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Valdés-Flores J, Ley-Quiñonez CP, León-Sicairos N, Flores-Villaseñor H, Velázquez-Román J, Angulo-Zamudio U, Zavala-Norzagaray A, Hart CE, Olimón-Andalón V, Leal-Moreno R, Sosa-Cornejo I, Aguirre AA, Canizalez-Román A. Comparison of the blood biochemical values of foraging and nesting Olive Ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) from Sinaloa, Mexico. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 198:106491. [PMID: 38657368 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106491] [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: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Our study aimed to establish reference values for nesting females and compare them with those previously reported to understand olive ridley turtles' health status and contribute to long-term health assessment and monitoring in foraging and nesting areas from the state of Sinaloa, Mexico. In August and September 2018, morphometric data and biochemical profiles were collected from 33 nesting olive ridley turtles from Ceuta Beach Sanctuary (CBS) and 14 foraging female turtles captured at the foraging site, Navachiste Marine Area (NMA). Nesting turtles sampled had greater CCL (65.86 ± 1.70 cm) than those from the foraging area (61.54 ± 1.22) (p < 0.05). Regarding biochemical profiles, post-nesting turtles had higher packed cell volume (PCV), albumin, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), cholesterol, triglycerides, and calcium than turtles from the foraging area (p < 0.05). Phosphorus levels were higher in foraging turtles than in nesting turtles (p = 0.001), while the remaining parameters showed no significant differences. The present study describes for the first time the blood biochemical values of nesting turtles from the Ceuta Beach Sanctuary in southern Sinaloa, Mexico, similar to those of foraging turtles from the north of the state. The significant differences observed between the two analysis groups may be due to the energy reserves and reproductive and nesting activity of the nesting turtles, so the blood biochemistry values described in this study can be used as a standard reference blood value for the olive ridley turtle population of Sinaloa, Mexico.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Valdés-Flores
- Programa Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, 80040, Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | | | - Nidia León-Sicairos
- School of Medicine, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, 80019, Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico; Pediatric Hospital of Sinaloa, 80200, Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Hector Flores-Villaseñor
- School of Medicine, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, 80019, Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico; The Sinaloa State Public Health Laboratory, Secretariat of Health, 80020, Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Jorge Velázquez-Román
- School of Medicine, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, 80019, Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Uriel Angulo-Zamudio
- School of Medicine, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, 80019, Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | | | - Catherine E Hart
- Centro de Investigaciones Oceánicas del Mar de Cortés, Gran Acuario Mazatlán, 82017, Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Vicente Olimón-Andalón
- Programa Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, 80040, Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Renato Leal-Moreno
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, CIIDIR-SIN, 81049, Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Ingmar Sosa-Cornejo
- Programa Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, 80040, Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - A Alonso Aguirre
- Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology, Warner College of Natural Resources, Colorado State University, 80523, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Adrian Canizalez-Román
- School of Medicine, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, 80019, Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico; The Women's Hospital, Secretariat of Health, 80020, Culiacan, Mexico.
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2
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Noh HJ, Moon Y, Shim WJ, Cho EV, Hong SH. Experimental study on color and texture as cues for plastic debris ingestion by captive sea turtles. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 200:116055. [PMID: 38295483 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116055] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Sea turtles face considerable risks from ingesting marine debris. They are primarily visual feeders, so color may be important for identifying food suitability or enhancing prey detection. Here, we investigated the impacts of color and texture on foraging behavior in relation to plastic consumption. We experimentally assessed the influences of color and texture as attractors for sea turtles using edible jellyfish. The findings showed that the colors of objects significantly affected selective preferences, as evidenced by different behaviors by sea turtles in response to different colors. They exhibited diet-related selectivity toward colors similar to common aquarium food, and texture had a significant impact on complete ingestion. The results suggest that plastic resembling natural prey is more likely ingested. Also, sea turtles were attracted by the color yellow, suggesting that visually distinctive items can attract them. Our results provide fundamental knowledge, helping mitigate the effects of plastic pollution on wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee-Jin Noh
- Ecological Risk Research Department, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea
| | - Yelim Moon
- Ecological Risk Research Department, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea; Department of Ocean Science, KIOST School, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Joon Shim
- Ecological Risk Research Department, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea; Department of Ocean Science, KIOST School, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Vit Cho
- Department of Aqua, Aqua Planet, Yeosu 59744, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Hee Hong
- Ecological Risk Research Department, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea; Department of Ocean Science, KIOST School, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea.
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3
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Mosquera-Ortega M, Rodrigues de Sousa L, Susmel S, Cortón E, Figueredo F. When microplastics meet electroanalysis: future analytical trends for an emerging threat. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2023; 15:5978-5999. [PMID: 37921647 DOI: 10.1039/d3ay01448g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are a major modern challenge that must be addressed to protect the environment, particularly the marine environment. Microplastics, defined as particles ≤5 mm, are ubiquitous in the environment. Their small size for a relatively large surface area, high persistence and easy distribution in water, soil and air require the development of new analytical methods to monitor their presence. At present, the availability of analytical techniques that are easy to use, automated, inexpensive and based on new approaches to improve detection remains an open challenge. This review aims to outline the evolution and novelties of classical and advanced methods, in particular the recently reported electroanalytical detectors, methods and devices. Among all the studies reviewed here, we highlight the great advantages of electroanalytical tools over spectroscopic and thermal analysis, especially for the rapid and accurate detection of microplastics in the sub-micron range. Finally, the challenges faced in the development of automated analytical methods are discussed, highlighting recent trends in artificial intelligence (AI) in microplastics analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Mosquera-Ortega
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioanalysis (LABB), Department of Biological Chemistry and IQUIBICEN, Faculty of Sciences, University of Buenos Aires and CONICET, Ciudad Universitaria, Buenos Aires (1428), Argentina.
- Basic Science Department, Faculty Regional General Pacheco, National Technological University, Argentina
| | - Lucas Rodrigues de Sousa
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioanalysis (LABB), Department of Biological Chemistry and IQUIBICEN, Faculty of Sciences, University of Buenos Aires and CONICET, Ciudad Universitaria, Buenos Aires (1428), Argentina.
- Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Goias, Campus Samambaia, Goiania, Brazil
| | - Sabina Susmel
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences (Di4A), University of Udine, Via Sondrio 2/A, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Eduardo Cortón
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioanalysis (LABB), Department of Biological Chemistry and IQUIBICEN, Faculty of Sciences, University of Buenos Aires and CONICET, Ciudad Universitaria, Buenos Aires (1428), Argentina.
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology at Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Federico Figueredo
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioanalysis (LABB), Department of Biological Chemistry and IQUIBICEN, Faculty of Sciences, University of Buenos Aires and CONICET, Ciudad Universitaria, Buenos Aires (1428), Argentina.
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4
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Nama S, Shanmughan A, Nayak BB, Bhushan S, Ramteke K. Impacts of marine debris on coral reef ecosystem: A review for conservation and ecological monitoring of the coral reef ecosystem. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 189:114755. [PMID: 36905864 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114755] [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: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Coral reefs are the most spectacular underwater creation of nature. It enhances ecosystem functioning and marine biodiversity while also ensuring the livelihood of millions of coastal communities worldwide. Unfortunately, marine debris poses a serious threat to ecologically sensitive reef habitats and their associated organisms. Over the past decade, marine debris has been regarded as a major anthropogenic threat to marine ecosystems and gained scientific attention around the globe. However, the sources, types, abundance, distribution, and potential consequences of marine debris on reef ecosystems are hardly known. The goal of this review is to provide an overview of the current status of marine debris in various reef ecosystems across the world, with special emphasis on its sources, abundance, distribution, species impacted, major categories, potential impacts and management strategies. Furthermore, the adhesion mechanisms of microplastics to coral polyps, diseases caused by microplastics and are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suman Nama
- Fisheries Resource Harvest and Post-Harvest Management Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Panch Marg, Off Yari Road, Versova, Mumbai 400061, India.
| | - Ashna Shanmughan
- Fisheries Resource Harvest and Post-Harvest Management Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Panch Marg, Off Yari Road, Versova, Mumbai 400061, India
| | - Binaya Bhusan Nayak
- Fisheries Resource Harvest and Post-Harvest Management Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Panch Marg, Off Yari Road, Versova, Mumbai 400061, India
| | - Shashi Bhushan
- Fisheries Resource Harvest and Post-Harvest Management Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Panch Marg, Off Yari Road, Versova, Mumbai 400061, India
| | - Karankumar Ramteke
- Fisheries Resource Harvest and Post-Harvest Management Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Panch Marg, Off Yari Road, Versova, Mumbai 400061, India
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Darmon G, Schulz M, Matiddi M, Loza AL, Tòmàs J, Camedda A, Chaieb O, El Hili HA, Bradai MN, Bray L, Claro F, Dellinger T, Dell'Amico F, de Lucia GA, Duncan EM, Gambaiani D, Godley B, Kaberi H, Kaska Y, Martin J, Moreira C, Ostiategui P, Pham CK, Piermarini R, Revuelta O, Rodríguez Y, Silvestri C, Snape R, Sozbilen D, Tsangaris C, Vale M, Vandeperre F, Miaud C. Drivers of litter ingestion by sea turtles: Three decades of empirical data collected in Atlantic Europe and the Mediterranean. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 185:114364. [PMID: 36435019 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Sea turtles are considered as bio-indicators for monitoring the efficiency of restoration measures to reduce marine litter impacts on health. However, the lack of extended and standardised empirical data has prevented the accurate analysis of the factors influencing litter ingestion and the relationships with individual health. Historic data collected from 1988 and standard data collected from 2016 were harmonised to enable such analyses on necropsied loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) in eight Mediterranean and North-East Atlantic countries. Litter was found in 69.24 % of the 1121 individuals, mostly single-use and fishing-related plastics. Spatial location, sex and life history stage explained a minor part of litter ingestion. While no relationships with health could be detected, indicating that all individuals can be integrated as bio-indicators, the mechanistic models published in literature suggest that the high proportion of plastics in the digestive contents (38.77 % per individual) could have long-term repercussions on population dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaëlle Darmon
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE-PSL University, IRD, Biogéographie et Écologie des Vertébrés, Montpellier, France.
