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Garrard SL, Clark JR, Martin N, Nelms SE, Botterell ZLR, Cole M, Coppock RL, Galloway TS, Green DS, Jones M, Lindeque PK, Tillin HM, Beaumont NJ. Identifying potential high-risk zones for land-derived plastic litter to marine megafauna and key habitats within the North Atlantic. Sci Total Environ 2024; 922:171282. [PMID: 38412875 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
The pervasive use of plastic in modern society has led to plastic litter becoming ubiquitous within the ocean. Land-based sources of plastic litter are thought to account for the majority of plastic pollution in the marine environment, with plastic bags, bottles, wrappers, food containers and cutlery among the most common items found. In the marine environment, plastic is a transboundary pollutant, with the potential to cause damage far beyond the political borders from where it originated, making the management of this global pollutant particularly complex. In this study, the risks of land-derived plastic litter (LDPL) to major groups of marine megafauna - seabirds, cetaceans, pinnipeds, elasmobranchs, turtles, sirenians, tuna and billfish - and a selection of productive and biodiverse biogenic habitats - coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass, saltmarsh and kelp beds - were analysed using a Spatial Risk Assessment approach. The approach combines metrics for vulnerability (mechanism of harm for megafauna group or habitat), hazard (plastic abundance) and exposure (distribution of group or habitat). Several potential high-risk zones (HRZs) across the North Atlantic were highlighted, including the Azores, the UK, the French and US Atlantic coasts, and the US Gulf of Mexico. Whilst much of the modelled LDPL driving risk in the UK originated from domestic sources, in other HRZs, such as the Azores archipelago and the US Gulf of Mexico, plastic originated almost exclusively from external (non-domestic) sources. LDPL from Caribbean islands - some of the largest generators of marine plastic pollution in the dataset of river plastic emissions used in the study - was noted as a significant input to HRZs across both sides of the Atlantic. These findings highlight the potential of Spatial Risk Assessment analyses to determine the location of HRZs and understand where plastic debris monitoring and management should be prioritised, enabling more efficient deployment of interventions and mitigation measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha L Garrard
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom.
| | - James R Clark
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola Martin
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah E Nelms
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, TR10 9FE, United Kingdom
| | - Zara L R Botterell
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, TR10 9FE, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Cole
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel L Coppock
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom
| | - Tamara S Galloway
- Biosciences, Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, United Kingdom
| | - Dannielle S Green
- Applied Ecology Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge CB1 1PT, United Kingdom
| | - Megan Jones
- Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, The Laboratory, Citadel Hill, Plymouth, PL1 2PB, United Kingdom
| | - Pennie K Lindeque
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom
| | - Heidi M Tillin
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola J Beaumont
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom
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Galli M, Baini M, Panti C, Tepsich P, Rosso M, Giannini F, Galgani F, Fossi MC. Paraffin waxes in the North-Western Mediterranean Sea: A comprehensive assessment in the Pelagos Sanctuary, a Specially Protected Area of Mediterranean Importance. J Hazard Mater 2024; 467:133677. [PMID: 38340565 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Paraffin waxes are widely recognized as emerging marine pollutants, even their classification by the recent monitoring programs and the knowledge of their occurrence, and sources of contamination in marine ecosystems are poorly defined and reported. Wax presence and distribution have been evaluated in different environmental compartments in the Pelagos Sanctuary (Mediterranean Sea) floating on the sea surface and stranded on beaches, focussing on their characterization, accumulation areas and pollution inputs. More than 2500 yellow paraffin residues were detected and analysed in the study area showing a prevailing dimension smaller than 5 mm. The Genoa Canyon and the waters facing Gorgona Island resulted in the more polluted areas representing two distinct hotspots of wax accumulation potentially related to the high density of tanker vessels sailing to and from the harbour of Genova and Livorno. Higher concentrations of beached particles were found along the Tuscan coast (11 items/100 m) and on Pianosa Island (110 items/m2). This study gives valuable insights into paraffin wax pollution in the Pelagos Sanctuary, emphasizing the need for harmonized monitoring and detection methods to elucidate the potential impacts on marine organisms. Moreover, mitigating actions are crucial to prevent and curb the waxes pollution of marine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Galli
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Italy
| | - M Baini
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy.
| | - C Panti
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
| | - P Tepsich
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy; CIMA Research Foundation, 17100 Savona, Italy
| | - M Rosso
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy; CIMA Research Foundation, 17100 Savona, Italy
| | - F Giannini
- National Park of the Tuscan Archipelago, 57037 Portoferraio, Italy
| | - F Galgani
- IFREMER, Unit RMPF, Vairao, Tahiti, French Polynesia
| | - M C Fossi
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
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Antacli JC, Di Mauro R, Rimondino GN, Alurralde G, Schloss IR, González GA, Morales S, Ottero A, Vodopivez C. Microplastic pollution in waters of the Antarctic coastal environment of Potter Cove (25 de Mayo Island/King George Island, South Shetlands). Sci Total Environ 2024; 915:170155. [PMID: 38228241 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Plastic pollution in the Southern Ocean around Antarctica is a growing concern, but many areas in this vast region remain unexplored. This study provides the first comprehensive analysis of marine microplastic (MPs) concentrations in Potter Cove, located near the Argentinian Carlini research station on 25 de Mayo/King George Island, Antarctica. Water samples were collected at 14 sites within the cove, representing various influences from the station's activities. Two sampling methods were used: a 5 L Niskin bottle and an in-situ filtering device called Microfilter, allowing for large water volumes to be filtered. MPs were found in 100 % of the samples. Microfilter samples ranged from 0.02 to 2.14 MPs/L, with a mean concentration of 0.44 ± 0.44 MPs/L. Niskin bottle samples showed concentrations from 0.40 to 55.67 MPs/L, with a mean concentration of 19.03 ± 18.21 MPs/L. The dominant types of MPs were anthropogenic black, transparent, and pink microfibers (MFs) measuring between 0.11 and 3.6 mm (Microfilter) and 0.06 to 7.96 mm (Niskin bottle), with a median length of 0.01 mm for both methods. Transparent and black irregular microfragments (MFRs) with diameters from 0.10 to 5.08 mm and a median diameter of 0.49 mm were also prevalent. FTIR-spectroscopy revealed the presence of 14 types of polymers. Cellulose-based materials and polyethylene terephthalate were the most abundant in MFs, while polyurethanes and styrene-based copolymers dominated in MFRs. MPs were more abundant near the Carlini station. Compared to other coastal Antarctic areas, the MPs in the cove were relatively abundant and mostly smaller than 1 mm. Local activities on the island were identified as the primary source of MPs in the cove, and the cyclonic water circulation likely affects the distribution of small-sized particles. To protect the ecosystem, reducing plastic usage, improving waste management, regulating MPs debris, and enhancing wastewater practices are essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Antacli
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Ecología Marina, Av. Vélez Sarsfield 299, 5000 Córdoba, Argentina; Instituto de Diversidad y Ecología Animal (IDEA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina.
| | - R Di Mauro
- Gabinete de Zooplancton, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo Pesquero (INIDEP), Paseo Victoria Ocampo N° 1, B7602HSA Mar del Plata, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - G N Rimondino
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Fisicoquímica de Córdoba (INFIQC), CONICET, Departamento de Físico-Química, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - G Alurralde
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden; Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission HELCOM, Helsinki FI-00160, Finland
| | - I R Schloss
- Instituto Antártico Argentino, 25 de Mayo 1143, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas (CADIC, CONICET), Bernardo Houssay 200, Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina; Universidad Nacional de Tierra del Fuego, Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
| | - G A González
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Ecología Marina, Av. Vélez Sarsfield 299, 5000 Córdoba, Argentina; Instituto de Diversidad y Ecología Animal (IDEA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - S Morales
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Ecología Marina, Av. Vélez Sarsfield 299, 5000 Córdoba, Argentina
| | - A Ottero
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Ecología Marina, Av. Vélez Sarsfield 299, 5000 Córdoba, Argentina
| | - C Vodopivez
- Instituto Antártico Argentino, 25 de Mayo 1143, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Girones L, Adaro ME, Pozo K, Baini M, Panti C, Fossi MC, Marcovecchio JE, Ronda AC, Arias AH. Spatial distribution and characteristics of plastic pollution in the salt marshes of Bahía Blanca Estuary, Argentina. Sci Total Environ 2024; 912:169199. [PMID: 38070560 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
This study delves into the magnitude and attributes of plastic pollution in the salt marshes of the Bahía Blanca Estuary, Argentina, with a specific focus on its spatial distribution. The investigation included the evaluation of microplastics (1-5 mm), mesoplastics (5-25 mm) and macroplastics (25-100 mm), discovering elevated levels along the high salt marsh strandline compared to low salt marsh and mudflat areas. Notably, the abundance of plastic reached staggering levels, reaching up to 20,060 items/m2 in the vicinity of an illegal dumpsite. Microplastics, particularly in the 2-4 mm range, were dominant, and the main plastic components were high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS). Plastic films emerged as the predominant plastic type, while the presence of pellets hinted at potential sources such as illegal dumping and port-related activities. This contamination could be largely attributed to inappropriate waste management practices and urban runoff, which pose a substantial ecological threat to these ecosystems. Urgent remedial action is essential to protect these marshes, underscoring the critical need for comprehensive wetland management and educational initiatives to ensure their long-term sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lautaro Girones
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO - CONICET/UNS), Camino La Carrindanga km 7.5, B8000FWB Bahía Blanca, Argentina; Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Av. Alem 1253, 8000 Bahía Blanca, Argentina.
| | - Maria Eugenia Adaro
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO - CONICET/UNS), Camino La Carrindanga km 7.5, B8000FWB Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Karla Pozo
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Science (RECETOX), Kamenice 753/5, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic; Universidad San Sebastián, Facultad de Ingeniería, Arquitectura y Diseño, Lientur 1457, 4030000 Concepción, Chile.
| | - Matteo Baini
- Department of Physical Sciences, Earth and Environment, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli, 4, 53100 Siena, Italy.
| | - Cristina Panti
- Department of Physical Sciences, Earth and Environment, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli, 4, 53100 Siena, Italy.
| | - Maria Cristina Fossi
- Department of Physical Sciences, Earth and Environment, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli, 4, 53100 Siena, Italy.
| | - Jorge Eduardo Marcovecchio
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO - CONICET/UNS), Camino La Carrindanga km 7.5, B8000FWB Bahía Blanca, Argentina; Universidad de la Fraternidad de Agrupaciones Santo Tomás de Aquino, Gascón 3145, 7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina; Universidad Tecnológica Nacional - FRBB, 11 de Abril 445, 8000 Bahía Blanca, Argentina; Academia Nacional de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales (ANCEFN), Av. Alvear 1711, 1014 Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Ana Carolina Ronda
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO - CONICET/UNS), Camino La Carrindanga km 7.5, B8000FWB Bahía Blanca, Argentina; Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Av. Alem 1253, 8000 Bahía Blanca, Argentina.
| | - Andres Hugo Arias
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO - CONICET/UNS), Camino La Carrindanga km 7.5, B8000FWB Bahía Blanca, Argentina; Departamento de Química, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Av. Alem 1253, 8000 Bahía Blanca, Argentina.
