+353-1-416-8900REST OF WORLD
+44-20-3973-8888REST OF WORLD
1-917-300-0470EAST COAST U.S
1-800-526-8630U.S. (TOLL FREE)

Microplastics in the Ecosphere. Air, Water, Soil, and Food. Edition No. 1

  • Book

  • 528 Pages
  • June 2023
  • John Wiley and Sons Ltd
  • ID: 5842837
Microplastics in the Ecosphere

Discover the environmental impact of microplastics with this comprehensive resource

Microplastics are the minute quantities of plastic that result from industrial processes, household release and the breakdown of larger plastic items. Widespread reliance on plastic goods and, particularly, single-use plastics, which has been increased by the COVID-19 pandemic, has made microplastics ubiquitous; they can be found throughout the ecosphere, including in the bloodstreams of humans and other animals. As these plastics emerge as a potential threat to the environment and to public health, it has never been more critical to understand their distribution and environmental impact.

Microplastics in the Ecosphere aims to cultivate that understanding with a comprehensive overview of microplastics in terrestrial ecosystems. It analyzes microplastic distribution in aerosphere, hydrosphere, and soil, tracing these plastics from their production on land to their distribution - overwhelmingly - in maritime ecosystems. The result is a book that will inform researchers and policymakers as we look to tackle this emerging challenge globally.

Microplastics in the Ecosphere readers will also find: - Introductory information about the production and distribution of single-use plastics - An emphasis on management and mitigation strategies designed to reduce contamination over time - A multidisciplinary approach, combining concepts and analytical techniques from a range of scientific fields

Microplastics in the Ecosphere is a valuable guide for researchers and scientists, advanced undergraduate and graduate students, industry professionals, and policymakers looking to understand the impact of these widespread materials.

Table of Contents

List of Contributors xvii

Preface xxii

Section I Single Use Plastics 1

1 Scientometric Analysis of Microplastics across the Globe 3
Mansoor Ahmad Bhat, Fatma Nur Eraslan, Eftade O. Gaga, and Kadir Gedik

1.1 Introduction 3

1.2 Materials and Methods 5

1.3 Results and Discussion 5

1.3.1 Trends in Scientific Production and Citations 5

1.3.2 Top Funding Agencies 6

1.3.3 Top 10 Global Affiliations 7

1.3.4 Top Countries 8

1.3.5 Top 10 Databases and Journals 9

1.3.6 Top 10 Published Articles 9

1.3.7 Top 10 Author Keywords and Research Areas 10

1.4 Conclusion 11

Acknowledgments 12

References 12

2 Microplastic Pollution in the Polar Oceans - A Review 15
Manju P. Nair and Anu Gopinath

2.1 Introduction 15

2.1.1 Plastics 15

2.1.2 Plastic Pollution 15

2.1.3 Microplastics 16

2.1.4 Importance of Microplastic Pollution in the Polar Oceans 17

2.2 Polar Regions 17

2.2.1 General 17

2.2.2 Sea Ice 19

2.2.3 Water 19

2.2.4 Sediments 21

2.2.5 Biota 22

2.3 Future Perspectives 23

2.4 Conclusions 24

References 24

3 Microplastics - Global Scenario 29
Majeti Narasimha Vara Prasad

3.1 Introduction 29

3.2 Environmental Issues of Plastic Waste 54

3.3 Coprocessing of Plastic Waste in Cement Kilns 55

3.4 Disposal of Plastic Waste Through Plasma Pyrolysis Technology (PPT) 56

3.4.1 Merits of PPT 57

References 59

4 The Single- Use Plastic Pandemic in the COVID-19 Era 65
Fatma Nur Eraslan, Mansoor Ahmad Bhat, Kadir Gedik, and Eftade O. Gaga

4.1 Introduction 65

4.2 Materials and Methods 66

4.2.3 Estimation of the Daily Amount of Medical Waste in Hospitals 67

4.3.1 Personal Protective Equipment 67

4.3.2 Packaging SUPs 68

4.3.2.1 Trends in Plastic Waste Generation, Management, and Environmental Fate during the COVID-19 Era 69

4.4.1 Environmental Impacts from SUP Waste 70

4.4.2 Management of SUP Waste 71

4.5 Conclusions and Future Prospects 72

References 72

Section II Microplastics in the Aerosphere 77

5 Atmospheric Microplastic Transport 79
Yudith Vega Paramitadevi, Ana Turyanti, Ersa Rishanti, Beata Ratnawati, Bimastyaji Surya Ramadan, and Nurani Ikhlas