| | - Marcus Schulz
- AquaEcology GmbH & Co. KG, AquaEcology, Steinkamp 19, 26125 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Marco Matiddi
- Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Nekton Lab, Via di Castel Romano 100, 00144 Roma, RM, Italy
| | - Ana Liria Loza
- University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, EcoAqua University Institute, Telde, Las Palmas 35214, Spain
| | - Jesús Tòmàs
- Marine Zoology Unit, Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, University of Valencia, UVEG, Valencia, Spain
| | - Andrea Camedda
- Institute for Coastal Marine Environment-National Research Council (IAS-CNR) - Institute of Anthropic Impacts and Sustainability in marine environment/National Research Council, Institute of Anthropic Impact and Sustainability in Marine Environment - National Research Council Oristano Section, Località Sa Mardini, 09170 Torregrande, Oristano, Italy
| | - Olfa Chaieb
- Tunisian National Institute for the Sciences and Technologies of the Sea, 28 rue du 2 mars 1934, 2025 Salammbô, Tunisia
| | - Hedia A El Hili
- Centre National de Veille Zoosanitaire (National Center for wildlife health monitoring), Tunisia
| | - Mohamed N Bradai
- Tunisian National Institute for the Sciences and Technologies of the Sea, 28 rue du 2 mars 1934, 2025 Salammbô, Tunisia
| | - Laura Bray
- Institute of Oceanography, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), 46.7 km Athinon-Souniou Ave., Anavyssos, Attiki, 19013, Greece
| | - Françoise Claro
- National museum of natural history, UMS OFB-MNHN-CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Thomas Dellinger
- University of Madeira - Estação de Biologia Marinha do Funchal, Cais de Carvão - Promenade da Orla Marítima P-9000-107 Funchal / Madeira, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos (CIBIO), 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
| | - Florence Dell'Amico
- Centre d'études et de soins pour les tortues marines (CESTM) - Aquarium La Rochelle, Quai Louis Prunier, 17000 La Rochelle, France
| | - Giuseppe A de Lucia
- Institute for Coastal Marine Environment-National Research Council (IAS-CNR) - Institute of Anthropic Impacts and Sustainability in marine environment/National Research Council, Institute of Anthropic Impact and Sustainability in Marine Environment - National Research Council Oristano Section, Località Sa Mardini, 09170 Torregrande, Oristano, Italy
| | - Emily M Duncan
- Marine Turtle Research Group, Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, UK; Ocean Science Institute - OKEANOS, Universidade dos Açores, MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, 9900-138 Horta, Portugal
| | - Delphine Gambaiani
- CESTMED Center for the Study and Conservation of Mediterranean Sea Turtles, Av. du Palais de la Mer, 30240 Le Grau-du-Roi, France
| | - Brendan Godley
- Marine Turtle Research Group, Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, UK
| | - Helen Kaberi
- Institute of Oceanography, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), 46.7 km Athinon-Souniou Ave., Anavyssos, Attiki, 19013, Greece
| | - Yakup Kaska
- Pamukkale University, Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Denizli, Turkey
| | - Jessica Martin
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE-PSL University, IRD, Biogéographie et Écologie des Vertébrés, Montpellier, France
| | - Cláudia Moreira
- University of Coimbra, MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Department of Life Sciences, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Patricia Ostiategui
- University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, EcoAqua University Institute, Telde, Las Palmas 35214, Spain
| | - Christopher K Pham
- Ocean Science Institute - OKEANOS, Universidade dos Açores, MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, 9900-138 Horta, Portugal
| | - Raffaella Piermarini
- Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Nekton Lab, Via di Castel Romano 100, 00144 Roma, RM, Italy
| | - Ohiana Revuelta
- Marine Zoology Unit, Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, University of Valencia, UVEG, Valencia, Spain
| | - Yasmina Rodríguez
- Ocean Science Institute - OKEANOS, Universidade dos Açores, MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, 9900-138 Horta, Portugal
| | - Cecilia Silvestri
- Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Nekton Lab, Via di Castel Romano 100, 00144 Roma, RM, Italy
| | - Robin Snape
- Marine Turtle Research Group, Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, UK
| | - Dogăn Sozbilen
- Pamukkale University, Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Denizli, Turkey
| | - Catherine Tsangaris
- Institute of Oceanography, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), 46.7 km Athinon-Souniou Ave., Anavyssos, Attiki, 19013, Greece
| | - Maria Vale
- Regional Fund for Science and Technology (FRCT), Azores Regional Government, Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal
| | - Frederic Vandeperre
- Ocean Science Institute - OKEANOS, Universidade dos Açores, MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, 9900-138 Horta, Portugal
| | - Claude Miaud
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE-PSL University, IRD, Biogéographie et Écologie des Vertébrés, Montpellier, France
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Parker-Jurd FNF, Smith NS, Gibson L, Nuojua S, Thompson RC. Evaluating the performance of the 'Seabin' - A fixed point mechanical litter removal device for sheltered waters. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 184:114199. [PMID: 36209536 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical interventions are increasingly suggested as a means of removing plastic litter from aquatic environments; their performance is rarely evaluated, but such information is critical to inform policy interventions such as those required to facilitate UNEA 5.2. The Seabin, a fixed-point device designed to remove floating litter in sheltered waters was examined in an urban tidal marina (Southwest UK). It captured on average 58 litter items/day; chiefly plastic pellets, polystyrene balls and plastic fragments. It also captured one marine organism for every 3.6 items of litter, or 13 organisms/day, half of which were dead upon retrieval. The rate of litter capture was inferior to manual cleaning conducted with nets from pontoons or vessels. Hence, in this location the Seabin was of minimal benefit in terms of marine litter removal and resulted in mortality of marine organisms. The presence of such devices could also precipitate false optimism and reliance on technological solutions, rather than systemic changes in our production, use, and disposal of plastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence N F Parker-Jurd
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drakes Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK.
| | - Natalie S Smith
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drakes Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Liam Gibson
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drakes Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK; Strategic Planning and Infrastructure, Plymouth City Council, Ballard House, West Hoe Road, Plymouth PL1 3BJ, UK
| | - Sohvi Nuojua
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drakes Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK; Faculty of Education, University of Oulu, FI-90014 Oulu, Finland
| | - Richard C Thompson
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drakes Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
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7
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Camedda A, Matiddi M, Vianello A, Coppa S, Bianchi J, Silvestri C, Palazzo L, Massaro G, Atzori F, Ruiu A, Piermarini R, Cocumelli C, Briguglio P, Hochscheid S, Brundu R, de Lucia GA. Polymer composition assessment suggests prevalence of single-use plastics among items ingested by loggerhead sea turtles in the western mediterranean sub-region. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 292:118274. [PMID: 34606971 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The ingestion of plastic is becoming a major concern for various species and particularly for marine turtles across the globe. The loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) was recently chosen by the European Commission as a bio-indicator for plastic pollution within the Mediterranean basin. We further investigated which items this key species is more prone to ingest, following the standardised Marine Strategy Framework Directive protocols. Moreover, we integrated to this protocol the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, which allowed us to determine the polymer type of each item. We analysed samples from 226 sea turtles from 2008 to 2017 in two areas of the western Mediterranean sub-region (sensu MSFD). In the Lazio area we found a frequency of occurrence of plastic ingestion of 78.33%, while in Sardinia 41.79%. The analysis of the litter categories, among all individuals, highlights a prevalence of user-sheet (Use-She; 69.13%) and user-fragment plastics (Use-Fra; 20.84%). In addition, the polymer analysis showed a dominance of polyethylene (65.98%) and polypropylene (26.23%). As a result, by looking at other works that have investigated polymer types and items sources, we are able to infer that 77.25% of the objects ingested by the C. caretta individuals are attributable to disposable daily-life objects managed in an improper way. Therefore, C. caretta apart from being an efficient bio-indicator for plastic pollution, highlighting spatial and temporal concentration differences, it could also be used to verify the effectiveness of the Single-use Plastic Directive (EU 2019/904).
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Camedda
- Institute of Anthropic Impact and Sustainability in Marine Environment - National Research Council Oristano Section, Località Sa Mardini 09170 Torregrande, Oristano, Italy
| | - Marco Matiddi
- Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Via Vitaliano Brancati 48, 00144, Roma, Italy
| | - Alvise Vianello
- Aalborg University, Section of Water and Environment, Department of the Built Environment, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9220, Aalborg Øst, Denmark
| | - Stefania Coppa
- Institute of Anthropic Impact and Sustainability in Marine Environment - National Research Council Oristano Section, Località Sa Mardini 09170 Torregrande, Oristano, Italy.
