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He M, Tian F, Zhai X, Zhou K, Zhang L, Guo X, Tang Z, Chen H. Distribution and typologies of anthropogenic seafloor litter in the Pearl River Estuary and adjacent coastal waters, China. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 203:116505. [PMID: 38772172 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116505] [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: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Marine litter pollution poses a significant threat to offshore ecosystems, eliciting widespread concern. We investigated seafloor litter patterns in the Pearl River Estuary and adjacent coastal waters of China in 2023 via bottom trawl survey. Average number and weight densities were found to be 154.34 ± 30.95 n/km2 and 2384.63 ± 923.98 g/km2, respectively. Plastic was the most abundant material by number density (79.07 %), and rubber the highest by weight density (22.93 %). Overall number density varied from 40.50 ± 22.50 to 221.13 ± 52.44 n/km2, with the highest in Daya Bay and the lowest in Guanghai Bay. Weight density varied from 189.93 ± 71.94 to 5386.70 ± 3050.30 g/km2, with the highest in Qiao Island and the lowest in Honghai Bay. The main source was plastic bags and wrappers. The Pearl River Delta and Daya Bay were identified as seafloor litter distribution hotspots. Controlling plastic waste input is crucial for reducing seafloor litter in the Pearl River Estuary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingqiao He
- College of Fisheries and Life, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Ranching, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of South China Sea Fishery Resource and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Fishery Ecology and Environment, Scientific Observation and Research Field Station of Pearl River Estuary Ecosystem, Guangdong Province, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Science, Guangzhou 510300, China
| | - Fei Tian
- Key Laboratory of Marine Ranching, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of South China Sea Fishery Resource and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Fishery Ecology and Environment, Scientific Observation and Research Field Station of Pearl River Estuary Ecosystem, Guangdong Province, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Science, Guangzhou 510300, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhai
- Shenzhen Marine Development & Promotion Center, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Kai Zhou
- Shenzhen Marine Development & Promotion Center, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Linbao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Ranching, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of South China Sea Fishery Resource and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Fishery Ecology and Environment, Scientific Observation and Research Field Station of Pearl River Estuary Ecosystem, Guangdong Province, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Science, Guangzhou 510300, China
| | - Xiangyu Guo
- Shenzhen Marine Development & Promotion Center, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Zhenzhao Tang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Ranching, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of South China Sea Fishery Resource and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Fishery Ecology and Environment, Scientific Observation and Research Field Station of Pearl River Estuary Ecosystem, Guangdong Province, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Science, Guangzhou 510300, China.
| | - Haigang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Marine Ranching, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of South China Sea Fishery Resource and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Fishery Ecology and Environment, Scientific Observation and Research Field Station of Pearl River Estuary Ecosystem, Guangdong Province, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Science, Guangzhou 510300, China.
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Rizzo L, Minichino R, Longo F, Sciutteri V, Pedà C, Consoli P, Crocetta F. Not only in the crowd: Benthic litter characterization in a low population density area still reveals widespread pollution and local malpractices. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 355:124262. [PMID: 38810686 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Various anthropogenic activities affect marine coastal habitats, leading to heavy litter pollution. However, whilst high litter concentrations are nowadays common in the proximity of metropolises, few studies investigated the magnitude of this phenomenon around coastal villages and small towns. We hereby characterized the benthic litter occurring in the trawlable grounds of the Gulf of Policastro (Tyrrhenian Sea, central-western Mediterranean), a low population density area that becomes a popular tourist destination during summer. We furthermore tested differences between two depths (∼100-200 and ∼500-600 m) and the impact of tourism on the shallower waters. The area was characterized by a litter abundance of 651.12 ± 130.61 item/km2, with plastic being almost totalitarian (93%). The shallower waters hosted two-thirds of the litter found. Almost all (∼95%) the litter items had a land-based origin, while the sea-based litter was mostly found at higher depths. About 14% of the litter was found to be fouled, with the development of litter-associated communities that somehow mimic the natural ones living on hard substrates. The higher litter presence noticed during the touristic peak (July-August) suggests that tourism is an important source of local litter, although it contributed to the local accumulation in a synergic way with other factors. The majority of the litter items presumably originated from the nearby coastline, while the deeper waters were or are used as a dumping site by the local trawling fleet. The discovery of such a critical waste accumulation and management in a somehow remote area contributes to widen the perspectives on the presence of benthic litter mostly in territories characterized by wide anthropization. Moreover, it confirms that appropriate local policies and communication plans are urged even at a regional level to stimulate citizen consciousness and mitigate the ever growing litter pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Rizzo
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council (CNR-ISPA), Via Lecce Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy; Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, I-80121, Napoli, Italy; National Interuniversity Consortium for Marine Sciences (CoNISMa), Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196, Rome, Italy.
| | - Riccardo Minichino
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Sicily Marine Centre, Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Longo
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Sicily Marine Centre, Messina, Italy
| | - Valentina Sciutteri
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Sicily Marine Centre, Messina, Italy
| | - Cristina Pedà
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Calabria Marine Centre, Amendolara, Italy
| | - Pierpaolo Consoli
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Sicily Marine Centre, Messina, Italy
| | - Fabio Crocetta
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, I-80121, Napoli, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo Piazza Marina 61, I-90133, Palermo, Italy
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3
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Barry PJ, Silburn B, Bakir A, Russell J, Tidbury HJ. Seafloor macrolitter as a settling platform for non-native species: A case study from UK waters. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 204:116499. [PMID: 38796991 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Marine litter is increasingly recognised as a vector for the spread of non-native species (NNS). However, our understanding of its role in the propagation of NNS in UK waters remains limited. As part of the Clean Seas Environmental Monitoring Programme, we opportunistically analysed seafloor macrolitter items trawled from various locations around the coast of England and Wales and examined each for the presence of NNS. Of the 41 litter items analysed, we identified a total of 133 taxa, including two non-native and four cryptogenic species. This confirms that NNS are settling on seafloor macrolitter in UK waters and that these can be detected using morphological taxonomic analysis. Furthermore, we propose a methodology to classify litter based on size, rugosity and polymer/material type to explore whether there were detectable patterns governing community composition and litter characteristics. This exploratory investigation provides evidence to inform future risk assessments of NNS vectors and pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J Barry
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, United Kingdom.
| | - B Silburn
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, United Kingdom.
| | - A Bakir
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, United Kingdom.
| | - J Russell
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, United Kingdom.
| | - H J Tidbury
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Barrack Road, Weymouth DT4 8UB, United Kingdom.
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Gönülal O, Dalyan C, Kesici NB, Aytan Ü. Distribution and composition of seafloor litter and associated macrofouling organisms in the Northeastern Mediterranean Sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 202:116328. [PMID: 38642477 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116328] [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: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
Composition, and density of marine litter and associated macrofouling organisms was assessed in the continental shelf of the Northeastern Mediterranean Sea. A total of 943 litter items weighing 388 kg were collected during 34 hauls. Plastic comprised 72 % of the total litter found on the seafloor. The mean number and weight of ML was 4241 ± 1333 items/km2 and 368 ± 87 kg/km2. Depth and distance from the shore were not identified as a significant factor affecting both the number and weight of litter. A total of 20 fouling species and eggs belonging to Mollusca, Porifera, Cnidaria, Bryozoa, Annelida, Arthropoda, and Chordata were found on marine litter. An alien Mollusca species Pinctada imbricate was also found on plastic litter. Our results confirmed that marine litter is a vector transporting a variety of organisms including alien species and being a threat for the biodiversity and human health in the Mediterranean Sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onur Gönülal
- Istanbul University, Faculty of Aquatic Sciences, 34134 Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Cem Dalyan
- Istanbul University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, 34134 Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Nur Bikem Kesici
- Istanbul University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, 34134 Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Ülgen Aytan
- Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Faculty of Fisheries, 53100 Rize, Türkiye.