5.1 The Phenomenon of Microplastic Transport 79

5.2 Factors Affecting Microplastic Transport 81

5.2.1 Types of MPs 81

5.2.2 Characteristics and Sources of Microplastics Emitters 81

5.2.3 Meteorological Conditions 82

5.2.4 Altitude and Surface Roughness 83

5.2.5 Microplastic Deposition Processes in the Ocean 83

5.2.6 Microplastics Deposition Processes in the Air 84

5.3 Microplastic Transport Modelling 85

5.3.1 Eulerian Method 87

References 92

6 Microplastics in the Atmosphere and Their Human and Eco Risks 97
Dhammika N. Magana- Arachchi and Rasika P. Wanigatunge

6.1 Introduction 97

6.2 Microplastics in the Atmosphere 97

6.2.2 Chemical Composition 98

6.2.3 Sources of Microplastics 99

6.2.5 Effects of Climatic Conditions on MP Distribution 101

6.3 Impact of Microplastics on Human Health and the Eco Risk 102

6.3.2 Eco Risk 106

6.4 Strategies to Minimise Atmospheric MPs through Future Research 107

6.5 Conclusion 108

Acknowledgements 109

References 109

7 Sampling and Detection of Microplastics in the Atmosphere 113
Sudip Choudhury, Kuheli Deb, Saurav Paul, Bimal Bhusan Chakraborty, and Sunayana Goswami

7.1 Introduction 113

7.2 Classification 114

7.3.4 Biota 115

7.5 Detection and Characterisation of MPs in the Atmosphere 116

7.5.1 Microscopic Techniques for Detecting MPs 117

7.5.1.6 Hot Needle Technique 119

7.5.1.7 Digital Holography 119

7.5.2 Spectroscopic Techniques for Analysing MPs 120

7.6 Conclusion 121

Funding 121

References 121

8 Sources and Circulation of Microplastics in the Aerosphere - Atmospheric Transport of Microplastics 125
Gobishankar Sathyamohan, Madushika Sewwandi, Balram Ambade, and Meththika Vithanage

8.1 Introduction 125

8.1.1 Occurrence and Abundance of Atmospheric MP 126

8.1.2 Plastic Polymers and Their Properties 127

8.1.3 Sources and Pathways of MPs in the Atmosphere 129

8.2 Temporal and Spatial Trends in MP Accumulation 130

8.3 Formation of MPs 131

8.3.1 Physical Weathering 132

8.3.4 Photo- thermal Oxidation 133

8.3.5 Thermal Degradation 134

8.4.1 Wet Deposition 136

8.6 Predicting MP Dispersion and Transport 137

8.7 Eco- Environmental Impacts 138

8.8 Future Perspectives 139

References 140

Section III Microplastics in the Aquatic Environment 147

9 Interaction of Chemical Contaminants with Microplastics 149
Asitha T. Cooray, Janitha Walpita, Pabasari A. Koliyabandara, and Ishara U. Soyza

9.1 Introduction 149

9.2 Interactions 150

9.3 Mechanisms 152

9.3.3 Kinetics of the Sorption Process 154

9.3.5 Pseudo- Second- Order Model 155

9.3.8 Isotherm Models 156

9.5 Future Approaches 157

References 158

10 Microplastics in Freshwater Environments 163
Florin- Constantin Mihai, Laura A.T. Markley, Farhan R. Khan, Giuseppe Suaria, and Sedat Gundogdu

10.1 Introduction 163

10.2 Microplastics in Rivers and Tributaries 164

10.3 Microplastics in Lakes 166

10.4 Microplastics in Groundwater Sources 167

10.5 Microplastics in Glaciers and Ice Caps 168

10.6 Microplastics in Deltas 169

10.7 Conclusion 171

Acknowledgment 171

References 171

11 Microplastics in Landfill Leachate: Flow and Transport 177
Anna Kwarciak- Kozłowska

11.1 Plastics and Microplastics 177

11.2 Microplastics in Landfill Leachate 180

11.3 Summary 183

Acknowledgments 183

References 183

12 Microplastics in the Aquatic Environment - Effects on Ocean Carbon Sequestration and Sustenance of Marine Life 189
Arunima Bhattacharya and Aryadeep Roychoudhury

12.1 Introduction 189

12.2 Microplastics in the Aquatic Environment 190

12.2.2.1 Chemical Nature 191

12.3.2.1 Effect on Phytoplankton Photosynthesis and Growth 192

12.3.2.2 Effect on Zooplankton Development and Reproduction 193

12.4 Microplastics and Marine Fauna 194

12.4.2.1 Shrimp 195

12.4.4 Effects on Marine Mammals 196

12.6 Conclusion and Future Perspectives 197

Acknowledgments 197

References 197

Section IV Microplastics in Soil Systems 201

13 Entry of Microplastics into Agroecosystems: A Serious Threat to Food Security and Human Health 203
Siril Singh, Sheenu Sharma, Rajni Yadav, and Anand Narain Singh

