and Amrutben Jivanlal College of Commerce and Economics (Empowered Autonomous), Mumbai, India.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/crpbs/v10/4392

Occurrence, Distribution, and Extraction Methods of Microplastics in Marine Organisms | Chapter 8 | Research Advances in Environment, Geography and Earth Science Vol. 4

This study provides a comprehensive overview of the occurrence, distribution, and extraction methods of microplastics in marine organisms to present current data on the presence and distribution of microplastics in marine environments worldwide in a bid to understand the extent of microplastics pollution and their potential effects in marine ecosystems while discussing the pros and cons of different extraction methods of MPs in marine organisms. The widespread presence of microplastics in marine environments has become a significant concern. This chapter reviews the pressing issue of microplastic pollution, its impact on ecosystems, and potential human health risks. Specifically, it addresses the urgent issue of microplastic pollution in marine ecosystems and its potential ramifications for both the environment and human health, providing an overview of the current status of microplastic prevalence, distribution, and extraction methods within marine organisms. Microplastics are recognized as a major environmental problem due to their detrimental effects on ecosystems and their potential risks to human health. These particles enter marine environments through runoff and atmospheric deposition, contaminating beaches and posing threats to marine life. The proliferation of microplastics in aquatic environments represents a multifaceted and pressing environmental challenge. Its repercussions extend well beyond immediate marine ecosystems, impacting the entire ecological food chain and potentially posing risks to human health. Despite the seriousness of this issue, research on the prevalence and distribution of microplastics in marine organisms remains limited. This review seeks to fill this knowledge gap by thoroughly examining the prevalence, distribution, and various extraction methods used to detect microplastics in marine organisms. It stresses the urgent need for targeted measures to manage microplastic pollution, highlights the significant role of human activities in exacerbating this problem, and emphasize the importance of reducing human-induced pollution to protect marine ecosystems. While this review enhances our understanding of microplastic pollution in marine environments and emphasizes the critical need for action to safeguard marine organisms and preserve our oceans for future generations, it also highlights that effectively addressing the microplastic issue requires a well-coordinated approach. This approach should involve research initiatives, policy adjustments, public engagement, and innovative technologies. Crucially, prompt and decisive actions are necessary to counteract the growing threat posed by microplastics to the oceans and the global environment.

 

Author(s)details:-

 

Boluwatife S. Olubusoye
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Mississippi, Oxford, USA.

 

Peter Oni
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, USA.

Faustina Owusu
Department of Environmental Science, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, USA.

 

Oluwatoyin Adekoya
Department of Water Resource Policy, Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, USA.

 

Acaye Ongwech
Department of Chemistry, Gulu University, Gulu, Uganda.

 

Daniel A. Odogwu
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, USA.

 

Oluwafemi Awolesi
Department of Environmental Science, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, USA and Research and Development Unit, Ecoxygiene Services Limited, Lagos, Nigeria.

 

Ayobami Oje
Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Technology Akure, Akure, Nigeria.

 

Beatrice Arwenyo
Department of Chemistry, Gulu University, Gulu, Uganda.

 

Bisola V. Olaleye
Department of Chemical Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Nigeria.

 

Please See the book here :-  https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/raeges/v4/867

Microplastic Exposure to Infants | Chapter 4 | Innovations in Biological Science Vol. 6

 The present study summarizes the possible exposure of infants to microplastics (MPs) as well as the detection of possible released MPs in infant feces, breast milk, and infant formulas. Microplastics are small plastic pieces with sizes less than 5 mm. People are in close contact with microplastics, which, due to their physical and chemical properties, have a negative effect on human health. Exposure to microplastics even in small amounts already in childhood can affect human health throughout life. The potential risks of microplastics may be greater for infants because they do not have sufficiently developed metabolizing enzymes, have less ability to remove microplastics, and have highly sensitive target organs. The specific behavior of children, such as crawling, hand—to—mouth movement, makes children more exposed to harmful substances than adults. Infants should be breastfed for the first six months of life. Breast milk is considered to be the most complete and suitable source of nutrition. However, if breastfeeding during this period is not possible, it is necessary to use formulas designed for infant initial feeding. Infants may be exposed to higher levels of microplastics through infant foods or plastic products.

It follows from the results of several studies, polypropylene feeding bottles, plastic packaging for baby food and plastic toys should be considered as potential sources of microplastics. Studies have found that infant formula prepared in a polypropylene bottle releases up to millions of microplastics. Polyamid content was higher in meconium than in placenta. The amount of microplastics in feces was higher in children who used to suck plastic toys.

There is still not enough data available for this study area. Therefore, it is necessary to pay increased attention to minimizing the negative effects of microplastics on human health. The microparticles, which are created by the degradation of plastics, have spread to all areas of the environment, with a negative impact on human health and the overall ecosystem. Our review is based on scientific studies to clarify the extent of the presence of microplastics in various aspects of life, including breast milk, baby bottles, toys, and milk forms.

Author(s) Details:

Csilla Mišľanová,
Faculty of Nursing and Professional Health Studies, Institute of Nutrition, Slovak Medical University, 833 03, Bratislava, Slovakia.

 

Martina Valachovičová
Faculty of Nursing and Professional Health Studies, Institute of Nutrition, Slovak Medical University, 833 03, Bratislava, Slovakia.

