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Rimmer C, Fisher J, Turner A. Biomonitoring of microplastics, anthropogenic microfibres and glass retroreflective beads by marine macroalgae. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 348:123801. [PMID: 38527581 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123801] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics and other microscopic debris are a concern in the coastal environment but measurements in the water column and sediment are often problematic and rely on non-standardised and highly variable methodologies. To this end, we explore the potential of different species of temperate-cold marine macroalgae as passive biomonitors of anthropogenic microparticles at three contrasting locations in southwest England. Specifically, fronds from samples of fucoids and Ulva lactuca (n = 9 in total, and three from each location) have been sectioned and analysed directly under a microscope and anthropogenic microparticles counted and subsequently characterised for chemical composition. Microparticles were heterogeneously distributed throughout sections from the same sample. However, on a dry weight basis, combined microparticle concentrations for each sample ranged from about 7.5 g-1 to 110 g-1, and from about 0.2 cm-2 to 0.9 cm-2, and for a given species were higher in samples from a semi-enclosed harbour and urban beach than in samples from a protected beach facing the open sea. These values compare with published concentrations of microplastics and microfibres reported for the regional water column on the order of 0.1 m-3. Most particles were cellulosic (e.g., rayon) and petroleum-based (mainly polyester and polyethylene terephthalate) fibres but plastic fragments were also present on most samples. Glass retroreflective beads derived from road markings were also present at up to 18 g-1 on fucoids from the urban beach because of its proximity to a stormwater effluent. Most microparticles were adhered to the smooth parts of the macroalgal surface but some displayed wrapping around edges and creases or entrapment by appendages. The practical and environmental implications of macroalgae passively capturing significant quantities of anthropogenic microparticles are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cerys Rimmer
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Jodie Fisher
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Andrew Turner
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK.
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2
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Ferreira LC, Souza Azevedo J. What do we know about plastic pollution in Brazilian aquatic ecosystems? ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:22119-22130. [PMID: 38403825 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32525-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Due to the increasing use and inadequate disposal of plastic by humans, aquatic environments have become receptacles for pollutants such as plastic. This study aimed to perform an analysis of plastic particles pollution in Brazilian aquatic ecosystems with special attention to inland aquatic environments and fish in order to identify information gaps in this field. Manuscripts published in the last 21 years and indexed in the Web of Science database were consulted. A total of 185 met the proposed inclusion criteria, such as having empirical data, being conducted in Brazil, and dealing with plastic pollution. In general, the number of studies increases over the years, and this increasing number of publications is accompanied by declared financial support; the Southeast and Northeast regions are the regions that publish the most on the topic, with São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Pernambuco being the main states; the main focus of the studies is the detection of plastic particles mainly in biota (51%) and sediment (34%), and the most frequent ecosystem is the marine (89%); regarding the taxa, the majority is about plastic detection in fish (75%). Only 18% of the papers studying fishes consider their bio-ecological data, and only 17% of the manuscripts carried out the chemical characterization of the particles. However, 99% of the papers considered the shape of the plastic particle. We emphasize the need for more research and grants for studies with Brazilian inland aquatic ecosystems on the effects of plastic particle pollution on freshwater fish. Regional and national research funding agencies are very important to encourage an increase in the number of grants and specific calls for studies on plastic pollution and its impact on freshwater biota, considering the different macro-regions in Brazil, especially in the northern region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leticia Carneiro Ferreira
- Institute of Environmental, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo, São Nicolau Street, 210, Centro, Diadema, Brazil
| | - Juliana Souza Azevedo
- Institute of Environmental, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo, São Nicolau Street, 210, Centro, Diadema, Brazil.
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3
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Oluwoye I, Machuca LL, Higgins S, Suh S, Galloway TS, Halley P, Tanaka S, Iannuzzi M. Degradation and lifetime prediction of plastics in subsea and offshore infrastructures. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:166719. [PMID: 37673242 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Engineering and civil developments have relied on synthetic polymers and plastics (including polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, etc.) for decades, especially where their durability protects engineering structures against corrosion and other environmental stimuli. Offshore oil and gas infrastructure and renewable energy platforms are typical examples, where these plastics (100,000 s of metric tonnes worldwide) are used primarily as functional material to protect metallic flowlines and subsea equipment against seawater corrosion. Despite this, the current literature on polymers is limited to sea-surface environments, and a model for subsea degradation of plastics is needed. In this review, we collate relevant studies on the degradation of plastics and synthetic polymers in marine environments to gain insight into the fate of these materials when left in subsea conditions. We present a new mathematical model that accounts for various physicochemical changes in the oceanic environment as a function of depth to predict the lifespan of synthetic plastics and the possible formation of plastic debris, e.g., microplastics. We found that the degradation rate of the plastics decreases significantly as a function of water depth and can be estimated quantitatively by the mathematical model that accounts for the effect (and sensitivity) of geographical location, temperature, light intensity, hydrostatic pressure, and marine sediments. For instance, it takes a subsea polyethylene coating about 800 years to degrade on ocean floor (as opposed to <400 years in shallow coastal waters), generating 1000s of particles per g of degradation under certain conditions. Our results demonstrate how suspended sediments in the water column are likely to compensate for the decreasing depth-corrected degradation rates, resulting in surface abrasion and the formation of plastic debris such as microplastics. This review, and the complementing data, will be significant for the environmental impact assessment of plastics in subsea infrastructures. Moreover, as these infrastructures reach the end of their service life, the management of the plastic components becomes of great interest to environmental regulators, industry, and the community, considering the known sizeable impacts of plastics on global biogeochemical cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibukun Oluwoye
- Curtin Corrosion Centre, Western Australian School of Mines: Minerals, Energy and Chemical Engineering, Curtin University, Perth, Australia; Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan.
