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Monràs-Riera P, Lozoya JP, Teixeira de Mello F, Avila C. Stranded beach debris in the West Antarctic Peninsula: Quantification and distribution of marine litter. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2025; 375:126366. [PMID: 40320127 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2025.126366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2025] [Revised: 05/01/2025] [Accepted: 05/01/2025] [Indexed: 05/09/2025]
Abstract
Marine debris, particularly plastics, is a growing threat to global marine ecosystems, including remote regions like the Southern Ocean. This study presents one of the most extensive surveys of beached marine debris along the West Antarctic Peninsula, covering 31 beaches from 62° S to 67° S, the widest latitudinal range in Antarctica. Our results reveal the prevalence of stranded debris, with plastics as the main pollutant. Higher debris densities were observed near research stations, with Esperanza Bay (9.26·10-1 items m-2) and Cierva Cove (5.56·10-2 items m-2) beaches exhibiting significant pollution levels. We observed a concentration of debris at lower latitudes, particularly around the South Shetland Islands, due to intense anthropogenic activity. Furthermore, we compared the plastic litter between two islands with distinct geomorphology: Livingston Island, an open system influenced by oceanic currents, and Deception Island volcanic cone, an enclosed system sheltered from such dynamics. These revealed that Livingston Island showed higher densities of plastics related to food usage, which were larger, heavier, and predominantly composed of polyester, mostly drifting plastics associated with maritime sources. In contrast, the volcanic cone of Deception Island, sheltered from the ocean, predominantly contained plastics with an undefined use, which were smaller, lighter, and primarily made of polystyrene and polyethylene, suggesting debris of local origin. The study highlights the influence of both human activities and ocean dynamics on debris distribution, underscoring the need for improved waste management and international regulations. These findings provide a baseline for future research and policy development to preserve Antarctica's fragile ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pere Monràs-Riera
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia I Ciències Ambientals, and IRBIO, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Juan Pablo Lozoya
- Departamento Interdisciplinario de Sistemas Costeros y Marinos, Centro Universitario Regional Del Este, Universidad de La República, Maldonado, Uruguay.
| | - Franco Teixeira de Mello
- Departamento de Ecología y Gestión Ambiental, Centro Universitario Regional Del Este, Universidad de La República, Maldonado, Uruguay.
| | - Conxita Avila
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia I Ciències Ambientals, and IRBIO, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
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2
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Zucconi L, Fierro-Vásquez N, Antunes A, Bendia AG, Lavin P, González-Aravena M, Sani RK, Banerjee A. Advocating microbial diversity conservation in Antarctica. NPJ BIODIVERSITY 2025; 4:5. [PMID: 40038369 DOI: 10.1038/s44185-025-00076-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2025] [Indexed: 03/06/2025]
Abstract
Antarctica, a seemingly barren and icy wilderness, is home to a diverse array of microbial life that plays a critical role in sustaining its ecosystems. These resilient microorganisms drive nutrient cycling and carbon sequestration, but their function in global processes remains unclear. This pristine environment faces mounting threats from human activities, climate change, and increasing tourism. Contaminants, non-native species, and microplastics are increasingly reaching even the most remote regions, disrupting delicate microbial communities existing for millions of years. Antarctic microorganisms are not only ecologically significant but also valuable for biotechnological advancements, making their conservation imperative. Climate change exacerbates these threats, altering microbial habitats and promoting shifts in community structure. Tourism growth, though beneficial for education and economic reasons, poses significant challenges through biological and chemical contamination. Despite efforts under the Antarctic Treaty System to protect the region, there is a critical need for enhanced measures specifically targeting microbial conservation. This article underscores the importance of conserving Antarctic microbial diversity. It highlights the intricate microbial ecosystems and the urgency of implementing strategies such as stringent biosecurity measures, sustainable tourism practices, and comprehensive monitoring programs. Additionally, fostering international collaboration and research initiatives is vital for understanding and designing strategies to mitigate the impacts of environmental changes on microbial life. By prioritizing microbial conservation in policy frameworks and strengthening global cooperation, we can safeguard these unique ecosystems and ensure their resilience for future generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Zucconi
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Natalia Fierro-Vásquez
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Recursos Biológicos, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, 1240300, Chile
| | - André Antunes
- State Key Laboratory of Lunar and Planetary Sciences, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau SAR, China
- Institute of Science and Environment, University of Saint Joseph, Macau SAR, China
| | - Amanda Gonçalves Bendia
- Instituto Oceanográfico, Departamento de Oceanografia Biológica, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, 05508-120, Brazil
| | - Paris Lavin
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Recursos Biológicos, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, 1240300, Chile
- Centro de Investigación en Inmunología y Biotecnología Biomédica de Antofagasta, (CIIBBA), Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, 1240300, Chile
| | | | - Rajesh Kumar Sani
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, South Dakota Mines, Rapid City, SD, USA
- 2-Dimensional Materials for Biofilm Engineering, Science and Technology, South Dakota Mines, Rapid City, SD, USA
| | - Aparna Banerjee
- Functional Polysaccharides Research Group, Instituto de Ciencias Aplicadas, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Talca, 3467987, Chile.