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5
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Abelouah MR, Ben-Haddad M, Hajji S, Nouj N, Ouheddou M, Mghili B, De-la-Torre GE, Costa LL, Banni M, Ait Alla A. Exploring marine biofouling on anthropogenic litter in the Atlantic coastline of Morocco. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 199:115938. [PMID: 38141584 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115938] [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: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Today, the world is increasingly concerned about marine litter and its interaction with marine biodiversity. However, knowledge concerning the fouling organisms associated with marine litter is very limited in many of the world's marine environments. In this survey, we investigated biofouling on different types of marine litter washed up on all the coasts of the central Atlantic of Morocco. The findings revealed 21 fouling species belonging to 9 phyla (Arthropoda, Mollusca, Echinodermata, Annelida, Bryozoa, Porifera, Chlorophyta, Ochrophyta, and Ascomycota). More specifically, frequently observed fouling species include Mytilus galloprovincialis, Balanus laevis, Megabalanus coccopoma, and Pollicipes pollicipes species. Large marine litter items recorded the highest colonization of marine organisms in comparison to small ones. The frequency of occurrence (FO) of the species most commonly fouled on all coasts was Perforatus perforatus (FO = 48.60), followed by Mytilus galloprovincialis (FO = 45.80), Balanus trigonus (FO = 32.05), Balanus laevis (FO = 30.25), Megabalanus coccopoma (FO = 25.25), Bryozoa species (FO = 19.40), Spirobranchus triqueter (FO = 18.18), Lepas pectinata (FO = 14.45), and Pollicipes pollicipes (FO = 13.05). The majority of the species registered in this study are sessile. Substrate coverage by fouling taxa was significantly different between plastic substrate and other types of marine litter. Likewise, this study revealed that the proportion of fouling organisms is higher on rough surfaces. Overall, this research could be crucial to understanding the little-known subject of marine litter and its colonization by marine biota. Given that these marine litters can act as vectors and cause ecological, biogeographical, and conservation issues in the marine environment, minimizing the quantity of anthropogenic litter reaching the Moroccan Atlantic could significantly reduce its accumulation on the sea surface and seabed, thereby reducing the risk of invasion by non-indigenous species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Rida Abelouah
- Laboratory of Aquatic Systems: Marine and Continental Environments (AQUAMAR), Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco.
| | - Mohamed Ben-Haddad
- Laboratory of Aquatic Systems: Marine and Continental Environments (AQUAMAR), Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco.
| | - Sara Hajji
- Laboratory of Aquatic Systems: Marine and Continental Environments (AQUAMAR), Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco.
| | - Nisrine Nouj
- Material and Environmental Laboratory (LME), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir 80000, Morocco.
| | - Maryam Ouheddou
- Laboratory of Aquatic Systems: Marine and Continental Environments (AQUAMAR), Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco.
| | - Bilal Mghili
- LESCB, URL-CNRST N° 18, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Faculty of Sciences, Tetouan, Morocco.
| | - Gabriel Enrique De-la-Torre
- Grupo de Investigación de Biodiversidad, Medio Ambiente y Sociedad, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, Peru.
| | - Leonardo Lopes Costa
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Avenida Alberto Lamego, 2000, Campos dos Goytacazes CEP, Rio de Janeiro 28013-602, Brazil.
| | - Mohamed Banni
- Laboratory of Agrobio diversity and Ecotoxicology LR20AGR02, ISA, University of Sousse, Tunisia; Higher Institute of Biotechnology, ISBM, University of Monastir, Tunisia.
| | - Aicha Ait Alla
- Laboratory of Aquatic Systems: Marine and Continental Environments (AQUAMAR), Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco.
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Soares MO, Rizzo L, Ximenes Neto AR, Barros Y, Martinelli Filho JE, Giarrizzo T, Rabelo EF. Do coral reefs act as sinks for microplastics? ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 337:122509. [PMID: 37690465 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution has been detected in coral reefs, raising concerns regarding its global impact. Although they cover a small portion (<1%) of the total area of the world's oceans, coral reefs are geological and biological structures that trap MPs and disproportionately enhance their accumulation. In this review, we attempted to understand how coral reefs act as short- and long-term sinks for MPs. We describe five characteristics that lead to the enrichment of microplastics in coral reefs: 1) adhesion on reef-building corals at distinct depths; 2) ingestion by reef organisms (e.g., suspension feeders, such as sponges, ascidians, and corals), bioconcentration, and formation of short-term (i.e., years to decades) biological sinks for MPs; 3) formation of long-term (i.e., centuries) MP sinks in coral skeletons and unconsolidated subsurface sediments; 4) reduction of sediment resuspension and seafloor turbulent kinetic energy by complex marine forest architecture that reduces bottom shear stress, facilitates the retention, and deposition of small (<0.5 mm) and high-density floating MPs; and 5) diagenesis of Anthropocene sedimentary rocks containing MPs. We estimate that reef processes may remove more than 10% of floating MPs in shallow tropical waters yearly. Statistical results show that microplastic abundance for reef-building corals are higher than values found in reef sediments and especially in seawater. Moreover, pellets, films, foams and mainly fragments and fibers have been found. These field-based data support our hypothesis of sinks in the reef sediments and organisms. We highlight the role of these seascapes in the interception of MPs as traps and sinks in reef sediments, biota, and carbonate frameworks. As coral reefs are prone to MP accumulation and can become pollution hotspots, global initiatives are necessary to conserve these rich ecosystems and prevent rapidly increasing plastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo O Soares
- Instituto de Ciências Do Mar (LABOMAR), Universidade Federal Do Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza, Brazil; Center for Marine and Environmental Studies (CMES), University of the Virgin Islands (UVI), Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Reef Systems Group, Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT), Bremen, Germany.