| | - Laura L Machuca
- Curtin Corrosion Centre, Western Australian School of Mines: Minerals, Energy and Chemical Engineering, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Stuart Higgins
- Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA 6824, Australia
| | - Sangwon Suh
- Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Tamara S Galloway
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Peter Halley
- School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Shuhei Tanaka
- Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Mariano Iannuzzi
- Curtin Corrosion Centre, Western Australian School of Mines: Minerals, Energy and Chemical Engineering, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
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Rasta M, Khodadoust A, Rahimibashar MR, Taleshi MS, Sattari M. Microplastic Pollution in the Gastrointestinal Tract and Gills of Some Teleost and Sturgeon Fish from the Caspian Sea, Northern Iran. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2023; 42:2453-2465. [PMID: 37530412 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
The increasing microplastic pollution in the marine environment has raised global concern. The main risk of microplastics in aquatic ecosystem is their bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms. A few studies have reported microplastic pollution in the digestive system of Caspian Sea fish species, but there is no research on sturgeon species, nor on fish gills. We investigated the occurrence of microplastics in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and gills of 62 specimens belonging to four species including three teleosts (Cyprinus carpio, Rutilus kutum, and Chelon aurata) and one sturgeon (Acipenser persicus, a valuable endangered species) from the Caspian Sea between January and March 2022. Fish tissues were removed, exposed for 24 h to 10% KOH, and then dried on filter paper. Particles were observed under a stereomicroscope and analyzed by Raman microspectrometry, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. A total of 91 microplastics were detected in the GIT (average of 1.46 ± 1.17 items/individual) and 63 microplastics in the gills (average of 1.01 ± 0.62 items/individual). A significant correlation was not found between the number of microplastics found in both tissues and fish body length, body weight, GIT weight, and gill weight (p > 0.05), except between microplastics isolated from gills and gill weight in C. carpio (rs = 0.707, p = 0.022). The abundance of microplastics in fish followed the order of A. persicus > C. aurata > R. kutum > C. carpio. The microplastics were in the size range of 45 to 5000 µm, with particles of 300 to 1000 µm being the most prevalent; 74.68% of the particles were shaped like fibers, 30.53% were red, and 70.6% were composed of nylon polymer. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:2453-2465. © 2023 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majid Rasta
- Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Guilan, Sowmehsara, Iran
| | - Ali Khodadoust
- Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Guilan, Sowmehsara, Iran
| | | | - Mojtaba S Taleshi
- Department of Marine Chemistry, Faculty of Marine and Oceanic Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran
| | - Masoud Sattari
- Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Guilan, Sowmehsara, Iran
- Department of Marine Biology, The Caspian Sea Research Center, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran
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Menéndez D, Blanco-Fernandez C, Machado-Schiaffino G, Ardura A, Garcia-Vazquez E. High microplastics concentration in liver is negatively associated with condition factor in the Benguela hake Merluccius polli. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 262:115135. [PMID: 37320916 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) affect both marine and terrestrial biota worldwide for their harmful effects, which range from physical cell damage to physiological deterioration. In this research, microplastics were quantified from gills, liver and muscle of demersal Benguela hakes Merluccius polli (n = 94), caught by commercial trawling from northwest African waters. Plastic polymers were identified using Fourier Transformed-infraRed spectroscopy (FT-iR). Fulton's k condition factor and the degree of DNA degradation in liver were measured. None of the individuals were free of MPs, whose concentration ranged from 0.18 particles/g in muscle to 0.6 in liver. Four hazardous polymers were identified: 2-ethoxyethylmethacrylate, polyester, polyethylene terephthalate, and poly-acrylics. MP concentration in liver was correlated negatively with the condition factor, suggesting physiological damage. Positive association of MP concentration and liver DNA degradation was explained from cell breakage during trawl hauls during decompression, suggesting an additional way of MPs harm in organisms inhabiting at great depth. This is the first report of potential MPs-driven damage in this species; more studies are recommended to understand the impact of MP pollution on demersal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Menéndez
- Department of Functional Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oviedo, C/ Julian Claveria s/n, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Carmen Blanco-Fernandez
- Department of Functional Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oviedo, C/ Julian Claveria s/n, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Gonzalo Machado-Schiaffino
- Department of Functional Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oviedo, C/ Julian Claveria s/n, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Alba Ardura
- Department of Functional Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oviedo, C/ Julian Claveria s/n, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Eva Garcia-Vazquez
- Department of Functional Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oviedo, C/ Julian Claveria s/n, 33006 Oviedo, Spain.
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Afreen V, Hashmi K, Nasir R, Saleem A, Khan MI, Akhtar MF. Adverse health effects and mechanisms of microplastics on female reproductive system: a descriptive review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023:10.1007/s11356-023-27930-1. [PMID: 37247153 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-27930-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), with a diameter of less than 5 mm, include polymers such as polystyrene, polypropylene, and polyethylene. The MPs occur in different morphologies including fragments, beads, fibers, and films that are swallowed by fresh water and land-based animals and enter their food chain, where they produce hazardous effects such as uterine toxicity, infertility, and neurotoxicity. The aim of this review is to explore the effects of polystyrene MPs (PS-MPs) on the female reproductive system and understand the mechanisms by which they produce reproductive toxicity. Several studies suggested that the exposure to PS-MPs increased the probability of larger ovaries with fewer follicles, decreased the number of embryos produced, and decreased the number of pregnancies in female mice. It also changed sex hormone levels and caused oxidative stress, which could have an impact on fertility and reproduction. Exposure to PS-MPs caused the death of granulosa cells through apoptosis and pyroptosis via activation of the NLRP3/caspase pathway and disruption of the Wnt-signaling pathway. Activation of TL4/NOX2 caused the uterine fibrosis resulting in endometrium thinning. The PS-MPs had a negative impact on ovarian capacity, oocyte maturation, and oocyte quality. Furthermore, the PS-MPs disrupted the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis in marine animals, resulting in a decrease in hatching rate and offspring body size, causing trans-generational effects. It also reduced fecundity and produced germ-line apoptosis. The main focus of this review was to explore the different mechanisms and pathways through which PS-MPs adversely impact the female reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishal Afreen
- Riphah Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Riphah International University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Kanza Hashmi
- Riphah Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Riphah International University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Rimsha Nasir
- Riphah Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Riphah International University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ammara Saleem
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Imran Khan
- Riphah Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Riphah International University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Furqan Akhtar
- Riphah Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Riphah International University, Lahore, Pakistan.
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7
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Zhaoyong Z, Guo J, Wang P. Influence and mechanism of the vertical distribution of Cu, Cd, and Pb at a simulated sediment-water interface covered by degradable microplastics. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:47289-47298. [PMID: 36738413 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-24172-5] [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: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Currently research on microplastics in the environment focuses on non-degradable microplastics with little attention to research on degradable microplastics. This study involved a 400-day experiment in a simulated lake environment of three degradable microplastics, poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), polybutylene succinate (PBS), and poly(butylene adipate terephthalate) (PBAT) at the sediment water interface. Results showed that (1) for the three microplastics, Cd concentration showed a large change from 0 to 20 mm in the water above the sediment interface; the adsorption of Cd, Pb, and Cu in a diffusive gradients thin film (DGT) device are the highest in PBAT micro plastic, followed by PCL and then PBS. (2) Diffuse flux (J) of the three degradable microplastics indicated that Cu, Cd, and Pb in the sediments come from the overlying water that was added to the simulation experiment. (3) Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR) for investigating the adsorption capacity of Cu, Cd, and Pb in the three degradable microplastics showed the absorption peak intensity increased and widened, and some adsorption sites changed. (4) Correlation analysis showed that the factors which most influenced diffusion flux for both water and sediments are oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), followed by organic matter (OM), pH, and electrical conductivity (EC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhang Zhaoyong
- School of Environment and Surveying Engineering, Suzhou University, Suzhou, 2340000, China.