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3
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Jones-Williams K, Rowlands E, Primpke S, Galloway T, Cole M, Waluda C, Manno C. Microplastics in Antarctica - A plastic legacy in the Antarctic snow? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2025; 966:178543. [PMID: 39920031 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.178543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2024] [Revised: 01/13/2025] [Accepted: 01/14/2025] [Indexed: 02/09/2025]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution in remote inland Antarctica is largely unknown. This study explored the plastic footprint of snow from remote Antarctic camps: Union Glacier, Schanz Glacier and the South Pole. Refined automated FTIR techniques enabled interrogation of microplastics (including fibres) to a lower detection limit of 11 μm in Antarctic snow for the first time. Microplastics were pervasive (73-3099 MP L-1). The majority (95 %) measured <50 μm, indicating that previous microplastic reports in Antarctica may be underestimated, due to analytical restrictions. Plastic polymer composition and concentration did not vary significantly between sites, with dominant polymers being polyamide (PA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE) and synthetic rubber. Results indicate that even in the earth's most remote regions, humans are leaving a plastic legacy in the snow, illustrating the importance of remote, cryospheric regions as critical study sites for determining temporal fluxes in microplastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirstie Jones-Williams
- British Antarctic Survey, High Cross Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ET, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Emily Rowlands
- British Antarctic Survey, High Cross Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ET, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
| | - Sebastian Primpke
- The Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI) Alfred Wegener Institute, Kurpromenade 27498, Helgoland, Germany
| | - Tamara Galloway
- University of Exeter, Stocker Rd, Exeter EX4 4PY, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Matthew Cole
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Pl, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Claire Waluda
- British Antarctic Survey, High Cross Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ET, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Clara Manno
- British Antarctic Survey, High Cross Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ET, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
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4
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Becker SL, Boyd C, Handley JM, Raymond B, Reisinger R, Ropert‐Coudert Y, Apelgren N, Davies TE, Lea M, Santos M, Trathan PN, Van de Putte AP, Huckstadt LA, Charrassin J, Brooks CM. Scaling up ocean conservation through recognition of key biodiversity areas in the Southern Ocean from multispecies tracking data. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2025; 39:e14345. [PMID: 39145654 PMCID: PMC11780204 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
Biodiversity is critical for maintaining ecosystem function but is threatened by increasing anthropogenic pressures. In the Southern Ocean, a highly biologically productive region containing many endemic species, proactive management is urgently needed to mitigate increasing pressures from fishing, climate change, and tourism. Site-based conservation is one important tool for managing the negative impacts of human activities on ecosystems. The Key Biodiversity Area (KBA) Standard is a standardized framework used to define sites vital for the persistence of global biodiversity based on criteria and quantitative thresholds. We used tracking data from 14 species of Antarctic and subantarctic seabirds and pinnipeds from the publicly available Retrospective Analysis of Antarctic Tracking Data (RAATD) data set to define KBAs for a diverse suite of marine predators. We used track2kba, an R package that supports identification of KBAs from telemetry data through identification of highly used habitat areas and estimates of local abundance within sites. We compared abundance estimates at each site with thresholds for KBA criteria A1, B1, and D1 (related to globally threatened species, individual geographically restricted species, and demographic aggregations, respectively). We identified 30 potential KBAs for 13 species distributed throughout the Southern Ocean that were vital for each individual species, population, and life-history stage for which they were determined. These areas were identified as highly used by these populations based on observational data and complement the ongoing habitat modeling and bioregionalization work that has been used to prioritize conservation areas in this region. Although further work is needed to identify potential KBAs based on additional current and future data sets, we highlight the benefits of utilizing KBAs as part of a holistic approach to marine conservation, given their significant value as a global conservation tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L. Becker
- Department of Environmental StudiesUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderColoradoUSA
- Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Science (CIRES)University of Colorado BoulderBoulderColoradoUSA
- Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research (INSTAAR)University of Colorado BoulderBoulderColoradoUSA
| | - Charlotte Boyd
- Conservation InternationalAfrica Field DivisionNairobiKenya
| | | | - Ben Raymond
- Integrated Digital East Antarctica Program, Australian Antarctic DivisionDepartment of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and WaterKingstonTasmaniaAustralia
| | - Ryan Reisinger
- School of Ocean and Earth ScienceUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
| | - Yan Ropert‐Coudert
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé– CNRSUMR 7372, La Rochelle UniversitéVilliers en BoisFrance
| | - Nora Apelgren
- School of Professional StudiesColumbia UniversityNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Tammy E. Davies
- BirdLife InternationalThe David Attenborough BuildingCambridgeUK
| | - Mary‐Anne Lea
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic StudiesUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTasmaniaAustralia
- Australian Centre for Excellence in Antarctic ScienceUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTasmaniaAustralia
| | | | - Philip N. Trathan
- School of Ocean and Earth ScienceUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
- British Antarctic SurveyCambridgeUK
| | - Anton P. Van de Putte
- Biodiversity and Ecosystems Data and Information CentreRoyal Belgian Institute of Natural SciencesBrusselsBelgium
- Marine Biology LabUniversité Libre de BruxellesBrusselsBelgium
| | | | - Jean‐Benoit Charrassin
- Laboratoire d’Océanographie et du Climat: Expérimentations et Approches Numériques (LOCEAN)UMR 7159 Sorbonne Université, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRSParisFrance
| | - Cassandra M. Brooks
- Department of Environmental StudiesUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderColoradoUSA
- Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research (INSTAAR)University of Colorado BoulderBoulderColoradoUSA
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5
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Gardiner NB, Gilbert N, Liggett D, Bode M. Measuring the performance of Antarctic Treaty decision-making. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2025; 39:e14349. [PMID: 39162249 PMCID: PMC11780206 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024]
Abstract