| | - Lucia Rizzo
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council (CNR-ISPA), Via Prov.le Lecce Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; National Inter-University Consortium for Marine Sciences (CoNISMa), Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196 Roma, Italy
| | - Antonio Rodrigues Ximenes Neto
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Oceanografia Ambiental (Labogeo), Universidade Federal Do Espírito Santo (UFES), Vitória, Brazil; Departamento de Geografia/CERES, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Caicó, Brazil
| | - Yasmin Barros
- Instituto de Ciências Do Mar (LABOMAR), Universidade Federal Do Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - José Eduardo Martinelli Filho
- Centro de Estudos Avançados da Biodiversidade (CEABIO) and Instituto de Geociências, Universidade Federal Do Pará (UFPA), Belém, Brazil
| | - Tommaso Giarrizzo
- Instituto de Ciências Do Mar (LABOMAR), Universidade Federal Do Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Emanuelle F Rabelo
- Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal Rural Do Semiárido (UFERSA), Mossoró, Brazil
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Kannan G, Mghili B, Di Martino E, Sanchez-Vidal A, Figuerola B. Increasing risk of invasions by organisms on marine debris in the Southeast coast of India. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 195:115469. [PMID: 37703630 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Increasing amount of anthropogenic litter in the marine environment has provided an enormous number of substrates for a wide range of marine organisms, thus serving as a potential vector for the transport of fouling organisms. Here, we examined the fouling organisms on different types of stranded litter (plastic, glass, rubber, foam sponge, cloth, metal and wood) on eight beaches along the southeast coast of India. In total, 17 encrusting species belonging to seven phyla (Arthropoda, Bryozoa, Mollusca, Annelida, Cnidaria, Chlorophyta and Foraminifera) were identified on 367 items, with one invasive species, the mussel Mytella strigata, detected. The most common species associated with marine litter were the cosmopolitan bryozoans Jellyella tuberculata (%O = 31.64 %) and J. eburnea (28.61 %), the barnacle species Lepas anserifera (29.97 %), Amphibalanus amphitrite (22.34 %) and Amphibalanus sp. (14.16 %), and the oyster species Saccostrea cucullata (13.62 %) and Magallana bilineata (5.44 %). We also reported the first records on stranded litter of four species: the gastropod species Pirenella cingulata and Umbonium vestiarium, the foraminiferan Ammonia beccarii, and the oyster M. bilineata. This study is thus the first documentation of marine litter as a vector for species dispersal in India, where the production and consumption of plastic rank among the highest in the world. We also highlight the increasing risk of invasions by non-indigenous organisms attached to debris along the southeast coast of India. Comprehensive monitoring efforts are thus needed to elucidate the type of vectors responsible for the arrival of invasive species in this region. Raising awareness and promoting education are vital components in fostering sustainable solutions to combat plastic pollution in the country and globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunasekaran Kannan
- Centre for Aquaculture, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai 600 119, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Bilal Mghili
- LESCB, URL-CNRST N° 18, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Faculty of Sciences, Tetouan, Morocco
| | - Emanuela Di Martino
- Natural History Museum, University of Oslo - Blindern, P.O. Box 1172, Oslo 0318, Norway
| | - Anna Sanchez-Vidal
- GRC Geociències Marines, Departament de Dinàmica de la Terra i de l'Oceà, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Blanca Figuerola
- Department of Marine Biology and Oceanography, Institute of Marine Sciences (ICM-CSIC), Pg. Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, Barcelona 08003, Spain.
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8
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Mghili B, De-la-Torre GE, Aksissou M. Assessing the potential for the introduction and spread of alien species with marine litter. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 191:114913. [PMID: 37068344 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The introduction and transport of marine invasive species into new environments are a great threat to biodiversity and ecosystem services with potential economic repercussions. There are several routes and mechanisms by which alien species are transported and dispersed in the marine environment (shipping, waterways, and aquaculture). Each year, millions of tons of plastic enter the ocean. The presence of floating marine litter in marine environments provides a substrate for marine organisms and may increase the potential for the transport of alien species. Research on the role of marine litter in the introduction of alien marine species has grown exponentially in recent years. In this study, studies examining the transport and dispersal of alien species by marine litter are reviewed. In this review, we identified 67 alien species associated with marine litter. The most recurrent alien phyla found on marine litter are Arthropoda (29 %), Mollusca (23 %), Bryozoa (19 %), Annelida (7 %) and Cnidaria (5 %). Plastic appears to be more efficient in transporting alien species than by natural means. Their characteristics (buoyancy and persistence) allow them to be widely dispersed throughout all ocean compartments. Thus, plastics may act as a primary vector, carrying organisms to remote areas but can also facilitate the secondary spread of alien species between points of invasion. Despite the growing number of studies on this subject, much work remains to be done to understand the roles of plastics in the introduction of alien species and to develop solutions to mitigate the issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilal Mghili
- LESCB, URL-CNRST N 18, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Faculty of Sciences, Tetouan, Morocco.
| | - Gabriel Enrique De-la-Torre
- Grupo de Investigación de Biodiversidad, Medio Ambiente y Sociedad, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, Peru
| | - Mustapha Aksissou
- LESCB, URL-CNRST N 18, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Faculty of Sciences, Tetouan, Morocco
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9
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Gallitelli L, Cesarini G, Sodo A, Cera A, Scalici M. Life on bottles: Colonisation of macroplastics by freshwater biota. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 873:162349. [PMID: 36813195 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
While rivers are known to be the main vectors of plastics to the sea, it seems surprising that studies on interactions (e.g. colonisation/entrapment and drift) between macroplastics and biota continue to remain largely neglected, notwithstanding they represent unexpected threats to freshwater biota and riverine habitats. To fill these gaps, here we focused on the colonisation of plastic bottles by freshwater biota. To do so, we collected 100 plastic bottles from the River Tiber in summer 2021. Overall, 95 bottles were colonised externally and 23 internally. Specifically, biota mainly occurred within and outside the bottles rather than plastic pieces and organic debris. Moreover, while bottles were externally covered mainly by vegetal organisms (i.e. macrophytes), they internally entrapped more animal organisms (i.e. invertebrates). The taxa most occurring within and outside the bottles belonged to pool and low water quality-associated taxa (e.g. Lemna sp., Gastropoda, and Diptera). In addition to biota and organic debris, plastic particles also occurred on bottles reporting the first observation of 'metaplastics' (i.e. plastics encrusted on bottles). Furthermore, we observed a significant positive correlation between the colonising taxa abundance and the bottle degree degradation. In this regard, we discussed how bottle buoyancy may change due to the organic matter on the bottle, affecting bottle sinking and transport along rivers. Our findings might be crucial for understanding the underrepresented topic of riverine plastics and their colonisation by biota, given that these plastics may act as vectors and cause biogeographical, environmental, and conservation issues to freshwater habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Gallitelli
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - G Cesarini
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy.
| | - A Sodo
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - A Cera
- Institute of Freshwater Biology, Nagano University, 1088 Komaki, Ueda, Nagano 386-0031, Japan
| | - M Scalici
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy
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10
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Ma J, Chen F, Chen CC, Zhang Z, Zhong Z, Jiang H, Pu J, Li Y, Pan K. Comparison between discarded facemask and common plastic waste on microbial colonization and physiochemical properties during aging in seawater. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 455:131583. [PMID: 37201275 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Facemasks are indispensable for preventing the spread of COVID-19. However, improper disposal of discarded facemasks has led to their contamination in the marine environment. To understand the environmental risk of this emerging plastic pollution, it's important to clarify the features that distinguish discarded facemasks from common plastic waste during aging. This study compared the microbial colonization, degradation-related enzymes, and physicochemical properties among surgical masks, polystyrene cups, polycarbonate bottles, and polyethylene terephthalate bottles in their aging processes in natural seawater. Compared to the other plastic wastes, surgical masks were colonized by the most diverse microorganisms, reaching 1521 unique prokaryotic OTUs after 21-day exposure in seawater. Moreover, the activity of eukaryotic enzymes associated with plastic degradation was 80-fold higher than that in seawater, indicating that the colonized eukaryotes would be the major microorganisms degrading the surgical masks. Meanwhile, the nano-sized defects (depth between 8 and 61 nm) would evolve into cracks of bigger sizes and result in the breakage of the microfibers and releasing microplastics into the ocean. Overall, our study demonstrated a distinctive plastisphere occurred in surgical masks from both microbial and physiochemical aspects. This work provides new insights for assessing the potential risk of plastic pollution caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Ma
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, Guangdong, China
| | - Fengyuan Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, Guangdong, China
| | - Ciara Chun Chen
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, Guangdong, China; Department of Ocean Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Zihan Zhong
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, Guangdong, China
| | - Hao Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Junbao Pu
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Yanping Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, Guangdong, China
| | - Ke Pan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, Guangdong, China.