| | - Jieyi Guo
- College of Resource and Environmental Sciences, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, 830046, China
| | - Pengwei Wang
- School of Environment and Surveying Engineering, Suzhou University, Suzhou, 2340000, China
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8
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Zhou Z, Tang J, Cao X, Wu C, Cai W, Lin S. High Heterotrophic Plasticity of Massive Coral Porites pukoensis Contributes to Its Tolerance to Bioaccumulated Microplastics. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:3391-3401. [PMID: 36800204 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c08188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Scleractinian corals have been observed to be capable of accumulating microplastics from reef environments; however, the tolerant mechanism is poorly known. Here, we examined the response of Porites pukoensis to microplastic pollution by analyzing algal symbiont density, energetic metabolism, and caspase3 activities (representing the apoptosis level) in the coral-Symbiodiniaceae association. The environments of three fringing reef regions along the south coast of Sanya City, Hainan Province of China, were polluted by microplastics (for example, microplastic concentrations in the seawater ranged from 3.3 to 46.6 particles L-1), resulting in microplastic accumulation in P. pukoensis (0.4-2.4 particles cm-2). The accumulation of microplastics was negatively correlated to algal symbiont density in the corals but not to caspase3 activities in the two symbiotic partners, demonstrating that P. pukoensis could tolerate accumulated microplastics despite the decrease of algal symbiont density. Furthermore, results from the carbon stable isotope and cellular energy allocation assay indicated that P. pukoensis obtained energy availability (mainly as lipid reserves) using the switch between heterotrophy and autotrophy to maintain energy balance and cope with accumulated microplastics. Collectively, P. pukoensis achieved tolerance to microplastic pollution by maintaining energy availability, which was largely attributed to its high heterotrophic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Jia Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Xiaocong Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Chuanliang Wu
- Sanya Institute of Coral Reef Ecosystem, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Wenqi Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Senjie Lin
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
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Sánchez-Guerrero-Hernández MJ, González-Fernández D, Sendra M, Ramos F, Yeste MP, González-Ortegón E. Contamination from microplastics and other anthropogenic particles in the digestive tracts of the commercial species Engraulis encrasicolus and Sardina pilchardus. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 860:160451. [PMID: 36442631 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Fragments of microplastics (<5 mm) found in commercial species of fish, crustaceans, and bivalves, are an issue of global concern. The bioaccumulation of microplastics and other anthropogenic particles in different levels of the food web may provoke unwanted impacts on marine ecosystems and cause pernicious effects on human health. Here, we study the presence of anthropogenic particles and the fraction of microplastics in the target organs of two representative commercial fish species in Spain; the European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) and the European pilchard (Sardina pilchardus). The individuals were sampled along the continental shelf of the Gulf of Cádiz, from the Bay of Cádiz to Cape Santa Maria. The isolation of the microplastics (MPs) was carried out with a complete alkaline-oxidant organic digestion (KOH-H2O2) of the digestive tract, including both the contents ingested and the muscle tissues. Anthropogenic particles were found in all individuals of both species with an average of 8.94 ± 5.11 items·ind-1. Fibres made up 93 % of the items while fragments and films were represented by the remaining 7 %. The average size of the anthropogenic particles was 0.89 ± 0.82 mm. In addition to the fragment and film particles identified as microplastics, 29 % of the fibres were estimated to be microplastics by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. The main polymer found in both species was nylon. No significant correlation was found between the abundance and size of anthropogenic particles ingested and individual size or other body variables. The analysis of similarities (ANOSIM) and the distanced-based multiple linear regression model showed a high homogeneity in anthropogenic particle contamination in both species throughout the study area along the continental shelf of the Gulf of Cádiz.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel González-Fernández
- Department of Biology, University Marine Research Institute INMAR, University of Cádiz and European University of the Seas, Puerto Real, Spain
| | - Marta Sendra
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Faculty of Sciences, University of Burgos, Plaza Misael Bañuelos, 09001 Burgos, Spain; International Research Center in Critical Raw Materials-ICCRAM, Universidad de Burgos, Spain
| | - Fernando Ramos
- Spanish Institute of Oceanography, C.O. de Cádiz (IEO-CSIC), 11006 Cádiz, Spain
| | - María Pilar Yeste
- Department of Material Science, Metallurgical Engineering and Inorganic Chemistry, Institute of Research on Electron Microscopy and Materials (IMEYMAT), Faculty of Sciences, University of Cádiz, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Enrique González-Ortegón
- Institute of Marine Sciences of Andalusia, Spanish National Research Council (ICMAN-CSIC), Puerto Real, Spain.
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10
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Qu J, Wu P, Pan G, Li J, Jin H. Microplastics in Seawater, Sediment, and Organisms from Hangzhou Bay. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 181:113940. [PMID: 35853409 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are widely present in global oceans, and can pose a threat to marine organisms. This study examined the abundance and characteristics of MPs in seawater, sediment, and organism samples collected from Hangzhou Bay. Abundance of MPs in seawater (n = 26) and sediment (n = 26) were 0.77-9.6 items/m3 and 44-208 items/kg dw, respectively. Size of MPs in sediment (mean 2.5 mm, range 0.21-5.3 mm) was significantly (p < 0.05) larger than that in seawater (1.1 mm, 0.13-4.9 mm). Fiber was consistently the predominant shape of MPs in seawater and sediment. The major polymer composition of MPs was polyethylene (PE; mean 47 %) in seawater, but textile cellulose (60 %) was the main polymer type of MPs in sediment. Average abundance of MPs in marine organisms (n = 388) ranged from 0.064 (zooplankton) to 2.9 (Harpodon nehereus) items/ind, with the mean size of 0.19-1.4 mm. MP abundance in marine organisms was not significantly correlated with their trophic level. Fiber was always the predominant shape of MPs in different marine organisms, contributing mean 67 (fish)-93 % (zooplankton) of total MPs. MPs in crustacean (mean 58 %), shellfish (64 %), and cephalopod (29 %) were dominated by textile cellulose. Whereas, PE (mean 44 %) and polypropylene (43 %) were the major polymer compositions of MPs in fish and zooplankton, respectively. To our knowledge, this is the most comprehensive study investigating the occurrence of MPs in environmental matrixes from Hangzhou Bay, which contributes to the better understanding of environmental behaviors of MPs in estuarine sea environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianli Qu
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310032, PR China
| | - Pengfei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong 999077, PR China
| | - Guojun Pan
- Zhejiang Haihe Environmental Technology Co., Ltd., 1389 Danxi Road, Jinhua, Zhejiang 321000, PR China
| | - Jiangpeng Li
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Hangbiao Jin
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310032, PR China.
