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Benito-Kaesbach A, Suárez-Moncada J, Velastegui A, Moreno-Mendoza J, Vera-Zambrano M, Avendaño U, Ryan PG, Sanz-Lázaro C. Understanding the sources of marine litter in remote islands: The Galapagos islands as a case study. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 347:123772. [PMID: 38490527 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Determining the sources of marine litter is necessary to mitigate this increasing global problem. Plastic bottles are useful tracers of marine litter and constitute the main item (24%) stranding on remote beaches in the Galapagos Islands. The aim of this study was to estimate the abundance of plastic bottles in remote beaches and inferred their sources. To do so, we collected plastic bottles at 60 remote Galapagos Island beaches from 2018 to 2022. 76% of beaches were qualified as badly polluted, with >34 bottles·100 m-1. Most identified bottles came from Peru (71%), followed by China (17%) and Ecuador (9%). Although most locally-sold products are made in Ecuador, they contribute little to beach litter loads. Polyethylene terephthalate bottles with lid (necessary for litter dispersal) represented 88% of all bottles, demonstrating that most of the litter reaching the Galapagos comes from distant sources, mainly from South America. However, bottle ages indicate that at least 10% of Peruvian, 26% of Ecuadorian, and all Chinese bottles likely were dumped from ships. Reducing marine litter reaching the Galapagos Islands requires tackling litter leakage from land-based sources in South America and better compliance with regulations banning the dumping of plastics and other persistent wastes from ships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Benito-Kaesbach
- Department of Ecology, University of Alicante, PO Box 99, E-03080, Alicante, Spain.
| | - Jenifer Suárez-Moncada
- Department of Marine Ecosystems, Galapagos National Park Directorate, Av. Charles Darwin s/n, Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz), Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
| | - Alfonso Velastegui
- Department of Marine Ecosystems, Galapagos National Park Directorate, Av. Charles Darwin s/n, Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz), Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
| | - Jerson Moreno-Mendoza
- Conservación Internacional Ecuador, Av. Charles Darwin s/n, Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz), Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
| | - Mariana Vera-Zambrano
- Conservación Internacional Ecuador, Av. Charles Darwin s/n, Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz), Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
| | - Ulises Avendaño
- Public Aquaculture and Fisheries Research Institute, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Peter G Ryan
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa
| | - Carlos Sanz-Lázaro
- Department of Ecology, University of Alicante, PO Box 99, E-03080, Alicante, Spain; Multidisciplinary Institute for Environmental Studies (MIES), Universidad de Alicante, P.O. Box 99, E-03080, Alicante, Spain
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2
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De Veer D, Baeza-Álvarez J, Bolaños S, Cavour Araya S, Darquea JJ, Díaz Poblete MA, Domínguez G, Holtmann-Ahumada G, Honorato-Zimmer D, Gaibor N, Gallardo MDLÁ, Guevara Torrejón V, León Chumpitaz A, Marcús Zamora L, Mora V, Muñoz Araya JM, Pernía B, Purca S, Rivadeneira MM, Sánchez OA, Sepúlveda JM, Urbina M, Vásquez N, Vélez Tacuri J, Villalobos V, Villanueva Brücher B, Thiel M. Citizen scientists study beach litter along 12,000 km of the East Pacific coast: A baseline for the International Plastic Treaty. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 196:115481. [PMID: 37857060 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic Marine Litter (AML) accumulating on beaches causes damage to coastal ecosystems and high costs to local communities. Volunteers sampled AML on 130 beaches along the central and southern East Pacific coasts, with AML densities ranging from 0.46 to 2.26 items m-2 in the different countries. AML composition was dominated by plastics and cigarette butts, the latter especially in Mexico and Chile. The accumulation of AML in the upper zones of the beaches and substantial proportions of cigarette butts, glass and metal pointed mainly to local sources. Statistical modelling of litter sources on continental beaches revealed that tourism, access and related infrastructure (e.g. parking lots) best explained AML densities, while plastic densities were also influenced by the distance from river mouths and national Gross Domestic Product. Large-scale monitoring can be a useful tool to evaluate the effectiveness of public policies that should primarily focus on land sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diamela De Veer
- Facultad Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Jostein Baeza-Álvarez
- Facultad Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Solange Bolaños
- Reserva Marina El Pelado, Ministerio del Ambiente Agua y Transición Ecológica de Ecuador, Km 21,5 Ruta de la Spondylus, Valdivia 240110, Ecuador
| | - Sebastián Cavour Araya
- Laboratorio de Estudios Algales (ALGALAB), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile; Fundación Valve, Concepción, Chile
| | - Jodie J Darquea
- Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Estatal Península de Santa Elena, Avda. Principal La Libertad, Santa Elena, 240204 La Libertad, Ecuador
| | - Manuel A Díaz Poblete
- Facultad Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Gustavo Domínguez
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, ESPOL Polytechnic University, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | | | | | - Nikita Gaibor
- Instituto Publico de Investigación de Acuicultura y Pesca, Guayaquil, Ecuador; Universidad del Pacífico, Vía a la Costa, Av. José Rodríguez Bonín, Guayaquil 090904, Ecuador
| | - María de Los Ángeles Gallardo
- Facultad Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile; Center of Ecology and Sustainable Management of Oceanic Islands (ESMOI), Coquimbo, Chile
| | | | - Alejandra León Chumpitaz
- Fundación Valve, Concepción, Chile; Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Biológicas, Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima, Peru
| | - Lara Marcús Zamora
- Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Lago Panguipulli 1390, 5501842 Puerto Montt, Chile
| | - Valentina Mora
- Facultad Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Juan Manuel Muñoz Araya