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11
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Sciutteri V, Pedà C, Longo F, Calogero R, Cangemi G, Pagano L, Battaglia P, Nannini M, Romeo T, Consoli P. Integrated approach for marine litter pollution assessment in the southern Tyrrhenian Sea: Information from bottom-trawl fishing and plastic ingestion in deep-sea fish. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 188:114661. [PMID: 36708618 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114661] [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: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Marine litter pollution threatens marine ecosystems and biodiversity conservation, particularly on seafloors where all anthropogenic waste naturally sinks. In this study, we provide new information on the composition, density and origin of seafloor macrolitter as well as on plastic ingestion in deep-sea fish from bottom-trawling by-catch in the southern Tyrrhenian Sea. Plastic constituted the highest fraction of litter in terms of density (64 %) and weight (32 %) and was also retrieved in the gastrointestinal traits of Chlorophthalmus agassizi, Coelorhynchus coelorhynchus and Hoplosthethus mediterraneus. FT-IR spectroscopy analysis on the seafloor macrolitter and the ingested plastics revealed the presence of artificial polymers including PE, PET/polyester, PA widely used for food packaging, plastic bags and several common products, especially Single Use Plastic (SUP). These results underline how poor waste management schemes or their incorrect application strongly contribute to marine litter accumulation on seafloors and plastic ingestion in deep-sea fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Sciutteri
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Sicily Marine Centre, Villa Pace, Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy.
| | - Cristina Pedà
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Sicily Marine Centre, Villa Pace, Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy.
| | - Francesco Longo
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Sicily Marine Centre, Villa Pace, Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy.
| | - Rosario Calogero
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Sicily Marine Centre, Villa Pace, Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Cangemi
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Sicily Marine Centre, Villa Pace, Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy; Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy.
| | - Luca Pagano
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Sicily Marine Centre, Villa Pace, Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy; Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy.
| | - Pietro Battaglia
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Sicily Marine Centre, Villa Pace, Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy.
| | - Matteo Nannini
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Ischia Marine Centre, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Punta San Pietro, 80077 Ischia, Naples, Italy.
| | - Teresa Romeo
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Sicily Marine Centre, Villa Pace, Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy.
| | - Pierpaolo Consoli
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Sicily Marine Centre, Villa Pace, Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy.
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12
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Angiolillo M, Fortibuoni T, Di Lorenzo B, Tunesi L. First baseline assessment of seafloor litter on Italian coralligenous assemblages (Mediterranean Sea) in accordance with the European Marine Strategy Framework Directive. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 187:114597. [PMID: 36642002 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114597] [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: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
A monitoring programme for coralligenous assemblages was carried out in Italy for implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), aiming to characterise the coralligenous' environmental status and litter distribution. A standardised monitoring protocol, based on ROV-imaging, has been applied; this paper analyses the data obtained during the first MSFD cycle (2015-2019). Ninety-five areas were monitored at depths ranging between 14 and 199 m in the three subregions bordering Italy. Overall, 4316 macrolitter items were recorded. The median litter density was 2 items 100 m-2 (range: 0-120 items 100 m-2), but significant subregional differences emerged in litter quantities and composition. Fishery-related litter (mainly lines and ropes) was the most common type (86 %), affecting vulnerable coralligenous reefs. A first baseline is proposed for assessing achievement toward Good Environmental Status and evaluation of the efficacy of the Italian MSFD measures aiming to eliminate the negative effects of marine litter on vulnerable reefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Angiolillo
- Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), Rome, Italy.
| | - Tomaso Fortibuoni
- Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), Ozzano dell'Emilia, BO, Italy
| | - Bianca Di Lorenzo
- Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), Rome, Italy
| | - Leonardo Tunesi
- Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), Rome, Italy
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13
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Santoro M, Bellisario B, Fernández-Álvarez FÁ, Crocetta F, Palomba M. Parasites and prey of the nursehound shark Scyliorhinus stellaris (Linnaeus, 1758): Insights into hidden trophic web interactions in the Mediterranean Sea. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2023; 102:271-280. [PMID: 36278782 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15259] [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: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The metazoan parasite community and the stomach contents of the nursehound shark Scyliorhinus stellaris from the Gulf of Naples (central Mediterranean Sea) were studied. The nursehound shark harboured a poor parasite community composed of a species of gill monogenean (Hexabothrium appendiculatum) and three intestinal cestode taxa (Acanthobothrium coronatum and two unidentified species of the genera Yamaguticestus and Scyphophyllidium), all represented by adult stages. Hosts were mostly parasitized by individuals of A. coronatum, which was the most abundant species and contributed to almost 80% of the total number of parasites found. Conversely, other trophically transmitted parasites (i.e., Yamaguticestus sp. and Scyphophyllidium sp.) showed low prevalence and abundance. The parasite infracommunity was poor, showing low values of species richness, total mean abundance, and diversity indices. Overall, 52 prey items belonging to 13 taxa were identified in the stomach contents. Cephalopods were the most important prey items (represented by nine taxa) and the most diverse and abundant group. In the multivariate space provided by a principal component of mixed data (PCAmix), nursehound sharks distributed along two main axes, related to individual traits (first axis) and stomach contents (including empty ones, second axis). A logistic regression based on the first two axes of the PCAmix showed a significant influence of host individual traits and, to a lesser extent, of stomach contents, regarding the probability of being infected by A. coronatum. Alongside specific traits already associated with parasites transmission, our results highlight the importance of cephalopods in transferring cestode infections through trophic web interactions in the top-predator nursehound shark.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Santoro
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Bruno Bellisario
- Department of Agriculture and Forest Sciences, University of Viterbo, Viterbo, Italy
| | | | - Fabio Crocetta
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Marialetizia Palomba
- Department of Biological and Ecological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
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14
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Ma J, Chen F, Zhang Z, Li Y, Liu J, Chen CC, Pan K. Eukaryotic community succession on discarded face masks in the marine environment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 854:158552. [PMID: 36087664 PMCID: PMC9448716 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Wearing facemasks remains an essential strategy for combating the COVID-19 pandemic. However, used masks are becoming plastic wastes that are widespread in the oceans, which is raising concerns about the potential impacts of these novel plastic niches on marine organisms. To delve into this issue, we exposed surgical masks to coastal waters for 30 days. Valuable information was recorded weekly in regard to the succession of the eukaryotic community inhabiting the masks via high-throughput 18S rRNA gene sequencing. Generally, the community on masks was significantly distinct from that in the surrounding seawater. With 1150 different eukaryotic taxa identified, the diversity of the vigorous colonizers of masks peaked at the beginning and decreased over time. A hallmark of initial colonization was the aggregation of diatoms, which formed biofilms on masks, followed by dinoflagellates that acted as a turning point for subsequent development of calcified species and other predators. This study provides insight into the eukaryotic community dynamics on discarded masks in the marine environment and highlights that the potential mask-mediated harmful species clustering may threaten the marine ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Ma
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Fengyuan Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, Guangdong Province, China; Department of Ocean Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, Guangdong Province, China; Department of Ocean Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yanping Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jingli Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ciara Chun Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ke Pan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, Guangdong Province, China.