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11
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Di Mauro R, Castillo S, Pérez A, Iachetti CM, Silva L, Tomba JP, Chiesa IL. Anthropogenic microfibers are highly abundant at the Burdwood Bank seamount, a protected sub-Antarctic environment in the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 306:119364. [PMID: 35489539 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics debris in the marine environment have been widely studied across the globe. Within these particles, the most abundant and prevalent type in the oceans are anthropogenic microfibers (MFs), although they have been historically overlooked mostly due to methodological constraints. MFs are currently considered omnipresent in natural environments, however, contrary to the Northern Hemisphere, data on their abundance and distribution in Southern Oceans ecosystems are still scarce, in particular for sub-Antarctic regions. Using Niskin bottles we've explored microfibers abundance and distribution in the water column (3-2450 m depth) at the Burdwood Bank (BB), a seamount located at the southern extreme of the Patagonian shelf, in the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean. The MFs detected from filtered water samples were photographed and measured using ImageJ software, to estimate length, width, and the projected surface area of each particle. Our results indicate that small pieces of fibers are widespread in the water column at the BB (mean of 17.4 ± 12.6 MFs.L-1), from which, 10.6 ± 5.3 MFs.L-1 were at the surface (3-10 m depth), 20 ± 9 MFs.L-1 in intermediate waters (41-97 m), 24.6 ± 17.3 MFs.L-1 in deeper waters (102-164 m), and 9.2 ± 5.3 MFs.L-1 within the slope break of the seamount. Approximately 76.1% of the MFs were composed of Polyethylene terephthalate, and the abundance was dominated by the size fraction from 0.1 to 0.3 mm of length. Given the high relative abundance of small and aged MFs, and the oceanographic complexity of the study area, we postulate that MFs are most likely transported to the BB via the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. Our findings imply that this sub-Antarctic protected ecosystem is highly exposed to microplastic pollution, and this threat could be spreading towards the highly productive waters, north of the study area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosana Di Mauro
- Gabinete de Zooplancton, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo Pesquero (INIDEP), Mar del Plata, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - Santiago Castillo
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Ecología Marina, Córdoba, Argentina; Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal (CONICET - Universidad Nacional de Córdoba), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Analía Pérez
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina; Laboratorio de Invertebrados Marinos, CCNA, Universidad Maimónides-CONICET, CABA, Argentina
| | - Clara M Iachetti
- Universidad Nacional de Tierra del Fuego (UNTdF), Ushuaia, Argentina
| | - Leonel Silva
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina; Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencia y Tecnología de Materiales (INTEMA-CONICET), Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Juan P Tomba
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina; Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencia y Tecnología de Materiales (INTEMA-CONICET), Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Ignacio L Chiesa
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina; Laboratorio de Crustáceos y Ecosistemas Costeros (CADIC-CONICET), Ushuaia, Argentina. Bernardo Houssay 200, Ushuaia, V9410CAB, Argentina.
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12
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Campos da Rocha FO, Martinez ST, Campos VP, da Rocha GO, de Andrade JB. Microplastic pollution in Southern Atlantic marine waters: Review of current trends, sources, and perspectives. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 782:146541. [PMID: 33839668 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging and ubiquitous contaminants which have been gaining prominence since the last decade to nowadays. This is due to their possible adverse effects in aquatic ecosystems as well as the huge amount of plastic waste exponentially generated around the globe. Plastics may be introduced either directly to water bodies or indirectly to the aquatic systems by being carried by the wind, from emissions of contaminated effluents, and soil leaching, among other processes. In turn, these debris may interact with organic and inorganic contaminants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and trace constituents, and with microorganisms. Although the abundance of microplastics from South Atlantic waters is among the highest found worldwide, the number of studies in these marine waters regarding MP contamination is still scarce. Additionally, there still are no consensus on the best sampling conditions, which may be underestimating MPs. In this way, adequate MPs studies regarding their distribution, exposure levels, chemical and biological interactions are highly suggested in order to better understand both environmental and human health potential risks. This review assessed advances in sampling, analytical methodologies, characterization and understanding of MP sources in these marine waters in comparison to data from other regions around the globe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franciele O Campos da Rocha
- Centro Universitário SENAI-CIMATEC, Av. Orlando Gomes, 1845 - Piatã, 41650-010 Salvador, BA, Brazil; Centro Interdisciplinar em Energia e Ambiente, CIEnAm, UFBA, CEP: 40170-115 Salvador, BA, Brazil; INCT em Energia e Ambiente, UFBA, CEP: 40170-290 Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Sabrina T Martinez
- Centro Interdisciplinar em Energia e Ambiente, CIEnAm, UFBA, CEP: 40170-115 Salvador, BA, Brazil; INCT em Energia e Ambiente, UFBA, CEP: 40170-290 Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Vânia P Campos
- INCT em Energia e Ambiente, UFBA, CEP: 40170-290 Salvador, BA, Brazil; Universidade Federal da Bahia, UFBA, Instituto de Química, Campus Ondina, 40170-270 Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Gisele O da Rocha
- Centro Interdisciplinar em Energia e Ambiente, CIEnAm, UFBA, CEP: 40170-115 Salvador, BA, Brazil; INCT em Energia e Ambiente, UFBA, CEP: 40170-290 Salvador, BA, Brazil; Universidade Federal da Bahia, UFBA, Instituto de Química, Campus Ondina, 40170-270 Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Jailson B de Andrade
- Centro Universitário SENAI-CIMATEC, Av. Orlando Gomes, 1845 - Piatã, 41650-010 Salvador, BA, Brazil; Centro Interdisciplinar em Energia e Ambiente, CIEnAm, UFBA, CEP: 40170-115 Salvador, BA, Brazil; INCT em Energia e Ambiente, UFBA, CEP: 40170-290 Salvador, BA, Brazil.