Agreements reached at the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings (ATCMs) are among the primary means for addressing Antarctic conservation and environmental protection issues. However, according to contemporary scholars, Antarctic Treaty decision-making is becoming increasingly unresponsive to the rising environmental challenges in the region. We assessed the performance of Antarctic Treaty decision-making by measuring the rate and diversity of decision-making over the last 6 decades. To measure the rate, we counted the number of inputs and outputs of ATCMs and calculated the time taken for legally binding outputs to enter into force. To measure diversity, we calculated the range of topics addressed by the inputs and outputs of ATCMs. The average number of agreements reached per ATCM increased from 1961 to 2022. Although the diversity of Antarctic topics discussed at ATCMs remained consistently high, the diversity of topics on which legally binding agreements were adopted declined significantly. Antarctic issues-including those of highest priority-are now almost entirely dealt with through nonbinding, soft-law agreements. It is plausible that this move away from binding decisions reflects a dynamic governance institution evolving to respond to new pressures. However, we suggest that the change reveals a concerning shift in decision-making behavior and performance, unique to the treaty's history. Soft law is beneficial in some cases, but its overuse diminishes accountability and transparency, significantly reducing the parties' abilities to understand and measure their performance, including the outcomes and impacts of decisions. Although the rate and diversity of ATCM inputs and outputs provide only a partial view of decision-making performance, the exploration of these metrics provides a foundation for asking essential questions about the impacts of Antarctic Treaty governance on the region's environmental protection and conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Blaize Gardiner
- Gateway Antarctica, Centre for Antarctic Studies and Research, School of Earth & EnvironmentUniversity of CanterburyChristchurchNew Zealand
- Antarctica New ZealandChristchurchNew Zealand
| | - Neil Gilbert
- Gateway Antarctica, Centre for Antarctic Studies and Research, School of Earth & EnvironmentUniversity of CanterburyChristchurchNew Zealand
- Antarctica New ZealandChristchurchNew Zealand
| | - Daniela Liggett
- Gateway Antarctica, Centre for Antarctic Studies and Research, School of Earth & EnvironmentUniversity of CanterburyChristchurchNew Zealand
| | - Michael Bode
- School of Mathematical SciencesQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- Securing Antarctica's Environmental FutureQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
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6
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Deregibus D, Quartino ML, Barlett ER, Zacher K, Bartsch I. Climate-driven changes in underwater irradiance and primary productivity in an Antarctic fjord (Potter Cove, Western Antarctic Peninsula). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2025; 960:178249. [PMID: 39756096 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.178249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2024] [Revised: 12/18/2024] [Accepted: 12/20/2024] [Indexed: 01/07/2025]
Abstract
The West Antarctic Peninsula (WAP) is a hotspot of climate warming, evidencing glacier retreat and a decrease in the fast-ice duration. This study provides a > 30-y time-series (1987-2022) on annual and seasonal air temperatures in Potter Cove (Isla 25 de Mayo/King George Island). It investigates the interaction between warming, glacial melt, fast-ice and the underwater conditions (light, salinity, temperature, turbidity) over a period of 10 years along the fjord axis (2010-2019), and for the first time provides a unique continuous underwater irradiance time series over 5 years (2014-2018). The effects on the annual light budget in the water column were studied along the fjord axis in three areas, a low glacier influence area (LGI), an intermediate glacier influence area (IGI), and a high glacier influence area (HGI). To determine the possible impact of light limitation on the viability of benthic primary producers, the minimum annual light requirements and the daily metabolic carbon balance of two key macroalgal Antarctic species, Himantothallus grandifolius and Palmaria decipiens, were estimated. The mean annual, autumn, winter and spring air temperature has risen during the last three decades, but summer temperatures kept rather stable. Turbidity caused by glacial melt mostly governs the underwater light climate while fast-ice duration is currently of minor importance for the annual light budget. Glacier melting differentially affected the fjord system along its axis. The three areas showed quantitative differences in turbidity and underwater irradiance varying across seasons and years. Water clarity significantly decreased within the last few years, with key macroalgal species probably not reaching their minimum annual light requirements during warmer years. This may have considerable effects on the primary productivity of the ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dolores Deregibus
- Departamento de Biología Costera, Instituto Antártico Argentino, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) Buenos Aires, Argentina; Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Bremerhaven, Germany.
| | - María Liliana Quartino
- Departamento de Biología Costera, Instituto Antártico Argentino, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Eduardo Ruiz Barlett
- Departamento de Oceanografía, Instituto Antártico Argentino, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Katharina Zacher
- Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Inka Bartsch
- Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Bremerhaven, Germany
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7
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Gao Y, Xiu Y, Nie Y, Luo H, Yang Q, Zampieri L, Lv X, Uotila P. An Assessment of Subseasonal Prediction Skill of the Antarctic Sea Ice Edge. JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH. OCEANS 2024; 129:e2024JC021499. [PMID: 39583288 PMCID: PMC11583286 DOI: 10.1029/2024jc021499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2024] [Revised: 11/04/2024] [Accepted: 11/06/2024] [Indexed: 11/26/2024]
Abstract
In this study, the subseasonal Antarctic sea ice edge prediction skill of the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) and Subseasonal to Seasonal (S2S) projects was evaluated by a probabilistic metric, the spatial probability score (SPS). Both projects provide subseasonal to seasonal scale forecasts of multiple coupled dynamical systems. We found that predictions by individual dynamical systems remain skillful for up to 38 days (i.e., the ECMWF system). Regionally, dynamical systems are better at predicting the sea ice edge in the West Antarctic than in the East Antarctic. However, the seasonal variations of the prediction skill are partly system-dependent as some systems have a freezing-season bias, some had a melting-season bias, and some had a season-independent bias. Further analysis reveals that the model initialization is the crucial prerequisite for skillful subseasonal sea ice prediction. For those systems with the most realistic initialization, the model physics dictates the propagation of initialization errors and, consequently, the temporal length of predictive skill. Additionally, we found that the SPS-characterized prediction skill could be improved by increasing the ensemble size to gain a more realistic ensemble spread. Based on the C3S systems, we constructed a multi-model forecast from the above principles. This forecast consistently demonstrated a superior prediction skill compared to individual dynamical systems or statistical observation-based benchmarks. In summary, our results elucidate the most important factors (i.e., the model initialization and the model physics) affecting the currently available subseasonal Antarctic sea ice prediction systems and highlighting the opportunities to improve them significantly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchun Gao
- Frontier Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System (FDOMES) and Physical Oceanography LaboratoryOcean University of ChinaQingdaoChina
- Laboratory for Ocean Dynamics and ClimateQingdao Marine Science and Technology CenterQingdaoChina
| | - Yongwu Xiu
- School of Atmospheric SciencesSun Yat‐Sen Universityand Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai)ZhuhaiChina
- Nansen Environmental and Remote Sensing CenterBergenNorway
| | - Yafei Nie
- School of Atmospheric SciencesSun Yat‐Sen Universityand Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai)ZhuhaiChina
| | - Hao Luo
- School of Atmospheric SciencesSun Yat‐Sen Universityand Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai)ZhuhaiChina
| | - Qinghua Yang
- School of Atmospheric SciencesSun Yat‐Sen Universityand Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai)ZhuhaiChina
| | - Lorenzo Zampieri
- CMCC Foundation—Euro‐Mediterranean Center on Climate ChangeBolognaItaly
| | - Xianqing Lv