| | - Jessica Bianchi
- Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Via Vitaliano Brancati 48, 00144, Roma, Italy; Department of Ecology and Biology, University of Tuscia, Via S. Camillo de Lellis 44, 01100, Viterbo, VT, Italy
| | - Cecilia Silvestri
- Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Via Vitaliano Brancati 48, 00144, Roma, Italy
| | - Luca Palazzo
- Institute of Anthropic Impact and Sustainability in Marine Environment - National Research Council Oristano Section, Località Sa Mardini 09170 Torregrande, Oristano, Italy; Department of Ecology and Biology, University of Tuscia, Via S. Camillo de Lellis 44, 01100, Viterbo, VT, Italy
| | - Giorgio Massaro
- Institute of Anthropic Impact and Sustainability in Marine Environment - National Research Council Oristano Section, Località Sa Mardini 09170 Torregrande, Oristano, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Atzori
- Department of Ecology and Biology, University of Tuscia, Via S. Camillo de Lellis 44, 01100, Viterbo, VT, Italy; Capo Carbonara MPA- Municipality of Villasimius, 09049, Villasimius (SU), Italy
| | - Angelo Ruiu
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Della Sardegna - Struttura Complessa Diagnostica di Oristano, Via Atene, Z.I., 09170, Oristano, Italy
| | - Raffaella Piermarini
- Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Via Vitaliano Brancati 48, 00144, Roma, Italy
| | - Cristiano Cocumelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Del Lazio e Della Toscana M. Aleandri, via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178, Roma, Italy
| | - Paolo Briguglio
- Clinica Veterinaria "due Mari", Via Cagliari 313, 09170, Oristano, Italy
| | - Sandra Hochscheid
- Marine Turtle Research Center, Dipartment of Animal Conservation and Public Engagement, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Via Nuova Macello 16, 80055, Portici, Italy
| | - Roberto Brundu
- "Penisola Del Sinis e Isola di Mal di Ventre" Marine Protected Area, P.zza Eleonora 1, 09072, Cabras, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Andrea de Lucia
- Institute of Anthropic Impact and Sustainability in Marine Environment - National Research Council Oristano Section, Località Sa Mardini 09170 Torregrande, Oristano, Italy
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Yaghmour F, Al Bousi M, Al Naqbi H, Whittington-Jones B, Rodríguez-Zarate CJ. Junk food: Interspecific and intraspecific distinctions in marine debris ingestion by marine turtles. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 173:113009. [PMID: 34607128 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113009] [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: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The pervasiveness of marine debris is now considered one of the most persistent changes in marine environments. This study reports marine debris ingested by green sea turtles Chelonia mydas and loggerhead sea turtles Caretta caretta that stranded along the eastern coast of the Sharjah Emirate in the United Arab Emirates. We observed that both green and loggerhead sea turtles frequently ingest (Frequency of Occurrence: 75.0% and 57.1% respectively) high quantities of marine debris, particularly plastics. The results suggest that green sea turtles are more likely to ingest soft items such as threads and sheets while loggerheads are more likely to ingest hard items. When considering the quantity, frequency and nature of ingested marine debris as well as the physiology of specific species and age classes, green sea turtles, particularly younger specimens, ingest the greatest amount of marine debris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fadi Yaghmour
- Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre (Scientific Research Department), Environment and Protected Areas Authority, Kalba, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Marwa Al Bousi
- EPAA Kalba Office (Scientific Research Department), Environment and Protected Areas Authority, Kalba, United Arab Emirates
| | - Halima Al Naqbi
- EPAA Kalba Office (Scientific Research Department), Environment and Protected Areas Authority, Kalba, United Arab Emirates
| | - Brendan Whittington-Jones
- Sharjah Desert Park Office (Scientific Research Department), Environment and Protected Areas Authority, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Clara Jimena Rodríguez-Zarate
- Sharjah Desert Park Office (Scientific Research Department), Environment and Protected Areas Authority, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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9
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Choi DY, Gredzens C, Shaver DJ. Plastic ingestion by green turtles (Chelonia mydas) over 33 years along the coast of Texas, USA. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 173:113111. [PMID: 34743072 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Despite exponential growth of anthropogenic marine debris in recent decades, plastic ingestion by marine turtles in the Gulf of Mexico is not well understood. Gastrointestinal tracts were examined from 464 green turtles that stranded in Texas between 1987 and 2019, and 226 turtles ingested plastic (48.7%). This number doubled from 32.5% in 1987-1999 to 65.5% in 2019, but mass of ingested items was lowest in 2019. No turtles showed evidence of death directly related to plastic ingestion. Compared to other regions, plastic ingestion was low. Small turtles (<25 cm straight carapace length) ingested plastic more frequently and in greater amounts than larger turtles. Small turtles also ingested more hard plastic while larger turtles ingested more sheet-like and thread-like plastics, which may correspond to size-based habitat shifts. This is among the largest marine turtle ingestion studies to date and demonstrates an increasing prevalence of plastic ingestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Y Choi
- Padre Island National Seashore, National Park Service, Corpus Christi, TX 78418, United States of America; Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, United States of America.
| | - Christian Gredzens
- Padre Island National Seashore, National Park Service, Corpus Christi, TX 78418, United States of America
| | - Donna J Shaver
- Padre Island National Seashore, National Park Service, Corpus Christi, TX 78418, United States of America
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10
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Rice N, Hirama S, Witherington B. High frequency of micro- and meso-plastics ingestion in a sample of neonate sea turtles from a major rookery. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 167:112363. [PMID: 33895595 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
We studied marine litter ingestion in 380 neonate sea turtles that washed ashore dead onto Florida's central Atlantic coast (USA) following onshore winds. Our sample of "washbacks" included 284 loggerheads (Caretta caretta), 95 green turtles (Chelonia mydas), and one hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata). Of these, 78.7% had ingested plastics and 45.3% had ingested tar. There was a significant relationship between turtles' carapace length and total mass of ingested plastic. Ingested plastics included microplastics (<5 mm) and larger sizes up to 25% of carapace length. Washbacks' body condition indices were significantly poorer than condition indices of wild turtles captured at sea. Washbacks showed a negative association between plastic load and body condition index, evidence that high plastic loads resulted in diminished nutrition, with possible effects on somatic growth, stage duration, and survivorship. Evidence points to plastics ingestion being an important source of population-level effects in neonate sea turtles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikia Rice
- Mission Clean Beaches Inc., 1253 Haulover St., Palm Bay, FL 32908, USA.
| | - Shigetomo Hirama
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, 1105 Southwest Williston Road, Gainesville, FL 32601, USA
| | - Blair Witherington
- Inwater Research Group, Inc., 4160 NE Hyline Dr., Jensen Beach, FL 34957, USA
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11
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Sinaei M, Zare R, Talebi Matin M, Ghasemzadeh J. Marine Debris and Trace Metal (Cu, Cd, Pb, and Zn) Pollution in the Stranded Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas). ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2021; 80:634-644. [PMID: 33751194 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-021-00829-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Marine debris and trace metals are among the common environmental contaminants known to affect marine organisms. In this study, the quantitative and qualitative aspects of marine debris levels and bioaccumulation of trace metals (Cadmium: Cd; Copper: Cu; Lead: Pb; and Zinc: Zn) were investigated in 42 green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) stranded on the northern coast of the Sea of Oman. The greatest quantity of debris was found in the intestine, stomach, and esophagus of the animals, respectively. Results of a Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) subcategory analysis of the ingested debris showed that sheet and thread-like plastics were the most frequently detected debris followed by various rubbish. The results revealed that white-colored debris were the most common debris, followed by black > green > blue > transparent > and brown ones. The results suggested that the rope monofilament was the main source of the ingested debris by the green sea turtles. Concentrations of the trace metals in the liver, kidney, and muscle ranged between 0.66-33.43, 0.36-15.12, and 0.33-7.47 μg/g (ww), respectively. The results of this study suggest that ingested marine debris and tissue concentrations of trace metals are present at levels that may cause sublethal effects on green sea turtles (C. mydas) through potentially affecting the physiological processes and making the turtles susceptible to other natural or human threats. Results indicated that the green sea turtles from the northern coast of the Sea of Oman have high interaction with the marine debris. These factors are considered as a serious threat to the existence and survival of the green sea turtles (C. mydas) living on the northern coast of the Sea of Oman.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmood Sinaei
- Department of Fisheries, Marine Environment Research Center, Islamic Azad University, Chabahar branch, Chabahar, Iran
| | - Rouhollah Zare
- Department of Marine Biology, Faculty of Marine Science, Chabahar Maritime University, Chabahar,, Province of Sistan dan Baluchestan, Iran.
| | | | - Javad Ghasemzadeh
- Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Marine Science, Chabahar Maritime University, Chabahar, Province of Sistan dan Baluchestan, Iran
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12
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Kedzierski M, Frère D, Le Maguer G, Bruzaud S. Why is there plastic packaging in the natural environment? Understanding the roots of our individual plastic waste management behaviours. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 740:139985. [PMID: 32563872 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Plastic waste is now a classic contaminant of the natural environment and the origins of the contamination need to be well understood. The transition from a useful object to a waste product is a fundamental moment that, from the point of view of the scientific literature, remains poorly understood. This review therefore aims to highlight some factors controlling this intentionality, but also those that influence individual waste management behaviours. For this purpose, an original approach involving the study of the amount of knowledge within different disciplinary fields of research has been employed. The results underline that the low direct impact of the consequences on their users of the discarding of plastic packaging seems to be an important reason for individual mismanagement. Furthermore, the modern individual behaviours of the discarding of plastics are often deeply rooted in the past of the populations. Policies to reduce waste disposal come up against strong individual behavioural constraints that limit the proper management of plastic waste. Thus, incivilities, difficulty in enforcing sanctions, or public opposition to changes in waste management are all factors that contribute to the maintenance waste discarding behaviour. The reuse behaviour of objects that have become useless is also historically attested, but has tended to disappear with the rise of the consumer society. This type of behaviour, whose valorisation is a way of reducing plastic waste abandonment behaviour, remains, however, less scientifically studied than other ways such as recycling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dominique Frère
- TEMOS UMR CNRS 9016, Université Bretagne Sud, 56100 Lorient, France
| | | | - Stéphane Bruzaud
- IRDL UMR CNRS 6027, Université Bretagne Sud, 56100 Lorient, France
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13
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Prata JC, da Costa JP, Lopes I, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos T. Environmental status of (micro)plastics contamination in Portugal. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2020; 200:110753. [PMID: 32450440 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.110753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Plastics and microplastics are ubiquitous contaminants in aquatic ecosystems. This critical review is the first attempt at analyzing sources, concentration, impacts and solutions of (micro)plastic litter in Portugal based on all currently available literature. We found that, besides sea-based sources (e.g. shipping, fishing), 5717 t of mismanaged waste and 4.1 trillion microplastics from wastewater, mostly from untreated wastewater, are released to the environment every year. The highest concentrations are found in the North, Center and Lisbon regions, mostly comprised of consumer products, fishing gear and microplastics (<5 mm), especially fragments and pellets. This contamination has resulted in ingestion of plastics by organisms, including mussels, fishes, birds and turtles. Thus, every Portuguese citizen may consume 1440 microplastics a year based on the consumption of mollusks. Awareness campaigns, improvements in waste management and reductions in the release of untreated wastewater are recommended measures to reduce plastic pollution in Portugal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana C Prata
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - João P da Costa
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Isabel Lopes
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
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14
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Digka N, Bray L, Tsangaris C, Andreanidou K, Kasimati E, Kofidou E, Komnenou A, Kaberi H. Evidence of ingested plastics in stranded loggerhead sea turtles along the Greek coastline, East Mediterranean Sea. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 263:114596. [PMID: 32325357 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114596] [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: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Plastic debris has become a major threat to the marine environment and wildlife. Sea turtles are particularly vulnerable, and are known to ingest plastic debris globally; however, information from Greek waters is still absent. In this study, 36 stranded dead loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) were collected from the Greek coastline area, and their gastrointestinal content was analysed for ingested plastic debris. Twenty-six individuals (72%) were found to have ingested plastic, with an average of 7.94 ± 3.85 (SE) plastic items per turtle. In total, 286 plastic items were counted and categorised by size, shape, colour, and polymer type. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry revealed that polypropylene and polyethylene were the dominant polymer plastic types found. Results indicated a variation in plastic ingestion amongst life stages of the loggerhead specimens. This study provides evidence of plastic ingestion by loggerhead turtles in Greek waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikoletta Digka
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, 46.7 km Athens-Sounion Ave. Anavyssos, Attiki, 19013, Greece.