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13
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He D, Chen X, Zhao W, Zhu Z, Qi X, Zhou L, Chen W, Wan C, Li D, Zou X, Wu N. Microplastics contamination in the surface water of the Yangtze River from upstream to estuary based on different sampling methods. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 196:110908. [PMID: 33647297 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.110908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we investigated microplastic contamination of the Yangtze River from the upper reaches to the estuary using different sampling methods to understand extensive information on microplastic pollution. The microplastic samples were collected at 10 sites using two conventional methods: trawling and filtering water. The results showed that the average abundance of microplastics ranged from 1.62±0.61 × 105 to 4.25±3.87 × 106 items/km2 (trawling samples) and 800.0±300.0 to 3088.9±330.6 items/m3 (filtering water samples). The average abundance (by trawling) in the Three Gorges Reservoir (2.80±1.86 × 106 items/km2) was one order of magnitude higher than that of other sections, which affirmed the barrier effect of dams on microplastic distribution. The barrier effect was more obvious on larger size particles by comparing the results of two methods. The abundances near the left, right banks, and in the midstream showed no significant difference by both two methods, illustrating that sampling at each bank along the Yangtze River was also representative in one section. Characteristics analysis demonstrated that fragments (47.9%) dominated in trawling samples and fiber (63.4%) dominated in filtering water samples. Microplastics of small sizes (<1 mm) and transparent were dominant in samples collected by the two methods. Polyethylene (PP) and polypropylene (PE) were the dominant polymer types in the detected microplastics. In this study, we provided detailed information on microplastic pollution of the Yangtze River from the upstream to the estuary, which is useful for microplastic management and control in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da He
- Key Laboratory of Ecological Impacts of Hydraulic Projects and Restoration of Aquatic Ecosystem of Ministry of Water Resources, Institute of Hydroecology, Ministry of Water Resources & Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaojuan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Ecological Impacts of Hydraulic Projects and Restoration of Aquatic Ecosystem of Ministry of Water Resources, Institute of Hydroecology, Ministry of Water Resources & Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Wang Zhao
- South China University of Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, 381 Wushan Road, Tianhe District, 510640, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhengqiang Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Ecological Impacts of Hydraulic Projects and Restoration of Aquatic Ecosystem of Ministry of Water Resources, Institute of Hydroecology, Ministry of Water Resources & Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiujuan Qi
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Source Management and Technology, Shenzhen Academy of Environmental Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lianfeng Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Ecological Impacts of Hydraulic Projects and Restoration of Aquatic Ecosystem of Ministry of Water Resources, Institute of Hydroecology, Ministry of Water Resources & Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Ecological Impacts of Hydraulic Projects and Restoration of Aquatic Ecosystem of Ministry of Water Resources, Institute of Hydroecology, Ministry of Water Resources & Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Chengyan Wan
- Key Laboratory of Ecological Impacts of Hydraulic Projects and Restoration of Aquatic Ecosystem of Ministry of Water Resources, Institute of Hydroecology, Ministry of Water Resources & Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Dewang Li
- Key Laboratory of Ecological Impacts of Hydraulic Projects and Restoration of Aquatic Ecosystem of Ministry of Water Resources, Institute of Hydroecology, Ministry of Water Resources & Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Xi Zou
- Key Laboratory of Ecological Impacts of Hydraulic Projects and Restoration of Aquatic Ecosystem of Ministry of Water Resources, Institute of Hydroecology, Ministry of Water Resources & Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China.
| | - Nan Wu
- School of Geography, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK
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14
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Towards Characterising Microplastic Abundance, Typology and Retention in Mangrove-Dominated Estuaries. WATER 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/w12102802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Plastic and, particularly, microplastic (MP) pollution is a growing research theme, dedicated largely to marine systems. Occurring at the land–sea interface, estuarine habitats such as mangroves are at risk of plastic pollution. This study compared MP pollution (level, morphotype, polymer composition, size and colour) across four South African estuaries, in relation to the built and natural environment. Mouth status, surrounding human population densities and land-use practices influenced the level and type of MP pollution. Systems that were most at risk were predominantly open estuaries surrounded by high population densities and diverse land use types. Microplastic levels and the diversity of types detected increased with increasing levels of anthropogenic disturbance. Overall, microfibres dominated in estuarine water (69%) and mangrove sediment (51%). Polyethylene (43%) and polypropylene (23%) were the dominant polymers overall. Weathered fishing gear, weathered packaging items and run-off from urban/industrial centres are probable sources of MP pollution. Increased run-off and river input during the wet/rainy season may explain the markedly higher MP loads in estuarine waters relative to the dry season. By contrast, MP deposition in mangrove sediment was higher during the dry season. Sediment MP abundance was significantly positively correlated with both pneumatophore density and sediment size (500–2000 µm). This study highlights the role of mangroves as MP sinks, which may limit movement of MPs into adjacent environments. However, under conditions such as flooding and extreme wave action, mangroves may shift from sinks to sources of plastic pollution.
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15
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Thushari G, Senevirathna J. Plastic pollution in the marine environment. Heliyon 2020; 6:e04709. [PMID: 32923712 PMCID: PMC7475234 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Plastic pollution is recognized as a severe anthropogenic issue in the coastal and marine ecosystems across the world. Unprecedented and continuous accumulation of growing plastic contaminants into any respective aquatic ecosystem by the anthropogenic sources causes direct and/or indirect interruption to ecosystem structure, functions, and consequently, services and values. Land-based and sea-based sources are the primary sources of these contaminants in various modes that enter the ocean. In this review paper, we focused on highlighting different aspects related to plastic pollution in coastal and marine environments. Plastic pollutants are distributed in the ecosystems in different forms, with different size variations as megaplastic, macroplastic, mesoplastic, and microplastic. Microplastics in primary and secondary forms reveal a widespread distribution in the water, sediment, and biota of the marine and coastal habitats. The microplastic level of different coastal and marine ecosystems nearly ranged from 0.001-140 particles/m3 in water and 0.2-8766 particles/m3 in sediments at different aquatic environments over the world. The microplastic accumulation rate of coastal and marine organisms varied at 0.1-15,033 counts. Accordingly, plastic pollution creates several kinds of negative consequences combined with ecological and socio-economic effects. Entanglement, toxicological effects via ingestion of plastics, suffocation, starvation, dispersal, and rafting of organisms, provision of new habitats, and introduction of invasive species are significant ecological effects with growing threats to biodiversity and trophic relationships. Degradation (changes in the ecosystem state) and modifications of marine systems are associated with loss of ecosystem services and values. Consequently, this emerging contaminant affects the socio-economic aspects through negative impacts on tourism, fishery, shipping, and human health. Preventing accumulation sources of plastic pollutants, 3Rs (Reduce-Recycle-Reuse), awareness & capacity building, and producer/manufacturer responsibility are practical approaches toward addressing the issue of plastic pollution. Existing and adopted policies, legislations, regulations, and initiatives at global, regional, and national level play a vital role in reducing plastic debris in the marine and coastal zones. Development of proposals/solutions on key research gaps can open a novel pathway to address this environmental issue in an effective scientific manner. In conclusion, this paper demonstrates the current status of plastic pollution in the marine ecosystem to make aware people of a plastic-free, healthy blue ocean in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- G.G.N. Thushari
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture, Uva Wellassa University, Badulla, Sri Lanka
| | - J.D.M. Senevirathna
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture, Uva Wellassa University, Badulla, Sri Lanka
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16
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Plastic Contamination in Brazilian Freshwater and Coastal Environments: A Source-to-Sea Transboundary Approach. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/698_2020_514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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17
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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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Ferreira GVB, Barletta M, Lima ARA, Morley SA, Costa MF. Dynamics of Marine Debris Ingestion by Profitable Fishes Along The Estuarine Ecocline. Sci Rep 2019; 9:13514. [PMID: 31534161 PMCID: PMC6751158 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-49992-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The dynamics of microfilament (<5 mm) ingestion were evaluated in three species of snooks. The ingestion of different colours and sizes of microfilaments were strongly associated with the spatio-temporal estuarine use and ontogenetic shifts of snooks. Their feeding ecology was also analysed to assess dietary relationships with patterns of contamination. All species were highly contaminated with microfilaments. The highest ingestion of microfilaments occurred in the adults, when fishes became the main prey item and also during the peak of fishing activities, in the rainy season. This suggests that trophic transfer, in addition to periods of high availability of microfilaments are important pathways for contamination. The ingestion of microfilaments of different colours and sizes was likely influenced by input sources. Blue microfilaments were frequently ingested, and appear to have both riverine and estuarine inputs, since they were ingested in all seasons and habitats. Purple and red microfilaments were more frequently ingested in the lower estuarine habitats. The length of microfilaments was also associated with environmental variability. Longer microfilaments were ingested in habitats with greater riverine influence, the opposite was observed for shorter microfilaments. Therefore, microfilament contamination in snooks are a consequence of their ecological patterns of estuarine uses through different seasons and life history stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme V B Ferreira
- Laboratory of Ecology and Management of Coastal and Estuarine Ecosystems, Department of Oceanography, Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE). Av. Arquitetura S/N, Cidade Universitária, Recife, Pernambuco, CEP: 50740-550, Brazil
| | - Mario Barletta
- Laboratory of Ecology and Management of Coastal and Estuarine Ecosystems, Department of Oceanography, Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE). Av. Arquitetura S/N, Cidade Universitária, Recife, Pernambuco, CEP: 50740-550, Brazil.