- Frontier Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System (FDOMES) and Physical Oceanography LaboratoryOcean University of ChinaQingdaoChina
- Laboratory for Ocean Dynamics and ClimateQingdao Marine Science and Technology CenterQingdaoChina
| | - Petteri Uotila
- Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research/ PhysicsFaculty of ScienceUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
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8
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De-la-Torre GE, Forero López AD, Colombo CV, Rimondino GN, Malanca FE, Barahona M, Santillán L. Low prevalence of microplastic contamination in the bottom sediments and deep-sea waters of the Bransfield strait, Antarctica. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 364:143310. [PMID: 39265736 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2024] [Revised: 09/06/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/14/2024]
Abstract
Despite the remoteness of the Antarctic continent and Southern Ocean, microplastic (MPs) contamination has been evidenced in recent years. However, the deep-sea compartments of the Southern Ocean are yet to be investigated. In the present study, we conducted a baseline MP assessment of the deep-sea waters and bottom sediments of the Bransfield Strait, Antarctica. A low abundance of suspected MPs was found. The average MP abundances in bottom sediments and water samples were 0.09 MP/g (range of 0-0.2 MP/g) and 7.00 MP/L (range of 0-16 MP/L), respectively. The majority of the particles were fibers identified as cellulose, although polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) was also detected. These results suggest low MP contamination levels in the Southern Ocean's deepest environmental compartments. However, future studies must aim to investigate the smallest MP fractions and, if possible, nanoplastic (<1 μm) contamination in these remote compartments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Enrique De-la-Torre
- Grupo de Investigación de Biodiversidad, Medio Ambiente y Sociedad, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, Peru.
| | - Ana D Forero López
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), CONICET/UNS, CCT-Bahía Blanca, Camino La Carrindanga, km 7.5, Edificio E1, B8000FWB, Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carolina V Colombo
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), CONICET/UNS, CCT-Bahía Blanca, Camino La Carrindanga, km 7.5, Edificio E1, B8000FWB, Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Investigaciones en Fisicoquímica de Córdoba (INFIQC), Departamento de Fisicoquímica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Guido N Rimondino
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Fisicoquímica de Córdoba (INFIQC), Departamento de Fisicoquímica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Fabio E Malanca
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Fisicoquímica de Córdoba (INFIQC), Departamento de Fisicoquímica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Martha Barahona
- Instituto Oceanográfico y Antártico de la Armada (INOCAR), Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Luis Santillán
- Grupo de Investigación de Biodiversidad, Medio Ambiente y Sociedad, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, Peru
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9
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Lee JR, Shaw JD, Ropert-Coudert Y, Terauds A, Chown SL. Conservation features of the terrestrial Antarctic Peninsula. AMBIO 2024; 53:1037-1049. [PMID: 38589654 PMCID: PMC11101391 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-024-02009-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Conserving landscapes used by multiple stakeholder groups requires understanding of what each stakeholder values. Here we employed a semi-structured, participatory approach to identify features of value in the terrestrial Antarctic Peninsula related to biodiversity, science and tourism. Stakeholders identified 115 features, ranging from Adélie penguin colonies to sites suitable for snowshoeing tourists. We split the features into seven broad categories: science, tourism, historic, biodiversity, geographic, habitat, and intrinsic features, finding that the biodiversity category contained the most features of any one category, while science stakeholders identified the most features of any stakeholder group. Stakeholders have overlapping interests in some features, particularly for seals and seabirds, indicating that thoughtful consideration of their inclusion in future management is required. Acknowledging the importance of tourism and other social features in Antarctica and ensuring their integration into conservation planning and assessment will increase the likelihood of implementing successful environmental management strategies into the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine R Lee
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia.
- British Antarctic Survey, NERC, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ET, UK.
- Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future, School of Biology and Environmental Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4001, Australia.
| | - Justine D Shaw
- Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future, School of Biology and Environmental Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4001, Australia
| | - Yan Ropert-Coudert
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, UMR 7372, La Rochelle Université - CNRS, 79360, Villiers en Bois, France
| | - Aleks Terauds
- Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future, School of Biology and Environmental Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4001, Australia
- Integrated Digital East Antarctic Program, Australian Antarctic Division, Department of Climate Change, the Environment, Energy and Water, Kingston, TAS, 7050, Australia
| | - Steven L Chown
- Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future, School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
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10
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Olmastroni S, Simonetti S, Fattorini N, D'Amico V, Cusset F, Bustamante P, Cherel Y, Corsi I. Living in a challenging environment: Monitoring stress ecology by non-destructive methods in an Antarctic seabird. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 922:171249. [PMID: 38431169 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
How Antarctic species are facing historical and new stressors remains under-surveyed and risks to wildlife are still largely unknown. Adélie penguins Pygoscelis adeliae are well-known bioindicators and sentinels of Antarctic ecosystem changes, a true canary in the coal mine. Immuno-haematological parameters have been proved to detect stress in wild animals, given their rapid physiological response that allows them tracking environmental changes and thus inferring habitat quality. Here, we investigated variation in Erythrocyte Nuclear Abnormalities (ENAs) and White Blood Cells (WBCs) in penguins from three clustered colonies in the Ross Sea, evaluating immuno-haematological parameters according to geography, breeding stage, and individual penguin characteristics such as sex, body condition and nest quality. Concentrations of mercury (Hg) and stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen (as proxies of the penguin's trophic ecology) were analysed in feathers to investigate the association between stress biomarkers and Hg contamination in Adélie penguins. Colony and breeding stage were not supported as predictors of immuno-haematological parameters. ENAs and WBCs were respectively ∼30 % and ∼20 % higher in male than in female penguins. Body condition influenced WBCs, with penguins in the best condition having a ∼22 % higher level of WBCs than those in the worst condition. Nest position affected the proportion of micronuclei (MNs), with inner-nesting penguins having more than three times the proportion of MNs than penguins nesting in peripheral positions. Heterophils:Lymphocytes (H:L) ratio was not affected by any of the above predictors. Multiple factors acting as stressors are expected to increase prominently in Antarctic wildlife in the near future, therefore extensive monitoring aimed to assess the health status of penguin populations is mandatory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Olmastroni
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy.