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5
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Mosquera-Ortega M, Rodrigues de Sousa L, Susmel S, Cortón E, Figueredo F. When microplastics meet electroanalysis: future analytical trends for an emerging threat. Anal Methods 2023; 15:5978-5999. [PMID: 37921647 DOI: 10.1039/d3ay01448g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are a major modern challenge that must be addressed to protect the environment, particularly the marine environment. Microplastics, defined as particles ≤5 mm, are ubiquitous in the environment. Their small size for a relatively large surface area, high persistence and easy distribution in water, soil and air require the development of new analytical methods to monitor their presence. At present, the availability of analytical techniques that are easy to use, automated, inexpensive and based on new approaches to improve detection remains an open challenge. This review aims to outline the evolution and novelties of classical and advanced methods, in particular the recently reported electroanalytical detectors, methods and devices. Among all the studies reviewed here, we highlight the great advantages of electroanalytical tools over spectroscopic and thermal analysis, especially for the rapid and accurate detection of microplastics in the sub-micron range. Finally, the challenges faced in the development of automated analytical methods are discussed, highlighting recent trends in artificial intelligence (AI) in microplastics analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Mosquera-Ortega
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioanalysis (LABB), Department of Biological Chemistry and IQUIBICEN, Faculty of Sciences, University of Buenos Aires and CONICET, Ciudad Universitaria, Buenos Aires (1428), Argentina.
- Basic Science Department, Faculty Regional General Pacheco, National Technological University, Argentina
| | - Lucas Rodrigues de Sousa
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioanalysis (LABB), Department of Biological Chemistry and IQUIBICEN, Faculty of Sciences, University of Buenos Aires and CONICET, Ciudad Universitaria, Buenos Aires (1428), Argentina.
- Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Goias, Campus Samambaia, Goiania, Brazil
| | - Sabina Susmel
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences (Di4A), University of Udine, Via Sondrio 2/A, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Eduardo Cortón
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioanalysis (LABB), Department of Biological Chemistry and IQUIBICEN, Faculty of Sciences, University of Buenos Aires and CONICET, Ciudad Universitaria, Buenos Aires (1428), Argentina.
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology at Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Federico Figueredo
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioanalysis (LABB), Department of Biological Chemistry and IQUIBICEN, Faculty of Sciences, University of Buenos Aires and CONICET, Ciudad Universitaria, Buenos Aires (1428), Argentina.
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Inteca G, Hagy B, Silva I, Amoda C, Cululo A, Farooq H. The tourism industry keeps beaches clean in Mozambique. Mar Pollut Bull 2023; 196:115615. [PMID: 37804669 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we conducted the first assessment of the litter abundance, diversity and predictors in Mozambique, by collecting approximately 2 tons of litter along six beaches across the country. We tested whether population, touristic industry, fishing, and recreation activities predict the quantity of macro litter for each of the 11 types and 141 subtypes of litter. Overall, we found that plastics made up 60.1 % of the items across all sampled beaches. Following plastics, clothing objects accounted for the second most weight (20.4 %) while foam objects were the second most abundant (15.7 %). More importantly, our results show that the tourism industry is a strong predictor for lower levels of litter across most types of litter while population density and fishing activity were strong predictors for higher levels. Our findings suggest that the tourism industry plays a crucial role in the country by maintaining the beaches clean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gélica Inteca
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Lúrio University, P.O. Box 958, Pemba, Mozambique.
| | - Badru Hagy
- Oceanographic Institute of Mozambique, P.O. Box 4603, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Isabel Silva
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Lúrio University, P.O. Box 958, Pemba, Mozambique
| | - Carlota Amoda
- Oceanographic Institute of Mozambique, P.O. Box 4603, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Aniceto Cululo
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Lúrio University, P.O. Box 958, Pemba, Mozambique
| | - Harith Farooq
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Lúrio University, P.O. Box 958, Pemba, Mozambique; Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate, Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, P.O. Box 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark; Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, P.O. Box 461, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
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Amesho KTT, Chinglenthoiba C, Samsudin MSAB, Lani MN, Pandey A, Desa MNM, Suresh V. Microplastics in the environment: An urgent need for coordinated waste management policies and strategies. J Environ Manage 2023; 344:118713. [PMID: 37567004 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have become a prevalent environmental concern, exerting detrimental effects on marine and terrestrial ecosystems, as well as human health. Addressing this urgent issue necessitates the implementation of coordinated waste management policies and strategies. In this study, we present a comprehensive review focusing on key results and the underlying mechanisms associated with microplastics. We examine their sources and pathways, elucidate their ecological and human health impacts, and evaluate the current state of waste management policies. By drawing upon recent research and pertinent case studies, we propose a range of practical solutions, encompassing enhanced recycling and waste reduction measures, product redesign, and innovative technological interventions. Moreover, we emphasize the imperative for collaboration and cooperation across sectors and jurisdictions to effectively tackle this pressing environmental challenge. The findings of this study contribute to the broader understanding of microplastics and provide valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders alike.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kassian T T Amesho
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, 804, Taiwan; Center for Emerging Contaminants Research, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, 804, Taiwan; The International University of Management, Centre for Environmental Studies, Main Campus, Dorado Park Ext 1, Windhoek, Namibia; Destinies Biomass Energy and Farming Pty Ltd, P.O. Box 7387, Swakopmund, Namibia.
| | - Chingakham Chinglenthoiba
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, National Institute of Technology Calicut, Kozhikode, India; Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, 117543, Singapore
| | - Mohd S A B Samsudin
- Faculty of Fisheries and Food Science, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia; Microplastic Research Interest Group (MRIG), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Nizam Lani
- Faculty of Fisheries and Food Science, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia; Microplastic Research Interest Group (MRIG), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.
| | - Ashutosh Pandey
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, 19 Steve Biko Road, Durban 4000, South Africa; Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Science and Technology, AKS University, Satna, Madhya Pradesh, 485001, India.
| | - Mohd Nasir Mohd Desa
- Halal Products Research Institute, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Valiyaveettil Suresh
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, 117543, Singapore.
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Thibault M, Hoarau L, Lebreton L, Le Corre M, Barret M, Cordier E, Ciccione S, Royer SJ, Ter Halle A, Ramanampamonjy A, Jean C, Dalleau M. Do loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) gut contents reflect the types, colors and sources of plastic pollution in the Southwest Indian Ocean? Mar Pollut Bull 2023; 194:115343. [PMID: 37531795 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
We analyzed plastic debris ingested by loggerheads from bycatch between 2007 and 2021 in the Southwest Indian Ocean (SWIO). We also analyzed plastic debris accumulated on beaches of the east coast of Madagascar as a proxy for ocean plastics to compare the characteristics of beached plastics and plastic ingested by turtles. We conducted a "brand audit" of the plastics to determine their country of origin. An oceanic circulation model was used to identify the most likely sources of plastics in the SWIO. In total, 202 of the 266 loggerheads analyzed had ingested plastics. Plastics categorized as "hard" and "white" were equally dominant in loggerheads and on beaches, suggesting no diet selectivity. Both the brand audit and circulation modeling demonstrated that Southeast Asia is the main source of plastic pollution in the region. This study demonstrates that loggerheads can be used as bioindicators of plastic pollution in the SWIO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margot Thibault
- UMR ENTROPIE, University of Reunion Island, 15 Avenue René Cassin, BP 7151, 97715, Saint Denis, Reunion Island, France; Centre d'Étude et Découverte de Tortues Marine (CEDTM), Saint-Leu, Reunion Island, France; The Ocean Cleanup, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Kelonia, The Marine Turtle Observatory of Reunion Island, 46 rue du Gal de Gaulle, Saint-Leu, Reunion Island, France; CNRS, Université Toulouse III, Laboratoire des Interactions Moléculaires et Réactivité Chimique et Photochimique (IMRCP), UMR 5623 Toulouse, France.