| | - André R A Lima
- Laboratory of Ecology and Management of Coastal and Estuarine Ecosystems, Department of Oceanography, Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE). Av. Arquitetura S/N, Cidade Universitária, Recife, Pernambuco, CEP: 50740-550, Brazil
| | - Simon A Morley
- British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB30ET, UK
| | - Monica F Costa
- Laboratory of Ecology and Management of Coastal and Estuarine Ecosystems, Department of Oceanography, Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE). Av. Arquitetura S/N, Cidade Universitária, Recife, Pernambuco, CEP: 50740-550, Brazil
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19
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Cordova MR, Purwiyanto AIS, Suteja Y. Abundance and characteristics of microplastics in the northern coastal waters of Surabaya, Indonesia. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2019; 142:183-188. [PMID: 31232293 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.03.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic distribution in waters gained increasing attention because of the discovery of microplastics in edible marine organisms. Microplastic size is small, and hence, it tends to float in the water column, thereby making it easy to enter and accumulate in the marine organism. Microplastic abundance is highly associated with the population density. The North Coast of Surabaya is the main area for community activities in East Java; therefore, it is highly vulnerable to receive microplastic input from the mainland. This study aimed to analyze the abundance, distribution, and characteristics of microplastics in the northern coastal waters of Surabaya. The study was conducted in March 2017. The results showed that the highest and lowest microplastic abundances were found in Lamong Bay. The microplastic characteristics in all stations showed that foam was the dominant form and polystyrene was the dominant type, with sizes of 500-1000 μm and 300-500 μm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Reza Cordova
- Research Center for Oceanography, Indonesian Institute of Sciences, Jl. Pasir Putih I, Jakarta 14430, Indonesia.
| | - Anna Ida Sunaryo Purwiyanto
- Programme Study in Marine Science, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Sriwijaya University, Palembang, Indonesia.
| | - Yulianto Suteja
- Marine Science Department, Marine and Fisheries Faculty, Udayana University, Jl. Raya Kampus Universitas Udayana, Bukit Jimbaran, Bali, Indonesia.
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20
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Pinheiro LM, Monteiro RCP, Ivar do Sul JA, Costa MF. Do beachrocks affect microplastic deposition on the strandline of sandy beaches? MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2019; 141:569-572. [PMID: 30955769 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Revised: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The strandline is one of the first deposition habitats of microplastics before they are integrated to the beach as a standing stock or finally removed. Beaches, entirely or partially protected by beachrocks, have different sediment dynamics and therefore may present variation in microplastic deposition. The aim of this work was to test if protected and unprotected (i.e., exposed to waves) areas of a sandy beach present different microplastic accumulation on the strandline - a habitat greatly influenced by both water and sediment dynamics. Microplastic (MP) amounts were significantly higher at the protected area (Mprotected = 642.6 ± 514.8 MP m-2, Mexposed = 130.6 ± 126.8 MP m-2, Mann-Whitney U test, U = 14.5, p = 0.0009), showing that beachrocks influence microplastic accumulation on the beach face. Therefore, hard structures parallel to the beach may also affect microplastics deposition on beach sediments, being important to consider these structures on microplastic surveys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara M Pinheiro
- Laboratory of Ecology and Management of Estuarine and Coastal Environments, Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Av. Da Arquitetura s/n, 500740-540 Recife, PE, Brazil; Laboratory of Organic Microcontaminants and Aquatic Ecotoxicology, Institute of Oceanography, Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG), Av. Itália km 8, 96201-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Raqueline C P Monteiro
- Laboratory of Ecology and Management of Estuarine and Coastal Environments, Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Av. Da Arquitetura s/n, 500740-540 Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Juliana A Ivar do Sul
- Laboratory of Ecology and Management of Estuarine and Coastal Environments, Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Av. Da Arquitetura s/n, 500740-540 Recife, PE, Brazil; Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research (IOW), Seestrasse 15, 18119 Rostock, Germany.
| | - Monica F Costa
- Laboratory of Ecology and Management of Estuarine and Coastal Environments, Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Av. Da Arquitetura s/n, 500740-540 Recife, PE, Brazil
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Dantas DV, Ribeiro CIR, Frischknecht CDCA, Machado R, Farias EGG. Ingestion of plastic fragments by the Guri sea catfish Genidens genidens (Cuvier, 1829) in a subtropical coastal estuarine system. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:8344-8351. [PMID: 30697657 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-04244-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
One of the most recognized anthropogenic impacts in marine environments is solid waste pollution, especially plastic, which can be ingested by fish, thus interfering with their health. In this context, the aim of this study is to describe the ingestion of plastic fragments and to identify the possible effect of this contamination in the condition factor of Genidens genidens in the Laguna Estuarine System. The stomach contents of 92 G. genidens (26 juveniles and 66 adults) were analyzed. The Index of Relative Importance was performed to identify the contribution of each prey item. Condition factor (CF) was used to analyze the effect of plastic ingestion on the fish's body condition (by comparing individuals in the same ontogenetic phase). For the juveniles, eight items were observed, the most important of which were Penaeidae, followed by Portunidae and plastic. For the adults, 12 items were observed, the most important of which were Penaeidae, Portunidae, Polychaeta, and plastic. The analysis of CF demonstrated higher values for individuals without plastic in the stomach, which indicated a better health condition. The CF of a fish may be affected by variations in the physiological condition, environmental stresses, and nutritional and biological variations, and could be used to compare the body condition or health of a fish species. The ingestion of plastic could significantly influence the worst body condition of the individuals that were analyzed in the present study. The plastic pollution in marine coastal waters is associated with the appropriate waste management levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- David V Dantas
- Grupo de Gestão, Ecologia e Tecnologia Marinha (GTMar), Departamento de Engenharia de Pesca e Ciências Biológicas, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), R. Cel. Fernandes Martins, 270, Laguna, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Planejamento Territorial e Desenvolvimento Socioambiental (PPGPLAN)/FAED, UDESC, Florianópolis, Brazil.