| | - Silvia Simonetti
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Niccolò Fattorini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy; National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
| | - Verónica D'Amico
- Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos (CESIMAR), (CCT Centro Nacional Patagónico -CONICET), Brown 2915, U9120ACF, Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina
| | - Fanny Cusset
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 du CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France; Centre d'Études Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 du CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 79360 Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Paco Bustamante
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 du CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France
| | - Yves Cherel
- Centre d'Études Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 du CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 79360 Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Ilaria Corsi
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy
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11
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Cebuhar JD, Negrete J, Rodríguez Pirani LS, Picone AL, Proietti M, Romano RM, Della Védova CO, Casaux R, Secchi ER, Botta S. Anthropogenic debris in three sympatric seal species of the Western Antarctic Peninsula. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 922:171273. [PMID: 38408675 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Litter pollution is a growing concern, including for Antarctica and the species that inhabit this ecosystem. In this study, we investigated the microplastic contamination in three seal species that inhabit the Western Antarctic Peninsula: crabeater (Lobodon carcinophaga), leopard (Hydrurga leptonyx) and Weddell (Leptonychotes weddellii) seals. Given the worldwide ubiquity of this type of contaminant, including the Southern Ocean, we hypothesized that the three seal species would present anthropogenic debris in their feces. We examined 29 scat samples of crabeater (n = 5), leopard (n = 13) and Weddell (n = 11) seals. The chemical composition of the items found were identified using micro-Raman and micro-FTIR spectroscopies. All the samples of the three species presented anthropic particles (frequency of occurrence - %FO - 100 %). Fibers were the predominant debris, but fragments and filaments were also present. Particles smaller than 5 mm (micro debris) were predominant in all the samples. Leopard seals ingested significantly larger micro-debris in comparison with the other seal species. The dominant color was black followed by blue and white. Micro-Raman and micro-FTIR Spectroscopies revealed the presence of different anthropogenic pigments such as reactive blue 238, Indigo 3600 and copper phthalocyanine (blue and green). Carbon black was also detected in the samples, as well as plastic polymers such as polystyrene, polyester and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide, polypropylene and polyurethane These results confirm the presence of anthropogenic contamination in Antarctic seals and highlight the need for actions to mitigate the effects and reduce the contribution of debris in the Antarctic ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julieta D Cebuhar
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação da Megafauna Marinha, Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande-FURG, Av. Itália Km 8 s/n, Rio Grande, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Oceanografia Biológica, Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande-FURG, Rio Grande, Brazil.
| | - Javier Negrete
- Laboratório de Predadores Tope, Instituto Antártico Argentino, Av. 25 de Mayo 1147, Villa Lynch, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo, Calle 64 N° 3, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata 1900, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz, 2290, C1425FQB, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lucas S Rodríguez Pirani
- CEQUINOR (UNLP, CCT-CONICET La Plata, associated with CIC), Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Blvd. 120 N° 1465, La Plata 1900, Argentina
| | - A Lorena Picone
- CEQUINOR (UNLP, CCT-CONICET La Plata, associated with CIC), Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Blvd. 120 N° 1465, La Plata 1900, Argentina
| | - Maira Proietti
- Laboratório de Ecologia Molecular Marinha and Projeto Lixo Marinho, Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande-FURG, Av. Itália Km 8 s/n, Rio Grande, Brasil Rio Grande, Brazil; The Ocean Cleanup, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Rosana M Romano
- CEQUINOR (UNLP, CCT-CONICET La Plata, associated with CIC), Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Blvd. 120 N° 1465, La Plata 1900, Argentina
| | - Carlos O Della Védova
- CEQUINOR (UNLP, CCT-CONICET La Plata, associated with CIC), Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Blvd. 120 N° 1465, La Plata 1900, Argentina
| | - Ricardo Casaux
- Centro de Investigación Esquel de Montaña y Estepa Patagónica (CIEMEP), Roca 780, 9200 Esquel, Chubut, Argentina
| | - Eduardo R Secchi
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação da Megafauna Marinha, Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande-FURG, Av. Itália Km 8 s/n, Rio Grande, Brazil
| | - Silvina Botta
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação da Megafauna Marinha, Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande-FURG, Av. Itália Km 8 s/n, Rio Grande, Brazil
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12
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Benitez HA, Salinas C, Hernández J, Contador Mejías T, Kim S, Maturana CS, Rebolledo L, Pérez LM, Câmara PEAS, Alves Ferreira V, Lobos I, Piñeiro A, Convey P. An outsider on the Antarctic Peninsula: A new record of the non-native moth Plodia interpunctella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e10838. [PMID: 38322004 PMCID: PMC10844584 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
We report the first record of the microlepidopteran Plodia interpunctella beyond the South Shetland Islands at the Chilean Yelcho scientific station (64°52'33.1428″ S; 63°35'1.9572″ W), Doumer Island, close to the west coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. It is notable that P. interpunctella, a globally distributed stored product pest species, exhibits a remarkable capacity for prolonged viability within food storage facilities. The dual challenges of food transportation and storage in the context of Antarctica's challenging operational conditions may have facilitated P. interpunctella's initial arrival to the Antarctic region. Non-perishable food items, such as grains, flour and rice, provide practical options for the bulk food transportation and storage required in the long-term operation of Antarctic research stations. The presence of P. interpunctella in Antarctica, even if restricted to synanthropic environments within buildings, is a clear threat to Antarctic biodiversity, not only through being an invasive species itself but also as a potential vector for other non-native species (bacteria, acari, between others.), which could carry diseases to the native species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo A. Benitez