- Programa Parque Marino del Pacífico, Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional (UNA), Heredia 40101, Costa Rica; Parque Marino del Pacífico, Paseo de los Turistas, Puntarenas 60101, Costa Rica
| | - Beatriz Pernía
- Facultad Ciencias Naturales, Universidad de Guayaquil, Av. Raúl Gómez Lince s/n y Av. Juan Tanca Marengo, Guayaquil 090150, Ecuador
| | - Sara Purca
- Área Funcional de Investigaciones Marino Costeras (AFIMC), Dirección General de Investigaciones en Acuicultura (DGIA), Instituto del Mar del Perú (IMARPE), Esquina Gamarra y Gral. Valle S/N, Chucuito-Callao, Peru
| | - Marcelo M Rivadeneira
- Facultad Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile; Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Áridas (CEAZA), Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Osmel Alberto Sánchez
- Universidad Gerardo Barrios, Campus San Miguel Calle Las Flores y Avenida Las Magnolias Colonia Escolán, San Miguel, El Salvador
| | - José Miguel Sepúlveda
- Facultad Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile; Colegio Eusebio Lillo, Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Mauricio Urbina
- Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción, Casilla 160-C, Concepción, Chile; Instituto Milenio de Oceanografía (IMO), Universidad de Concepción, PO Pox 1313, Concepción, Chile
| | - Nelson Vásquez
- Facultad Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile
| | - José Vélez Tacuri
- Fundación Red de Agentes por la Conservación y Sostenibilidad de los Ecosistemas (RACSE), Villas del Seguro Av. Florencia y Calle Oliva Miranda 130204, Manta, Manabí, Ecuador
| | - Vieia Villalobos
- Facultad Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile
| | | | - Martin Thiel
- Facultad Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile; Center of Ecology and Sustainable Management of Oceanic Islands (ESMOI), Coquimbo, Chile; Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Áridas (CEAZA), Coquimbo, Chile.
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Díaz-Mendoza C, Arias Ordiales P, Bustos ML, Cervantes O, Palacios-Moreno M, Vera San-Martin T, Kloc Lopes G, Vallejo M, Mouthon-Bello J, Gutiérrez L. Abundance and distribution of cigarette butts on the sand of five touristic beaches in Latin America during the COVID-19 pandemic. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 194:115306. [PMID: 37506493 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115306] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Cigarette butts (CB) and cigarette butt fibers (CBF) are highly abundant and frequent residues on beach sand. Also, they are hazardous waste due to their significant toxicity and potential risk to the ecosystems' biota and the health of beach tourists. This study aimed to determine the abundance and density of CB and CBF found on the active, rest, and service zones of five pilot beaches in Argentina, Colombia, Brazil, Ecuador, and Mexico. The methodology involved collecting CB and CBF in 500 m2 transects of urban tourist beaches using a citizen science-adapted methodology between June 2021 and May 2022, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The abundance and density of CB and CBF, and the Cigarette Butt Pollution Index (CBPI) were calculated. The highest proportion of CB was found in service and rest areas. Bocagrande (CO) reported the highest generation of CB and CBF and a severe CBPI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Díaz-Mendoza
- Faculty of Engineering, Universidad Tecnológica de Bolívar, Universidad de Cartagena, Colombia.
| | | | | | - Omar Cervantes
- Faculty of Oceanography of the Universidad de Colima campus Manzanillo, Mexico
| | | | | | - Gisela Kloc Lopes
- Faculty of Engineering of the Universidade Veiga de Almeida (UVA), Cabo Frio, Brazil
| | | | | | - Leonardo Gutiérrez
- Faculty of the Sea and Environment, Universidad Del Pacífico, Ecuador; Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Belgium
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Mugilarasan M, Karthik R, Robin RS, Subbareddy B, Hariharan G, Anandavelu I, Jinoj TPS, Purvaja R, Ramesh R. Anthropogenic marine litter: An approach to environmental quality for India's southeastern Arabian Sea coast. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 866:161363. [PMID: 36610620 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.161363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic marine litter (AML), mainly plastic, is a global concern that is persistent and widespread. To prevent and mitigate this threat, we need to understand the magnitude and source of AML. There is limited knowledge about AML pollution on the Indian Coast. In this context, the present study examined the distribution, abundance, typology, and beach quality based on AML along 22 beaches on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Sea. A total of 4911 AML items were classified into 9 categories, weighing 16.79 kg, and retrieved from a total area of 8000 m2. The mean abundance and weight of AML in the current study were 0.45 ± 0.34 items/m2 and 1.53 ± 0.92 g/m2, respectively. Thottapally showed the most abundant AML among the studied beaches with 0.96 items/m2, followed by Azheekkal with 0.73 items/m2. Plastic, being the most common item, accounts for 77.6 % of all items and has a mean density of 0.35 items/m2 comprising hard plastic (22 %), thermocol (13 %), food wrappers (7 %), cigarette butts (7 %), plastic rope (6 %), and plastic cutlery (6 %). Hazardous anthropogenic litter (HAL) was maximum at Thottapally (17.71 %; 85 out of 480 items collected). Based on the cleanliness of beaches, they are graded "moderately clean" (63 %) by the General Index (GI), "clean" (54 %), and "moderately clean" (40 %) as calculated by the Clean Coast Index (CCI). Hazardous Anthropogenic Beach Litter Index (HABLI) classifies 72 % of beaches as "moderately safe", while the Environmental Status Index (ESI) rates 68 % of beaches as "mediocre". Besides, model simulations demonstrated the pathways of AML propagation, which correlate to the littoral and coastal current flow patterns over the region. Land-based activities were the crucial factors influencing AML distribution. The study highlighted the need for effective regional litter management strategies, policy instruments for the litter impact pathways, economic, regulatory, and behavioural management tools, which were also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Mugilarasan
- National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Chennai 600 025, India
| | - R Karthik
- National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Chennai 600 025, India
| | - R S Robin
- National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Chennai 600 025, India.