 

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/IBS-V6/article/view/14926

Pollutant of Global Trends in the Marine Ecosystems around the Spermonde Archipelagos | Chapter 2 | Current Innovations in Chemical and Materials Sciences Vol. 8

This study primarily focuses on pollutant of Global trends in the Marine Ecosystems around the Spermonde Archipelagos. Contaminants known as Global Trenches Pollutants (GTP) are absent from healthy marine environments. When using marine resources for marine tourism, accuracy and prudence are required to avoid future ecological dangers that have a cascading effect on human health as well as aquatic ecosystems. The study identifies exposure to GTP: microplastics (MP), polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), heavy metal (HM), pesticide residue (PR), and medical waste (MW) in marine ecosystems the Marine Tourism Area (MTA) area and Barrang Caddi Island (BCI) waters. A combination of qualitative and quantitative analysis methods was used with a combination of analytical instruments and mathematical formulas. The search results show the average total abundance of MP in seawater and fish samples (5.47 units/m3) and (7.03 units/m3) as well as in sediment and sponge samples (8.18 units/m3) and (8.32 units/m3). Based on an analysis of the polymer structure, it was identified that the dominant group is MP, from polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS), followed by polyamidenylon (PA) and polycarbonate (PC). Several PAHs pollutants were identified in the samples. In particular, Naphthalene (NL) types were the most common in all samples, followed by pyrene (PN) and azulene (AZ). BCI sea waters are suspected to be exposed to MW and PR. Pb+2 and Cu+2 pollutants around BCI were successfully calculated, showing average concentrations in seawater of 0.164 mg/L and 0.294 mg/L, respectively, while in fish, concentrations were 1.8110 µg/g and 2,452 µg/g, respectively. Based on these findings, the BCI area is not recommended as a marine tourism destination. BCI is maintained as a marine tourism area, it is feared that its ecosystem will enter an ecological hazard state, which will have a chain effect, not only on the aquatic ecosystem around the BCI but also on the sponge populations and fish, leaving them unfit for consumption and subsequently causing health problems for the community.

Author(s) Details:

Ismail Marzuki,
Department of Chemical Engineering, Fajar University, Makassar 90231, South Sulawesi, Indonesia.

Andi Sahrijanna,
National Research and Innovation Agency, (BRIN) Cibinong 16911, West Java, Indonesia.

Early Septiningsih,
National Research and Innovation Agency, (BRIN) Cibinong 16911, West Java, Indonesia.

Ruzkiah Asaf,
National Research and Innovation Agency, (BRIN) Cibinong 16911, West Java, Indonesia.

Admi Athirah,
National Research and Innovation Agency, (BRIN) Cibinong 16911, West Java, Indonesia.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/CICMS-V8/article/view/14088

Microplastics and Their Possible Effects on Seafoods | Chapter 6 | Research Advances in Environment, Geography and Earth Science Vol. 1

It is known that plastics and microplastics, which are their breakdown products, have harmful effects on human health and contain some commonly used chemicals. It is known that plastic particles, which are increasingly becoming a global problem, have many negative effects on the environment and human health. People are constantly exposed to plastic through contaminated food, misused plastic products, atmospheric fallout and urban dust containing microplastics, personal care products (PCPs) and synthetic clothing. some plastic products, such as bisphenol (BPA), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), dichlorobiphenyls trichloroethanes (DDTs), and PFOs contain toxic additives, thus posing a risk factor for marine organisms. Therefore, assessing the possible impact of microplastic levels on marine food chains and humans is considered important for human health.

 

Although definitive evidence linking microplastic consumption to human health is not sufficient, the results obtained from studies conducted on humans exposed to high concentrations of microplastics, model animal and cell culture experiments, it is possible to say that the effects of microplastics trigger some negative developments related to the immune, neurological, and hormonal systems. Nonetheless, knowledge on microplastic toxicity is still limited and largely influenced by exposure concentration, particle properties, adsorbed contaminants, tissues involved and individual susceptibility, requiring further research.

Author(s) Details:

Mustafa Türkmen,
Giresun University, Giresun, Turkey.

Fulya Öztas,
Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey.

Haydar Öztas,
N. Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/RAEGES-V1/article/view/14080

Microplastic Pollution: Fate, Sources, Transport and Identification | Chapter 3 | Novel Aspects on Chemistry and Biochemistry Vol. 2

 The atmosphere, both aquatic and earthly, is highly stained with microplastics which are establish everywhere across the environment. Microplastics, particles of plastic accompanying a diameter inferior than 5 mm, have become of global tangible concern because they can be moved to far distances and end up in the environments and cause harms to marine life in addition to a range of other living belongings including algae, zooplankton, cast, crabs, sea turtles, fowls and human health. The increasing aggregation and negative impacts of microplastics on environment and health are further infuriate by their non-biodegradable type and has made microplastics to attract attention. In this review, we climax the sources and outcome of microplastics in the environment as well as their transport and plans (destructive and non-hurtful) of identification.

Author(s) Details:

Samuel Igwe,
Department of Chemistry, Federal University Otuoke, P.M.B.-126, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.

Charles G. Ikimi,
Department of Biochemistry, Federal University Otuoke, P.M.B.-126, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.

Olufunso O. Abosede,
Department of Chemistry, Federal University Otuoke, P.M.B.-126, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/NACB-V2/article/view/10661