13.1 Introduction 203

13.2 Sources of Microplastics in Agroecosystems 204

13.2.3 Application of Sewage Sludge/Biosolids 205

13.2.6 Landfill Sites 206

13.3.2 Implications for Crop Plants and Food Security 209

13.4 Human Health Risks 211

13.5 Knowledge Gaps 212

13.6 Conclusion and Future Recommendations 212

Acknowledgments 213

References 213

14 Migration of Microplastic- Bound Contaminants to Soil and Their Effects 219
Marta Jaskulak and Katarzyna Zorena

14.1 Introduction 219

14.2 Microplastics as Sorbing Materials for Hazardous Chemicals 220

14.3 Types of Microplastic- Bound Contaminants in Soils 222

14.4 Effects of Exposure and Co- exposure in Soil - Consequences of Contaminant Sorption for MP Toxicity and Bioaccumulation 223

14.5 Microplastic- Bound Contaminants in Soils as Potential Threats to Human Health 224

14.6 Conclusions 226

References 226

15 Plastic Mulch- Derived Microplastics in Agricultural Soil Systems 233
Sammani Ramanayaka, Hao Zhang, and Kirk T. Semple

15.1 Plastic Mulch Films in Agriculture 233

15.2 Types of Synthetic Polymer Mulch Films 234

15.4 Mulch Microplastic Pollution in Soil 235

15.4.1 Influences of Mulch Microplastics on Soil Physical Properties 236

15.4.2.1 Soil Organic Matter (SOM) 237

15.4.2.2 Soil pH 238

15.4.3 The Impact of Microplastics on Soil Biological Properties 239

15.5 Mulch Microplastics as a Vector 240

15.6 Challenges and Future Perspectives 242

References 243

16 Critical Review of Microplastics in Soil 249
Fábio C. Nunes, Lander de Jesus Alves, Cláudia C.N. de Carvalho, Majeti Narasimha Vara Prasad, and José R. de Souza Filho

16.1 Introduction 249

16.2 Sources and Transfer of Microplastics in Soils 251

16.3 Classification, Qualification, and Quantification of Microplastics in Soil 253

16.4 Effects and Risks of Microplastics on Soil Health 255

16.5 Analytical Methodologies for Microplastics in Soil 259

16.6 Epilogue and Future Perspectives 262

Acknowledgment 262

References 262

17 What Do We Know About the Effects of Microplastics on Soil? 271
Ana Paula Pinto, Teresa Ferreira, Ana V. Dordio, Alfredo Jorge Palace Carvalho, and Jorge M.S. Faria

17.1 Introduction 271

17.2 Why and How Do MPs End Up in the Soil? 272

17.2.1 Mulching Films 273

17.2.2 Sewage Sludge/Compost Application 274

17.2.3 Irrigation 275

17.4 Microplastics as Carriers of Soil Contaminants - Contaminant Vectors 277

17.4.1 MPs as Carriers of Metals and/or Metalloids 278

17.4.2 MPs as Carriers of Organic Pollutants 279

17.5 Microplastic Effects 280

17.5.2 MP Effects on Plant Growth Performance 283

17.5.3 MP Effects on Soil Nutrient Cycling 289

17.6 Conclusions and Perspectives for Future Research 291

References 292

18 Microbial Degradation of Plastics 305
Abin Sebastian, Aleena Maria Paul, Donia Dominic, Misriya Shaji, Priya Jose, Sarika Sasi, and Majeti Narasimha Vara Prasad

18.1 Introduction 305

18.2 Diversity of Plastic- Degrading Microbes 307

18.3 Mechanism of Microbe- Mediated Decomposition of Plastics 309

18.4 Molecular Factors in the Microbial Breakdown of Plastics 311

18.5 Microbes and Sustainable Degradation of Plastics 313

18.5.1 Outlook 315

References 316

19 Microplastics and Soil Nutrient Cycling 321
Madhuni Wijesooriya, Hasintha Wijesekara, Madushika Sewwandi, Sasimali Soysa, Anushka Upamali Rajapaksha, Meththika Vithanage, and Nanthi Bolan