| | - B Subbareddy
- National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Chennai 600 025, India
| | - G Hariharan
- National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Chennai 600 025, India
| | - I Anandavelu
- National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Chennai 600 025, India
| | - T P S Jinoj
- National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Chennai 600 025, India
| | - R Purvaja
- National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Chennai 600 025, India
| | - R Ramesh
- National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Chennai 600 025, India
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5
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Mishra P, Kaviarasan T, Sambandam M, Dhineka K, Murthy MVR, Iyengar G, Singh J, Ravichandran M. Assessment of national beach litter composition, sources, and management along the Indian coast - a citizen science approach. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 186:114405. [PMID: 36493514 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The present study evaluates the Pan-India beach litter density (items/m2), weight (kg/m2), composition (%), and probable sources based on the citizen science approach. A total of 33 beaches in 2019 and 30 beaches in 2021 were studied. Based on density, the national beach litter average was 0.475± 0.51 and 0.3 ± 0.4 items/m2 in 2019 and 2021, respectively. Plastic was the dominant litter type (65 % in 2019; 74 % in 2021) and Single-Use Plastics (SUPs) were predominant. Based on Clean-Coast Index, six beaches in 2019 and three beaches in 2021 are classified as "extremely dirty". The principal (∼60 %) sources of litter were tourism and public littering. Improving solid waste management, stringent implementation of environmental legislation, leveraging the polluter pays principle, monitoring the effectiveness of SUPs ban, generating awareness, and beach clean-up at regular intervals by engaging the public, educational, and non-governmental organizations will improve and sustain the cleanliness of beaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pravakar Mishra
- National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), Ministry of Earth Sciences, Govt. of India, NIOT Campus, Pallikaranai, Chennai, 600 100, India.
| | - Thanamegam Kaviarasan
- National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), Ministry of Earth Sciences, Govt. of India, NIOT Campus, Pallikaranai, Chennai, 600 100, India
| | - Murugan Sambandam
- National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), Ministry of Earth Sciences, Govt. of India, NIOT Campus, Pallikaranai, Chennai, 600 100, India
| | - Kuppuswamy Dhineka
- National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), Ministry of Earth Sciences, Govt. of India, NIOT Campus, Pallikaranai, Chennai, 600 100, India
| | - M V Ramana Murthy
- National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), Ministry of Earth Sciences, Govt. of India, NIOT Campus, Pallikaranai, Chennai, 600 100, India
| | - Gopal Iyengar
- Ministry of Earth Sciences, Govt. of India, New Delhi, 110003, India
| | - Jagvir Singh
- Ministry of Earth Sciences, Govt. of India, New Delhi, 110003, India
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6
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Praet E, Baeza-Álvarez J, De Veer D, Holtmann-Ahumada G, Jones JS, Langford S, Dearte JM, Schofield J, Thiel M, Wyles KJ. Bottle with a message: The role of story writing as an engagement tool to explore children's perceptions of marine plastic litter. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 186:114457. [PMID: 36525759 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
As human behaviors play a crucial role in addressing the global threat of plastic pollution, it is vital to understand perceptions about marine plastic litter (MPL) and to develop interventions encouraging pro-environmental behaviors (PEBs). This study evaluates story writing as a window to explore perceptions and as an engagement activity to boost PEBs. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, schoolchildren from the East Pacific coast participated in this activity, each creating a story and answering a pre-post survey. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of 81 stories and 79 surveys show awareness of sources and impacts. Participants identified land and local pollution as significant contributors to MPL and emphasized bio-ecological impacts, reflecting concern for landscape and wildlife. While the stories presented a diversity of solutions, recycling dominated the surveys. As participants reported an increase in self-assessed knowledge and improved PEBs after this activity, it can be seen as an engagement tool to encourage behavior change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estelle Praet
- Department of Archaeology, University of York, York, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
| | - Jostein Baeza-Álvarez
- Facultad Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Diamela De Veer
- Facultad Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile
| | | | - Jen S Jones
- Galapagos Conservation Trust, London, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Sarah Langford
- Galapagos Conservation Trust, London, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | | | - John Schofield
- Department of Archaeology, University of York, York, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Martin Thiel
- Facultad Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile; Millennium Nucleus Ecology and Sustainable Management of Oceanic Island (ESMOI), Coquimbo, Chile; Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Áridas (CEAZA), Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Kayleigh J Wyles
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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7