| | - Ludovic Hoarau
- UMR ENTROPIE, University of Reunion Island, 15 Avenue René Cassin, BP 7151, 97715, Saint Denis, Reunion Island, France; Centre d'Étude et Découverte de Tortues Marine (CEDTM), Saint-Leu, Reunion Island, France
| | | | - Matthieu Le Corre
- UMR ENTROPIE, University of Reunion Island, 15 Avenue René Cassin, BP 7151, 97715, Saint Denis, Reunion Island, France
| | - Mathieu Barret
- Kelonia, The Marine Turtle Observatory of Reunion Island, 46 rue du Gal de Gaulle, Saint-Leu, Reunion Island, France
| | - Emmanuel Cordier
- Osu-Réunion, University of Reunion Island, 15 Avenue René Cassin, BP 7151, 97715, Saint Denis, Reunion Island, France
| | - Stéphane Ciccione
- Kelonia, The Marine Turtle Observatory of Reunion Island, 46 rue du Gal de Gaulle, Saint-Leu, Reunion Island, France
| | | | - Alexandra Ter Halle
- CNRS, Université Toulouse III, Laboratoire des Interactions Moléculaires et Réactivité Chimique et Photochimique (IMRCP), UMR 5623 Toulouse, France
| | | | - Claire Jean
- Kelonia, The Marine Turtle Observatory of Reunion Island, 46 rue du Gal de Gaulle, Saint-Leu, Reunion Island, France
| | - Mayeul Dalleau
- Centre d'Étude et Découverte de Tortues Marine (CEDTM), Saint-Leu, Reunion Island, France
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Sparks C, Viljoen N, Hill D, Lassen J, Awe A. Characteristics and Risk Assessment of Microplastics in Water and Mussels Sampled from Cape Town Harbour and Two Oceans Aquarium, South Africa. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 2023; 110:104. [PMID: 37284892 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-023-03737-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to measure the characteristics and risk assessment of microplastics (MPs) in Cape Town Harbour (CTH) and the Two Oceans Aquarium (TOA) in Cape Town, South Africa from 2018 to 2020. Water and mussel MP samples were analyzed at 3 sites in CTH and TOA, respectively. Microplastics were mainly filamentous, black/grey and 1000-2000 μm in size. A total of 1778 MPs, averaging 7.50 (± 0.6 standard error of the mean, SEM) MPs/unit were recorded. Average MP concentrations were 10.3 ± 1.1 MPs/L in water and 6.27 ± 0.59 MPs/individual or, based on weight, 3.05 ± 1.09 MPs/g soft tissue wet weight in mussels. Average MPs in seawater in CTH (12.08 ± 1.3 SEM MPs/L) was significantly higher (4.61 ± 1.1 MPs/L) than inside the TOA (U = 536, p = 0.04). Various risk assessment calculations indicate that MPs in seawater poses a greater ecological risk than MPs in mussels at the sites sampled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conrad Sparks
- Department of Conservation and Marine Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa.
- Centre for Sustainable Oceans, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | | | - Deen Hill
- Department of Conservation and Marine Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa
- Two Oceans Aquarium, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jonathan Lassen
- Department of Conservation and Marine Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Adetunji Awe
- Department of Conservation and Marine Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa
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10
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Abreo NAS, Aurelio RM, Kobayashi VB, Thompson KF. 'Eye in the sky': Off-the-shelf unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) highlights exposure of marine turtles to floating litter (FML) in nearshore waters of Mayo Bay, Philippines. Mar Pollut Bull 2023; 186:114489. [PMID: 36549238 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Litter is a serious threat to the marine environment, with detrimental effects on wildlife and marine biodiversity. Limited data as a result of funding and logistical challenges in developing countries hamper our understanding of the problem. Here, we employed commercial unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) as a cost-effective tool to study the exposure of marine turtles to floating marine litter (FML) in waters of Mayo Bay, Philippines. A quadcopter UAV was flown autonomously with on-board camera capturing videos during the flight. Still frames were extracted when either turtle or litter were detected in post-flight processing. The extracted frames were georeferenced and mapped using QGIS software. Results showed that turtles are highly exposed to FML in nearshore waters. Moreover, spatial dependence between FML and turtles was also observed. The study highlights the effectiveness of UAVs in marine litter research and underscores the threat of FML to turtles in nearshore waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Angelo S Abreo
- Marine Litter Project, Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Laboratory - Environmental Studies Group, University of the Philippines Mindanao, Philippines; Institute of Advanced Studies, Davao del Norte State College, Panabo City, Philippines.
| | - Remie M Aurelio
- Center for the Advancement of Research in Mindanao, Office of Research, University of the Philippines Mindanao, Philippines
| | - Vladimer B Kobayashi
- Marine Litter Project, Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Laboratory - Environmental Studies Group, University of the Philippines Mindanao, Philippines; Department of Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science, College of Science and Mathematics, University of the Philippines Mindanao, Philippines
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11
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Deoniziak K, Cichowska A, Niedźwiecki S, Pol W. Thrushes (Aves: Passeriformes) as indicators of microplastic pollution in terrestrial environments. Sci Total Environ 2022; 853:158621. [PMID: 36084782 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution is one of the leading global conservation issues. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of microplastics in the gastrointestinal tracts of Common Blackbirds Turdus merula (N = 16) and Song Thrushes Turdus philomelos (N = 18), songbirds with exceptionally terrestrial lifestyles and a wide distribution range. We searched for microplastics of over 100 μm in size and assessed whether their contamination differed regarding the age of the birds and the time of year. We used birds that had died as a result of collision with anthropogenic infrastructure, which were sampled during wildlife monitoring of anthropogenic infrastructures and citizen science projects in north-eastern Poland. We found that all the analysed individuals contained microplastic in their gastrointestinal tracts, which were classified as fibers, fragments, films and pellets. A total number of 1073 microplastics were observed, mostly consisting of fibers (84 %) and films (10 %) below 1 mm in size. The dominant colours of microplastics were transparent (75 %) and brown (14 %). The species average microplastic concentration was higher in Song Thrushes (40.1) than Common Blackbirds (21.9), however the difference was not statistically significant. Moreover, we found no seasonal or age-related differences in microplastic ingestion in either species. While our results show a ubiquity of microplastics in terrestrial environments, they also indicate that thrushes have the potential to be used as indicators of microplastic pollution in terrestrial ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Deoniziak
- Laboratory of Insect Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bialystok, Konstantego Ciołkowskiego 1J, 15-245 Białystok, Poland.
| | - Aleksandra Cichowska
- Laboratory of Insect Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bialystok, Konstantego Ciołkowskiego 1J, 15-245 Białystok, Poland
| | | | - Wojciech Pol
- Department of Water Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bialystok, Konstantego Ciołkowskiego 1J, 15-245 Białystok, Poland
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12
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Pietroluongo G, Quintana Martín-Montalvo B, Antichi S, Miliou A, Costa V. First Assessment of Micro-Litter Ingested by Dolphins, Sea Turtles and Monk Seals Found Stranded along the Coasts of Samos Island, Greece. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12243499. [PMID: 36552419 PMCID: PMC9774117 DOI: 10.3390/ani12243499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This study is the first to assess the occurrence of micro-litter ingested by marine megafauna in the north-eastern Aegean Sea. A total of 25 specimens from four species of marine mammals, including dolphins and monk seals, and two species of sea turtles, found stranded along the coastline of Samos Island, Greece, were selected for the analysis. Litter particles, identified as microplastics (MPs), were ubiquitous throughout all sections of the gastrointestinal tract (oesophagus, stomach and intestine) in all specimens. Overall, the MPs most frequently found were black fibres 0.21-0.50 mm in size. These results provide insight into the extent of micro-litter ingestion and contamination in marine vertebrates. Here we propose a method of standardisation to establish a baseline for marine taxa in this region of the Mediterranean Sea, where knowledge of the topic is still lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Pietroluongo
- Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation, P.O. Box 42, 83103 Pythagorio, Samos, Greece
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Viale dell’Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
- Correspondence: (G.P.); (V.C.)
| | | | - Simone Antichi
- Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation, P.O. Box 42, 83103 Pythagorio, Samos, Greece
- Departamento de Ciencias Marinas y Costeras, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur, Sur KM 5.5, La Paz 23080, Mexico
| | - Anastasia Miliou
- Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation, P.O. Box 42, 83103 Pythagorio, Samos, Greece
| | - Valentina Costa
- Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation, P.O. Box 42, 83103 Pythagorio, Samos, Greece
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn (SZN), Contrada Torre Spaccata, Località Torre Spaccata, 87071 Amendolara, Italy
- Correspondence: (G.P.); (V.C.)
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Izar GM, Choueri RB, Martinez ST, da Rocha GO, Albergaria-Barbosa ACR. The application of the DAPSI(W)R(M) framework to the plastic pellets chain. Mar Pollut Bull 2022; 180:113807. [PMID: 35667257 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Single-use plastic, few global engagement and lack of policies contribute to the global challenge about plastic marine litter. This form of contamination can cause injury and death of marine wildlife. Microplastics (>5 mm) represent an important fraction of plastic litter. They include the plastic pellets that are used as raw material within plastic industry that can be unintentionally spilled into the environment during the industrial processes. In an initiative in order to facilitate the understanding and communication of plastic pellets as a social and environmental problem, we applied the Drivers-Activities-Pressures-State changes-Impacts (on Welfare)-Responses (as Measures) (DAPSI[W]R[M]) framework to plastic pellets chain. We also analyzed possible mitigating measures and their actions along the plastic pellets chain. This DAPSI(W)R(M) framework aim to show an overview of the plastic pellets chain and solutions for politicians and decision makers to help solve this socio-environmental problem that needs the engagement of all stakeholders involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M Izar
- Polytechnic School, Interdisciplinary Center of Energy and Environment, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Barão de Jeremoabo street, s/n, Campus Ondina, 40170-290 Salvador, Bahia, Brazil; Marine Geochemistry Laboratory, Institute of Geoscience, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Barão de Jeremoabo street, s/n, Campus Ondina, 40170-115 Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
| | - R B Choueri
- Departament of Marine Science, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), Silva Jardim street, 136, 11015-020 Santos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - S T Martinez
- Polytechnic School, Interdisciplinary Center of Energy and Environment, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Barão de Jeremoabo street, s/n, Campus Ondina, 40170-290 Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - G O da Rocha
- Polytechnic School, Interdisciplinary Center of Energy and Environment, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Barão de Jeremoabo street, s/n, Campus Ondina, 40170-290 Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - A C R Albergaria-Barbosa
- Marine Geochemistry Laboratory, Institute of Geoscience, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Barão de Jeremoabo street, s/n, Campus Ondina, 40170-115 Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
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Xi B, Wang B, Chen M, Lee X, Zhang X, Wang S, Yu Z, Wu P. Environmental behaviors and degradation methods of microplastics in different environmental media. Chemosphere 2022; 299:134354. [PMID: 35306053 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics, as a group of emerging contaminants, are widely present in environmental media and have the potential to endanger the ecological environment and human health. Due to the inconsistencies and difficulties inherent in the analysis of microplastic particles, global monitoring data on the distribution of microplastics in the environment are still far from sufficient. The fate and migration of microplastics in the environment are also uncertain. Therefore, there have been increasing reviews on the distribution, biological effects, migration, and health risks of microplastics. However, reports focusing on the degradation of microplastics are still rare. Understanding and commanding the environmental behavior of microplastics are of great significance to explore the treatment of microplastic pollution. Although some preliminary studies on microplastics have been carried out, there is still an urgent need to conduct a comprehensive study on environmental behaviors and degradation methods of microplastics in different environmental media. This article summarizes the recent advances on microplastics, basically includes the distribution and ecological impact of microplastics in soil and water environments, then elaborates the migration behavior and influencing factors of microplastics, and focuses on the research progress of microplastics degradation methods. On this basis, the problems existing in the current research and the future development directions have been proposed. This review could provide a more systematic reference for the development and research of microplastics in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binbin Xi
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China
| | - Bing Wang
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China; Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Ministry of Education, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China.