| | - Laura Bray
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, 46.7 km Athens-Sounion Ave. Anavyssos, Attiki, 19013, Greece
| | - Catherine Tsangaris
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, 46.7 km Athens-Sounion Ave. Anavyssos, Attiki, 19013, Greece
| | | | - Eirini Kasimati
- ARCHELON, The Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece, Solomou 57, 104 32, Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelia Kofidou
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, St. Voutyra Str, Thessaloniki, 54627, Greece
| | - Anastasia Komnenou
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, St. Voutyra Str, Thessaloniki, 54627, Greece
| | - Helen Kaberi
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, 46.7 km Athens-Sounion Ave. Anavyssos, Attiki, 19013, Greece
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15
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Baptista Neto JA, de Carvalho DG, Medeiros K, Drabinski TL, de Melo GV, Silva RCO, Silva DCP, de Sousa Batista L, Dias GTM, da Fonseca EM, Dos Santos Filho JR. The impact of sediment dumping sites on the concentrations of microplastic in the inner continental shelf of Rio de Janeiro/Brazil. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2019; 149:110558. [PMID: 31542605 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.110558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The marine environment is constantly being impacted by anthropogenic activities. Nowadays, microplastics (MPs) representing one of the most deleterious material among of all substances and material from anthropogenic origin. The Microplastics (MPs) are particles smaller than 5 mm. This study presents information on abundance, distribution, type and colour of microplastics in the bottom sediments of the continental Shelf of Rio de Janeiro State. This area is strongly impacted due to its location in front of one of the most polluted coastal bays in the Brazilian Coastline. It receives untreated sewage from an Ipanema Beach submarine emissary and also a great amount of sediments dredged from Rio de Janeiro Harbour, which strongly influences the distribution of MPs in the area. The analyses detected the presence of MP in 100% of the samples, composed mainly by secondary microplastics, and almost 50% were fibers, followed by plastic films, plastic fragments and pellets. Based on the nature of the sources of the MP, a great variety of colours was shown, dominated by four main colours: blue, white, transparent, and black, this pattern could potentially increase their bioavailability due to resemblance to prey items, especially to visual raptorial species.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Antonio Baptista Neto
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Instituto de Geociências, Departamento de Geologia e Geofísica, Av. Gen. Milton Tavares de Souza s/no, Gragoatá - Campus da Praia Vermelha, 24210-346, Niterói, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Diego Gomes de Carvalho
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Instituto de Geociências, Departamento de Geologia e Geofísica, Av. Gen. Milton Tavares de Souza s/no, Gragoatá - Campus da Praia Vermelha, 24210-346, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Kidian Medeiros
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Instituto de Geociências, Departamento de Geologia e Geofísica, Av. Gen. Milton Tavares de Souza s/no, Gragoatá - Campus da Praia Vermelha, 24210-346, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Thiago L Drabinski
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Instituto de Geociências, Departamento de Geologia e Geofísica, Av. Gen. Milton Tavares de Souza s/no, Gragoatá - Campus da Praia Vermelha, 24210-346, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Vaz de Melo
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Instituto de Geociências, Departamento de Geologia e Geofísica, Av. Gen. Milton Tavares de Souza s/no, Gragoatá - Campus da Praia Vermelha, 24210-346, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Rafael Cuellar O Silva
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Instituto de Geociências, Departamento de Geologia e Geofísica, Av. Gen. Milton Tavares de Souza s/no, Gragoatá - Campus da Praia Vermelha, 24210-346, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Diogo Ceddia Porto Silva
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Instituto de Geociências, Departamento de Geologia e Geofísica, Av. Gen. Milton Tavares de Souza s/no, Gragoatá - Campus da Praia Vermelha, 24210-346, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Leandro de Sousa Batista
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Instituto de Geociências, Departamento de Geologia e Geofísica, Av. Gen. Milton Tavares de Souza s/no, Gragoatá - Campus da Praia Vermelha, 24210-346, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Gilberto Tavares Macedo Dias
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Instituto de Geociências, Departamento de Geologia e Geofísica, Av. Gen. Milton Tavares de Souza s/no, Gragoatá - Campus da Praia Vermelha, 24210-346, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Estefan Monteiro da Fonseca
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Instituto de Geociências, Departamento de Geologia e Geofísica, Av. Gen. Milton Tavares de Souza s/no, Gragoatá - Campus da Praia Vermelha, 24210-346, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - João Regis Dos Santos Filho
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Instituto de Geociências, Departamento de Geologia e Geofísica, Av. Gen. Milton Tavares de Souza s/no, Gragoatá - Campus da Praia Vermelha, 24210-346, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
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16
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Lenaker PL, Baldwin AK, Corsi SR, Mason SA, Reneau PC, Scott JW. Vertical Distribution of Microplastics in the Water Column and Surficial Sediment from the Milwaukee River Basin to Lake Michigan. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:12227-12237. [PMID: 31618011 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b03850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic contamination was studied along a freshwater continuum from inland streams to the Milwaukee River estuary to Lake Michigan and vertically from the water surface, water subsurface, and sediment. Microplastics were detected in all 96 water samples and 9 sediment samples collected. Results indicated a gradient of polymer presence with depth: low-density particles decreased from the water surface to the subsurface to sediment, and high-density particles had the opposite result. Polymer identification results indicated that water surface and subsurface samples were dominated by low-density polypropylene particles, and sediment samples were dominated by more dense polyethylene terephthalate particles. Of the five particle-type categories (fragments, films, foams, pellets/beads, and fibers/lines), fibers/lines were the most common particle-type and were present in every water and sediment sample collected. Fibers represented 45% of all particles in water samples and were distributed vertically throughout the water column regardless of density. Sediment samples were dominated by black foams (66%, identified as styrene-butadiene rubber) and to a lesser extent fibers/lines (29%) with approximately 89% of all of the sediment particles coming from polymers with densities greater than 1.1 g cm-3. Results demonstrated that polymer density influenced partitioning between the water surface and subsurface and the underlying surficial sediment and the common practice of sampling only the water surface can result in substantial bias, especially in estuarine, harbor, and lake locations where water surface concentrations tend to overestimate mean water column concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter L Lenaker
- Upper Midwest Water Science Center , U.S. Geological Survey , 8505 Research Way , Middleton , Wisconsin 53562 , United States
| | - Austin K Baldwin
- Idaho Water Science Center , U.S. Geological Survey , 230 Collins Road , Boise , Idaho 83702 , United States
| | - Steven R Corsi
- Upper Midwest Water Science Center , U.S. Geological Survey , 8505 Research Way , Middleton , Wisconsin 53562 , United States
| | - Sherri A Mason
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry , State University of New York at Fredonia , 280 Central Avenue, Science Complex 340 , Fredonia , New York 14063 , United States
| | - Paul C Reneau
- Upper Midwest Water Science Center , U.S. Geological Survey , 8505 Research Way , Middleton , Wisconsin 53562 , United States
| | - John W Scott
- Illinois Sustainable Technology Center/Prairie Research Institute , University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign , One Hazelwood Road , Champaign , Illinois 61820 , United States
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17
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Agamuthu P, Mehran SB, Norkhairah A, Norkhairiyah A. Marine debris: A review of impacts and global initiatives. WASTE MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOLID WASTES AND PUBLIC CLEANSING ASSOCIATION, ISWA 2019; 37:987-1002. [PMID: 31084415 DOI: 10.1177/0734242x19845041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Marine debris, defined as any persistent manufactured or processed solid material discarded, disposed of or abandoned in the marine and coastal environment, has been highlighted as a contaminant of global environmental and economic concern. The five main categories of marine debris comprise of plastic, paper, metal, textile, glass and rubber. Plastics is recognised as the major constituent of marine debris, representing between 50% and 90% of the total marine debris found globally. Between 4.8 and 12.7 million metric tonnes of consumer plastics end up in the world oceans annually, resulting in the presence of more than 100 million particles of macroplastics in only 12 regional seas worldwide, and with 51 trillion particles of microplastic floating on the ocean surface globally. The impacts of marine debris can be branched out into three categories; injury to or death of marine organisms, harm to marine environment and effects on human health and economy. Marine mammals often accidentally ingest marine debris because of its appearance that can easily be mistaken as food. Moreover, floating plastics may act as vehicles for chemicals and/or environmental contaminants, which may be absorbed on to their surface during their use and permanence into the environment. Additionally, floating plastics is a potential vector for the introduction of invasive species that get attached to it, into the marine environment. In addition, human beings are not excluded from the impact of marine debris as they become exposed to microplastics through seafood consumption. Moreover, landscape degradation owing to debris accumulation is an eyesore and aesthetically unpleasant, thus resulting in decreased tourism and subsequent income loss. There are a wide range of initiatives that have been taken to tackle the issue of marine debris. They may involve manual removal of marine debris from coastal and aquatic environment in form of programmes and projects organised, such as beach clean-ups by scientific communities, non-governmental organizations and the removal of marine litter from Europe's four regional seas, respectively. Other initiatives focus on assessment, reduction, prevention and management of marine debris under the umbrella of international (the United Nations Environment Programme/Mediterranean Action Plan, the Oslo/Paris Convention) and regional organisations - that is, the Helsinki Commission. There are also a number of international conventions and national regulations that encourage mitigation and management of marine debris. However, it is argued that these initiatives are short-term unsustainable solutions and the long-term sustainable solution would be adoption of circular economy. Similarly, four of the sustainable developmental goals have targets that promote mitigation of marine debris by efficient waste management and practice of 3R. As evident by the Ad Hoc Expert Group on Marine Litter and Microplastics meeting, tackling the marine debris crisis is not a straightforward, one-size-fits-all solution, but rather an integrated and continuous effort required at local, regional and global level.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Agamuthu
- Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Center for Research in Waste Management, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - S B Mehran
- Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - A Norkhairah
- Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - A Norkhairiyah
- Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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18
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Franzellitti S, Canesi L, Auguste M, Wathsala RHGR, Fabbri E. Microplastic exposure and effects in aquatic organisms: A physiological perspective. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2019; 68:37-51. [PMID: 30870694 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2019.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The impact of microplastics (MPs) on aquatic life, given their ubiquitous presence in the water compartment, represents a growing concern. Consistently, scientific knowledge is advancing rapidly, although evidence on actual adverse effects is still highly fragmented. This paper summarizes the recent literature on MP impacts on aquatic organisms in an attempt to link routes of uptake, possible alterations of physiological processes, and outcomes at different levels of biological organization. Animal feeding strategies and MP biodistribution is discussed, alongside with relevant effects at molecular, cellular, and systemic level. Pathways from animal exposure to apical physiological responses are examined to define the relevance of MPs for animal health, and to point out open questions and research gaps. Emphasis is given to emerging threats posed by leaching of plastic additives, many of which have endocrine disruption potential. The potential role of MPs as substrates for microorganism growth and vehicle for pathogen spreading is also addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Franzellitti
- Animal and Environmental Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences (BIGEA), University of Bologna, Ravenna, Italy.
