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Özşeker K, Coşkun T, Erüz C. Exploring seasonal, spatial and pathways of marine litter pollution along the Southeastern Black Sea Cost of Türkiye. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 202:116348. [PMID: 38636341 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Spatial and temporal variations in marine litter density and composition along the Southeastern Black Sea Coast were investigated. A total of 156,371 litter items weighing 327,258.3 kg were collected. The highest frequency of litter material by number was 15,869 ± 103.88 items/m2 16 and 74.466 ± 7.23 by weight. The highest litter concentrations (77,768 items; 81,737.1 kg) were observed in autumn, mainly comprising single-use items, with plastic being the most abundant (54.05 %), followed by metal (15.69 %), and paper (10.45 %). The subcategories of plastic litter items bags, caps/lids, cigarette lighters, cosmetic packages, gloves, and plastics pieces were found to be the most abundant litter in number. According to Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Kruskal-Wallis statistical tests (p < 0.005), significant differences in marine litter were identified among the stations and seasons. These findings offer insights for modeling studies, advocating restrictions on single-use products, and enacting legal regulations for local governance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koray Özşeker
- Karadeniz Technical University, Institute of Marine Sciences and Technology, Trabzon, Turkiye.
| | - Tolga Coşkun
- Middle East Technical University, Biological Sciences, Limnology Laboratory, Ankara, Turkiye
| | - Coşkun Erüz
- Karadeniz Technical University, Faculty of Marine Sciences, Trabzon, Turkiye
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Löhr A, Broers V, Tabuenca B, Savelli H, Zwimpfer T, Folbert M, Brouns F. Informing and inspiring worldwide action against marine litter - The impact of the Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on Marine Litter. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 198:115811. [PMID: 38101056 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Marine litter and plastic pollution are growing environmental problems that require sustainable actions from a wide range of stakeholders. To achieve effective solutions, stakeholders need good knowledge and opportunities for active engagement. To encourage leadership and provide these opportunities, we have developed an action-, and change-oriented Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on Marine Litter. After five years of running the MOOC, we assessed the impact of the MOOC through an online questionnaire among participants. The results showed significant impact and global reach. Respondents from all over the world reported that they used the information of the MOOC in their careers, volunteer work and personal lives. The results underscore the importance of environmental education to inform and inspire stakeholders. Educational activities should respond to participants' motivations by using activating learning forms and illustrative examples. The MOOC inspired participants to take informed action, engage others, expand their networks, and create real change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ansje Löhr
- Open Universiteit, Faculty of Science, Department of Environmental Sciences, P.O. Box 2960, NL-6401 DL Heerlen, the Netherlands.
| | - Valérie Broers
- Open Universiteit, Faculty of Science, Department of Environmental Sciences, P.O. Box 2960, NL-6401 DL Heerlen, the Netherlands
| | - Bernardo Tabuenca
- Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, ETS Sistemas Informáticos, Calle Alan Turing sn, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Heidi Savelli
- United Nations Environment Programme, Ecosystems Division, Marine and Freshwater Branch, P.O.Box 30552-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Tabea Zwimpfer
- United Nations Environment Programme, Ecosystems Division, Marine and Freshwater Branch, P.O.Box 30552-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Maartje Folbert
- Open Universiteit, Faculty of Science, Department of Environmental Sciences, P.O. Box 2960, NL-6401 DL Heerlen, the Netherlands
| | - Francis Brouns
- Open Universiteit, Faculty of Educational Sciences, Department of Technology Enhanced Learning and Innovation, P.O. Box 2960, 6401 DL Heerlen, the Netherlands
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Hung LY, Wang SM, Yeh TK. Kolb's experiential learning theory and marine debris education: Effects of different stages on learning. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 191:114933. [PMID: 37119586 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Marine debris is a vital issue in ocean governance. While education outreach can promote individual learning and develop pro-environmental behavior, research on marine debris education remains scarce. Kolb's experiential learning theory may provide a holistic model for marine debris education; therefore, this study developed an experiential-learning based marine debris (ELBMD) beach cleanup curriculum and analyzed the participants' performance during Kolb's four-stage cycle. The results revealed that (1) the ELBMD curriculum deepened the participants' understanding of marine debris, created a sense of responsibility, and increased their confidence in analytical skills and intention to act responsibly. (2) Reflection (Stage II) encouraged participants to think deeply about the human-environment relationship, which induced pro-environmental behavior and awareness of political engagement (Stage IV). (3) Peer discussion (Stage III) induced participants to refine their conception architecture, form values, and practice pro-environmental behavior (Stage IV). The results may aid the development of future marine debris education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Ya Hung
- Graduate Institute of Environmental Education, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 116325, Taiwan, ROC; Taiwan Marine Education Center, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 202301, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Shun-Mei Wang
- Graduate Institute of Environmental Education, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 116325, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ting-Kuang Yeh
- Institute of Marine Environmental Science and Technology, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 116325, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Earth Sciences, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 116325, Taiwan, ROC.
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Forleo MB, Romagnoli L. Fishing for litter for the reduction of marine plastic debris: What benefits and costs do Italians perceive? MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 192:115018. [PMID: 37236090 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
As marine plastic litter (MPL) accumulates in the ocean, the need for remediation solutions, such as fishing for litter (FFL) schemes, is very crucial. In order to support the implementation of FFL schemes, the opinion of some Italians were sampled. The present study investigates Italians' opinions about the contribution of FFL in reducing MPL, and the perceived benefits and costs of the scheme. Descriptive statistics, test analyses and a logit regression were carried out. The key findings show a high sensitivity and concern toward MPL, and a good knowledge of FFL experiences. In Italians' opinion, potential FFL costs incurred by fishers should be mainly borne by public institutions. Considering FFL benefits, Italians have no doubts about the effectiveness of fishing for litter in reducing MPL. Female and coastal residence, FFL knowledge and concern about MPL positively affected the perceptions of FFL benefits, while education has a negative effect on the beneficial perceptions of FFL.