- Millennium Institute Biodiversity of Antarctic and Subantarctic Ecosystems (BASE)SantiagoChile
- Cape Horn International Center (CHIC)Centro Universitario Cabo de Hornos, Universidad de MagallanesPuerto WilliamsChile
- Laboratorio de Ecología y Morfometría Evolutiva, Centro de Investigación de Estudios Avanzados del MauleUniversidad Católica del MauleTalcaChile
| | - Carla Salinas
- Departamento CientíficoInstituto Antártico ChilenoPunta ArenasChile
| | - Jordan Hernández
- Millennium Institute Biodiversity of Antarctic and Subantarctic Ecosystems (BASE)SantiagoChile
- Cape Horn International Center (CHIC)Centro Universitario Cabo de Hornos, Universidad de MagallanesPuerto WilliamsChile
- Programa de Doctorado en Salud Ecosistémica, Centro de Investigación de Estudios Avanzados del MauleUniversidad Católica del MauleTalcaChile
| | - Tamara Contador Mejías
- Millennium Institute Biodiversity of Antarctic and Subantarctic Ecosystems (BASE)SantiagoChile
- Cape Horn International Center (CHIC)Centro Universitario Cabo de Hornos, Universidad de MagallanesPuerto WilliamsChile
- Núcleo Milenio de Salmónidos Invasores (INVASAL)ConcepciónChile
| | - Sanghee Kim
- Division of Life SciencesKorea Polar Research InstituteIncheonKorea
| | - Claudia S. Maturana
- Millennium Institute Biodiversity of Antarctic and Subantarctic Ecosystems (BASE)SantiagoChile
- Cape Horn International Center (CHIC)Centro Universitario Cabo de Hornos, Universidad de MagallanesPuerto WilliamsChile
| | - Lorena Rebolledo
- Departamento CientíficoInstituto Antártico ChilenoPunta ArenasChile
| | - Laura M. Pérez
- Departamento de Física, FACIUniversidad de TarapacáAricaChile
| | | | | | - Isabel Lobos
- Millennium Institute Biodiversity of Antarctic and Subantarctic Ecosystems (BASE)SantiagoChile
- Laboratorio de Ecología y Morfometría Evolutiva, Centro de Investigación de Estudios Avanzados del MauleUniversidad Católica del MauleTalcaChile
| | - Alejandro Piñeiro
- Millennium Institute Biodiversity of Antarctic and Subantarctic Ecosystems (BASE)SantiagoChile
- Laboratorio de Ecología y Morfometría Evolutiva, Centro de Investigación de Estudios Avanzados del MauleUniversidad Católica del MauleTalcaChile
| | - Peter Convey
- Millennium Institute Biodiversity of Antarctic and Subantarctic Ecosystems (BASE)SantiagoChile
- Cape Horn International Center (CHIC)Centro Universitario Cabo de Hornos, Universidad de MagallanesPuerto WilliamsChile
- British Antarctic Survey (BAS)Natural Environment Research CouncilCambridgeUK
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of JohannesburgAuckland ParkSouth Africa
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13
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Chen C, Chen L, Huang Q, Yu G, Lu Z, Gabrielsen GW. Determination of organotin compounds in marine sediments from Arctic Svalbard and West Antarctic Fildes Peninsula. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 198:115845. [PMID: 38039570 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the contamination levels of five typical organotin compounds in Arctic and Antarctic marine sediments. Organotin total concentrations ranged from not detected (ND) to 37.9 ng Sn/g dw and from ND to 34.0 ng Sn/g dw in surface sediments of Svalbard and Fildes Peninsula, respectively. Dibutyltin accounted for 11.3 %-100 % of butyltins in Arctic sediments, whilst diphenyltin was the predominant phenyltin species in both Arctic and Antarctic. However, the concentrations of tributyltin and triphenyltin were lower than low-substituted organotins in the study areas, indicating the effectiveness of international ban on the use of triorganotin-based antifouling paints. No significant difference in organotin contamination was found between Arctic and Antarctic, although the time suffered from human interference was shorter in the Antarctic. Overall, these data can provide a diagnosis of recent organotin inputs in polar regions and serve as a baseline for future study assessing their local applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunzhao Chen
- Advanced Interdisciplinary Institute of Environment and Ecology, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai 519087, China; Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment of the Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Chen
- Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai, China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qinghui Huang
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment of the Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai, China.
| | - Gang Yu
- Advanced Interdisciplinary Institute of Environment and Ecology, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai 519087, China
| | - Zhibo Lu
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment of the Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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14
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Hughes KA, Boyle CP, Morley-Hurst K, Gerrish L, Colwell SR, Convey P. Loss of research and operational equipment in Antarctica: Balancing scientific advances with environmental impact. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 348:119200. [PMID: 37832295 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Antarctica has been subject to widespread, long-term and on-going human activity since the establishment of permanent research stations became common in the 1950s. Equipment may become intentionally or inadvertently lost in Antarctic marine and terrestrial environments as a result of scientific research and associated support activities, but this has been poorly quantified to date. Here we report the quantity and nature of equipment lost by the UK's national operator in Antarctica, the British Antarctic Survey (BAS). Over the 15-year study period (2005-2019), 125 incidents of loss were reported, with c. 23 tonnes of equipment lost of which 18% by mass was considered hazardous. The geographical distribution of lost equipment was widespread across the BAS operational footprint. However, impacts are considered low compared to those associated with research station infrastructure establishment and operation. To reduce environmental impact overall, we recommend that, where possible, better use is made of existing research station capacity to facilitate field research, thereby reducing the need for construction of new infrastructure and the generation of associated impacts. Furthermore, to facilitate reporting on the state of the Antarctic environment, we recommend that national Antarctic programmes reinvigorate efforts to comply with Antarctic Treaty System requirements to actively record the locations of past activities and make available details of lost equipment. In a wider context, analogous reporting is also encouraged in other pristine areas subject to new research activities, including in other remote Earth environments and on extra-terrestrial bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin A Hughes
- British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ET, UK.