| | - Laura Canesi
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Manon Auguste
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Rajapaksha H G R Wathsala
- Animal and Environmental Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences (BIGEA), University of Bologna, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Elena Fabbri
- Animal and Environmental Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences (BIGEA), University of Bologna, Ravenna, Italy
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19
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Alimba CG, Faggio C. Microplastics in the marine environment: Current trends in environmental pollution and mechanisms of toxicological profile. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2019; 68:61-74. [PMID: 30877952 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2019.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 331] [Impact Index Per Article: 66.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The global plastics production has increased from 1.5 million tons in the 1950s to 335 million tons in 2016, with plastics discharged into virtually all components of the environment. Plastics rarely biodegrade but through different processes they fragment into microplastics and nanoplastics, which have been reported as ubiquitous pollutants in all marine environments worldwide. This study is a review of trend in marine plastic pollution with focus on the current toxicological consequences. Microplastics are capable of absorbing organic contaminants, metals and pathogens from the environment into organisms. This exacerbates its toxicological profile as they interact to induced greater toxic effects. Early studies focused on the accumulation of plastics in the marine environment, entanglement of and ingestions by marine vertebrates, with seabirds used as bioindicators. Entanglement in plastic debris increases asphyxiation through drowning, restrict feeding but increases starvation, skin abrasions and skeletal injuries. Plastic ingestion causes blockage of the guts which may cause injury of the gut lining, morbidity and mortality. Small sizes of the microplastics enhance their translocation across the gastro-intestinal membranes via endocytosis-like mechanisms and distribution into tissues and organs. While in biological systems, microplastics increase dysregulation of gene expression required for the control of oxidative stress and activating the expression of nuclear factor E2-related factor (Nrf) signaling pathway in marine vertebrates and invertebrates. These alterations are responsible for microplastics induction of oxidative stress, immunological responses, genomic instability, disruption of endocrine system, neurotoxicity, reproductive abnormities, embryotoxicity and trans-generational toxicity. It is possible that the toxicological effects of microplastics will continue beyond 2020 the timeline for its ending by world environmental groups. Considering that most countries in African and Asia (major contributors of global plastic pollutions) are yet to come to terms with the enormity of microplastic pollution. Hence, majority of countries from these regions are yet to reduce, re-use or re-circle plastic materials to enhance its abatement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chibuisi Gideon Alimba
- Cell Biology and Genetics unit, Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo), Technical University of Dortmund, 44139 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Caterina Faggio
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina Viale Ferdinando Stagno d'Alcontres 31 98166, S Agata, Messina, Italy.
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Rizzi M, Rodrigues FL, Medeiros L, Ortega I, Rodrigues L, Monteiro DS, Kessler F, Proietti MC. Ingestion of plastic marine litter by sea turtles in southern Brazil: abundance, characteristics and potential selectivity. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2019; 140:536-548. [PMID: 30803675 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.01.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Revised: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The ingestion of plastic marine litter (PML) by sea turtles is widespread and concerning, and the five species that occur in the southwestern Atlantic - green, loggerhead, olive ridley, leatherback and hawksbill - are vulnerable to this pollution. Here, we quantified and characterized PML ingested by these species in southern Brazil, and observed PML ingestion in 49 of 86 sampled individuals (~57.0%). Green turtles presented the highest rates and variety of ingested plastics, and such ingestion has been high at least since 1997. Omnivorous turtles presented higher PML ingestion than carnivorous ones. Loggerheads displayed a negative correlation between body size and number of ingested items. Green turtles ingested mostly flexible transparent and flexible/hard white plastics; loggerheads ate mainly flexible, hard and foam fragments, in white and black/brown colors. These results help us better understand PML ingestion by sea turtles, highlighting the seriousness of this threat and providing information for prevention and mitigation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Rizzi
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Oceanografia Biológica - PPGOB, Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Av. Itália, km 8, CEP 96201-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil.
| | - Fábio L Rodrigues
- Centro de Estudos Costeiros, Limnológicos e Marinhos (CECLIMAR), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Campus Litoral Norte, 95625-000 Imbé, RS, Brazil
| | - Luciana Medeiros
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Oceanografia Biológica - PPGOB, Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Av. Itália, km 8, CEP 96201-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Ileana Ortega
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Oceanografia Biológica - PPGOB, Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Av. Itália, km 8, CEP 96201-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Lucas Rodrigues
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Oceanografia Biológica - PPGOB, Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Av. Itália, km 8, CEP 96201-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Danielle S Monteiro
- Núcleo de Educação e Monitoramento Ambiental - NEMA, Rua Maria Araújo, 450 - Cassino, CEP 96207-480 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Felipe Kessler
- Escola de Química e Alimentos, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Av. Itália, km 8, CEP 96201-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Maíra C Proietti
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Oceanografia Biológica - PPGOB, Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Av. Itália, km 8, CEP 96201-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
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Staffieri E, de Lucia GA, Camedda A, Poeta G, Battisti C. Pressure and impact of anthropogenic litter on marine and estuarine reptiles: an updated "blacklist" highlighting gaps of evidence. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:1238-1249. [PMID: 30417235 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-3616-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
We report an arrangement on the effect of anthropogenic litter on marine and estuarine reptiles, checking for evidence about different types of impact (ingestion vs. entanglement) and pressure (three size-based categories). From 1976 to 2018, we obtained a "blacklist" of 11 species impacted by marine litter (about 13% of 85 species of marine and estuarine reptiles), belonging to three orders (Testudines, Squamata, and Crocodilia). We obtained only occasional evidence of an impact for Squamata (Hidrophis elegans, Disteira major) and Crocodilia (Crocodylus porosus). Regarding the different types of pressure, the highest number of evidence has been obtained for macro-litter (10 species) and the lowest for micro-litter (4 species, all Chelonidae). Among Testudines, Lepidochelys kempii and Natator depressus evidenced a lack of data for micro-plastic. In Squamata, information is lacking for micro-plastic with only occasional references for meso-plastic (in Hydrophis elegans) and macro-plastic (Disteira major and Crocodylus porosus). We obtained a direct correlation between the research effort and the number of citations regarding different types of pressure and impact of marine litter: therefore, our blacklist of impacted species could be increased, carrying out further research focused on other poorly studied marine and estuarine reptiles. We suggest the use of a standardized nomenclature to reduce the amount of lost information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Staffieri
- Dipartimento di Scienze, Università degli Studi di Roma Tre, Viale Marconi 446, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Andrea de Lucia
- Institute for Coastal Marine Environment-National Research Council (IAMC-CNR), loc. Sa Mardini, 09170, Oristano, Italy
| | - Andrea Camedda
- Institute for Coastal Marine Environment-National Research Council (IAMC-CNR), loc. Sa Mardini, 09170, Oristano, Italy
| | - Gianluca Poeta
- Dipartimento di Scienze, Università degli Studi di Roma Tre, Viale Marconi 446, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Corrado Battisti
- "Torre Flavia" LTER (Long Term Ecological Research) Station, Città Metropolitana di Roma Capitale - Servizio Aree protette - Parchi regionali, via Tiburtina 691, Rome, Italy.