| | - Miao Chen
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China; Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Ministry of Education, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China
| | - Xinqing Lee
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, Guizhou 550081, China
| | - Xueyang Zhang
- School of Environmental Engineering, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Industrial Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Xuzhou University of Technology, Xuzhou 221018, China
| | - Shengsen Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225127, China
| | - Zebin Yu
- School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Panfeng Wu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng 224051, China
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15
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Farrukh A, Mathrani S, Sajjad A. A Systematic Literature Review on Environmental Sustainability Issues of Flexible Packaging: Potential Pathways for Academic Research and Managerial Practice. Sustainability 2022; 14:4737. [DOI: 10.3390/su14084737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to investigate environmental sustainability issues of the flexible packaging (FP) segment of the packaging industry. Increasingly, waste and pollution caused by FP have become a significant challenge for global sustainable development. Prior research studies have examined a diverse set of environmental challenges associated with FP, albeit, in a fragmented way. There is a paucity of research exploring and synthesizing the environmental burden of FP in an integrated fashion. To bridge this knowledge gap, we conducted a systematic literature review (SLR) to identify, synthesize, and analyze the environmental sustainability issues of FP utilizing the SCOPUS database. Based on an in-depth critical analysis of selected articles, this paper provides novel insights to scholars, practitioners, and policymakers for developing an improved understanding of environmental issues of the FP sector. This paper promotes academic scholarship and strengthens managerial practice in addressing the environmental sustainability challenges of FP.
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16
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van de Geer CH, Bourjea J, Broderick AC, Dalleau M, Fernandes RS, Harris LR, Inteca GE, Kiponda FK, Louro CMM, Mortimer JA, Msangameno D, Mwasi LD, Nel R, Okemwa GM, Olendo M, Pereira MAM, Rees AF, Silva I, Singh S, West L, Williams JL, Godley BJ. Marine turtles of the African east coast: current knowledge and priorities for conservation and research. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2022. [DOI: 10.3354/esr01180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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17
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Camedda A, Matiddi M, Vianello A, Coppa S, Bianchi J, Silvestri C, Palazzo L, Massaro G, Atzori F, Ruiu A, Piermarini R, Cocumelli C, Briguglio P, Hochscheid S, Brundu R, de Lucia GA. Polymer composition assessment suggests prevalence of single-use plastics among items ingested by loggerhead sea turtles in the western mediterranean sub-region. Environ Pollut 2022; 292:118274. [PMID: 34606971 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The ingestion of plastic is becoming a major concern for various species and particularly for marine turtles across the globe. The loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) was recently chosen by the European Commission as a bio-indicator for plastic pollution within the Mediterranean basin. We further investigated which items this key species is more prone to ingest, following the standardised Marine Strategy Framework Directive protocols. Moreover, we integrated to this protocol the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, which allowed us to determine the polymer type of each item. We analysed samples from 226 sea turtles from 2008 to 2017 in two areas of the western Mediterranean sub-region (sensu MSFD). In the Lazio area we found a frequency of occurrence of plastic ingestion of 78.33%, while in Sardinia 41.79%. The analysis of the litter categories, among all individuals, highlights a prevalence of user-sheet (Use-She; 69.13%) and user-fragment plastics (Use-Fra; 20.84%). In addition, the polymer analysis showed a dominance of polyethylene (65.98%) and polypropylene (26.23%). As a result, by looking at other works that have investigated polymer types and items sources, we are able to infer that 77.25% of the objects ingested by the C. caretta individuals are attributable to disposable daily-life objects managed in an improper way. Therefore, C. caretta apart from being an efficient bio-indicator for plastic pollution, highlighting spatial and temporal concentration differences, it could also be used to verify the effectiveness of the Single-use Plastic Directive (EU 2019/904).
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Camedda
- Institute of Anthropic Impact and Sustainability in Marine Environment - National Research Council Oristano Section, Località Sa Mardini 09170 Torregrande, Oristano, Italy
| | - Marco Matiddi
- Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Via Vitaliano Brancati 48, 00144, Roma, Italy
| | - Alvise Vianello
- Aalborg University, Section of Water and Environment, Department of the Built Environment, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9220, Aalborg Øst, Denmark
| | - Stefania Coppa
- Institute of Anthropic Impact and Sustainability in Marine Environment - National Research Council Oristano Section, Località Sa Mardini 09170 Torregrande, Oristano, Italy.
| | - Jessica Bianchi
- Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Via Vitaliano Brancati 48, 00144, Roma, Italy; Department of Ecology and Biology, University of Tuscia, Via S. Camillo de Lellis 44, 01100, Viterbo, VT, Italy
| | - Cecilia Silvestri
- Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Via Vitaliano Brancati 48, 00144, Roma, Italy
| | - Luca Palazzo
- Institute of Anthropic Impact and Sustainability in Marine Environment - National Research Council Oristano Section, Località Sa Mardini 09170 Torregrande, Oristano, Italy; Department of Ecology and Biology, University of Tuscia, Via S. Camillo de Lellis 44, 01100, Viterbo, VT, Italy
| | - Giorgio Massaro
- Institute of Anthropic Impact and Sustainability in Marine Environment - National Research Council Oristano Section, Località Sa Mardini 09170 Torregrande, Oristano, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Atzori
- Department of Ecology and Biology, University of Tuscia, Via S. Camillo de Lellis 44, 01100, Viterbo, VT, Italy; Capo Carbonara MPA- Municipality of Villasimius, 09049, Villasimius (SU), Italy
| | - Angelo Ruiu
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Della Sardegna - Struttura Complessa Diagnostica di Oristano, Via Atene, Z.I., 09170, Oristano, Italy
| | - Raffaella Piermarini
- Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Via Vitaliano Brancati 48, 00144, Roma, Italy
| | - Cristiano Cocumelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Del Lazio e Della Toscana M. Aleandri, via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178, Roma, Italy
| | - Paolo Briguglio
- Clinica Veterinaria "due Mari", Via Cagliari 313, 09170, Oristano, Italy
| | - Sandra Hochscheid
- Marine Turtle Research Center, Dipartment of Animal Conservation and Public Engagement, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Via Nuova Macello 16, 80055, Portici, Italy
| | - Roberto Brundu
- "Penisola Del Sinis e Isola di Mal di Ventre" Marine Protected Area, P.zza Eleonora 1, 09072, Cabras, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Andrea de Lucia
- Institute of Anthropic Impact and Sustainability in Marine Environment - National Research Council Oristano Section, Località Sa Mardini 09170 Torregrande, Oristano, Italy
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Yaghmour F, Al Bousi M, Al Naqbi H, Whittington-Jones B, Rodríguez-Zarate CJ. Junk food: Interspecific and intraspecific distinctions in marine debris ingestion by marine turtles. Mar Pollut Bull 2021; 173:113009. [PMID: 34607128 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The pervasiveness of marine debris is now considered one of the most persistent changes in marine environments. This study reports marine debris ingested by green sea turtles Chelonia mydas and loggerhead sea turtles Caretta caretta that stranded along the eastern coast of the Sharjah Emirate in the United Arab Emirates. We observed that both green and loggerhead sea turtles frequently ingest (Frequency of Occurrence: 75.0% and 57.1% respectively) high quantities of marine debris, particularly plastics. The results suggest that green sea turtles are more likely to ingest soft items such as threads and sheets while loggerheads are more likely to ingest hard items. When considering the quantity, frequency and nature of ingested marine debris as well as the physiology of specific species and age classes, green sea turtles, particularly younger specimens, ingest the greatest amount of marine debris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fadi Yaghmour
- Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre (Scientific Research Department), Environment and Protected Areas Authority, Kalba, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Marwa Al Bousi
- EPAA Kalba Office (Scientific Research Department), Environment and Protected Areas Authority, Kalba, United Arab Emirates
| | - Halima Al Naqbi
- EPAA Kalba Office (Scientific Research Department), Environment and Protected Areas Authority, Kalba, United Arab Emirates
| | - Brendan Whittington-Jones
- Sharjah Desert Park Office (Scientific Research Department), Environment and Protected Areas Authority, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Clara Jimena Rodríguez-Zarate
- Sharjah Desert Park Office (Scientific Research Department), Environment and Protected Areas Authority, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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Vasilopoulou G, Kehayias G, Kletou D, Kleitou P, Triantafyllidis V, Zotos A, Antoniadis K, Rousou M, Papadopoulos V, Polykarpou P, Tsiamis G. Microplastics Investigation Using Zooplankton Samples from the Coasts of Cyprus (Eastern Mediterranean). Water 2021; 13:2272. [DOI: 10.3390/w13162272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The Mediterranean Sea has the highest accumulation of microplastics in the world. Although numerous studies about microplastic’s abundance and distribution have been conducted, the majority sampled surface waters. Especially for the Eastern Mediterranean, there is no information concerning the deeper strata. This study fills this gap by studying the microplastic spatial and temporal distribution along the coasts of Cyprus, utilizing zooplankton samples collected from the entire 0–50 m depth layer. The average microplastics’ abundance was 41.31 ± 22.41 items/m3 indicating that the Eastern Mediterranean seems to be much more polluted than the western basin. The fibers outnumbered the abundance of the fragments by a factor of ten. Most fibers were sized between 0.5 and 1.0 mm, and 81.24% were transparent. The average area of the fragments was ≤0.05 mm2, and most of them were hard-rounded (53.38%). The microplastics to zooplankton ratio ranged between 0.021 and 0.241. A positive correlation was found between the abundance of microplastics and the total zooplankton, especially the copepods. Studies of microplastics in zooplankton samples taken from the water column are expected to provide better insights into the role of these pollutants in marine ecosystems.