19.1 Introduction 321

19.2 Microplastics in Soil 322

19.3 Effect of Microplastics on Nutrient Cycling 323

19.3.1 Soil Nitrogen Cycling 324

19.3.3 Soil Phosphorous Content 325

19.4 Effect of Microplastic- Driven Factors on Soil Nutrient Cycling 326

19.4.1 Properties of Microplastics 326

19.4.3 Soil Chemical Characteristics 329

19.4.4 Soil Physical Characteristics 330

19.4.5 Consequences of Microplastics for Nutrient Cycling and Implications 331

19.5 Mechanisms of Microplastic- Driven Plant Toxicity/Nutrient Uptake 332

19.6 Future Perspectives 333

References 333

Section V Microplastics in Food Systems 339

20 Microplastics in the Food Chain 341
Chamila V.L. Jayasinghe, Sharmila Jayatilake, H. Umesh K.D.Z. Rajapakse, N.K. Sandunika Kithmini, and K.M. Prakash M. Kulathunga

20.1 Introduction 341

20.2 Presence of Microplastics in the Food Chain 342

20.2.1 Transmission Through the Food Chain 343

20.2.2 Other Pathways Through Which Microplastics Enter Food 345

20.2.2.1 Transmission from Food Packaging 346

20.3 Possible Health Effects of Microplastics in Food 347

20.4 How to Minimize Microplastic Contamination in Food 348

20.4.1 Need for Research on the Realistic Ecological Impact of Microplastics 349

20.4.2 Effective Methods of Microplastic Detection and Removal 349

20.4.4 Efficient Disposal of Plastic Waste 350

20.5 Summary 350

References 351

21 Microplastics in Salt and Drinking Water 357
Muthumali U. Adikari, Nirmala Prasadi, and Chamila V.L. Jayasinghe

21.1 Microplastics in Salt 357

21.1.1 Introduction 357

21.1.1.1 Microplastics in Salt: Occurrence and Abundance 357

21.1.1.2 Microplastic Contamination in Different Salt Types 358

21.1.1.3 Estimated Consumption of Microplastics through Salt 360

21.2.1 Introduction 361

21.2.4 Microplastics in Drinking Water: Analytical Methods Used 363

21.2.5 Removal Strategies 364

21.3 Summary 365

References 365

22 Microplastics in Commercial Seafood (Invertebrates) and Seaweeds 369
Sanchala Gallage

22.1 Microplastics in Commercial Seafood and Seaweeds 369

22.1.3 Possible MP Accumulation Pathways in Commercial Seafood 371

22.1.4 Microplastics in Commercial Seafood and Seaweeds 372

22.1.4.2 Microplastics in Shrimp 373

22.1.4.3 Microplastics in Crabs 374

22.1.4.4 Microplastics in Lobsters 375

22.1.4.5 Microplastics in Sea Urchins and Sea Cucumbers 376

22.1.4.6 Microplastics in Seaweeds 377

22.1.5 Concluding Notes 377

Acknowledgement 378

References 378

23 Microplastic Toxicity to Humans 381
Magdalena Madeła

23.1 Introduction 381

23.2 Ingestion of Microplastics 382

23.3 Human Exposure to Inhalation of Microplastics 384

23.4 Human Exposure to Dermal Contact with Microplastics 385

23.5 Conclusions 386

References 387

Section VI Treatment Technologies and Management 391

24 Management of Microplastics from Sources to Humans 393
Samanthika Senarath and Dinushi Kaushalya

24.1 Introduction 393

24.1.1 Composition and Characteristics of Microplastics 394

24.2 Classification and Sources of Microplastics 394

24.2.1 Sources of Human Exposure to Microplastics 395

24.3 Impact of Microplastics on Human Health 396

24.4 Social and Ecological Impacts of Microplastics 397

24.4.1 Management Strategies for Microplastics 398

24.4.1.1 Proper Management of Plastics and Plastic Waste 399

24.4.1.2 Use of Bio- based and Biodegradable Plastics 400

24.4.1.3 Improvement of Wastewater and Solid Waste Treatment Processes 400

24.5 Prospects in Microplastic Management 401

24.6 Summary 401

References 401

25 Single- Use Ordinary Plastics vs. Bioplastics 405
Iwona Zawieja

25.1 Ordinary Plastic - General Characteristics 405

25.2 Bioplastics - General Characteristics 406

25.3 Biodegradability of Bioplastics 408

25.5 Environmental Benefits of Using Bioplastic 410

25.6 Summary 412

Acknowledgments 412

References 413

Section VII Case Studies 415

26 Plastic Nurdles in Marine Environments Due to Accidental Spillage 417
Madushika Sewwandi, Santhirasekaram Keerthanan, Kalani Imalka Perera, and Meththika Vithanage