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22
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Battisti C, Kroha S, Kozhuharova E, De Michelis S, Fanelli G, Poeta G, Pietrelli L, Cerfolli F. Fishing lines and fish hooks as neglected marine litter: first data on chemical composition, densities, and biological entrapment from a Mediterranean beach. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:1000-1007. [PMID: 30456619 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-3753-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
We reported first data on the densities and chemical composition of fishing lines and fish hooks deposited on a Mediterranean beach. On a sampling area of 1.5 ha, we removed a total of 185,028 cm of fishing lines (density 12.34 cm/m2) and 33 hooks (density 22 units/ha). Totally, 637.62 g (42.5 mg/m2) of fishing lines were collected. We sampled 120 items entangled belongings to 7 animal taxa (density 6.49 items/100 m of fishing lines). We also observed a not quantifiable number of egagropiles (Posidonia oceanica spheroids), Rhodophyceae (Halymenia sp.) and segments of reeds of Phragmites communis, trapped in the fishing lines. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used in order to identify the chemical composition of the fishing lines: 92% was made of nylon while 8.0% was determined as fluorocarbon based polymers (polyvinylidene fluoride). Because of their subtlety and reduced size, sandy beach cleaning operations should include at least two consecutive removal samplings: indeed, a part of this litter (12.14%) is not removed in the first sampling. The unexpected high density of fishing lines suggests specific management actions aimed to periodically remove this neglected anthropogenic litter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corrado Battisti
- 'Torre Flavia' LTER (Long Term Ecological Research) Station, Protected Areas - Regional Parks Service, Città Metropolitana di Roma Capitale, via Tiburtina, 691, 00159, Rome, Italy.
| | - Silvio Kroha
- Dipartimento di Scienze, Università degli studi Roma Tre, viale Marconi, 446, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Elina Kozhuharova
- Dipartimento di Scienze, Università degli studi Roma Tre, viale Marconi, 446, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia De Michelis
- Dipartimento di Scienze, Università degli studi Roma Tre, viale Marconi, 446, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuliano Fanelli
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Poeta
- Dipartimento di Scienze, Università degli studi Roma Tre, viale Marconi, 446, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Loris Pietrelli
- ENEA-C.R. Casaccia, Via Anguillarese, 301, 00123, Rome, Italy
| | - Fulvio Cerfolli
- Department of Ecology and Biology Sciences (DEB), Tuscia University, Largo dell'Università, snc, Blocco C, 01100, Viterbo, Italy
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Domènech F, Aznar FJ, Raga JA, Tomás J. Two decades of monitoring in marine debris ingestion in loggerhead sea turtle, Caretta caretta, from the western Mediterranean. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 244:367-378. [PMID: 30352351 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.10.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2018] [Revised: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic marine debris is one of the major worldwide threats to marine ecosystems. The EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) has established a protocol for data collection on marine debris from the gut contents of the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), and for determining assessment values of plastics for Good Environmental Status (GES). GES values are calculated as percent turtles having more than average plastic weight per turtle. In the present study, we quantify marine debris ingestion in 155 loggerhead sea turtles collected in the period 1995-2016 in waters of western Mediterranean (North-east Spain). The study aims (1) to update and standardize debris ingestion data available from this area, (2) to analyse this issue over two decades using Zero-altered (hurdle) models and (3) to provide new data to compare the only GES value available (off Italian waters). The composition of marine debris (occurrence and amounts of different categories) was similar to that found in other studies for the western Mediterranean and their amounts seem not to be an important threat to turtle survival in the region. Model results suggest that, in the study area, (a) period of stranding or capture, (b) turtle size and (c) latitude are significant predictors of anthropogenic debris ingestion (occurrence and amount) in turtles. The GES value for late juvenile turtles (CCL>40 cm) has decreased in the last ten years in the study area, and this is very similar to that obtained in Italian waters. We also provide a GES value for early juvenile turtles (CCL≤40 cm) for the first time. Recommendations arising from this study include ensuring use of (1) the standardized protocol proposed by the MSFD for assessing marine debris ingestion by loggerhead sea turtles and (2) the ecology of the turtles (neritic vs oceanic), rather than their size, to obtain GES values.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Domènech
- Marine Zoology Unit, Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
| | - F J Aznar
- Marine Zoology Unit, Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - J A Raga
- Marine Zoology Unit, Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - J Tomás
- Marine Zoology Unit, Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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24
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Bonanno G, Orlando-Bonaca M. Perspectives on using marine species as bioindicators of plastic pollution. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2018; 137:209-221. [PMID: 30503427 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 09/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The ever-increasing level of marine pollution due to plastic debris is a globally recognized threat that needs effective actions of control and mitigation. Using marine organisms as bioindicators of plastic pollution can provide crucial information that would better integrate the spatial and temporal presence of plastic debris in the sea. Given their long and frequent migrations, numerous marine species that ingest plastics can provide information on the presence of plastic debris but only on large spatial and temporal scales, thus making it difficult to identify quantitative correlations of ingested plastics within well-defined spatio-temporal patterns. Given the complex dynamics of plastics in the sea, the biomonitoring of marine plastic debris should rely on the combination of several bioindicator species with different characteristics that complement each other. Other critical aspects include the standardization of sampling protocols, analytical detection methods and metrics to evaluate the effects of ingested plastics in marine species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Bonanno
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Via Antonino Longo 19, 95125 Catania, Italy.
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25
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Yaghmour F, Al Bousi M, Whittington-Jones B, Pereira J, García-Nuñez S, Budd J. Marine debris ingestion of green sea turtles, Chelonia mydas, (Linnaeus, 1758) from the eastern coast of the United Arab Emirates. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2018; 135:55-61. [PMID: 30301072 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The deleterious effects of marine debris ingestion on marine turtles are well documented in literature globally. In this study, the qualitative and quantitative aspects of marine debris ingested by 14 stranded green sea turtles Chelonia mydas, (Linnaeus, 1758) along the eastern coast of the United Arab Emirates were investigated. The numeric and gravimetric proportions of debris in the esophagus, stomach and intestines were documented following classification of color, presumed sources and Marine Strategy Framework Directive categories and sub-categories. The results show that 85.7% of the specimens examined consumed marine debris. On average, specimens consumed 61.9 ± 17.2 items of 1.0 ± 0.3 g mass. Plastics, particularly white, and transparent thread-like and sheet-like plastics, were the predominant debris ingested. The results reflect a potentially high level of interaction between green sea turtles and anthropogenic marine debris along the Gulf of Oman coast of the UAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fadi Yaghmour
- Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre (Scientific Research Department), Environment and Protected Areas Authority, Kalba, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Marwa Al Bousi
- Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre (Scientific Research Department), Environment and Protected Areas Authority, Kalba, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Brendan Whittington-Jones
- Sharjah Desert Park (Scientific Research Department), Environment and Protected Areas Authority, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - John Pereira
- Sharjah Desert Park (Scientific Research Department), Environment and Protected Areas Authority, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Soledad García-Nuñez
- Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife, Environment and Protected Areas Authority, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Jane Budd
- Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife, Environment and Protected Areas Authority, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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26
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Fossi MC, Pedà C, Compa M, Tsangaris C, Alomar C, Claro F, Ioakeimidis C, Galgani F, Hema T, Deudero S, Romeo T, Battaglia P, Andaloro F, Caliani I, Casini S, Panti C, Baini M. Bioindicators for monitoring marine litter ingestion and its impacts on Mediterranean biodiversity. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 237:1023-1040. [PMID: 29153726 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Revised: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/05/2017] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The Mediterranean Sea has been described as one of the most affected areas by marine litter in the world. Although effects on organisms from marine plastic litter ingestion have been investigated in several oceanic areas, there is still a lack of information from the Mediterranean Sea. The main objectives of this paper are to review current knowledge on the impact of marine litter on Mediterranean biodiversity, to define selection criteria for choosing marine organisms suitable for use as bioindicator species, and to propose a methodological approach to assessing the harm related to marine litter ingestion in several Mediterranean habitats and sub-regions. A new integrated monitoring tool that would provide the information necessary to design and implement future mitigation actions in the Mediterranean basin is proposed. According to bibliographic research and statistical analysis on current knowledge of marine litter ingestion, the area of the Mediterranean most studied, in terms of number of species and papers in the Mediterranean Sea is the western sub-area as well as demersal (32.9%) and pelagic (27.7%) amongst habitats. Applying ecological and biological criteria to the most threatened species obtained by statistical analysis, bioindicator species for different habitats and monitoring scale were selected. A threefold approach, simultaneously measuring the presence and effects of plastic, can provide the actual harm and sub-lethal effects to organisms caused by marine litter ingestion. The research revealed gaps in knowledge, and this paper suggests measures to close the gap. This and the selection of appropriate bioindicator species would represent a step forward for marine litter risk assessment, and the implementation of future actions and mitigation measures for specific Mediterranean areas, habitats and species affected by marine litter ingestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cristina Fossi
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli, 4, 53100 Siena, Italy; National Inter-University Consortium for Marine Sciences, CoNISMa, ULR Siena, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00182 Roma, Italy
| | - Cristina Pedà
- ISPRA, Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Laboratory of Milazzo, Via dei Mille 46, 98057 Milazzo, ME, Italy
| | - Montserrat Compa
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares, Muelle de Poniente s/n, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Catherine Tsangaris
- Hellenic Center for Marine Research, Institute of Oceanography, 46.7 Km Athens Sounio, Mavro Lithari, P.O. Box 19013, Anavissos, Attica, Greece
| | - Carme Alomar
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares, Muelle de Poniente s/n, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Francoise Claro
- Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, GTMF, CP41, 57 Rue Cuvier, 75231 Paris Cedex 05, France
| | - Christos Ioakeimidis
- UN Environment/MAP MED POL, Barcelona Convention Secretariat, Vas. Konstantinou 48, Athens 11635, Greece
| | - Francois Galgani
- IFREMER, French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea, Immeuble Agostini, ZI Furiani, 20600 Bastia, France
| | - Tatjana Hema
- UN Environment/MAP MED POL, Barcelona Convention Secretariat, Vas. Konstantinou 48, Athens 11635, Greece
| | - Salud Deudero
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares, Muelle de Poniente s/n, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Teresa Romeo
- ISPRA, Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Laboratory of Milazzo, Via dei Mille 46, 98057 Milazzo, ME, Italy
| | - Pietro Battaglia
- ISPRA, Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Laboratory of Milazzo, Via dei Mille 46, 98057 Milazzo, ME, Italy
| | - Franco Andaloro
- ISPRA, Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Laboratory of Milazzo, Via dei Mille 46, 98057 Milazzo, ME, Italy
| | - Ilaria Caliani
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli, 4, 53100 Siena, Italy; National Inter-University Consortium for Marine Sciences, CoNISMa, ULR Siena, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00182 Roma, Italy
| | - Silvia Casini
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli, 4, 53100 Siena, Italy; National Inter-University Consortium for Marine Sciences, CoNISMa, ULR Siena, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00182 Roma, Italy
| | - Cristina Panti
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli, 4, 53100 Siena, Italy; National Inter-University Consortium for Marine Sciences, CoNISMa, ULR Siena, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00182 Roma, Italy.