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Rice N, Hirama S, Witherington B. High frequency of micro- and meso-plastics ingestion in a sample of neonate sea turtles from a major rookery. Mar Pollut Bull 2021; 167:112363. [PMID: 33895595 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
We studied marine litter ingestion in 380 neonate sea turtles that washed ashore dead onto Florida's central Atlantic coast (USA) following onshore winds. Our sample of "washbacks" included 284 loggerheads (Caretta caretta), 95 green turtles (Chelonia mydas), and one hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata). Of these, 78.7% had ingested plastics and 45.3% had ingested tar. There was a significant relationship between turtles' carapace length and total mass of ingested plastic. Ingested plastics included microplastics (<5 mm) and larger sizes up to 25% of carapace length. Washbacks' body condition indices were significantly poorer than condition indices of wild turtles captured at sea. Washbacks showed a negative association between plastic load and body condition index, evidence that high plastic loads resulted in diminished nutrition, with possible effects on somatic growth, stage duration, and survivorship. Evidence points to plastics ingestion being an important source of population-level effects in neonate sea turtles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikia Rice
- Mission Clean Beaches Inc., 1253 Haulover St., Palm Bay, FL 32908, USA.
| | - Shigetomo Hirama
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, 1105 Southwest Williston Road, Gainesville, FL 32601, USA
| | - Blair Witherington
- Inwater Research Group, Inc., 4160 NE Hyline Dr., Jensen Beach, FL 34957, USA
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López-Martínez S, Morales-Caselles C, Kadar J, Rivas ML. Overview of global status of plastic presence in marine vertebrates. Glob Chang Biol 2021; 27:728-737. [PMID: 33111371 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.15416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The presence of plastic in the environment is generating impacts on all habitats and has become a major global problem in marine megafauna. Macroplastics can cause entanglement, ingestion and loss of suitable habitats. In addition to entanglement problems, there is evidence that plastics are entering the food web through ingestion by marine organisms, which could ultimately be affecting humans. Much of the available information on the impact of plastic in biota is scattered and disconnected due to the use of different methodologies. Here, we review the variety of approaches and protocols followed to assess macro- and microplastic ingestion in marine vertebrates such as sea turtles, cetaceans and fishes in order to offer a global overview of their current status. The analysis of 112 studies indicates the highest plastic ingestion in organisms collected in the Mediterranean and Northeast Indian Ocean with significant differences among plastic types ingested by different groups of animals, including differences in colour and the type of prevalent polymers. In sea turtles, the most prevalent types of plastics are white plastics (66.60%), fibres (54.54%) and LDPE polymer (39.09%); in cetaceans, white macro- and microplastics (38.31%), fibres (79.95%) and PA polymer (49.60%); and in fishes, transparent plastics (45.97%), fibres (66.71%) and polyester polymer (36.20%). Overall, clear fibre microplastics are likely the most predominant types ingested by marine megafauna around the globe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio López-Martínez
- CECOUAL Scientific Collection Centre, University of Almería, Almería, Spain
- CEIMAR Marine Campus of International Excellence, UAL-UCA, Almeria, Spain
| | - Carmen Morales-Caselles
- CEIMAR Marine Campus of International Excellence, UAL-UCA, Almeria, Spain
- Biology Depart, Faculty of Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales, University of Cadiz, Cadiz, Spain
| | | | - Marga L Rivas
- CECOUAL Scientific Collection Centre, University of Almería, Almería, Spain
- CEIMAR Marine Campus of International Excellence, UAL-UCA, Almeria, Spain
- Universidad Central "Marta Abreu de las Villas", Santa Clara, Cuba
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22
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Puskic PS, Lavers JL, Bond AL. A critical review of harm associated with plastic ingestion on vertebrates. Sci Total Environ 2020; 743:140666. [PMID: 32758824 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Studies documenting plastic ingestion in animals have increased in recent years. Many do not describe the less conspicuous, sub-lethal impacts of plastic ingestion, such as reduced body condition or physiological changes. This means the severity of this global problem may have been underestimated. We conducted a critical review on the sub-lethal impacts of plastic ingestion on marine vertebrates (excluding fish). We found 34 papers which tried to measure plastics' impact using a variety of tools, and less than half of these detected any impact. The most common tools used were visual observations and body condition indices. Tools that explore animal physiology, such as histopathology, are a promising future approach to uncover the sub-lethal impacts of plastic ingestion in vertebrates. We encourage exploring impacts on species beyond the marine environment, using multiple tools or approaches, and continued research to discern the hidden impacts of plastic on global wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter S Puskic
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
| | - Jennifer L Lavers
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Alexander L Bond
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia; Bird Group, Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, Tring, United Kingdom
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23
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Schmaltz E, Melvin EC, Diana Z, Gunady EF, Rittschof D, Somarelli JA, Virdin J, Dunphy-Daly MM. Plastic pollution solutions: emerging technologies to prevent and collectmarineplastic pollution. Environ Int 2020; 144:106067. [PMID: 32889484 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.106067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
As plastic waste accumulates in the ocean at alarming rates, the need for efficient and sustainable remediation solutions is urgent. One solution is the development and mobilization of technologies that either 1)prevent plastics from entering waterways or2) collect marine and riverineplastic pollution. To date, however, few reports have focused on these technologies, and information on various technological developments is scattered. This leaves policymakers, innovators, and researchers without a central, comprehensive, and reliable source of information on the status of available technology to target this global problem. The goal of this study was to address this gap by creating a comprehensive inventory of technologies currently used or in development to prevent the leakage of plastic pollution or collect existing plastic pollution. Our Plastic Pollution Prevention and Collection Technology Inventory (https://nicholasinstitute.duke.edu/plastics-technology-inventory) can be used as a roadmap for researchers and governments to 1) facilitate comparisons between the scope of solutions and the breadth and severity of the plastic pollution problem and 2) assist in identifying strengths and weaknesses of current technological approaches. We created this inventory from a systematic search and review of resources that identified technologies. Technologies were organized by the type of technology and target plastics (i.e., macroplastics, microplastic, or both). We identified 52 technologies that fall into the two categories of prevention or collection of plastic pollution. Of these, 59% focus specifically on collecting macroplastic waste already in waterways. While these efforts to collect plastic pollution are laudable, their current capacity and widespread implementation are limited in comparison to their potential and the vast extent of the plastic pollution problem. Similarly, few technologies attempt to prevent plastic pollution leakage, and those that do are limited in scope. A comprehensive approach is needed that combines technology, policymaking, and advocacy to prevent further plastic pollution and the subsequent damage to aquatic ecosystems and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Schmaltz
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University Marine Lab, 135 Duke Marine Lab Road, Beaufort, NC 28516, USA
| | - Emily C Melvin
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University Marine Lab, 135 Duke Marine Lab Road, Beaufort, NC 28516, USA
| | - Zoie Diana
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University Marine Lab, 135 Duke Marine Lab Road, Beaufort, NC 28516, USA
| | - Ella F Gunady
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Daniel Rittschof
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University Marine Lab, 135 Duke Marine Lab Road, Beaufort, NC 28516, USA
| | - Jason A Somarelli
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - John Virdin
- Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions, Duke University, 2101 Campus Dr, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Meagan M Dunphy-Daly
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University Marine Lab, 135 Duke Marine Lab Road, Beaufort, NC 28516, USA.
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24
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Prata JC, da Costa JP, Lopes I, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos T. Environmental status of (micro)plastics contamination in Portugal. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2020; 200:110753. [PMID: 32450440 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.110753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Plastics and microplastics are ubiquitous contaminants in aquatic ecosystems. This critical review is the first attempt at analyzing sources, concentration, impacts and solutions of (micro)plastic litter in Portugal based on all currently available literature. We found that, besides sea-based sources (e.g. shipping, fishing), 5717 t of mismanaged waste and 4.1 trillion microplastics from wastewater, mostly from untreated wastewater, are released to the environment every year. The highest concentrations are found in the North, Center and Lisbon regions, mostly comprised of consumer products, fishing gear and microplastics (<5 mm), especially fragments and pellets. This contamination has resulted in ingestion of plastics by organisms, including mussels, fishes, birds and turtles. Thus, every Portuguese citizen may consume 1440 microplastics a year based on the consumption of mollusks. Awareness campaigns, improvements in waste management and reductions in the release of untreated wastewater are recommended measures to reduce plastic pollution in Portugal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana C Prata
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - João P da Costa
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Isabel Lopes
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
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25
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Marn N, Jusup M, Kooijman SALM, Klanjscek T. Quantifying impacts of plastic debris on marine wildlife identifies ecological breakpoints. Ecol Lett 2020; 23:1479-1487. [PMID: 32790233 DOI: 10.1111/ele.13574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Quantifying sublethal effects of plastics ingestion on marine wildlife is difficult, but key to understanding the ontogeny and population dynamics of affected species. We developed a method that overcomes the difficulties by modelling individual ontogeny under reduced energy intake and expenditure caused by debris ingestion. The predicted ontogeny is combined with a population dynamics model to identify ecological breakpoints: cessation of reproduction or negative population growth. Exemplifying this approach on loggerhead turtles, we find that between 3% and 25% of plastics in digestive contents causes a 2.5-20% reduction in perceived food abundance and total available energy, resulting in a 10-15% lower condition index and 10% to 88% lower total seasonal reproductive output compared to unaffected turtles. The reported plastics ingestion is insufficient to impede sexual maturation, but population declines are possible. The method is readily applicable to other species impacted by debris ingestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Marn
- Division for Marine and Environmental Research, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, HR-10002, Zagreb, Croatia.,School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Marko Jusup
- Tokyo Tech World Research Hub Initiative (WRHI), Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo, 152-8552, Japan
| | | | - Tin Klanjscek
- Division for Marine and Environmental Research, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, HR-10002, Zagreb, Croatia
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26
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Parton KJ, Godley BJ, Santillo D, Tausif M, Omeyer LCM, Galloway TS. Investigating the presence of microplastics in demersal sharks of the North-East Atlantic. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12204. [PMID: 32699221 PMCID: PMC7376218 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68680-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Microplastic pollution is ubiquitous in the marine environment and is ingested by numerous marine species. Sharks are an understudied group regarding their susceptibility to microplastic ingestion. Here, we provide evidence of ingestion of microplastic and other anthropogenic fibres in four demersal sharks species found in the waters of the United Kingdom and investigate whether body burdens of contamination vary according to species, sex or size. Sharks were collected from the North-East Atlantic. Stomachs and digestive tracts of 46 sharks of 4 species were examined and 67% of samples contained at least one contaminant particle. Although we acknowledge modest sample size, estimated particle burden increased with body size but did not vary systematically with sex or species. A total of 379 particles were identified, leading to median estimates ranging from 2 to 7.5 ingested contaminants per animal for the 4 species. The majority were fibrous in nature (95%) and blue (88%) or black (9%) in colour. A subsample of contaminants (N = 62) were subject to FT-IR spectroscopy and polymers identified as: synthetic cellulose (33.3%), polypropylene (25%), polyacrylamides (10%) and polyester (8.3%). The level of risk posed to shark species by this level of contamination is unknown. Nevertheless, this study presents the first empirical evidence and an important baseline for ingestion of microplastics and other anthropogenic fibres in native UK shark species and highlights the pervasive nature of these pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristian J Parton
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, TR10 9EZ, UK.