26.1 Introduction 417

26.1.2 Plastic Nurdles 418

26.2.2.1 Nurdle Distribution on Beaches in the Atlantic Ocean in the Twentieth Century 419

26.2.2.2 Nurdle Distribution on Beaches in the Atlantic Ocean in the Twenty- First Century 420

26.2.2.3 Nurdle Pollution in the Mediterranean Sea 421

26.3.2 Fate and Transport of Nurdles in Marine Systems 422

26.3.3 Impacts of Nurdle Spillage on the Marine Environment 423

26.4 X- Press Pearl Shipwreck - Case Study 424

26.4.1 Nurdle Spillage 424

26.4.3 Characteristics and Contamination of Spilled Nurdles 425

26.4.4 Possible Impacts 427

26.4.4.1 Marine Environment 428

26.4.4.5 Impact on the Economy 429

References 429

27 Compost- Hosted Microplastics - Municipal Solid Waste Compost 433
K.S.D. Premarathna, Sammani Ramanayaka, Ayanthie Navaratne, Hasintha Wijesekara, Jasintha Jayasanka, and Meththika Vithanage

27.1 Municipal Solid Waste 433

27.1.2 Composting Process as a Source of Microplastics 435

27.2.2 Sizes of microplastics 436

27.2.3 Characteristics of Compost- Hosted Microplastics 436

27.3 Impact of Microplastic- Contaminated Compost on Soil Properties 437

27.3.2 Impact on Soil Chemical Properties 438

27.4 Compost- Hosted Microplastics as a Vector 440

27.4.1 Effect on Soil Organisms 441

27.5 Future Perspectives 442

References 443

28 Single- Use Ordinary Plastics and Bioplastics - A Case Study in Brazil 449
Luís P. Azevedo, Carlos A.F. Lagarinhos, Denise C.R. Espinosa, and Majeti Narasimha Vara Prasad

28.1 Introduction 449

28.1.1 Municipality of São Paulo (the Largest in the Country) - State Law No. 15374/2011 451

28.1.2 State of Rio de Janeiro - State Law No. 8473/2019 451

28.1.3 Santos(SP) - Municipal Law 232/2019 452

28.1.4 Ilhabela(SP) - Municipal Law 598/2008 452

28.1.5 São Sebastião (SP) - Municipal Law 2590/2018 452

28.1.6 Natal (RN) - Municipal Law 295/2009 452

28.1.7 Fernando de Noronha Island (PE) - District Decree 002/2018 452

28.2.2 Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate (PBAT) Bioplastic 453

28.2.5 Shrimp Shell Bioplastic 454

28.2.9 Organic Waste Bioplastic 455

28.5 Energy Recovery 457

28.6 Public Policies 458

28.7 Impacts of Environmental Legislation 459

28.8 Challenges of Bioplastics Production 460

28.9 Conclusions 461

References 462

29 Microplastics Remediation - Possible Perspectives for Mitigating Saline Environments 465
Amir Parnian, Mehdi Mahbod, and Majeti Narasimha Vara Prasad

29.1 Introduction 465

29.2 Assimilation of Microplastics in Saline Water Bodies and Soil Ecosystems 467

29.3 Microplastic Self- Aging and Degradation: Hopes and Risks for the Ecosystem 468

29.4 Microplastics: Technologies for Remediating Saline Environments 468

29.5 Economic and Social Aspects of Microplastic Remediation in Saline Conditions 471

29.6 Conclusion: Hopes, and Resistance to Environmental Remediation to Achieve a Cleaner Environment 472

References 472

30 The Management of Waste Tires: A Case Study in Brazil 477
Carlos Alberto Ferreira Lagarinhos, Denise Crocce Romano Espinosa, Jorge Alberto Soares Tenório, and Luís Peres de Azevedo

30.1 Introduction 477

30.2 Methodology 478

30.3 Results and Discussions 479

30.3.4 Comparison Between Systems for Recycling Tires in the EU Countries, the United States, Japan, and Brazil 481

30.3.5 Technologies for Reuse, Recycling, and Energy Recovery 484

30.3.8 Tire Pyrolysis Process 486

30.3.9 Reclaimed Rubber and Rugs for Automobiles 486

30.3.11 Asphalt Rubber 487

30.4 Reverse Logistics Tires in Brazil 488

30.4.2 Recycling by Tire Manufacturers 490

30.6 Conclusions 495

References 496

Index 499

Authors

Meththika Vithanage University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka. Majeti Narasimha Vara Prasad University of Hyderabad, Telangana, India.