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15
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Mghili B, De-la-Torre GE, Analla M, Aksissou M. Marine macroinvertebrates fouled in marine anthropogenic litter in the Moroccan Mediterranean. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 185:114266. [PMID: 36330936 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The existence of floating marine litter in marine environments enhances the potential for the transport of fouling organisms using these substrates as vectors. In this study, we examined the fouling organisms on different types of litter stranded on two beaches of the Moroccan Mediterranean. The study revealed 13 fouling species belonging to 8 phyla (Arthropoda, Bryozoa, Annelida, Mollusca, Cnidaria, Echinodermata, Chlorophyta, and Ochrophyta) on marine litter. Rafting vectors were almost exclusively made up of plastics and could mainly be attributed to land-based sources. The most common fouling species were the crustacean Lepas pectinata, Lepas anatifera, Perforatus perforatus, and bryozoan species. More taxa were found on large litter than on small litter. Relative substratum coverage was highest for bryozoan sp. (31.0 %), green algae (29.0 %), Lepas anatifera (21.42 %), Lepas pectinata (17.8 %), and Perforatus perforatus (17.46 %). Our results suggest that the growing generation of plastic litter may enhance the probability of the introduction of non-native species into the Moroccan Mediterranean. Therefore, monitoring efforts are needed to identify vectors and the arrival of novel invasive species in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilal Mghili
- LESCB, URL-CNRST N° 18, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Faculty of Sciences, Tetouan, Morocco.
| | - Gabriel Erique De-la-Torre
- Grupo de Investigación de Biodiversidad, Medio Ambiente y Sociedad, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, Peru
| | - Mohamed Analla
- LESCB, URL-CNRST N° 18, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Faculty of Sciences, Tetouan, Morocco
| | - Mustapha Aksissou
- LESCB, URL-CNRST N° 18, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Faculty of Sciences, Tetouan, Morocco
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16
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Cesarini G, Secco S, Battisti C, Questino B, Marcello L, Scalici M. Temporal changes of plastic litter and associated encrusting biota: Evidence from Central Italy (Mediterranean Sea). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 181:113890. [PMID: 35785720 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the temporal changes from spring to summer of the stranded litter and the composition of plastic encrusting biota along an Italian beach. Our findings highlight a higher quantity of litter (average value 1510.67 ± 581.27 items) in spring, particularly plastic material with a composition driven by currents, winds and waves transported from rivers to sea. During summer the source was caused by anti-social behaviours (e.g. cigarettes). Regarding the plastic size, the most is macroplastic (85.96 %), followed by mesoplastic (13.74 %) and megaplastic (0.30 %) overall, and no seasonal trend was observed. Concerning the encrusting biota, Mollusca was the most frequent phylum found on plastic beach litter, whereas Porifera the most abundant overall. During spring a greater abundance of individuals was recorded compared to summer. The trend of taxa richness was decreasing from spring to summer. Arthropoda, Porifera and Mollusca phyla were significantly more abundant in spring, while Algae in summer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Cesarini
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Secco
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy.
| | - Corrado Battisti
- Torre Flavia LTER (Long Term Ecological Research) Station, Protected Areas - Regional Park Service, Citta ` Metropolitana di Roma Capitale, viale G. Ribotta, 41, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Beatrice Questino
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Leonardo Marcello
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Scalici
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy
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17
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Rizzo L, Minichino R, Virgili R, Tanduo V, Osca D, Manfredonia A, Consoli P, Colloca F, Crocetta F. Benthic litter in the continental slope of the Gulf of Naples (central-western Mediterranean Sea) hosts limited fouling communities but facilitates molluscan spawning. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 181:113915. [PMID: 35868237 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Seafloor pollution by benthic litter is an emerging phenomenon, although debris colonization by biota remains largely unexplored. We characterized the litter of the continental slope (~400-600 m) of the Gulf of Naples (Mediterranean) and investigated its fouling biota through integrative taxonomic approaches. Plastic pieces (82 %) with land-based origin (96 %) and limited sizes (10-20 cm) were the items most commonly encountered, suggesting a transfer to deep waters through floating and sinking. The majority of the items were not fouled, and the debris hosted an impoverished biota, leading to hypothesize that benthic litter supports wide communities only in shallow waters. Higher colonization rates were observed for gastropod and cephalopod eggs with no preference for materials and sizes, suggesting that even small pieces of soft plastic provide a spawning habitat for molluscs and affect species' connectivity in the deep-sea ecosystem. Holistic approaches are necessary to evaluate interactions between litter and biota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Rizzo
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, I-80121 Napoli, Italy; Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council, Via Monteroni, I-73025 Lecce, Italy.
| | - Riccardo Minichino
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, I-80121 Napoli, Italy
| | - Riccardo Virgili
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, I-80121 Napoli, Italy
| | - Valentina Tanduo
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, I-80121 Napoli, Italy
| | - David Osca
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, I-80121 Napoli, Italy
| | - Alessandro Manfredonia
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, I-80121 Napoli, Italy
| | - Pierpaolo Consoli
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Pace, Contrada Porticatello 29, I-98167 Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Colloca
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Via Po 25c, I-00198 Roma, Italy
| | - Fabio Crocetta
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, I-80121 Napoli, Italy.
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18
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Santoro M, Bellisario B, Tanduo V, Crocetta F, Palomba M. Drivers of parasite communities in three sympatric benthic sharks in the Gulf of Naples (central Mediterranean Sea). Sci Rep 2022; 12:9969. [PMID: 35705658 PMCID: PMC9200773 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14024-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Sharks play a key role in the functioning of marine ecosystems and maintenance of trophic web balance, including life cycles of parasites co-occurring in their habitats. We investigated the structure of parasite communities of three sympatric shark species (Etmopterus spinax, Galeus melastomus, and Scyliorhinus canicula) and explored both the influence of host features in shaping the communities and their role as biological indicators of environment stability in the Gulf of Naples (central Mediterranean Sea), a geographical area characterized by strong anthropic pressure. Parasites found were all trophic transmitted helminths with a complex life cycle, except Lernaeopoda galei, that is a ecto-parasite copepod. Communities were all similarly impoverished with 4–5 component species and low values of species richness and diversity. Higher abundance of cestode larvae of the genus Grillotia was found in G. melastomus, although their dominance in all host species suggests that the three sharks have a similar role as intermediate/paratenic hosts in local food webs. Similarly, high abundance of Grillotia larvae could also suggest the occurrence of high abundance of largest top predators in the area. Host morphological (fork length in S. canicula and G. melastomus and body condition index in G. melastomus) and physiological (sex and gonadosomatic and hepatosomatic indices in S. canicula) variables were differently correlated to parasite community structures depending by host species. Potential reasons for the present impoverished parasite communities are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Santoro
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale 1, 80121, Naples, Italy.