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Jones JS, Guézou A, Medor S, Nickson C, Savage G, Alarcón-Ruales D, Galloway TS, Muñoz-Pérez JP, Nelms SE, Porter A, Thiel M, Lewis C. Microplastic distribution and composition on two Galápagos island beaches, Ecuador: Verifying the use of citizen science derived data in long-term monitoring. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 311:120011. [PMID: 35998775 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Monitoring beach plastic contamination across space and time is necessary for understanding its sources and ecological effects, and for guiding mitigation. This is logistically and financially challenging, especially for microplastics. Citizen science represents an option for sampling accessible sites to support long term monitoring, but challenges persist around data validation. Here we test a simple citizen science methodology to monitor visible microplastic contamination on sandy beaches using a standard quadrat unit (50 cm × 50 cm x 5 cm depth) sieved to 1 mm, to support the analysis of microplastic on two islands within the marine protected area of the Galápagos Archipelago, Ecuador (San Cristóbal and Santa Cruz islands). High school and university students undertook supervised sampling of two beaches in 2019-2020 collecting over 7000 particles. A sub-sample of the suspected microplastics collected (n = 2,213, ∼30% total) were analysed using FTIR spectrometry, confirming 93% of particles >1 mm visually identified by students were microplastics or rubber, validating this method as a crowd-sourced indicator for microplastic contamination. These data provide important insights into the plastic contamination of Galápagos, revealing plastic abundances of 0-2524 particles m-2 over the two beaches (the highest reported in Galápagos). Strong accumulation gradients were measured parallel to the waterline at Punta Pitt (San Cristobal island) and perpendicular to the waterline at Tortuga Bay (Santa Cruz island), where four-fold higher concentrations were recorded at the sea turtle nesting habitat on the back-beach dune. No significant seasonal trends were measured during one year. These results demonstrate the value of citizen science in filling spatiotemporal knowledge gaps of beach contamination to support intervention design and conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jen S Jones
- Galapagos Conservation Trust, 7-14 Great Dover Street, London, SE1 4YR, UK; Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Anne Guézou
- Galapagos Conservation Trust, 7-14 Great Dover Street, London, SE1 4YR, UK
| | - Sara Medor
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) & UNC-Chapel Hill Galápagos Science Center (GSC), Av. Alsacio Northia, Isla San Cristobal, Galápagos, Ecuador
| | - Caitlin Nickson
- Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Georgie Savage
- Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Daniela Alarcón-Ruales
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) & UNC-Chapel Hill Galápagos Science Center (GSC), Av. Alsacio Northia, Isla San Cristobal, Galápagos, Ecuador
| | - Tamara S Galloway
- Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Juan Pablo Muñoz-Pérez
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) & UNC-Chapel Hill Galápagos Science Center (GSC), Av. Alsacio Northia, Isla San Cristobal, Galápagos, Ecuador; School of Science and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, QLD, Hervey Bay, Australia
| | - Sarah E Nelms
- Centre for Ecology & Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Adam Porter
- Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Martin Thiel
- Universidad Católica del Norte, Facultad Ciencias del Mar, Larrondo, 1281, Coquimbo, Chile; Millennium Nucleus Ecology and Sustainable Management of Oceanic Island (ESMOI), Coquimbo, Chile; Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Áridas (CEAZA), Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Ceri Lewis
- Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK.
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8
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Capparelli MV, Gómez-Ponce MA, Borges-Ramírez MM, Osten JRV, Celis-Hernández O, Briceño-Vera AE, Ávila E, Moulatlet GM. Ecological traits influence the bioaccumulation of microplastics in commercially important estuarine crabs from the southeastern Gulf of Mexico. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 183:114088. [PMID: 36063667 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114088] [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: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
We assessed microplastics (MPs) contamination in water, sediments, and tissues (gills, digestive tract, and muscle) of two intertidal crab species with different ecological traits and commercial importance (Menippe mercenaria and Callinectes sapidus), from a coastal lagoon in the southeastern Gulf of Mexico. There were significant differences between MP abundances in the abiotic matrices and between crab species. The burrower, sedentary and carnivorous M. mercenaria bioaccumulates 50 % more MPs than the free-swimming, omnivorous C. sapidus. However, no differences were observed between species' tissues. Fragments were the predominant shape in the tissues of both species, with the exception in the digestive tract of M. mercenaria. We identified polyethylene, and polyethylene terephthalate in water samples and Silopren® in sediment. In both crab species, Silopren and polyethylene predominated. Differences in ecological traits resulted in different bioaccumulation patterns in intertidal crabs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana V Capparelli
- Estación El Carmen, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Carretera Carmen-Puerto Real km 9.5, C. P 24157 Ciudad del Carmen, Campeche, Mexico.