| | - Brendan J Godley
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, TR10 9EZ, UK
| | - David Santillo
- Greenpeace Research Laboratories, School of Biosciences, Innovation Centre Phase 2, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Muhammad Tausif
- Textile Technology Research Group, School of Design, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Lucy C M Omeyer
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, TR10 9EZ, UK
| | - Tamara S Galloway
- Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4QD, UK
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27
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Weideman EA, Perold V, Arnold G, Ryan PG. Quantifying changes in litter loads in urban stormwater run-off from Cape Town, South Africa, over the last two decades. Sci Total Environ 2020; 724:138310. [PMID: 32268294 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
To implement effective mitigation measures to stop the flow of litter from land-based sources into the sea, it is important to identify key pollution sources and to monitor litter trends over time. We sampled plastic and other anthropogenic debris in urban stormwater run-off in Cape Town, South Africa, from three catchment areas representing different land-use types: residential, industrial and a mixed commercial/residential area. Sampling was conducted in 2018-19 by placing nets over stormwater outlets during rain events. Organic matter constituted 79% of material by dry mass (industrial: 51 ± 22%, commercial/residential: 86 ± 4%, residential: 88 ± 13%). The nets caught 5-576 anthropogenic litter items·ha-1·day-1 (2-377 g·ha-1·day-1) with significantly higher densities in the industrial and commercial/residential areas than the residential area. Among anthropogenic litter items, 40-78% were made of plastic (52-64% by mass). Most plastic items were single-use packaging, but industrial pellets washed out of the industrial outlet during every rain event. Compared to a similar study conducted in 1996, the number of litter items decreased by ~20% in the industrial and residential areas but tripled in the commercial/residential area. The proportion of plastics in the litter stream was broadly similar to 1996. We extrapolate that some 60-570 t of plastic are released from Cape Town stormwater outlets annually, which is orders of magnitude less than predicted by global models. It is nevertheless clear that stormwater outlets are a significant source of litter into the sea. Intercepting this waste before it reaches the sea would greatly reduce litter loads in coastal waters around Cape Town.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor A Weideman
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa.
| | - Vonica Perold
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa
| | - Gael Arnold
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa
| | - Peter G Ryan
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa
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28
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Abstract
Entanglement and ingestion of plastics are the main ecological impacts of marine plastic debris on marine biota, but indirect effects such as the transport of alien species and benthic smothering are also important to note. Entanglement of invertebrates, sharks, turtles, birds and marine mammals is mainly caused by macroplastics (>5 mm), and leads to reduced mobility, ineffective foraging and subsequent mortality. The main plastic types associated with entanglement are improperly discarded fishing nets, lines, ropes and straps. In South Africa and surrounding waters, plastic ingestion has been reported in a number of marine species: sharks (n=10), fish (n>=7), turtles (n=1) and birds (n=36). Lethal (macroplastic) and sub-lethal effects (microplastic ≤5 mm) of marine debris on biota have been noted, but at the time of this review there were no published reports on impacts at the population level. Consumed shellfish are possible vectors for the introduction of microplastics into humans. The specific impacts of microplastic ingestion on human health are largely unknown, but additives associated with plastics represent a threat. The research infrastructure in South Africa is insufficient to monitor and characterise marine plastic debris and, in many cases, not in line with global standards. More research effort is needed to understand the impacts of marine plastic debris on humans and marine biota in South Africa, particularly at the population level. Significance • Macroplastics affect marine biota mainly via entanglement and microplastics largely through ingestion. • Macro- and microplastic interactions with biota can result in sub-lethal effects and mortality but no population effects have been reported for South Africa. • Consumed shellfish are a potential source of microplastics for humans but their potential effects in humans remain unknown. • Better infrastructure is needed for improved monitoring and research on the effects of marine debris in South Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trishan Naidoo
- Department for Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Anusha Rajkaran
- Department for Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sershen Not available
- Department for Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
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Abstract
In the context of marine anthropogenic debris management, monitoring is essential to assess whether mitigation measures to reduce the amounts of waste plastic entering the environment are being effective. In South Africa, baselines against which changes can be assessed include data from the 1970s to the 1990s on microplastics floating at sea, on macro- and microplastic beach debris, and interactions with biota. However, detecting changes in the abundance of microplastics at sea is complicated by high spatial and temporal heterogeneity in net samples. Beach debris data are easier to gather, but their interpretation is complicated by the dynamic nature of debris fluxes on beaches and the increase in beach cleaning effort over time. Sampling plastic ingested by biota is a powerful approach, because animals that retain ingested plastic for protracted periods integrate plastics over space and time, but there are ethical issues to using biota as bioindicators, particularly for species that require destructive sampling (e.g. turtles, seabirds). Bioindicators could be established among fish and invertebrates, but there are technical challenges with sampling microplastics smaller than 1 mm. Fine-scale debris accumulation on beaches provides an index of macroplastic abundance in coastal waters, and offers a practical way to track changes in the amounts and composition of debris in coastal waters. However, upstream flux measures (i.e. in catchments, rivers and storm-water run-off) provide a more direct assessment of mitigation measures for land-based sources. Similarly, monitoring refuse returned to port by vessels is the best way to ensure compliance with legislation prohibiting the dumping of plastics at sea. Significance: • Monitoring is required to assess whether mitigation measures to reduce waste plastics at sea are making a difference. • Monitoring the leakage of plastic from land-based sources is best addressed on land (e.g. in storm drains and river run-off) before the plastic reaches the sea. • Illegal dumping from ships is best addressed by monitoring the use of port waste reception facilities. • Sampling plastic ingested by biota is a powerful approach, using fish and invertebrates as bioindicators for larger microplastic fragments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter G. Ryan
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lorien Pichegru
- Institute for Coastal and Marine Research, Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
| | - Vonica Perold
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Coleen L. Moloney
- Department of Biological Sciences and Marine Research Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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30
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Diana Z, Sawickij N, Rivera NA, Hsu-Kim H, Rittschof D. Plastic pellets trigger feeding responses in sea anemones. Aquat Toxicol 2020; 222:105447. [PMID: 32145485 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2020.105447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 02/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Multiple mechanisms for plastic consumption by marine animals have been proposed based on the feeding cues and behavior of the animal studied. We investigated plastic consumption in sea anemones. We found that anemones readily consumed pristine National Institute of Standards and Technology low-density polyethylene and high-density polyethylene II and III pre-production pellets. Anemone weight, crown area, and number of tentacles were measured before and after 12 days of daily pellet consumption. Crown area significantly increased for control anemones only. Fresh anemones were then sequentially fed consumed and egested pellets from two of the earlier daily trials to measure feeding retention time, which decreased over three to four feedings. The concentrations of elements in anemones (zinc, iron, arsenic, manganese, chromium, copper, vanadium, selenium, nickel, cadmium, and cobalt) were similar to control anemones that were not exposed to pellets. Lead concentrations were significantly higher in anemones fed HDPE III pellets as compared to control. Plastic consumption by marine animals might be reduced by reducing the amount of plastic that enters the ocean and understanding the chemical triggers underlying plastic consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoie Diana
- Duke Marine Laboratory, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Beaufort, NC, 28516, United States.
| | - Natasha Sawickij
- Duke Marine Laboratory, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Beaufort, NC, 28516, United States.
| | - Nelson A Rivera
- Duke University, Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, 121 Hudson Hall, Durham, NC, 27708, United States.
| | - Heileen Hsu-Kim
- Duke University, Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, 121 Hudson Hall, Durham, NC, 27708, United States.
| | - Daniel Rittschof
- Duke Marine Laboratory, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Beaufort, NC, 28516, United States.
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31
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Machovsky-Capuska GE, Andrades R, Santos RG. Debris ingestion and nutritional niches in estuarine and reef green turtles. Mar Pollut Bull 2020; 153:110943. [PMID: 32056851 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.110943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Little attention has been drawn toward the effects of marine debris ingestion in relation to nutrient acquisition and fitness consequences. We tested whether anthropogenic debris ingestion influence the nutritional niches of endangered green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in estuarine and reef habitats on the Brazilian coast. Our results showed that estuarine turtles consumed diets with lower proportional wet mass composition of protein (P) and water (W) than their reef conspecifics. The amounts of debris, mostly plastics, retrieved from the digestive tracts of estuarine turtles were higher compared with those individuals from reefs. The realized nutritional niche from estuarine turtles was subject to the debris density in the environment, lack of benthic food resources available and the surface foraging behavior, likely preventing them from reaching their nutritional goals and resulting in lower fitness. The study provides critical information for the management and conservation of ecologically threatened individuals, populations, and their natural habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ryan Andrades
- Departamento de Oceanografia e Ecologia, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Av. Fernando Ferrari, 514, 29075-910 Vitória, ES, Brazil
| | - Robson Guimarães Santos
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Alagoas, Av. Lourival Melo Mota, s/n, Cidade Universitária, 57072-900 Maceió, AL, Brazil
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Abstract
Microplastics are ubiquitous pollutants in the marine environment and a health concern. They are generated directly for commercial purposes or indirectly from the breakdown of larger plastics. Examining a toxicological profile for microplastics is a challenge due to their large variety of physico-chemical properties and toxicological behavior. In addition to their concentration, other parameters such as polymer type, size, shape and color are important to consider in their potential toxicity. Microplastics can adsorb pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) or metals on their surface and are likely to contain plastic additives that add to their toxicity. The observations of microplastics in seafood increased concern for potential human exposure. Since literature considering microplastics in humans is scarce, using a One Environmental Health approach can help better inform about potential human exposures. Marine mammals and sea turtles are long-lived sentinel species regularly used for biomonitoring the health status of the ocean and share trophic chain and habitat with humans. This review considers the available research regarding microplastic and plastic fiber exposures in humans, marine mammals and turtles. Overall, across the literature, the concentration of microplastics, size, color, shape and polymer types found in GI tract and feces from sea turtles, marine mammals and humans are similar, showing that they might be exposed to the same microplastics profile. Additionally, even if ingestion is a major route of exposure due to contaminated food and water, dermal and inhalation studies in humans have provided data showing that these exposures are also health concerns and more effort on these routes of exposures is needed. In vitro studies looked at a variety of endpoints showing that microplastics can induce immune response, oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, alter membrane integrity and cause differential expression of genes. However, these studies only considered three polymer types and short-term exposures, whereas, due to physiological relevance, prolonged exposures might be more informative.