| | - Claire P Boyle
- British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ET, UK
| | - Kate Morley-Hurst
- British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ET, UK
| | - Laura Gerrish
- British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ET, UK
| | - Steve R Colwell
- British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ET, UK
| | - Peter Convey
- British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ET, UK; Department of Zoology, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park 2006, South Africa; Millennium Institute Biodiversity of Antarctic and Sub-Antarctic Ecosystems (BASE), Santiago, Chile
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15
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Pongpiachan S, Thumanu K, Chantharakhon C, Phoomalee C, Charoenkalunyuta T, Promdee K, Poshyachinda S, Hashmi MZ. Applying synchrotron radiation-based attenuated total reflection-fourier transform infrared to chemically characterise organic functional groups in terrestrial soils of King George Island, Antarctica. Heliyon 2023; 9:e19711. [PMID: 37809680 PMCID: PMC10559015 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Anthropogenic activities, especially associated with fossil fuel combustion, are raising concerns worldwide, but remote areas with extreme climate conditions, such as Antarctica, are isolated from the adverse influence of human civilisation. Antarctica is considered as the most untouched place on Earth. Such pristine areas, which have extremely low chemical pollutant concentrations owing to restricted anthropogenic impacts, exemplify plausible model environments to test the reliability and sensitivity of advanced analytical techniques employed to chemically characterise and evaluate the spatial distribution of chemical pollutants. Here, synchrotron radiation-based attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared (SR-ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy was employed to evaluate the variations in the organic functional groups (OFGs) of terrestrial soils of King George Island, Antarctica. Second-derivative SR-ATR-FTIR spectroscopy coupled with several multivariate statistical techniques highlighted the influence of anthropogenic activities on the alterations of OFGs in terrestrial soils collected near airports. Moreover, the daily activities of penguins could also have caused fluctuations in some OFGs of the samples the close to the Tombolo area and Ardley Island. The findings proved the effectiveness of SR-ATR-FTIR in evaluating the potential sources of variations in the chemical constituents, especially OFGs, in Antarctic terrestrial soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siwatt Pongpiachan
- NIDA Center for Research & Development of Disaster Prevention & Management, School of Social and Environmental Development, National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA), 148, Sereethai Road, Klong-Chan, Bangkapi, Bangkok, 10240, Thailand
- National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (Public Organization) 260 Moo 4, T. Donkaew, A. Maerim, Chiang-Mai, 50180, Thailand
| | - Kanjana Thumanu
- Synchrotron Light Research Institute (Public Organisation), 111 Moo 6, University Avenue, Muang District, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000, Thailand
| | - Chulalak Chantharakhon
- Synchrotron Light Research Institute (Public Organisation), 111 Moo 6, University Avenue, Muang District, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000, Thailand
| | - Chunmanus Phoomalee
- Synchrotron Light Research Institute (Public Organisation), 111 Moo 6, University Avenue, Muang District, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000, Thailand
| | | | - Kittiphop Promdee
- Department of Environmental Science, Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, Nakhon Nayok, 26001, Thailand
| | - Saran Poshyachinda
- National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (Public Organization) 260 Moo 4, T. Donkaew, A. Maerim, Chiang-Mai, 50180, Thailand
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16
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Gurumoorthi K, Luis AJ. Recent trends on microplastics abundance and risk assessment in coastal Antarctica: Regional meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 324:121385. [PMID: 36868550 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
We investigated sources, abundance and risk of microplastics (MPs) in water, sediments and biota around Antarctica. The concentration of MPs in Southern Ocean (SO) ranged from 0 to 0.56 items/m3 (mean = 0.01 items/m3) and 0-1.96 items/m3 (mean = 0.13 items/m3) in surface and sub-surface water. The distribution of fibers in water was 50%, sediments were 61%, and biota had 43%, which were followed by fragments in the water (42%), sediments (26%), and biota (28%). Shapes of film had lowest concentrations in water (2%), sediments 13%), and biota (3%). Ship traffic, drift of MPs by currents, and untreated waste water discharge contributed to the variety of MPs. The degree of pollution in all matrices was evaluated using the pollution load index (PLI), polymer hazard index (PHI), and potential ecological risk index (PERI). PLI at about 90.3% of locations were at category I followed by 5.9% at category II, 1.6% at category III, and 2.2% at category IV. Average PLI for water (3.14), sediments (6.6), and biota (2.72) had low pollution load (<10). Mean PHI for water, sediments, and biota showed hazards level V with a higher percentage of 84.6% (>1000) and 63.9% (PHI:0-1) in sediments and water, respectively. PERI for water showed 63.9% minor risk, and 36.1% extreme risk. Around 84.6% of sediments were at extreme risk, 7.7% faced minor risk, and 7.7% were at high risk. While 20% of marine organisms living in cold environments experienced minor risk, 20% were in high risk, and 60% were in extreme risk. Highest PERI was found in the water, sediments, and biota in Ross Sea, due to high hazardous polymer composition of polyvinylchloride (PVC) in the water and sediments due to human activity, particularly use of personnel care products and waste water discharge from research stations.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Gurumoorthi
- National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Headland Sada, Goa, 403 804, India
| | - Alvarinho J Luis
- National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Headland Sada, Goa, 403 804, India.