| | - Mario A Gómez-Ponce
- Estación El Carmen, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Carretera Carmen-Puerto Real km 9.5, C. P 24157 Ciudad del Carmen, Campeche, Mexico
| | - Merle M Borges-Ramírez
- El Colegio de la Frontera Sur (ECOSUR), Avenida Rancho, Polígono 2-A, Ciudad Industrial Lerma, CP 24500 Campeche, Campeche, Mexico
| | - Jaime Rendón-von Osten
- Instituto de Ecología, Pesquería y Oceanografía del Golfo de México (EPOMEX), Campus VI, Av. Héroe de Nacozari 480, Universidad Autónoma de Campeche, 24070 Campeche, Mexico
| | - Omar Celis-Hernández
- Estación El Carmen, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Carretera Carmen-Puerto Real km 9.5, C. P 24157 Ciudad del Carmen, Campeche, Mexico; Dirección de Cátedras CONACYT, Av. Insurgentes Sur 1582, Alcaldía Benito Juárez, 03940 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Antony E Briceño-Vera
- Estación El Carmen, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Carretera Carmen-Puerto Real km 9.5, C. P 24157 Ciudad del Carmen, Campeche, Mexico
| | - Enrique Ávila
- Estación El Carmen, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Carretera Carmen-Puerto Real km 9.5, C. P 24157 Ciudad del Carmen, Campeche, Mexico
| | - Gabriel M Moulatlet
- Red de Biología Evolutiva, Instituto de Ecología, A.C., Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
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9
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Lee DH, Park S, Kim HT, Kim JD, Kim JH, Kim SK, Seo JK, Song PK, Oh JE, Youn B, Choi GM, Lim DH, Lee JM. Proposing a new solution for marine debris by utilizing on-board low-temperature eco-friendly pulverization system. Sci Rep 2021; 11:24364. [PMID: 34934138 PMCID: PMC8692423 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-03757-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Developing an effective and efficient recycling process for marine debris (MD) is one of the most urgent issues to maintain environmental sustainability on Earth. However, restricted storage capacities and secondary pollution (e.g., microbial adhesion, putrefaction) limit the proper MD recycling. Here, we proposed a complete eco-friendly low-temperature MD pulverizing system that utilizes excessive liquefied natural gas (LNG) cold energy (LCE) in an LNG propulsion ship to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of MD recycling. The prototype design of the low-temperature pulverization (LTP) system showed that consumable refrigerant (liquid nitrogen) up to 2831 kg per hour could be substituted. Furthermore, with a 20% ship output, 1250 kg of MD could be treated with 363 kg of additional refrigerant. In addition, LTP systems utilizing LCE could increase the storage capacity by more than 10 times compared to bulk MD while minimizing the required energy consumption. To determine the feasibility of LTP for MD recycling, four types of plastics obtained from actual MD from a coastal area in Busan, Korea were classified and tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Ha Lee
- grid.262229.f0000 0001 0719 8572Department of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241 Korea
| | - Sungkyun Park
- Department of Physics, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Korea.
| | - Hee-Tae Kim
- grid.262229.f0000 0001 0719 8572Department of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241 Korea
| | - Jeong-Dae Kim
- grid.262229.f0000 0001 0719 8572Department of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241 Korea
| | - Jeong-Hyeon Kim
- grid.262229.f0000 0001 0719 8572Hydrogen Ship Technology Center, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241 Korea
| | - Seul-Kee Kim
- grid.262229.f0000 0001 0719 8572Hydrogen Ship Technology Center, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241 Korea
| | - Jung-Kwan Seo
- grid.262229.f0000 0001 0719 8572Department of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241 Korea
| | - Pung-Keun Song
- grid.262229.f0000 0001 0719 8572Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241 Korea
| | - Jeong-Eun Oh
- grid.262229.f0000 0001 0719 8572Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241 Korea
| | - BuHyun Youn
- grid.262229.f0000 0001 0719 8572Department of Biological Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241 Korea
| | - Gyung-Min Choi
- grid.262229.f0000 0001 0719 8572Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241 Korea
| | - Dong-Ha Lim
- grid.454135.20000 0000 9353 1134Korea Institute of Industrial Technology, Busan, 46938 Korea
| | - Jae-Myung Lee
- Department of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Korea. .,Hydrogen Ship Technology Center, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Korea.
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10
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Capparelli MV, Molinero J, Moulatlet GM, Barrado M, Prado-Alcívar S, Cabrera M, Gimiliani G, Ñacato C, Pinos-Velez V, Cipriani-Avila I. Microplastics in rivers and coastal waters of the province of Esmeraldas, Ecuador. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 173:113067. [PMID: 34688086 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This study represents the first assessment of microplastic (MP) contamination in the coastal area of the Esmeraldas Province, Ecuador. MPs were quantified in 14 coastal waters in beaches with different urbanization level and in 10 rivers. The most abundant MP types were transparent fibres, brown fragments, grey fragments, transparent fragments, and black fragments, which together represented 84% of the total count. Coastal waters presented significantly higher quantities of MP than rivers. No difference in microplastic abundance was detected between beaches with higher and lower urban occupation, nor between beaches facing North or West. Our results indicate that MP contamination is widespread, and most likely transported from multiple sources. Our results can serve as a baseline for future MP monitoring in the area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana V Capparelli
- Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología-Estación El Carmen, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad del Carmen 24157, Mexico; Facultad de Ciencias de la Tierra y Agua, Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Tena 150150, Ecuador
| | - Jon Molinero
- Escuela de Gestión Ambiental, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador Sede Esmeraldas, Esmeraldas 080150, Ecuador
| | - Gabriel M Moulatlet
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Tierra y Agua, Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Tena 150150, Ecuador.