| | - Cristian I R Ribeiro
- Grupo de Gestão, Ecologia e Tecnologia Marinha (GTMar), Departamento de Engenharia de Pesca e Ciências Biológicas, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), R. Cel. Fernandes Martins, 270, Laguna, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Catarina de C A Frischknecht
- Grupo de Gestão, Ecologia e Tecnologia Marinha (GTMar), Departamento de Engenharia de Pesca e Ciências Biológicas, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), R. Cel. Fernandes Martins, 270, Laguna, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Machado
- Grupo de Gestão, Ecologia e Tecnologia Marinha (GTMar), Departamento de Engenharia de Pesca e Ciências Biológicas, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), R. Cel. Fernandes Martins, 270, Laguna, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Eduardo G G Farias
- Grupo de Gestão, Ecologia e Tecnologia Marinha (GTMar), Departamento de Engenharia de Pesca e Ciências Biológicas, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), R. Cel. Fernandes Martins, 270, Laguna, Santa Catarina, Brazil
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22
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Andrade MC, Winemiller KO, Barbosa PS, Fortunati A, Chelazzi D, Cincinelli A, Giarrizzo T. First account of plastic pollution impacting freshwater fishes in the Amazon: Ingestion of plastic debris by piranhas and other serrasalmids with diverse feeding habits. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 244:766-773. [PMID: 30388680 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.10.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2018] [Revised: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Reported here is the first evidence of plastic ingestion by freshwater fishes in the Amazon. Plastic bags, bottles, fishing gear, and other products are entering Amazonian water bodies and degrade into meso- and micro-plastic particles that may be ingested, either directly or indirectly via food chains, by fishes. Examination of stomach contents from 172 specimens of 16 serrasalmid species from lower Xingu River Basin revealed consumption of plastic particles by fishes in each of three trophic guilds (herbivores, omnivores, carnivores). Overall, about one quarter of specimens and 80% of species analyzed had ingested plastic particles ranging from 1 to 15 mm in length. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated 12 polymer types, including 27% identified as polyethylene, 13% polyvinyl chloride, 13% polyamide, 13% polypropylene, 7% poly(methyl methacrylate), 7% rayon, 7% polyethylene terephtalate, and 13% a blend of polyamide and polyethylene terephtalate. Dimensions of ingested plastic particles varied among trophic guilds, even though the frequency and mass of ingested particles were not significantly different among fishes with different feeding habits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo C Andrade
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia Aquática e Pesca, and Laboratório de Biologia Pesqueira e Manejo dos Recursos Aquáticos, Grupo de Ecologia Aquática, 2651 Avenida Perimetral, 66040-830, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil.
| | - Kirk O Winemiller
- Program in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, and Winemiller Aquatic Ecology Lab, 454 Throckmorton Street, TX, 77840, Texas A&M University, College Station, USA
| | - Priscilla S Barbosa
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia Aquática e Pesca, and Laboratório de Biologia Pesqueira e Manejo dos Recursos Aquáticos, Grupo de Ecologia Aquática, 2651 Avenida Perimetral, 66040-830, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Alessia Fortunati
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - David Chelazzi
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy; CSGI, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandra Cincinelli
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy; CSGI, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Tommaso Giarrizzo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia Aquática e Pesca, and Laboratório de Biologia Pesqueira e Manejo dos Recursos Aquáticos, Grupo de Ecologia Aquática, 2651 Avenida Perimetral, 66040-830, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
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23
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Silva JDB, Barletta M, Lima ARA, Ferreira GVB. Use of resources and microplastic contamination throughout the life cycle of grunts (Haemulidae) in a tropical estuary. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 242:1010-1021. [PMID: 30373032 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.07.038] [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: 02/05/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The distribution, feeding ecology and microplastic contamination were assessed in different ontogenetic phases of Haemulidae species inhabiting the Goiana Estuary, over a seasonal cycle. Pomadasys ramosus and Haemulopsis corvinaeformis are estuarine dependent species that use habitats with specific environmental conditions each season. Pomadasys ramosus was found in the upper and middle estuaries during the rainy season, when salinity showed the lowest values. Haemulopsis corvinaeformis was found in the lower estuary during the dry season, when salinity increased in the estuary. Juveniles of P. ramosus are zooplanktivores, feeding mainly on calanoid copepods. Sub-adults and adults are zoobenthivores, feeding on invertebrates associated to the bottom, mainly Polychaeta. Juveniles of H. corvinaeformis were not found in the main channel, but sub-adults and adults showed a zoobenthivore habit, feeding mainly on Anomalocardia flexuosa (Mollusca: Bivalvia). Dietary shifts along the life cycle and the spatio-temporal relationship between their distribution and the availability of microplastics along the estuary seem to have a strong influence in the ingestion of microfilaments. The highest average ingestion of microfilaments by P. ramosus coincided with the peak of ingestion of Polychaeta by sub-adults in the upper estuary during the late rainy season. For H. corvinaeformis the highest ingestion of microfilaments coincided with the peak of ingestion of A. flexuosa by adults in the lower estuary during the late dry season. Such contamination might be attributed to the time when these phases shifted to a more diverse diet and began to forage on benthic invertebrates. Research on microplastic contamination must consider species-specific behaviour, since the intake of microplastics is dependent on patterns of distribution and trophic guild within fish assemblages.
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Affiliation(s)
- José D B Silva
- Laboratory of Ecology and Management of Coastal and Estuarine Ecosystems, Department of Oceanography, Federal University of Pernambuco, Av. Arquitetura s/n, Cidade Universitaria, CEP: 50740-550, Recife, Brazil
| | - Mário Barletta
- Laboratory of Ecology and Management of Coastal and Estuarine Ecosystems, Department of Oceanography, Federal University of Pernambuco, Av. Arquitetura s/n, Cidade Universitaria, CEP: 50740-550, Recife, Brazil.