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17
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Kambouris ME. Global Catastrophic Biological Risks in the Post-COVID-19 World: Time to Act Is Now. OMICS : A JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY 2023; 27:153-170. [PMID: 36946656 DOI: 10.1089/omi.2022.0178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
Global Catastrophic Biological Risks (GCBRs) refer to events with biological agents that can result in unprecedented or catastrophic disasters that are beyond the collective response-abilities of nation-states and the existing governance instruments of global governance and international affairs. This article offers a narrative review, with a view to new hypothesis development to rethink GCBRs after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) so as to better prepare for future pandemics and ecological crises, if not to completely prevent them. To determine GCBRs' spatiotemporal contexts, define causality, impacts, differentiate the risk and the event, would improve theorization of GCBRs compared to the impact-centric current definition. This could in turn lead to improvements in preparedness, response, allocation of resources, and possibly deterrence, while actively discouraging lack of due biosecurity diligence. Critical governance of GCBRs in ways that unpack the political power-related dimensions could be particularly valuable because the future global catastrophic events might be different in quality, scale, and actors. Theorization of GCBRs remains an important task going forward in the 21st century in ways that draw from experiences in the field, while integrating flexibility, versatility, and critically informed responses to GCBRs.
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18
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Boutet V, Dominique M, Eccles KM, Branigan M, Dyck M, van Coeverden de Groot P, Lougheed SC, Rutter A, Langlois VS. An exploratory spatial contaminant assessment for polar bear (Ursus maritimus) liver, fat, and muscle from northern Canada. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 316:120663. [PMID: 36395907 PMCID: PMC10163957 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Since the industrial era, chemicals have been ubiquitous in worldwide ecosystems. Despite the discontinued release of highly toxic persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the environment, the levels of some POPs are still being measured in the Canadian Arctic. These contaminants are of great concern due to their persistence, toxicity, and levels of bioaccumulation in food chains. Animals occupying top trophic positions in the Canadian Arctic, particularly polar bears, are exposed to these contaminants mainly through their diet. Our study investigated the levels of 30 metals (including total and methyl mercury) alkaline and alkaline earth metals, 15 polycyclic aromatic compounds and their alkyl congeners (PACs), 6 chlordanes (CHLs), and 20 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), in 49 polar bears from the Canadian Arctic. Contaminant burden was measured in liver, muscle, and fat in bears of different sex, age, and locations. A principal component analysis did not distinguish differences between age and sex profiles for most contaminants. However, the concentrations measured and their distribution in the tissues confirm findings observed in past studies. This study highlights the importance of continual monitoring of polar bear health (e.g., newly detected PACs were measured within this study) and evaluating those impacts for the next generations of polar bears.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Boutet
- Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS), Québec, Canada
| | - M Dominique
- Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS), Québec, Canada
| | - K M Eccles
- National Institute of Environmental Health Science, Division of the National Toxicology Program, Durham, USA
| | - M Branigan
- Government of the Northwest Territories, Canada
| | - M Dyck
- Government of Nunavut, Department of Environment, Igloolik, NU, Canada
| | | | - S C Lougheed
- Biology Department, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - A Rutter
- School of Environmental Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - V S Langlois
- Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS), Québec, Canada.
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Arif M, Behzad HM, Tahir M, Li C. The impact of ecotourism on ecosystem functioning along main rivers and tributaries: Implications for management and policy changes. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 320:115849. [PMID: 35961139 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Tourism along river basins benefits both tourists and the economy, but its management necessitates trade-offs between nature-based recreation and ecological functioning. Despite ecosystem services being helpful in managing environmental challenges, there are limited data on the impact of tourism activities on ecosystem functioning across different river types globally. This study investigates how people's recreational activities and values affect ecosystem functioning in high-order rivers. The original field data were collected from 308 transects along the main river and tributaries of the Three Gorges Dam Reservoir in China during 2019. Kruskal-Wallis tests (p < 0.01) revealed that the ecosystem functioning indices were significantly higher than the recreational activity and value indices around the rivers and that ecosystem functioning was highest around tributaries. The critical variables of ecotourism activities and ecosystem functioning identified by principal component analysis accounted for 66.49% of the total variance. The Pearson correlation coefficient strengths among tourism and ecosystem functioning parameters were correlated mildly to moderately, but they exhibited positive and negative connections with a range of r = -0.27 to 0.37 (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the distribution patterns of these parameters that were determined by hierarchical cluster analysis were diverse for both the main river and its tributaries. The findings suggest that the development and enforcement of zoning may be necessary for the long-term use of natural resources by all sectors of society. Therefore, it is imperative to raise public awareness and urge governments to adopt more progressive ecotourism policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Arif
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Environments in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Biological Science Research Center, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Hamid M Behzad
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Karst Environment & School of Geographical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | | | - Changxiao Li
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Environments in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Biological Science Research Center, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
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Applying Marine Protected Area Frameworks to Areas beyond National Jurisdiction. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14105971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Marine protected areas (MPAs) can provide a range of ecological benefits. Frameworks—including the IUCN protected area categories and The MPA Guide—offer tools towards evaluating an MPA’s objectives, types, Level of Protection, and potential effectiveness. However, the majority of MPAs exist in national waters, raising the question of how these frameworks apply in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ). We evaluated the existing ABNJ MPAs in the Antarctic designated through the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) using the two above mentioned frameworks. The newly released The MPA Guide, which complements guidance from the IUCN protected area categories, provides perhaps the most exhaustive framework as it seeks to evaluate implementation, enabling conditions, and outcomes. The CCAMLR MPAs ranged from Category 1A (for IUCN)/Highly Protected (for The MPA Guide) to Category IV (for IUCN)/Lightly Protected (for The MPA Guide) due to differences in management objectives and activities occurring within the zones of the MPAs. Given ongoing negotiations for a new international, legally binding treaty for high seas biodiversity, evaluating an MPA using these existing frameworks will prove useful to allow for a full comprehensive picture of an MPA and what it can expect to achieve.
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