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Abreo NAS, Blatchley D, Superio MD. Stranded whale shark (Rhincodon typus) reveals vulnerability of filter-feeding elasmobranchs to marine litter in the Philippines. Mar Pollut Bull 2019; 141:79-83. [PMID: 30955783 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.02.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Revised: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Marine litter has adversely affected many marine species. However, information on its impacts on filter-feeding elasmobranchs (such as the whale shark, Rhinocodon typus) is scarce. The Philippines is an essential habitat for whale sharks, and the lack of data on marine litter and its effects on these organisms in the country is concerning. Beached carcasses present opportunities to provide useful data and insights on the issue. On the 7th August 2018, a live whale shark was found beached in Tagum City, the Philippines, and it eventually died. As part of the post-mortem examination, the gastrointestinal tract and gills of the specimen were examined. Marine litter was found lodged in its gills, and pieces of plastic were found inside its stomach (including several pieces likely from local sources within the Philippines). This study is the first documentation of litter in whale sharks from the Philippines, confirming their vulnerability to marine litter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Angelo S Abreo
- Senior High School Department, Malayan Colleges Mindanao, Davao City, Philippines; Regional Integrated Coastal Resource Management Center (RIC-XI), Davao Oriental State College of Science and Technology, Mati City, Davao Oriental, Philippines; Institute of Aquatic and Applied Sciences, Davao del Norte State College, Panabo City, Philippines.
| | | | - Michael Dann Superio
- Graduate School, Department of Natural Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Southeastern Philippines, Davao City, Philippines
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Rizzi M, Rodrigues FL, Medeiros L, Ortega I, Rodrigues L, Monteiro DS, Kessler F, Proietti MC. Ingestion of plastic marine litter by sea turtles in southern Brazil: abundance, characteristics and potential selectivity. Mar Pollut Bull 2019; 140:536-548. [PMID: 30803675 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.01.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Revised: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The ingestion of plastic marine litter (PML) by sea turtles is widespread and concerning, and the five species that occur in the southwestern Atlantic - green, loggerhead, olive ridley, leatherback and hawksbill - are vulnerable to this pollution. Here, we quantified and characterized PML ingested by these species in southern Brazil, and observed PML ingestion in 49 of 86 sampled individuals (~57.0%). Green turtles presented the highest rates and variety of ingested plastics, and such ingestion has been high at least since 1997. Omnivorous turtles presented higher PML ingestion than carnivorous ones. Loggerheads displayed a negative correlation between body size and number of ingested items. Green turtles ingested mostly flexible transparent and flexible/hard white plastics; loggerheads ate mainly flexible, hard and foam fragments, in white and black/brown colors. These results help us better understand PML ingestion by sea turtles, highlighting the seriousness of this threat and providing information for prevention and mitigation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Rizzi
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Oceanografia Biológica - PPGOB, Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Av. Itália, km 8, CEP 96201-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil.
| | - Fábio L Rodrigues
- Centro de Estudos Costeiros, Limnológicos e Marinhos (CECLIMAR), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Campus Litoral Norte, 95625-000 Imbé, RS, Brazil
| | - Luciana Medeiros
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Oceanografia Biológica - PPGOB, Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Av. Itália, km 8, CEP 96201-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Ileana Ortega
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Oceanografia Biológica - PPGOB, Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Av. Itália, km 8, CEP 96201-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Lucas Rodrigues
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Oceanografia Biológica - PPGOB, Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Av. Itália, km 8, CEP 96201-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Danielle S Monteiro
- Núcleo de Educação e Monitoramento Ambiental - NEMA, Rua Maria Araújo, 450 - Cassino, CEP 96207-480 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Felipe Kessler
- Escola de Química e Alimentos, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Av. Itália, km 8, CEP 96201-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Maíra C Proietti
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Oceanografia Biológica - PPGOB, Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Av. Itália, km 8, CEP 96201-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
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Duncan EM, Broderick AC, Fuller WJ, Galloway TS, Godfrey MH, Hamann M, Limpus CJ, Lindeque PK, Mayes AG, Omeyer LCM, Santillo D, Snape RTE, Godley BJ. Microplastic ingestion ubiquitous in marine turtles. Glob Chang Biol 2019; 25:744-752. [PMID: 30513551 PMCID: PMC6849705 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.14519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Despite concerns regarding the environmental impacts of microplastics, knowledge of the incidence and levels of synthetic particles in large marine vertebrates is lacking. Here, we utilize an optimized enzymatic digestion methodology, previously developed for zooplankton, to explore whether synthetic particles could be isolated from marine turtle ingesta. We report the presence of synthetic particles in every turtle subjected to investigation (n = 102) which included individuals from all seven species of marine turtle, sampled from three ocean basins (Atlantic [ATL]: n = 30, four species; Mediterranean (MED): n = 56, two species; Pacific (PAC): n = 16, five species). Most particles (n = 811) were fibres (ATL: 77.1% MED: 85.3% PAC: 64.8%) with blue and black being the dominant colours. In lesser quantities were fragments (ATL: 22.9%: MED: 14.7% PAC: 20.2%) and microbeads (4.8%; PAC only; to our knowledge the first isolation of microbeads from marine megavertebrates). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) of a subsample of particles (n = 169) showed a range of synthetic materials such as elastomers (MED: 61.2%; PAC: 3.4%), thermoplastics (ATL: 36.8%: MED: 20.7% PAC: 27.7%) and synthetic regenerated cellulosic fibres (SRCF; ATL: 63.2%: MED: 5.8% PAC: 68.9%). Synthetic particles being isolated from species occupying different trophic levels suggest the possibility of multiple ingestion pathways. These include exposure from polluted seawater and sediments and/or additional trophic transfer from contaminated prey/forage items. We assess the likelihood that microplastic ingestion presents a significant conservation problem at current levels compared to other anthropogenic threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M. Duncan
- Marine Turtle Research Group, Centre for Ecology and ConservationUniversity of ExeterPenrynUK
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences: BiosciencesUniversity of ExeterExeterUK
- Marine Ecology and BiodiversityPlymouth Marine LaboratoryPlymouthUK
| | - Annette C. Broderick
- Marine Turtle Research Group, Centre for Ecology and ConservationUniversity of ExeterPenrynUK
| | - Wayne J. Fuller
- Marine Turtle Research Group, Centre for Ecology and ConservationUniversity of ExeterPenrynUK
- Faculty of Veterinary MedicineNear East UniversityNicosiaNorth CyprusTurkey
- Society for Protection of TurtlesKyreniaNorth CyprusTurkey
| | - Tamara S. Galloway
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences: BiosciencesUniversity of ExeterExeterUK
| | | | - Mark Hamann
- College of Science and EngineeringJames Cook UniversityTownsvilleQLDAustralia
| | - Colin J. Limpus
- Department of Environment and ScienceThreatened Species UnitBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | | | - Andrew G. Mayes
- School of ChemistryUniversity of East Anglia, Norwich Research ParkNorwichUK
| | - Lucy C. M. Omeyer
- Marine Turtle Research Group, Centre for Ecology and ConservationUniversity of ExeterPenrynUK
| | - David Santillo
- Greenpeace Research Laboratories, School of Biosciences, Innovation Centre Phase 2University of ExeterExeterUK
| | - Robin T. E. Snape
- Marine Turtle Research Group, Centre for Ecology and ConservationUniversity of ExeterPenrynUK
- Society for Protection of TurtlesKyreniaNorth CyprusTurkey
| | - Brendan J. Godley
- Marine Turtle Research Group, Centre for Ecology and ConservationUniversity of ExeterPenrynUK
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Staffieri E, de Lucia GA, Camedda A, Poeta G, Battisti C. Pressure and impact of anthropogenic litter on marine and estuarine reptiles: an updated "blacklist" highlighting gaps of evidence. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2019; 26:1238-1249. [PMID: 30417235 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-3616-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
We report an arrangement on the effect of anthropogenic litter on marine and estuarine reptiles, checking for evidence about different types of impact (ingestion vs. entanglement) and pressure (three size-based categories). From 1976 to 2018, we obtained a "blacklist" of 11 species impacted by marine litter (about 13% of 85 species of marine and estuarine reptiles), belonging to three orders (Testudines, Squamata, and Crocodilia). We obtained only occasional evidence of an impact for Squamata (Hidrophis elegans, Disteira major) and Crocodilia (Crocodylus porosus). Regarding the different types of pressure, the highest number of evidence has been obtained for macro-litter (10 species) and the lowest for micro-litter (4 species, all Chelonidae). Among Testudines, Lepidochelys kempii and Natator depressus evidenced a lack of data for micro-plastic. In Squamata, information is lacking for micro-plastic with only occasional references for meso-plastic (in Hydrophis elegans) and macro-plastic (Disteira major and Crocodylus porosus). We obtained a direct correlation between the research effort and the number of citations regarding different types of pressure and impact of marine litter: therefore, our blacklist of impacted species could be increased, carrying out further research focused on other poorly studied marine and estuarine reptiles. We suggest the use of a standardized nomenclature to reduce the amount of lost information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Staffieri
- Dipartimento di Scienze, Università degli Studi di Roma Tre, Viale Marconi 446, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Andrea de Lucia
- Institute for Coastal Marine Environment-National Research Council (IAMC-CNR), loc. Sa Mardini, 09170, Oristano, Italy
| | - Andrea Camedda
- Institute for Coastal Marine Environment-National Research Council (IAMC-CNR), loc. Sa Mardini, 09170, Oristano, Italy
| | - Gianluca Poeta
- Dipartimento di Scienze, Università degli Studi di Roma Tre, Viale Marconi 446, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Corrado Battisti
- "Torre Flavia" LTER (Long Term Ecological Research) Station, Città Metropolitana di Roma Capitale - Servizio Aree protette - Parchi regionali, via Tiburtina 691, Rome, Italy.
