Toxicity assessment of polyethylene microplastics in combination with a mix of emerging pollutants on Physalaemus cuvieri tadpoles

Studies in recent years have shown that aquatic pollution by microplastics(MPs)can be considered to pose additional stress to amphibian populations.However,our knowledge of how MPs affect amphibians is very rudimentary,and even more limited is our understanding of their effects in combination with other emerging pollutants.Thus,we aimed to evaluate the possible toxicity of polyethylene MPs(PE-MPs)(alone or in combination with a mix of pollutants)on the health of Physalaemus cuvieri tadpoles.After 30 days of exposure,multiple biomarkers were measured,including morphological,biometric,and developmental indices,behavioral parameters,mutagenicity,cytotoxicity,antioxidant and cholinesterase responses,as well as the uptake and accumulation of PE-MPs in animals.Based on the results,there was no significant change in any of the parameters measured in tadpoles exposed to treatments,but induced stress was observed in tadpoles exposed to PE-MPs combined with themixture of pollutants,reflecting significant changes in physiological and biochemical responses.Through principal component analysis(PCA)and integrated biomarker response(IBR)assessment,effects induced by pollutants in each test group were distinguished,confirming that the exposure of P.cuvieri tadpoles to the PE-MPs in combination with a mix of emerging pollutants induces an enhanced stress response,although the uptake and accumulation of PE-MPs in these animalswas reduced.Thus,our study provides newinsight into the danger to amphibians of MPs coexisting with other pollutants in aquatic environments.

Insight of chemical environmental risk and its management from the vinyl chloride accident

The combustion of vinyl chloride(VC)after the train derailment accident in Ohio,USA in February,2023 has caused widespread concern around the world.This paper tried to analyze several issues concerning the accident,including the appropriateness of the VC combustion in the emergency response in this accident,the meanings of so-called“controlled combustion”,the potential environmental risks caused by VC and combustion by-products,and follow-up work.In our view,this accident had surely caused environmental and health risks to some extent.Hence,a comprehensive environmental risk assessment is necessary,and then the site with risk should be comprehensively remediated,hazardous waste should be harmlessly treated as soon as possible.Finally,this accident suggests that further efforts should be taken to bridge the gap between chemical safety management and their environmental risk management.

Bridging science,technology and policy in emerging contaminants control

Emerging contaminants refer to newly discovered or previously overlooked contaminants that pose potential risks to the ecological environment and human health.They have not been included in environmental management practices or are inadequately addressed by existing management measures.Main focuses of emerging contaminants include persistent organic pollutants,endocrine disrupting chemicals,antibiotics and microplastics,among others.These contaminants have been widely detected in the environment and are considered urgent concerns for environmental safety and human health.However,compared to traditional pollutants,emerging contaminants are generally not well regulated by law-enforcement agencies.

Perspectives on ecological risks of microplastics and phthalate acid esters in crop production systems

Microplastics(MPs)and phthalate acid esters(PAEs)co-occur as emerging contaminants of global importance.Their abundance in soil is of increasing concern as plastic-intensive practices continue.Mulching with plastic films,inclusion in fertilizers,composts,sludge application,and wastewater irrigation are all major and common sources of MPs and PAEs in soil.Here,we review studies on the concentration and effects of MPs and PAEs in soil.While there is limited research on the interactions between MPs and PAEs in agroecosystems,there is evidence to suggest they could mutually affect soil ecology and plant growth.Therefore,we propose new research into 1)establishing an efficient,accurate,and simple method to quantify different types of microplastics in soils and plants;2)exploring the behavior and understanding the mechanisms of co-transfer,transformation,and interactions with soil biota(especially in vegetable production systems);3)assessing the risk and consequences of combined and discreet impacts of MPs and PAEs on plants and soil biota,and 4)preventing or reducing the transfer of MPs and PAEs into-and within-the food chain.