| | - Miren Barrado
- Escuela de Gestión Ambiental, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador Sede Esmeraldas, Esmeraldas 080150, Ecuador
| | - Santiago Prado-Alcívar
- Escuela de Gestión Ambiental, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador Sede Esmeraldas, Esmeraldas 080150, Ecuador
| | - Marcela Cabrera
- Laboratorio Nacional de Referencia del Agua. Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Tena 150150, Ecuador
| | | | - Carolina Ñacato
- Laboratorio de Química, Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Tena 150150, Ecuador
| | - Veronica Pinos-Velez
- Departamento de Recursos Hídricos y Ciencias Ambientales, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Cuenca, Cuenca 010202, Ecuador; Departamento de Biociencias, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Cuenca, Cuenca 010202, Ecuador
| | - Isabel Cipriani-Avila
- Escuela de Ciencias Químicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito 170150, Ecuador
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11
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Barría-Herrera J, Vergara-Cortés H, Contreras-López M, Rangel-Buitrago N. A seasonal comparison of litter impacts along the Viña del Mar - Concón coastal strip, Valparaiso region of Chile. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 172:112854. [PMID: 34418713 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112854] [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: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The Vina del Mar - Concón Coastal strip is well known for its urban beaches, which play an essential role in the national economy. With extreme urban development, these beaches have become more polluted by litter. This paper evaluates the abundance, spatio-temporal distribution, typology, and sources of beach litter in 14 sectors located inside this coastal strip. A total of 19,886 litter items were collected and grouped into 50 different categories (11 litter typologies). Overall average litter abundance was 0.21 items/m2 while during the fall and winter averages were 0.25 items/m2 and 0.17 items/m2. Values changed along the area and between seasons. Plastics, cigarette butts and paper-cardboard typologies dominated the samples with 42% (0.088 items/m2), 25.4% (0.053 items/m2) and 20.8% (0.043 items/m2).
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Affiliation(s)
- José Barría-Herrera
- Escuela de Biología Marina, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y de Recursos Naturales, Universidad de Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Hernán Vergara-Cortés
- Escuela de Biología Marina, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y de Recursos Naturales, Universidad de Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Manuel Contreras-López
- Escuela de Ingeniería Civil Oceánica, Universidad de Valparaíso, Chile; Programa Doctorado Interdisciplinario en Ciencias Ambientales, Universidad de Playa Ancha, Chile
| | - Nelson Rangel-Buitrago
- Programas de Física - Biologia, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad del Atlántico, Barranquilla, Atlántico, Colombia.
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12
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Abude RRS, Augusto M, Cardoso RS, Cabrini TMB. Spatiotemporal variability of solid waste on sandy beaches with different access restrictions. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 171:112743. [PMID: 34352534 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Intense human use and high construction density in coastal areas are stressors to sandy beaches. Pollution by marine debris is a major problem on beaches worldwide. This study pioneered an assessment of marine debris characterization over time on beaches with different levels of access. In two periods and seasons, marine debris was sampled on nine sandy beaches of Rio de Janeiro, grouped by levels of access. The general marine debris density has decreased over time, accompanied by an improvement in public cleaning mechanisms. The most important predictor for the majority of marine debris items is related to accessibility; beaches with restricted access showed a reduction in the abundance of most items. High marine debris densities, even on beaches with restricted access, showed that all evaluated beaches can be sinks for marine debris circulating in marine waters. Beach cleaning strategy improvements will be inefficient unless integrated marine debris management is implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rayane R S Abude
- Postgraduate Program in Oceanography, State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, Maracanã CEP: 20.550-013, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Laboratory of Marine Ecology, Institute of Biosciences, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO), Avenida Pasteur, 458, Urca CEP: 22.290-240, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Matheus Augusto
- Laboratory of Marine Ecology, Institute of Biosciences, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO), Avenida Pasteur, 458, Urca CEP: 22.290-240, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ricardo S Cardoso
- Laboratory of Marine Ecology, Institute of Biosciences, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO), Avenida Pasteur, 458, Urca CEP: 22.290-240, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Tatiana M B Cabrini
- Laboratory of Marine Ecology, Institute of Biosciences, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO), Avenida Pasteur, 458, Urca CEP: 22.290-240, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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13
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Villegas L, Cabrera M, Capparelli MV. Assessment of Microplastic and Organophosphate Pesticides Contamination in Fiddler Crabs from a Ramsar Site in the Estuary of Guayas River, Ecuador. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2021; 107:20-28. [PMID: 33891142 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-021-03238-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
We assessed the concentration of organophosphate pesticides (OPs) and microplastics (MPs) in water and sediments from the burrows, and tissues of the fiddler crabs Leptuca festae and Minuca ecuadoriensis, from Isla Santay, a Ramsar site in the estuary of the Guayas River, Ecuador. MPs concentrations in the burrows were 660 ± 174.36 items kg-1 (w.w.) and 26 ± 1 items L-1 in collected sediments and water, respectively. Regarding OPs, water and sediment concentrations were up to 26 times above the USEPA thresholds for chronic exposure, indicating environmental risk. MPs were found in tissues collected from both species. The highest abundance was in the gills followed by the digestive tract and hepatopancreas. OPs concentrations in tissues were below the detection limits. Because fiddler crabs are chronically exposed to environmental contamination, they are suitable bioindicators to monitor Isla Santay and to comprehend human impacts in coastal environments of Ecuador.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lipsi Villegas
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Tena, Napo, Ecuador
| | - Marcela Cabrera
- Water and Aquatic Resources Research Group, Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Tena, Napo, Ecuador
| | - Mariana V Capparelli
- Water and Aquatic Resources Research Group, Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Tena, Napo, Ecuador.