| | - Bruno Bellisario
- Department of Agriculture and Forest Sciences, University of Viterbo, Via San Camillo de Lellis Snc, 01100, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Valentina Tanduo
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale 1, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Fabio Crocetta
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale 1, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Marialetizia Palomba
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale 1, 80121, Naples, Italy
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Microplastics in the Deep: Comparing Dietary and Plastic Ingestion Data between Two Mediterranean Bathyal Opportunistic Feeder Species, Galeus melastomus, Rafinesque, 1810 and Coelorinchus caelorhincus (Risso, 1810), through Stomach Content Analysis. JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/jmse10050624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Marine plastic pollution is currently an issue of mounting concern around the world. Stomach content of marine fish has been increasingly used as a valid proxy for detecting the presence of such a pollutant in marine biota, both for coastal and deep-water environments. Although ingestion of microplastics has been reported in an increasing number of species, the patterns of ingestion still remain unclear, depending closely on the interaction between the species and types of microplastics involved. In this context, we analysed and compared the stomach contents of two bathyal dwelling opportunistic feeder species namely Galeus melastomus and Coelorinchus caelorhincus. In particular, we analysed microplastic items according to their dimension, morphology and colour, and diet’s variation with size obtained through prey identification. Both species showed a higher frequency of occurrence of the blue filament-like middle-sized microplastics (1.01–4.75 mm) compared with the other categories, although this pattern was much more marked in C. caelorhincus than in G. melastomus. The latter conversely showed a larger array of ingested plastic items in terms of shape and colour. Matching plastic ingestion with dietary data suggested potential predator confusion occurring in C. caelorhincus through active mis-selection of a defined type of microplastic instead of some particular family of polychaetes, which resemble in shape, size, and color to that type. Otherwise, G. melastomus appeared more prone to a random ingestion of a larger array of microplastic items because of a more generalistic and less selective feeding strategy. Although further validation is needed, stomach contents of the two species showed evidence strong enough to be considered as potential bioindicator species of microplastic pollution, as required by the Marine Strategy Framework Directive for monitoring this pollutant in the marine environment.
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20
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Subías-Baratau A, Sanchez-Vidal A, Di Martino E, Figuerola B. Marine biofouling organisms on beached, buoyant and benthic plastic debris in the Catalan Sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 175:113405. [PMID: 35152037 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Plastic debris provides long-lasting substrates for benthic organisms, thus acting as a potential vector for their dispersion. Its interaction with these colonizers is, however, still poorly known. This study examines fouling communities on beached, buoyant and benthic plastic debris in the Catalan Sea (NW Mediterranean), and characterizes the plastic type. We found 14 specimens belonging to two phyla (Annelida and Foraminifera) on microplastics, and more than 400 specimens belonging to 26 species in 10 phyla (Annelida, Arthropoda, Brachiopoda, Bryozoa, Chordata, Cnidaria, Echinodermata, Mollusca, Porifera and Sipuncula) on macroplastics. With 15 species, bryozoans are the most diverse group on plastics. We also report 17 egg cases of the catshark Scyliorhinus sp., and highlight the implications for their dispersal. Our results suggest that plastic polymers may be relevant for distinct fouling communities, likely due to their chemical structure and/or surface properties. Our study provides evidence that biofouling may play a role in the sinking of plastic debris, as the most abundant fouled plastics had lower densities than seawater, and all bryozoan species were characteristic of shallower depths than those sampled. More studies at low taxonomic level are needed in order to detect new species introduction and potential invasive species associated with plastic debris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnau Subías-Baratau
- Department of Marine Biology and Oceanography, Institute of Marine Sciences (ICM-CSIC), Pg. Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, Barcelona 08003, Spain; GRC Geociències Marines, Departament de Dinàmica de la Terra i de l'Oceà, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Sanchez-Vidal
- GRC Geociències Marines, Departament de Dinàmica de la Terra i de l'Oceà, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Emanuela Di Martino
- Natural History Museum, University of Oslo - Blindern, P.O. Box 1172, Oslo 0318, Norway
| | - Blanca Figuerola
- Department of Marine Biology and Oceanography, Institute of Marine Sciences (ICM-CSIC), Pg. Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, Barcelona 08003, Spain.
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21
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Abundance and Composition of Marine Litter on the Seafloor of the Gulf of Sant Jordi (Western Mediterranean Sea). ENVIRONMENTS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/environments8100106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
This article analyzes the abundance and composition of marine litter in the Gulf of Sant Jordi (Catalonia, Spain). Marine litter was removed from the sea by a fishing trawler operating from the port of L’Ametlla de Mar; 56 hauls were performed between July and September 2018. The marine litter was classified following UNEP/IOC Guidelines on Survey and Monitoring of Marine Litter and EU MSFD Technical Group on Marine Litter Joint List, with a total of 2691 items collected and an average number by haul of 48 (SD 28.24). The density was 130 items km−2 but with significant differences according to trawling depth: 192 items km−2 (≤100 m) and 71.5 items km−2 (>100 m). As expected, plastic was the most commonly found material, comprising almost 80% of the total. The relative presence of plastics declined as trawling depth increased. An alarmingly high amount of sanitary waste was found. Further studies are necessary to compare summer results with those of smaller seasonal populations and to analyze what happens to sanitary waste.
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22
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Santoro M, Bellisario B, Crocetta F, Degli Uberti B, Palomba M. A molecular and ecological study of Grillotia (Cestoda: Trypanorhyncha) larval infection in small to mid-sized benthonic sharks in the Gulf of Naples, Mediterranean Sea. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:13744-13755. [PMID: 34707814 PMCID: PMC8525172 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM Trypanorhyncha cestodes comprise a wide range of heteroxenous parasites infecting elasmobranchs as definitive hosts. Limited data exist on the larval infection of these cestodes and the role of intermediate and paratenic hosts in the life cycle of these parasites. We investigated the factors that determine the occurrence and the level of infection of Grillotia plerocerci in the skeletal muscles of various benthonic sharks and analyzed the parasites through an integrative taxonomic approach. LOCATION Mediterranean Sea. METHODS Sharks obtained as bycatch of commercial trawling activities (i.e., Etmopterus spinax, Galeus melastomus, and Scyliorhinus canicula) were used in this study. Data from a limited number of Dalatias licha and Scyliorhinus stellaris were also included. Grillotia plerocerci were molecularly characterized using the partial 28S large subunit rDNA. Boosted regression trees were used to model the relationship between the abundance of infection with both morphological and physiological predictors in each host. RESULTS Plerocerci of Grillotia were detected in all shark species except S. stellaris. Host species significantly differed in terms of parasite abundance, with the highest and lowest prevalence and abundance of infection detected in G. melastomus and E. spinax, respectively. The relative influence of the traits involved in explaining the parasite abundance was related to the host size in G. melastomus, while both morphology- and physiology-related traits explained the patterns observed in E. spinax and S. canicula. The 28S rDNA sequences shared an identity of ∼99.40% with a Grillotia species previously found in the Mediterranean Sea. At intraspecific level, two different genotypes were found. A first type was retrieved only from D. licha, whereas a second type was found in G. melastomus, E. spinax, and S. canicula. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Present results suggest that the two genotypes could be involved in different consumer-resource systems and confirm most of the examined shark species as transport hosts of Grillotia species for unknown larger top predators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Santoro
- Department of Integrative Marine EcologyStazione Zoologica Anton DohrnNaplesItaly
| | - Bruno Bellisario
- Department of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences (DAFNE)University of ViterboViterboItaly
| | - Fabio Crocetta
- Department of Integrative Marine EcologyStazione Zoologica Anton DohrnNaplesItaly
| | - Barbara Degli Uberti
- Department of Animal HealthIstituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del MezzogiornoPorticiItaly
| | - Marialetizia Palomba
- Department of Integrative Marine EcologyStazione Zoologica Anton DohrnNaplesItaly
- Department of Public Health and Infectious DiseasesSection of ParasitologySapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
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23
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Morphological updates, host-specificity, molecular data and phylogenetic analysis of Acanthobothrium coronatum (Cestoda: Onchoproteocephalidea), a neglected parasite of the nursehound Scyliorhinus stellaris. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2021; 95:105023. [PMID: 34371161 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.105023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Acanthobothrium is the most speciose genus of onchoproteocephalidean cestodes, whose adults parasitize the intestine of elasmobranch fishes. Acanthobothrium coronatum, the type species of the genus described from Mediterranean elasmobranchs, remains a little known parasite, with the most recent reports dating back to the fifties. We hereby investigate host-specificity and redescribe A. coronatum from the same locality of its original description by using light and scanning electron microscopy approaches. Moreover, molecular and phylogenetic data inferred from the analysis of the 28S rDNA gene are reported for the first time. Out of the nine elasmobranch species examined from Gulf of Naples, we only detected A. coronatum in the intestine of Scyliorhinus stellaris, with infection patterns that supports evident host-specificity for this shark species. The genetic characterization of 28S rDNA showed 99.8-100% similarity with larvae previously found in Octopus vulgaris from the same area investigated here. Conspecificity between the present material and the larvae found in the octopus was also confirmed by the tree topology. The host-parasite phylogeny is discussed, even if additional molecular data are needed to clarify potential host-parasite patterns. Notwithstanding this limitation, this is the first molecular study revealing conspecificity between an adult Acanthobothrium species from a shark and the larvae found in an intermediate/paratenic host, shedding light on the transmission pathway of A. coronatum in S. stellaris. Finally, the taxonomic, molecular, and phylogenetic data presented here allow a better characterization of a neglected parasite.