| | - André R A Lima
- Laboratory of Ecology and Management of Coastal and Estuarine Ecosystems, Department of Oceanography, Federal University of Pernambuco, Av. Arquitetura s/n, Cidade Universitaria, CEP: 50740-550, Recife, Brazil
| | - Guilherme V B Ferreira
- Laboratory of Ecology and Management of Coastal and Estuarine Ecosystems, Department of Oceanography, Federal University of Pernambuco, Av. Arquitetura s/n, Cidade Universitaria, CEP: 50740-550, Recife, Brazil
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Cortés-Gómez AA, Tvarijonaviciute A, Teles M, Cuenca R, Fuentes-Mascorro G, Romero D. p-Nitrophenyl Acetate Esterase Activity and Cortisol as Biomarkers of Metal Pollution in Blood of Olive Ridley Turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea). ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2018; 75:25-36. [PMID: 29043390 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-017-0464-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This study was designed to determine the concentrations of p-nitrophenyl acetate esterase activity (EA) and cortisol in serum of marine Olive Ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) from a Mexican Pacific population ("La Escobilla" beach) and to evaluate the possible relationship of inorganic elements with these biomarkers. EA, cortisol, and selected chemical elements (Cd, Pb, Ti, Sr, Se, Al, As, and Zn) were measured in the blood of 44 sea turtles from the Eastern Pacific (Southeast Mexico). Serum EA ranged from 0.4 to 3.9 UI mL-1, and cortisol concentrations ranged from 0.07 to 2.5 μL dL-1. A strong negative correlation between EA and cortisol was observed (r = - 0.59, p < 0.01), and significant correlations also were found between EA and important metals, such as Cd (r = - 0.31, p < 0.05) and Pb (r = - 0.27, p < 0.05), and elements of growing concern like Ti (r = - 0.37, p < 0.01) or Al (r = - 0.34, p < 0.05) and between cortisol and Sr (r = 0.29, p < 0.05), Se (r = - 0.38, p < 0.01), and As (r = - 0.26, p < 0.05). These results suggest that turtles chronically exposed to different inorganic elements (such as Pb and Cd), driving to a highly consume of esterase and to a prolonged cortisol elevation. The obtained results indicate the usefulness of these biomarkers in the assessment of inorganic elements pollution in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana A Cortés-Gómez
- Área de Toxicología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Murcia, Campus Regional de Excelencia Internacional "Campus Mare Nostrum", Espinardo, 30071, Murcia, Spain
| | - Asta Tvarijonaviciute
- Departament de Medicina i Cirugia Animals, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Campus d'excel·lència "UAB-CEI", Bellaterra, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mariana Teles
- Departament de Biologia Cellular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Campus d'excel·lència "UAB-CEI", Bellaterra, Barcelona, 08193, Spain
| | - Rafaela Cuenca
- Servei d'Hematologia Clínica Veterinària (SHCV) - Veterinary Clinical Hematology Service, Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gisela Fuentes-Mascorro
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Reproducción Animal (LIRA), Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez, Oaxaca, Mexico
| | - Diego Romero
- Área de Toxicología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Murcia, Campus Regional de Excelencia Internacional "Campus Mare Nostrum", Espinardo, 30071, Murcia, Spain.
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Ferreira GVB, Barletta M, Lima ARA, Morley SA, Justino AKS, Costa MF. High intake rates of microplastics in a Western Atlantic predatory fish, and insights of a direct fishery effect. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 236:706-717. [PMID: 29453186 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.01.095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Revised: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic contamination was investigated in the gut contents of an economically important estuarine top predator, Cynoscion acoupa, according to spatiotemporal and ontogenetic use of a tropical estuary. Microplastic contamination was found in more than half of the analysed fish. Ingested microplastics were classified by type, colour and length with most of the particles consisting of filaments (<5 mm). Longer filaments were more frequently ingested in the upper estuary and smaller filaments in the lower estuary, as a result of differences in hydrodynamic forces and proximity to the probable input sources. The river is likely an important source of filaments to the estuary and filaments ingested in the upper estuary showed little sign of weathering, when compared with those from the lower estuary, which are subject to intense weathering and consequent break-up of particles to smaller sizes. Most filaments, of all colours, accumulated in adults of C. acoupa, which are more susceptible to contamination through both direct ingestion and trophic transference as they shift their feeding mode to piscivory. Moreover, the highest ingestion of filaments in adults occurred in the lower estuary, during the late rainy season, likely associated with the intense fishing activities in this habitat, which results in a greater input of filaments from fishing gear, which are mainly blue in colour. Overall, 44% of the ingested filaments were blue, 20% purple, 13% black, 10% red and 12% white. The next most common colour, the purple filaments, are most likely blue filaments whose colour has weathered to purple. Red filaments were proportionally more ingested in the lower estuary, indicating a coastal/oceanic source. White and black filaments were more commonly ingested in the inner estuary, suggesting that they have a riverine origin and/or were actively ingested by juveniles and sub-adults, which inhabit the inner estuary and have zooplankton as an important food resource.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme V B Ferreira
- Laboratory of Ecology and Management of Coastal and Estuarine Ecosystems, Department of Oceanography, Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Av. Arquitetura S/N, Cidade Universitária, Recife, Pernambuco, CEP: 50740-550, Brazil
| | - Mário Barletta
- Laboratory of Ecology and Management of Coastal and Estuarine Ecosystems, Department of Oceanography, Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Av. Arquitetura S/N, Cidade Universitária, Recife, Pernambuco, CEP: 50740-550, Brazil.
| | - André R A Lima
- Laboratory of Ecology and Management of Coastal and Estuarine Ecosystems, Department of Oceanography, Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Av. Arquitetura S/N, Cidade Universitária, Recife, Pernambuco, CEP: 50740-550, Brazil
| | - Simon A Morley
- British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB30ET, UK
| | - Anne K S Justino
- Laboratory of Ecology and Management of Coastal and Estuarine Ecosystems, Department of Oceanography, Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Av. Arquitetura S/N, Cidade Universitária, Recife, Pernambuco, CEP: 50740-550, Brazil
| | - Monica F Costa
- Laboratory of Ecology and Management of Coastal and Estuarine Ecosystems, Department of Oceanography, Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Av. Arquitetura S/N, Cidade Universitária, Recife, Pernambuco, CEP: 50740-550, Brazil
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26
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Ory NC, Sobral P, Ferreira JL, Thiel M. Amberstripe scad Decapterus muroadsi (Carangidae) fish ingest blue microplastics resembling their copepod prey along the coast of Rapa Nui (Easter Island) in the South Pacific subtropical gyre. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 586:430-437. [PMID: 28196756 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.01.175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 294] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Revised: 01/25/2017] [Accepted: 01/26/2017] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
An increasing number of studies have described the presence of microplastics (≤5mm) in many different fish species, raising ecological concerns. The factors influencing the ingestion of microplastics by fish remain unclear despite their importance to a better understanding of the routes of microplastics through marine food webs. Here, we compare microplastics and planktonic organisms in surface waters and as food items of 20 Amberstripe scads (Decapterus muroadsi) captured along the coast of Rapa Nui (Easter Island) to assess the hypothesis that fish ingest microplastics resembling their natural prey. Sixteen (80%) of the scad had ingested one to five microplastics, mainly blue polyethylene fragments that were similar in colour and size to blue copepod species consumed by the same fish. These results suggest that planktivorous fish, as a consequence of their feeding behaviour as visual predators, are directly exposed to floating microplastics. This threat may be exacerbated in the clear oceanic waters of the subtropical gyres, where anthropogenic litter accumulates in great quantity. Our study highlights the menace of microplastic contamination on the integrity of fragile remote ecosystems and the urgent need for efficient plastic waste management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Christian Ory
- Facultad Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile; Millennium Nucleus Ecology and Sustainable Management of Oceanic Island (ESMOI), Coquimbo, Chile.
| | - Paula Sobral
- MARE-NOVA, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campus da Caparica, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Joana Lia Ferreira
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Conservação e Restauro, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - 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
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