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Tierra y Agua, Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Tena, Napo, Ecuador.
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14
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Ormaza-Gonzaìlez FI, Castro-Rodas D, Statham PJ. COVID-19 Impacts on Beaches and Coastal Water Pollution at Selected Sites in Ecuador, and Management Proposals Post-pandemic. FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE 2021. [PMID: 0 DOI: 10.3389/fmars.2021.669374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has obliged Governments all around the world to implement confinement and social distancing measures. Leisure and business activities on beaches and in ports have restricted direct and indirect contamination from, for example, plastics, hydrocarbon spillage, microbiological loads, and noise levels. This has led to temporarily improved environmental conditions, and the beaches having conditions closer to Marine Protected Areas. Here we report some impacts that have been studied using local surveys and qualitative observations in Ecuador at the popular beaches and ports of Salinas, Manta, and Galapagos. Satellite data support this information. Online surveys were carried out at critical moments of the pandemic: May (15th) and just after when measures were relaxed a little, but within lockdown in July (21st) 2020. Respondents were asked to compare conditions before and during the pandemic lockdown. Most (97–99%) suggested that beaches had significantly improved from visual observations during confinement. On a scale from 1 (worst) to 5 (best), the beaches of Salinas and Manta respectively were rated 2.2 and 2.8 (less than acceptable) before quarantine, and 4.5 and 4.3 after; results from the second survey (after 18 weeks of restrictions) were much the same. Replies from Galapagos showed a similar trend but with less marked differences. In addition to the beaches having less plastic and garbage, more fish, and large marine organisms, including humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), dolphin (bottlenose, Tursiops truncatus), and manta ray (Manta sp.) were observed near to shore. At Galapagos beaches, turtles, sea lions, and sharks were observed many more times than pre COVID. Quantitative satellite data on Chlorophyl and attenuation coefficient (Kd, 490 nm) support the qualitative survey data that there is an improvement in coastal environment quality. Here we recommend that this unique opportunity resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic is used locally, regionally and globally to construct baseline data sets that include information on physical, chemical, biological, and microbiological factors in coastal zones. These parameters can then help establish an effective Coastal Zone Management Plan based on beach description and quality (water standards, noise pollution), as well as the human dimension (tourist load, cultural heritage, and economic value indices). This data and information gathering ideally should be done before the beaches become more heavily used again as the pandemic recedes.
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15
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Bermúdez JR, Metian M, Oberhänsli F, Taylor A, Swarzenski PW. Preferential grazing and repackaging of small polyethylene microplastic particles (≤ 5 μm) by the ciliate Sterkiella sp. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 166:105260. [PMID: 33550172 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2021.105260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) particles are pollutants of global concern and are ubiquitously distributed in the ocean by physical and biological processes. It has been shown that zooplankton can ingest MP yet the interaction between ciliates and MP is still poorly understood. The discrimination and preferential uptake of MP rather than algal prey by ciliates was assessed in this study. The ciliate Sterkiella sp. was fed a diet that consisted of only Isochrysis galbana or a mixture of the same algae and similarly sized polyethylene beads in a 1:3 ratio. Significant, preferential MP grazing was observed in the Plastic-Algae treatment, which is the first reported evidence of proto-zooplankton preferentially ingesting MP over algal food. The mixed treatment contained fecal pellets with embedded MP. Preferential uptake of MP suggests that Sterkiella sp. is capable of ingesting and then "repackaging" MP that would otherwise be too small for larger taxa. This process would thus offer a mechanism for the reintroduction of MP into different compartments of the marine food web. As a consequence, it is necessary to account for small-sized MP (<5 μm) particles, that may have additional and yet unknown, impacts on marine food webs.
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Affiliation(s)
- J R Bermúdez
- International Atomic Energy Agency, Marine Environment Laboratories, Principality of Monaco, 98000, Monaco; ESPOL Polytechnic University, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral ESPOL, Facultad de Ingeniería Marítima y Ciencias del Mar. Campus Gustavo Galindo, Guayaquil, Ecuador; Galapagos Marine Research and Exploration, GMaRE. Joint ESPOL-CDF program, Charles Darwin Research Station, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador.