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24
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Póvoa AA, Skinner LF, de Araújo FV. Fouling organisms in marine litter (rafting on abiogenic substrates): A global review of literature. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 166:112189. [PMID: 33662701 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
One of the underestimated consequences of marine litter presence on marine environment is the transportation of fouling species on detritus - a process known as rafting. We undertook a review of articles concerning rafting published between 1970 and 2020 to identify patterns and potential areas of study that could contribute to directing future research. We observed in 53 publications an increase in rafting studies from the 1990s but fewer studies have been undertaken in the Southern Atlantic. The main fouling organisms were algae, barnacles, bryozoans, mollusks and polychaetes. The transport of those organisms over time and distances, and the volumes of material transported, have been very irregular, reflecting oceanic movements and detritus generating events acting at local, regional, or trans-oceanic scales. No standardized methodologies for collecting marine litter and identifying and quantifying their fouling were observed, but are suggested in this review, to allow more accurate future comparisons among different studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Alves Póvoa
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Marinha e Ambientes Costeiros, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Outeiro de São João Batista s/n - Centro, Niterói 24020-971, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Luís Felipe Skinner
- Departamento de Ciências, Faculdade de Formação de Professores da Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rua Francisco Portela 1470, Patronato, São Gonçalo 24435-005, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Fábio Vieira de Araújo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Marinha e Ambientes Costeiros, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Outeiro de São João Batista s/n - Centro, Niterói 24020-971, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Departamento de Ciências, Faculdade de Formação de Professores da Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rua Francisco Portela 1470, Patronato, São Gonçalo 24435-005, RJ, Brazil.
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25
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Palomba M, Mattiucci S, Crocetta F, Osca D, Santoro M. Insights into the role of deep-sea squids of the genus Histioteuthis (Histioteuthidae) in the life cycle of ascaridoid parasites in the Central Mediterranean Sea waters. Sci Rep 2021; 11:7135. [PMID: 33785783 PMCID: PMC8009913 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-86248-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ascaridoid nematodes comprise a wide range of heteroxenous parasites infecting top fish predators and marine mammals as definitive hosts, with crustaceans, squids, and fishes acting as intermediate/paratenic hosts. Limited data exist on the species and role of several intermediate and paratenic hosts in the life cycle of these parasites. In the aim of adding knowledge on the role of squid species in their life cycle, we have here investigated the larval ascaridoid nematodes collected from the deep-sea umbrella squid Histioteuthis bonnelli and the reverse jewel squid Histioteuthis reversa captured in the Central Mediterranean Sea (Tyrrhenian Sea). Morphological study and sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) and the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 2 (mtDNA cox2) gene locus revealed the occurrence of Anisakis physeteris and of an unidentified species of the genus Lappetascaris. Sequence analysis revealed that specimens of Lappetascaris from both squid species matched at 100% sequences previously deposited in GenBank from larval ascaridoids collected in octopuses of the genus Eledone of the Mediterranean Sea. The Bayesian inference tree topology obtained from the analysis of the fragments amplified showed that Lappetascaris specimens were included in a major clade comprising Hysterothylacium species collected in fishes of the families Xiphiidae and Istiophoridae. As regards the site of infection in the squid host species, A. physeteris larvae predominated (60.7%) in the gonads, while those of Lappetascaris (76.3%) were found infecting the mantle musculature. The overall high values of parasitic load suggest both squid species as transmitting hosts of third stage larvae of Lappetascaris to top predator fishes, as well as the umbrella squid as an intermediate/paratenic host in the life cycle of A. physeteris in the Mediterranean Sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marialetizia Palomba
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Section of Parasitology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Simonetta Mattiucci
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Section of Parasitology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Crocetta
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - David Osca
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Mario Santoro
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy.
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26
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Rizzo L, Musco L, Crocetta F. Cohabiting with litter: Fish and benthic assemblages in coastal habitats of a heavily urbanized area. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 164:112077. [PMID: 33515821 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic litter negatively impacts the marine environment and threatens biodiversity. At the same time, it represents a suitable substrate for the settlement of sessile species, thus potentially altering composition and structure of soft bottom benthic assemblages. By using a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), we hereby investigated patterns of abundance, distribution, and origin of benthic litter in three subtidal habitats of a heavily urbanized area and tested whether litter distribution related to patterns of fish and mega- and macro-benthic diversity. Litter accumulation mostly occurred on soft bottoms, while rocky substrata were the least affected, albeit being particularly threatened by sea-based pollution. As expected, the highest biodiversity was observed on rocky bottoms, hosting notable biogenic formations (Cladocora caespitosa, Leptogorgia sarmentosa) despite the area is historically affected by anthropogenic activities. No correlation was found between biota and marine litter, suggesting that litter does not apparently influence biodiversity and distribution of the investigated assemblages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Rizzo
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, I-80121 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Luigi Musco
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, I-80121 Napoli, Italy; Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DISTEBA), University of Salento, Via Monteroni, I-73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Fabio Crocetta
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, I-80121 Napoli, Italy
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27
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Rhodolith Beds Heterogeneity along the Apulian Continental Shelf (Mediterranean Sea). JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/jmse8100813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Rhodolith beds represent a key habitat worldwide, from tropical to polar ecosystems. Despite this habitat is considered a hotspot of biodiversity, providing a suite of ecosystem goods and services, still scarce quantitative information is available thus far about rhodolith beds occurrence and ecological role, especially in the Mediterranean Sea. This study reports the composition and patterns of distribution of rhodolith assemblages found in four study areas along ca. 860 km of coast in the Central Mediterranean Sea. These rhodolith beds were studied for the first time and significant differences at all spatial scales have been highlighted, documenting the high variability of this habitat. Rhodolith species composition, morphology and distribution have been discussed considering the potential role of environmental factors in driving these patterns. The need for improving their protection is discussed to complement present conservation and management initiatives, particularly in the frame of the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive.