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Affiliation(s)
- M B Forleo
- University of Molise, Department of Economics, Campobasso, Italy; CoNISMa, Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare, Rome, Italy.
| | - L Romagnoli
- University of Molise, Department of Economics, Campobasso, Italy.
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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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Alberghini L, Truant A, Santonicola S, Colavita G, Giaccone V. Microplastics in Fish and Fishery Products and Risks for Human Health: A Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:ijerph20010789. [PMID: 36613111 PMCID: PMC9819327 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, plastic waste has become a universally significant environmental problem. Ingestion of food and water contaminated with microplastics is the main route of human exposure. Fishery products are an important source of microplastics in the human diet. Once ingested, microplastics reach the gastrointestinal tract and can be absorbed causing oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, and translocation to other tissues. Furthermore, microplastics can release chemical substances (organic and inorganic) present in their matrix or previously absorbed from the environment and act as carriers of microorganisms. Additives present in microplastics such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE), bisphenol A (BPA), nonylphenol (NP), octylphenol (OP), and potentially toxic elements can be harmful for humans. However, to date, the data we have are not sufficient to perform a reliable assessment of the risks to human health. Further studies on the toxicokinetics and toxicity of microplastics in humans are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Alberghini
- Department of Animal Medicine, Productions and Health, University of Padova, Viale dell’Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Alessandro Truant
- Department of Animal Medicine, Productions and Health, University of Padova, Viale dell’Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Serena Santonicola
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Colavita
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy
| | - Valerio Giaccone
- Department of Animal Medicine, Productions and Health, University of Padova, Viale dell’Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
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What Teachers Should Know for Effective Marine Litter Education: A Scoping Review. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14074308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Marine litter has had a huge impact on the marine environment and the socio-economic activities that depend on healthy oceans. All members of the community must play their part to address marine litter. Teachers are agents of change that are capable of encouraging pro-environmental practices among the community that will reduce environmental issues, including marine litter. However, teachers were found to have limited knowledge regarding ocean literacy and marine pollution. A scoping review was conducted to identify various aspects of content knowledge related to marine litter education that has been recently conducted for school teachers and students. Web of Science, Scopus and ERIC databases were searched for articles published in English between 2015 and 8 July 2021. Fourteen peer-reviewed articles were selected for this study and were subjected to content analysis. Topics related to marine litter were frequently addressed. Meanwhile, topics related to teaching Environmental Education/Education for Sustainable Development (EE/ESD) were the least addressed. Benthic marine litter, solutions to marine litter and the introduction of new types of marine litter were identified as topics that need to be addressed in future marine litter education. This study lists content knowledge based on previous literature and identified the gaps, which will be useful for teachers to improve their knowledge and implement effective marine litter education in school.
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Currie JJ, Stack SH. Getting butts off the beach: Policy alone is not effective at reducing cigarette filter litter on beaches in Maui, Hawai'i. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 173:112937. [PMID: 34543930 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Cigarette filters are made of non-biodegradable plastic and are one of the top littered items worldwide. Here, we determine if policy implementation is an effective strategy for reducing cigarette filter litter on beaches in Maui, Hawai'i by comparing cigarette filter counts before and after a policy banning tobacco use was implemented. We use a before-after control-impact (BACI) design to investigate whether changes in cigarette filter accumulation at an impact site, where tobacco use was banned, decreased relative to counts at a control site, where tobacco use was not banned. A total of 764 cigarette filters were removed with no significant difference detected in cigarette filter littering between the control and impact site after the policy went into place. This study shows that policy requiring a shift from social norms, such as tossing cigarette butts, needs to be accompanied by sustained law enforcement and awareness around the policy to be effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens J Currie
- Pacific Whale Foundation, Wailuku, HI, USA; Pacific Whale Foundation Australia, Urangan, QLD, Australia.
| | - Stephanie H Stack
- Pacific Whale Foundation, Wailuku, HI, USA; Pacific Whale Foundation Australia, Urangan, QLD, Australia
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Reis-Marques C, Figueiredo R, de Castro Neto M. Applications of Blockchain Technology to Higher Education Arena: A Bibliometric Analysis. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ 2021; 11:1406-1421. [PMID: 34842669 PMCID: PMC8628719 DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe11040101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Research related to blockchain is rapidly gaining importance in the higher education. This opportunity collaborates with a proposal for a review of papers on the main blockchain topic. The bibliometric analysis included 61 peer-reviewed articles published in the Scopus database during the period of 2016 to 2021. This paper offers the identification of gaps in the literature enabling studies on the subject in higher education. The article identifies the main applications of blockchain technology in higher education around the world, as well as suggests future investigations. For further scientific investigation, we propose the operationalization of each of the researched approaches, especially combining the blockchain relationship, artificial intelligence, digital innovation, digital maturity, and customer experience in higher education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Reis-Marques
- NOVA Information Management School (NOVA IMS), Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1070-312 Lisboa, Portugal; (C.R.-M.); (M.d.C.N.)
| | - Ronnie Figueiredo
- Centre of Applied Research in Management and Economics (CARME), Polytechnic of Leiria, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal
- Research Center in Business Sciences, NECE (UBI), 6200-209 Covilhã, Portugal
- Spinner Innovation Centre (SIC), 1600-237 Leiria, Portugal
- Correspondence:
| | - Miguel de Castro Neto
- NOVA Information Management School (NOVA IMS), Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1070-312 Lisboa, Portugal; (C.R.-M.); (M.d.C.N.)
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