| | - Matteo Baini
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli, 4, 53100 Siena, Italy; National Inter-University Consortium for Marine Sciences, CoNISMa, ULR Siena, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00182 Roma, Italy
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27
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Vélez-Rubio GM, Teryda N, Asaroff PE, Estrades A, Rodriguez D, Tomás J. Differential impact of marine debris ingestion during ontogenetic dietary shift of green turtles in Uruguayan waters. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2018; 127:603-611. [PMID: 29475703 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.12.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Revised: 12/16/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic debris ingestion has been reported for green turtles in all their life stages worldwide. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the marine debris ingestion by green turtles stranded in Uruguayan coast between 2005 and 2013. Debris items were categorized and quantified by frequency of occurrence, relative weight, volume and number of items. A total of 96 dead stranded turtles were analyzed and 70% presented debris in their guts. The majority of debris found were plastic, being hard plastics the most abundant in weight. We found no differences in debris ingestion in stranded turtles a long the Uruguayan coast. However we detected a negative correlation between the presence of debris and turtle's size. Smaller turtles are new recruits to neritic grounds indicating that the early juvenile stage of this species is the most vulnerable to this threat in the Southwestern Atlantic.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M Vélez-Rubio
- Marine Zoology Unit, Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutive Biology, University of Valencia, Aptdo. 22085, 46071, Valencia, Spain; Karumbe NGO, Av. Rivera 3245, CP 11400, Montevideo, Uruguay.
| | - N Teryda
- Marine Zoology Unit, Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutive Biology, University of Valencia, Aptdo. 22085, 46071, Valencia, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Conicet, C 7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - P E Asaroff
- Universidad Favaloro, Entre Ríos 495, C1079ABE, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - A Estrades
- Karumbe NGO, Av. Rivera 3245, CP 11400, Montevideo, Uruguay; Museo Nacional de Historia Natural, 25 de mayo 582, CC 399, CP 11000, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - D Rodriguez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Conicet, C 7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - J Tomás
- Marine Zoology Unit, Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutive Biology, University of Valencia, Aptdo. 22085, 46071, Valencia, Spain.
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Stewart TA, Booth DT, Rusli MU. Influence of sand grain size and nest microenvironment on incubation success, hatchling morphology and locomotion performance of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) at the Chagar Hutang Turtle Sanctuary, Redang Island, Malaysia. AUST J ZOOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1071/zo19025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The nest microenvironment affects hatching and emergence success, sex ratios, morphology, and locomotion performance of hatchling sea turtles. Sand grain size is hypothesised to influence the nest microenvironment, but the influence of sand grain size on incubation of sea turtle eggs has rarely been experimentally tested. At the Chagar Hutang Turtle Sanctuary, Redang Island, Malaysia, green turtle (Chelonia mydas) nests were relocated to sands with different sand grain sizes on a natural beach to assess whether grain size affects nest temperature, oxygen partial pressure inside the nest, incubation success, hatchling morphology and hatchling locomotion performance. Green turtle nests in coarse sand were cooler; however, hatching success, nest emergence success, oxygen partial pressure, incubation length and hatchling size were not influenced by sand particle size. Nests in medium-grained sands were warmest, and hatchlings from these nests were better self-righters but poorer crawlers and swimmers. Hatchling self-righting ability was not correlated with crawling speed or swimming speed, but crawling speed was correlated with swimming speed, with hatchlings typically swimming 1.5–2 times faster than they crawled. Hence, we found that sand particle size had minimal influence on the nest microenvironment and hatchling outcomes.
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29
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Matiddi M, Hochsheid S, Camedda A, Baini M, Cocumelli C, Serena F, Tomassetti P, Travaglini A, Marra S, Campani T, Scholl F, Mancusi C, Amato E, Briguglio P, Maffucci F, Fossi MC, Bentivegna F, de Lucia GA. Loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta): A target species for monitoring litter ingested by marine organisms in the Mediterranean Sea. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017. [PMID: 28651091 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.06.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Marine litter is any persistent, manufactured or processed solid material discarded, disposed of or abandoned in the marine and coastal environment. Ingestion of marine litter can have lethal and sub-lethal effects on wildlife that accidentally ingests it, and sea turtles are particularly susceptible to this threat. The European Commission drafted the 2008/56/EC Marine Strategy Framework Directive with the aim to achieve a Good Environmental Status (GES), and the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta, Linnaeus 1758) was selected for monitoring the amount and composition of litter ingested by marine animals. An analogous decision has been made under the UNEP/MAP Barcelona Convention for the protection of the Mediterranean Sea, following the Ecosystem Approach. This work provides for the first time, two possible scenarios for the Marine Strategy Framework Directive GES, both related to "Trends in the amount and composition of litter ingested by marine animals" in the Mediterranean Sea. The study validates the use of the loggerhead turtle as target indicator for monitoring the impact of litter on marine biota and calls for immediate use of this protocol throughout the Mediterranean basin and European Region. Both GES scenarios are relevant worldwide, where sea turtles and marine litter are present, for measuring the impact of ingested plastics and developing policy strategies to reduce it. In the period between 2011 and 2014, 150 loggerhead sea turtles, found dead, were collected from the Italian Coast, West Mediterranean Sea Sub-Region. The presence of marine litter was investigated using a standardized protocol for necropsies and lab analysis. The collected items were subdivided into 4 main categories, namely, IND-Industrial plastic, USE-User plastic, RUB-Non plastic rubbish, POL-Pollutants and 14 sub-categories, to detect local diversity. Eighty-five percent of the individuals considered (n = 120) were found to have ingested an average of 1.3 ± 0.2 g of litter (dry mass) or 16 ± 3 items.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Matiddi
- Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Via Vitaliano Brancati 48, 00144 Roma, Italy.
| | - Sandra Hochsheid
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale 1, 80121 Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Camedda
- Institute for Coastal Marine Environment-National Research Council (IAMC-CNR), loc. Sa Mardini, 09170 Oristano, Italy
| | - Matteo Baini
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli, 4, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Cristiano Cocumelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e Toscana (IZSLT), Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Roma, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Serena
- Tuscany Regional Agency for the Environmental Protection (ARPAT), Via Giovanni Marradi, 114, 57125 Livorno, Italy
| | - Paolo Tomassetti
- Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Via Vitaliano Brancati 48, 00144 Roma, Italy
| | - Andrea Travaglini
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale 1, 80121 Naples, Italy
| | - Stefano Marra
- Institute for Coastal Marine Environment-National Research Council (IAMC-CNR), loc. Sa Mardini, 09170 Oristano, Italy
| | - Tommaso Campani
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli, 4, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Francesco Scholl
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e Toscana (IZSLT), Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Roma, Italy
| | - Cecilia Mancusi
- Tuscany Regional Agency for the Environmental Protection (ARPAT), Via Giovanni Marradi, 114, 57125 Livorno, Italy
| | - Ezio Amato
- Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Via Vitaliano Brancati 48, 00144 Roma, Italy
| | - Paolo Briguglio
- Clinica Veterinaria Duemari, Via Cagliari 313, 09170 Oristano, Italy
| | - Fulvio Maffucci
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale 1, 80121 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Fossi
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli, 4, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Flegra Bentivegna
- Institute for Coastal Marine Environment-National Research Council (IAMC-CNR), loc. Sa Mardini, 09170 Oristano, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Andrea de Lucia
- Institute for Coastal Marine Environment-National Research Council (IAMC-CNR), loc. Sa Mardini, 09170 Oristano, Italy
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Pham CK, Rodríguez Y, Dauphin A, Carriço R, Frias JPGL, Vandeperre F, Otero V, Santos MR, Martins HR, Bolten AB, Bjorndal KA. Plastic ingestion in oceanic-stage loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) off the North Atlantic subtropical gyre. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2017; 121:222-229. [PMID: 28606614 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2017] [Revised: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/03/2017] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Juvenile oceanic-stage sea turtles are particularly vulnerable to the increasing quantity of plastic coming into the oceans. In this study, we analysed the gastrointestinal tracts of 24 juvenile oceanic-stage loggerheads (Caretta caretta) collected off the North Atlantic subtropical gyre, in the Azores region, a key feeding ground for juvenile loggerheads. Twenty individuals were found to have ingested marine debris (83%), composed exclusively of plastic items (primarily polyethylene and polypropylene) identified by μ-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Large microplastics (1-5mm) represented 25% of the total number of debris and were found in 58% of the individuals sampled. Average number of items was 15.83±6.09 (±SE) per individual, corresponding to a mean dry mass of 1.07±0.41g. The results of this study demonstrate that plastic pollution acts as another stressor for this critical life stage of loggerhead turtles in the North Atlantic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher K Pham
- IMAR-Institute of Marine Research and MARE-Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, University of the Azores, Horta, Portugal.