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28
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Margiotta F, Balestra C, Buondonno A, Casotti R, D'Ambra I, Di Capua I, Gallia R, Mazzocchi MG, Merquiol L, Pepi M, Percopo I, Saggiomo M, Sarno D, Zingone A. Do plankton reflect the environmental quality status? The case of a post-industrial Mediterranean Bay. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 160:104980. [PMID: 32907718 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2020.104980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
While the effects of industrial contamination in coastal areas may persist for years in benthos communities, plankton should not show permanent impairments because of their high spatial dynamics, fast turnover times and pronounced seasonality. To test this hypothesis, in 2019 we conducted five surveys in the Bay of Pozzuoli (Gulf of Naples, Mediterranean Sea), in front of a dismissed steel factory and in the adjacent inshore coastal waters. High seasonal variability was observed for bacteria, phytoplankton and mesozooplankton, whereas plankton spatial gradients were relatively smooth during each survey. Plankton biomass and diversity did not reveal any effects of past industrial activities not even at the innermost stations of the Bay, which however showed some signals of present anthropogenic pressure. Hydrodynamic and morphological features likely play a prominent role in maintaining a relatively good status of the plankton of the Bay, which hints at the relevance of coastal circulation and meteorological dynamics to revitalize areas impacted by human activities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cecilia Balestra
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy.
| | - Angela Buondonno
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy.
| | - Raffaella Casotti
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy.
| | - Isabella D'Ambra
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy.
| | - Iole Di Capua
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy.
| | - Roberto Gallia
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy.
| | | | - Louise Merquiol
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy.
| | - Milva Pepi
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy.
| | - Isabella Percopo
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy.
| | - Maria Saggiomo
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy.
| | - Diana Sarno
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy.
| | - Adriana Zingone
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy.
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29
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Pieretti N, Lo Martire M, Corinaldesi C, Musco L, Dell'Anno A, Danovaro R. Anthropogenic noise and biological sounds in a heavily industrialized coastal area (Gulf of Naples, Mediterranean Sea). MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 159:105002. [PMID: 32662436 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2020.105002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Underwater noise is one of the most widespread threats to the world oceans. Its negative impact on fauna is nowadays well established, but baseline data to be used in management and monitoring programs are still largely lacking. In particular, the acoustic assessment of human-impacted marine coastal areas provides complementary information on the health status of marine ecosystems. The objective of our study was to provide a baseline of underwater noise levels and biological sounds at two sites within the Gulf of Naples (Italy), one of which is located in Bagnoli-Coroglio, a Site of National Interest (SIN) for its high contamination levels. Within the SIN, sounds were recorded both before and during sediment coring activities (vibrocorer sampling), in order to investigate the potential acoustic impact due to such operations. Acoustic recordings were analyzed following the European Marine Strategy Framework Directive indications as defined in the frame of the Descriptor 11. Results reported here show that the investigated area is characterized by a high anthropogenic noise pressure. Ambient noise levels were principally driven by shipping noise and biological sounds of invertebrates (e.g., snapping shrimps). Sounds referable to other biological activity were difficult to detect because heavily masked by shipping noise. Coring activity determined a substantial introduction of additional noise at a local spatial scale. This study expands underwater noise baseline data to be further implemented in future monitoring programs of coastal areas affected by anthropogenic impacts. In addition, it proposes new cues for using underwater acoustic monitoring tools to complement traditional methodologies for evaluating health status of ecosystems and for investigating recovery rates after restoration/reclamation programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Pieretti
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente (DISVA), Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy.
| | - M Lo Martire
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente (DISVA), Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - C Corinaldesi
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Ingegneria della Materia dell'Ambiente ed Urbanistica, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - L Musco
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - A Dell'Anno
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente (DISVA), Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - R Danovaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente (DISVA), Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
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30
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Hay Mele B, Russo L, Crocetta F, Gambi C, Dell'Anno A, Danovaro R, Guglielmo R, Musco L, Patti FP, Riginella E, Tangherlini M, Ribera d'Alcalá M, D'Alelio D. Ecological assessment of anthropogenic impact in marine ecosystems: The case of Bagnoli Bay. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 158:104953. [PMID: 32217299 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2020.104953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Pollutants alter marine systems, interfering with provisioning of ecosystem services; understanding their interaction with ecological communities is therefore critical to inform environmental management. Here we propose a joint compositional- and interaction-based analysis for ecological status assessment and apply it on the benthic communities of the Bagnoli Bay. We found that contamination differentially affects the communities' composition in the bay, with prokaryotes influenced only by depth, and benthos not following the environmental gradient at all. This result is confirmed by analyses of the community structure, whose network structure suggest fast carbon flow and cycling, especially promoted by nematodes and polychaetes; the benthic prey/predator biomass ratio, adjusted for competition, successfully synthesise the status of predator taxa. We found demersal fish communities to separate into a deep, pelagic-like community, and two shallow communities where a shift from exclusive predators to omnivores occurs, moving from the most polluted to the least polluted sampling units. Finally, our study indicate that indices based on interspecific interactions are better indicators of environmental gradients than those defined based on species composition exclusively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Hay Mele
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale 80121, Naples, Italy.
| | - Luca Russo
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Fabio Crocetta
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Cristina Gambi
- Polytechnic University of Marche, Department of Life and Environmental Sciences (DiSVA), Via Brecce Bianche 60100, Ancona, Italy
| | - Antonio Dell'Anno
- Polytechnic University of Marche, Department of Life and Environmental Sciences (DiSVA), Via Brecce Bianche 60100, Ancona, Italy
| | - Roberto Danovaro
- Polytechnic University of Marche, Department of Life and Environmental Sciences (DiSVA), Via Brecce Bianche 60100, Ancona, Italy; Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosanna Guglielmo
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Punta S. Pietro, 80077 Ischia, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Musco
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale 80121, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Emilio Riginella
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale 80121, Naples, Italy
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31
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An Integrated Reconstruction of the Multiannual Wave Pattern in the Gulf of Naples (South-Eastern Tyrrhenian Sea, Western Mediterranean Sea). JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/jmse8050372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Surface gravity waves retrieved by a network of HF (High Frequency) radars and measured in situ by an ADCP (Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler) current meter connected to an elastic beacon were used to carry out a multiple-year characterization of the wave field of the Gulf of Naples (south-eastern Tyrrhenian Sea, western Mediterranean). The aim of the work was to create a climatology of the study area and to demonstrate the potential of an integrated platform for coastal studies. The patterns recorded by the different instruments were in agreement with the wave climatology of the southern Tyrrhenian Sea as well as with previous scores for the same area. The results presented in this work also highlight seasonal and interannual consistency in the wave patterns for each site. In a wider context, this study demonstrates the potential of HF radars as long-term monitoring tools of the wave field in coastal basins, and supports the development of integrated observatories to address large-scale scientific challenges such as coastal ocean dynamics and the impact of global change on the local dynamics.
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