| | - M Metian
- ESPOL Polytechnic University, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral ESPOL, Facultad de Ingeniería Marítima y Ciencias del Mar. Campus Gustavo Galindo, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - F Oberhänsli
- ESPOL Polytechnic University, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral ESPOL, Facultad de Ingeniería Marítima y Ciencias del Mar. Campus Gustavo Galindo, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - A Taylor
- ESPOL Polytechnic University, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral ESPOL, Facultad de Ingeniería Marítima y Ciencias del Mar. Campus Gustavo Galindo, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - P W Swarzenski
- ESPOL Polytechnic University, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral ESPOL, Facultad de Ingeniería Marítima y Ciencias del Mar. Campus Gustavo Galindo, Guayaquil, Ecuador
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16
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Garcés-Ordóñez O, Espinosa LF, Cardoso RP, Issa Cardozo BB, Meigikos Dos Anjos R. Plastic litter pollution along sandy beaches in the Caribbean and Pacific coast of Colombia. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 267:115495. [PMID: 33254720 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is a global problem that poses a threat to coastal and marine ecosystems and human livelihoods and requires effective solutions adaptable to local conditions. In Colombia, the knowledge about marine plastic pollution is still limited and the development of effective strategies for managing marine and coastal environments is crucial. Therefore, plastic pollution was assessed on 43 Colombian sandy beaches on the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. Amounts of macroplastic ranged from 35 ± 15 to 81 ± 23 items 100 m-1, being product's packaging the most common. Microplastic densities ranged from 3 to 1387 items m-2. The highest microplastic concentrations were found on the beaches from Caribbean cities and in rural areas of Pacific municipalities. Fragments and polyethylene were the most commonly observed shape and polymer categories, respectively. Tourism and poor waste management practices are the primary plastic sources on the studied beaches. Plastic litter on Colombian beaches are a problem that requires prevention, mitigation, and control actions to help conserve this ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ostin Garcés-Ordóñez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras, José Benito Vives de Andrés -INVEMAR, Santa Marta, Colombia; Red de vigilancia para La Conservación y Protección de Las Aguas Marinas y Costeras de Colombia, REDCAM, Colombia; Red de Investigación de Los Estresores Marino Costeros de Latinoamérica y El Caribe, REMARCO, Colombia.
| | - Luisa F Espinosa
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras, José Benito Vives de Andrés -INVEMAR, Santa Marta, Colombia; Red de vigilancia para La Conservación y Protección de Las Aguas Marinas y Costeras de Colombia, REDCAM, Colombia; Red de Investigación de Los Estresores Marino Costeros de Latinoamérica y El Caribe, REMARCO, Colombia
| | - Renan Pereira Cardoso
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Instituto de Física, Laboratório de Radioecologia e Alterações Ambientais (LARA). Niterói, RJ, Brazil; Red de Investigación de Los Estresores Marino Costeros de Latinoamérica y El Caribe, REMARCO, Colombia
| | - Bárbara Barroso Issa Cardozo
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Instituto de Física, Laboratório de Radioecologia e Alterações Ambientais (LARA). Niterói, RJ, Brazil; Red de Investigación de Los Estresores Marino Costeros de Latinoamérica y El Caribe, REMARCO, Colombia
| | - Roberto Meigikos Dos Anjos
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Instituto de Física, Laboratório de Radioecologia e Alterações Ambientais (LARA). Niterói, RJ, Brazil; Red de Investigación de Los Estresores Marino Costeros de Latinoamérica y El Caribe, REMARCO, Colombia
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17
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Garcés-Ordóñez O, Espinosa Díaz LF, Pereira Cardoso R, Costa Muniz M. The impact of tourism on marine litter pollution on Santa Marta beaches, Colombian Caribbean. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 160:111558. [PMID: 32853837 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Tourism is an important socioeconomic activity in coastal communities, which deteriorates marine-coastal ecosystem quality when poorly managed, increasing litter pollution on beaches during the main tourist seasons. This study aims to assess the tourism impact on litter pollution on eleven Santa Marta beaches, Colombian Caribbean. During high and low tourist seasons, people on the beaches were counted, macrolitter and microplastics were sampled, and perception surveys about litter on beaches were conducted. During the high tourist season, the number of people and macrolitter pollution increased, compared to the low tourist season. Plastics accounted for 30%-77% of macrolitter and microplastics ranged from 1 to 355 items/m2. Respondents identified tourism as a main litter source and plastics as the most common litter type. All assessed beaches are impacted by tourism causing litter pollution, therefore, stronger controls, educational, and awareness strategies are needed to reduce litter pollution and prevent ecological and socioeconomic impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ostin Garcés-Ordóñez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras José Benito Vives de Andréis - INVEMAR, Programa Calidad Ambiental Marina, Santa Marta, Colombia; Red de Vigilancia para la Conservación y Protección de las Aguas Marinas y Costeras de Colombia -REDCAM, Colombia; Red de Investigación de los Estresores Marino Costeros de Latinoamérica y el Caribe - REMARCO.
| | - Luisa F Espinosa Díaz
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras José Benito Vives de Andréis - INVEMAR, Programa Calidad Ambiental Marina, Santa Marta, Colombia; Red de Vigilancia para la Conservación y Protección de las Aguas Marinas y Costeras de Colombia -REDCAM, Colombia; Red de Investigación de los Estresores Marino Costeros de Latinoamérica y el Caribe - REMARCO.
| | - Renan Pereira Cardoso
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Instituto de Física, Laboratório de Radioecologia e Alterações Ambientais (LARA), Brazil; Red de Investigación de los Estresores Marino Costeros de Latinoamérica y el Caribe - REMARCO
| | - Marcelo Costa Muniz
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Instituto de Física, Laboratório de Radioecologia e Alterações Ambientais (LARA), Brazil; Red de Investigación de los Estresores Marino Costeros de Latinoamérica y el Caribe - REMARCO
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