| | - Yasmina Rodríguez
- IMAR-Institute of Marine Research and MARE-Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, University of the Azores, Horta, Portugal
| | - Axelle Dauphin
- ENVT - École Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, 23 Chemin des Capelles, 31300 Toulouse, France
| | - Rita Carriço
- IMAR-Institute of Marine Research and MARE-Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, University of the Azores, Horta, Portugal
| | - João P G L Frias
- IMAR-Institute of Marine Research and MARE-Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, University of the Azores, Horta, Portugal
| | - Frederic Vandeperre
- IMAR-Institute of Marine Research and MARE-Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, University of the Azores, Horta, Portugal
| | - Vanessa Otero
- Department of Conservation and Restoration and LAQV-REQUIMTE, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia da Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2829-516 Monte da Caparica, Portugal
| | - Marco R Santos
- DRAM - Direção Regional dos Assuntos do Mar/Regional Directorate for Sea Affairs, Secretaria Regional do Mar, Ciência e Tecnologia, Colónia Alemã - Apartado 9, 9900-014 Horta, Faial, Portugal
| | - Helen R Martins
- IMAR-Institute of Marine Research and MARE-Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, University of the Azores, Horta, Portugal
| | - Alan B Bolten
- ACCSTR - Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research, Department of Biology, PO Box 118525, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Karen A Bjorndal
- ACCSTR - Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research, Department of Biology, PO Box 118525, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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31
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Mason SA, Garneau D, Sutton R, Chu Y, Ehmann K, Barnes J, Fink P, Papazissimos D, Rogers DL. Microplastic pollution is widely detected in US municipal wastewater treatment plant effluent. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2016; 218:1045-1054. [PMID: 27574803 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.08.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 484] [Impact Index Per Article: 60.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Revised: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Municipal wastewater effluent has been proposed as one pathway for microplastics to enter the aquatic environment. Here we present a broad study of municipal wastewater treatment plant effluent as a pathway for microplastic pollution to enter receiving waters. A total of 90 samples were analyzed from 17 different facilities across the United States. Averaging all facilities and sampling dates, 0.05 ± 0.024 microparticles were found per liter of effluent. Though a small value on a per liter basis, even minor municipal wastewater treatment facilities process millions of liters of wastewater each day, yielding daily discharges that ranged from ∼50,000 up to nearly 15 million particles. Averaging across the 17 facilities tested, our results indicate that wastewater treatment facilities are releasing over 4 million microparticles per facility per day. Fibers and fragments were found to be the most common type of particle within the effluent; however, some fibers may be derived from non-plastic sources. Considerable inter- and intra-facility variation in discharge concentrations, as well as the relative proportions of particle types, was observed. Statistical analysis suggested facilities serving larger populations discharged more particles. Results did not suggest tertiary filtration treatments were an effective means of reducing discharge. Assuming that fragments and pellets found in the effluent arise from the 'microbeads' found in many cosmetics and personal care products, it is estimated that between 3 and 23 billion (with an average of 13 billion) of these microplastic particles are being released into US waterways every day via municipal wastewater. This estimate can be used to evaluate the contribution of microbeads to microplastic pollution relative to other sources (e.g., plastic litter and debris) and pathways (e.g., stormwater) of discharge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherri A Mason
- Department of Chemistry, State University of New York at Fredonia, Fredonia, NY, 14063, United States.
| | - Danielle Garneau
- Center for Earth and Environmental Science, State University of New York at Plattsburgh, Plattsburgh, NY, 12901, United States
| | - Rebecca Sutton
- San Francisco Estuary Institute, Richmond, CA, 94804, United States
| | - Yvonne Chu
- Center for Earth and Environmental Science, State University of New York at Plattsburgh, Plattsburgh, NY, 12901, United States
| | - Karyn Ehmann
- Center for Earth and Environmental Science, State University of New York at Plattsburgh, Plattsburgh, NY, 12901, United States
| | - Jason Barnes
- Center for Earth and Environmental Science, State University of New York at Plattsburgh, Plattsburgh, NY, 12901, United States
| | - Parker Fink
- Department of Chemistry, State University of New York at Fredonia, Fredonia, NY, 14063, United States
| | - Daniel Papazissimos
- Department of Chemistry, State University of New York at Fredonia, Fredonia, NY, 14063, United States
| | - Darrin L Rogers
- Department of Psychology, State University of New York at Fredonia, Fredonia, NY, 14063, United States
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32
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Baldwin AK, Corsi SR, Mason SA. Plastic Debris in 29 Great Lakes Tributaries: Relations to Watershed Attributes and Hydrology. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2016; 50:10377-10385. [PMID: 27627676 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b02917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 299] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Plastic debris is a growing contaminant of concern in freshwater environments, yet sources, transport, and fate remain unclear. This study characterized the quantity and morphology of floating micro- and macroplastics in 29 Great Lakes tributaries in six states under different land covers, wastewater effluent contributions, population densities, and hydrologic conditions. Tributaries were sampled three or four times each using a 333 μm mesh neuston net. Plastic particles were sorted by size, counted, and categorized as fibers/lines, pellets/beads, foams, films, and fragments. Plastics were found in all 107 samples, with a maximum concentration of 32 particles/m3 and a median of 1.9 particles/m3. Ninety-eight percent of sampled plastic particles were less than 4.75 mm in diameter and therefore considered microplastics. Fragments, films, foams, and pellets/beads were positively correlated with urban-related watershed attributes and were found at greater concentrations during runoff-event conditions. Fibers, the most frequently detected particle type, were not associated with urban-related watershed attributes, wastewater effluent contribution, or hydrologic condition. Results from this study add to the body of information currently available on microplastics in different environmental compartments, including unique contributions to quantify their occurrence and variability in rivers with a wide variety of different land-use characteristics while highlighting differences between surface samples from rivers compared with lakes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin K Baldwin
- U.S. Geological Survey , 8505 Research Way, Middleton, Wisconsin 53562, United States
| | - Steven R Corsi
- U.S. Geological Survey , 8505 Research Way, Middleton, Wisconsin 53562, United States
| | - Sherri A Mason
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, State University of New York at Fredonia , 280 Central Avenue, Science Complex 340, Fredonia, New York 14063, United States
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33
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Sutton R, Mason SA, Stanek SK, Willis-Norton E, Wren IF, Box C. Microplastic contamination in the San Francisco Bay, California, USA. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2016; 109:230-235. [PMID: 27289280 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.05.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 198] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2015] [Revised: 05/13/2016] [Accepted: 05/28/2016] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Despite widespread detection of microplastic pollution in marine environments, data describing microplastic abundance in urban estuaries and microplastic discharge via treated municipal wastewater are limited. This study presents information on abundance, distribution, and composition of microplastic at nine sites in San Francisco Bay, California, USA. Also presented are characterizations of microplastic in final effluent from eight wastewater treatment plants, employing varying treatment technologies, that discharge to the Bay. With an average microplastic abundance of 700,000particles/km(2), Bay surface water appears to have higher microplastic levels than other urban waterbodies sampled in North America. Moreover, treated wastewater from facilities that discharge into the Bay contains considerable microplastic contamination. Facilities employing tertiary filtration did not show lower levels of contamination than those using secondary treatment. As textile-derived fibers were more abundant in wastewater, higher levels of fragments in surface water suggest additional pathways of microplastic pollution, such as stormwater runoff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Sutton
- San Francisco Estuary Institute, 4911 Central Avenue, Richmond, CA 94804, USA.
| | - Sherri A Mason
- State University of New York at Fredonia, 280 Central Avenue, Science Complex 340, Fredonia, NY 14063, USA
| | - Shavonne K Stanek
- San Francisco Estuary Institute, 4911 Central Avenue, Richmond, CA 94804, USA
| | - Ellen Willis-Norton
- San Francisco Estuary Institute, 4911 Central Avenue, Richmond, CA 94804, USA
| | - Ian F Wren
- San Francisco Baykeeper, 1736 Franklin Street, Suite 800, Oakland, CA 94612, USA
| | - Carolynn Box
- The 5 Gyres Institute, 3131 Olympic Blvd, Suite 302, Santa Monica, CA 90404, USA
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34
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Ryan PG, Cole G, Spiby K, Nel R, Osborne A, Perold V. Impacts of plastic ingestion on post-hatchling loggerhead turtles off South Africa. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2016; 107:155-160. [PMID: 27087353 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Revised: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 04/06/2016] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Twenty-four of 40 (60%) loggerhead turtle Caretta caretta post-hatchlings (carapace<9cm) that died within 2months of stranding on southern Cape beaches in April 2015 contained ingested anthropogenic debris. Plastic comprised of 99% of debris: 77% hard plastic fragments, 10% flexible packaging and 8% fibres; industrial pellets comprised only 3%, compared to ~70% in 1968-1973, when 12% of stranded post-hatchlings contained plastics. Turtles selected for white (38%) and blue (19%) items, but translucent items (23%) were under-represented compared to beach mesodebris. Ingested loads did not decrease up to 52days in captivity, indicating long retention times. Plastic killed 11 turtles by blocking their digestive tracts or bladders, and contributed to the deaths of five other turtles. Our results indicate that the amount and diversity of plastic ingested by post-hatchling loggerhead turtles off South Africa have increased over the last four decades, and now kill some turtles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter G Ryan
- Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa.
| | - Georgina Cole
- Two Oceans Aquarium, Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town 8000, South Africa
| | - Kevin Spiby
- Two Oceans Aquarium, Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town 8000, South Africa
| | - Ronel Nel
- Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 77000, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa
| | - Alexis Osborne
- Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
| | - Vonica Perold
- Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
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