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Rossi LC, Scherer AL, Petry MV. First record of debris ingestion by the shorebird American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus) on the Southern coast of Brazil. Mar Pollut Bull 2019; 138:235-240. [PMID: 30660268 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.11.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Plastic has become abundant in the oceans and proved to be a threat to marine and coastal fauna. In this study, we present the first record of synthetic debris ingested by the shorebird American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus) in Brazil. We collected 24 stomach contents from October 2007 to October 2015 and 58% were juveniles. Synthetic materials were found in 100% of stomachs. Used plastic fragments and plastic pellets were the most frequent items, beige and white were more common colors. Synthetic material may be unintentionally ingested directly through substrate consumption or indirectly through prey consumption. Hence, debris ingestion may be common, representing an impact to coastal birds. Based on our results, we hope to highlight the need for public policies to reduce the disposal of synthetic debris in the oceans and beaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liana Chesini Rossi
- Pós-graduação em Biologia - Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos - UNISINOS, Avenida Unisinos, 950, Bairro Cristo Rei, São Leopoldo 93020-190, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Pós-graduação em Ecologia e Biodiversidade - Universidade Estadual Paulista, Departamento de Ecologia, 13506-900 Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Angelo Luís Scherer
- Pós-graduação em Biologia - Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos - UNISINOS, Avenida Unisinos, 950, Bairro Cristo Rei, São Leopoldo 93020-190, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Maria Virginia Petry
- Pós-graduação em Biologia - Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos - UNISINOS, Avenida Unisinos, 950, Bairro Cristo Rei, São Leopoldo 93020-190, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
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Lynch JM. Quantities of Marine Debris Ingested by Sea Turtles: Global Meta-Analysis Highlights Need for Standardized Data Reporting Methods and Reveals Relative Risk. Environ Sci Technol 2018; 52:12026-12038. [PMID: 30251846 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b02848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Because of their propensity to ingest debris, sea turtles are excellent bioindicators of the global marine debris problem. This review covers five decades of research on debris ingestion in sea turtles from 131 studies with a novel focus on quantities. Previous reviews have focused solely on presence/absence data. Past reviews have called for standardization and highlight biases in the literature, yet none thoroughly describe improvements needed at the data reporting stage. Consequences of three reporting choices are discussed: not reporting quantities of ingested debris (32% of sea turtle studies reported only frequency of occurrence), excluding animals that did not ingest debris (64%), and not normalizing quantities to animal size (95%). Ingestion quantities, corrected for these factors, allowed a first-ever global meta-analysis on the units of grams/kilogram, revealing that hawksbill and green turtles rank highest among sea turtle species, and that the Central and Northwest Pacific and Southwest Atlantic Oceans are hotspots. Furthermore, this review discovered that monitoring efforts are disproportionate to the magnitude of the problem. Large efforts are focused in the Mediterranean Sea where international policies are hotly discussed versus the Central Pacific that has 5-fold greater debris ingestion quantities but represents only 3% of the global research effort. Future studies are recommended to report quantities of ingested debris using units described herein and make use of the pilot database provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Lynch
- Chemical Sciences Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology , Hawaii Pacific University , Waimanalo , Hawaii 96795 , United States
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Jung MR, Balazs GH, Work TM, Jones TT, Orski SV, Rodriguez C V, Beers KL, Brignac KC, Hyrenbach KD, Jensen BA, Lynch JM. Polymer Identification of Plastic Debris Ingested by Pelagic-Phase Sea Turtles in the Central Pacific. Environ Sci Technol 2018; 52:11535-11544. [PMID: 30207718 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b03118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Pelagic Pacific sea turtles eat relatively large quantities of plastic (median 5 g in gut). Using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, we identified the polymers ingested by 37 olive ridley, 9 green, and 4 loggerhead turtles caught as bycatch in Hawaii- and American Samoa-based longline fisheries. Unidentifiable samples were analyzed using high-temperature size exclusion chromatography with multiple detectors and/or X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Regardless of species differences in dive depths and foraging strategies, ingested plastics were primarily low-density, floating polymers (51% low-density polyethylene (LDPE), 26% polypropylene (PP), 10% unknown polyethylene (PE), and 5% high-density PE collectively). Albeit not statistically significant, deeper diving and deeper captured olive ridley turtles ate proportionally more plastics expected to sink (3.9%) than intermediate-diving green (1.2%) and shallow-diving loggerhead (0.3%) turtles. Spatial, but no sex, size, year, or hook depth differences were observed in polymer composition. LDPE and PP, some of the most produced and least recycled polymers worldwide, account for the largest percentage of plastic eaten by sea turtles in this region. These novel data inform managers about the threat of plastic ingestion to sea turtles and may motivate development of more environmentally friendly practices for plastic production, use, and waste management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa R Jung
- College of Natural and Computational Sciences , Hawai'i Pacific University , Kaneohe , Hawai'i 96744 , United States
| | - George H Balazs
- Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center , National Marine Fisheries Service , Honolulu , Hawai'i 96818 , United States
| | - Thierry M Work
- National Wildlife Health Center, Honolulu Field Station , U.S. Geological Survey , Honolulu , Hawai'i 96818 , United States
| | - T Todd Jones
- Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center , National Marine Fisheries Service , Honolulu , Hawai'i 96818 , United States
| | - Sara V Orski
- Materials Science and Engineering Division , National Institute of Standards and Technology , Gaithersburg , Maryland 20899 , United States
| | - Viviana Rodriguez C
- Materials Science and Engineering Division , National Institute of Standards and Technology , Gaithersburg , Maryland 20899 , United States
| | - Kathryn L Beers
- Materials Science and Engineering Division , National Institute of Standards and Technology , Gaithersburg , Maryland 20899 , United States
| | - Kayla C Brignac
- School of Ocean, Earth Science, and Technology , University of Hawai'i at Manoa , Honolulu , Hawai'i 96822 , United States
| | - K David Hyrenbach
- College of Natural and Computational Sciences , Hawai'i Pacific University , Kaneohe , Hawai'i 96744 , United States
| | - Brenda A Jensen
- College of Natural and Computational Sciences , Hawai'i Pacific University , Kaneohe , Hawai'i 96744 , United States
| | - Jennifer M Lynch
- College of Natural and Computational Sciences , Hawai'i Pacific University , Kaneohe , Hawai'i 96744 , United States
- Chemical Sciences Division , National Institute of Standards and Technology , 41-202 Kalanianaole Highway , Waimanalo , Hawai'i 96795 , United States
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White EM, Clark S, Manire CA, Crawford B, Wang S, Locklin J, Ritchie BW. Ingested Micronizing Plastic Particle Compositions and Size Distributions within Stranded Post-Hatchling Sea Turtles. Environ Sci Technol 2018; 52:10307-10316. [PMID: 30118591 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b02776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
From July 2015 to November 2016, 96 post-hatchling sea turtles were collected from 118 km of the Atlantic coastline in Florida, USA, including loggerhead, green, and hawksbill sea turtle species. Forty-five of the recovered turtles were rehabilitated and released, but the remaining 52 died and were frozen. At necropsy, the gastrointestinal tracts of most the turtles contained visible plastic, and collected particles of 27 individuals were chemically characterized by Raman microscopy as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polystyrene. Mesoparticle plastic fragments 1.0-8.7 mm, microparticle fragments 20-1000 μm, and nanoparticles 5-169 nm were identified in the turtles. Polyethylene and polypropylene were the most common plastics ingested from specimens representing 54.1 and 23.7% of the total observed mesoparticles and 11.7 and 21.0% of the total observed microparticles, respectively. A plastic-to-body mass ratio of 2.07 mg/g was determined for this group. The authors suggest that ingestion of micronizing plastic by post-hatchling sea turtles is likely a substantial risk to survival of these endangered and threatened species. This study also provides some of the first evidence for the formation of nanoscopic plastic particles that we theorize forms in the post-hatchling and juvenile environment and are present post-ingestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan M White
- New Materials Institute , University of Georgia , Athens , Georgia 30602 , United States
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery , University of Georgia , Athens , Georgia 30602 , United States
| | - Samantha Clark
- Loggerhead Marinelife Center , Juno Beach , Florida 33408 , United States
| | - Charles A Manire
- Loggerhead Marinelife Center , Juno Beach , Florida 33408 , United States
| | - Benjamin Crawford
- Department of Chemistry , University of Georgia , Athens , Georgia 30602 , United States
| | - Shunli Wang
- New Materials Institute , University of Georgia , Athens , Georgia 30602 , United States
- College of Engineering , University of Georgia , Athens , Georgia 30602 , United States
| | - Jason Locklin
- New Materials Institute , University of Georgia , Athens , Georgia 30602 , United States
- College of Engineering , University of Georgia , Athens , Georgia 30602 , United States
- Department of Chemistry , University of Georgia , Athens , Georgia 30602 , United States
| | - Branson W Ritchie
- New Materials Institute , University of Georgia , Athens , Georgia 30602 , United States
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Baini M, Fossi MC, Galli M, Caliani I, Campani T, Finoia MG, Panti C. Abundance and characterization of microplastics in the coastal waters of Tuscany (Italy): The application of the MSFD monitoring protocol in the Mediterranean Sea. Mar Pollut Bull 2018; 133:543-552. [PMID: 30041348 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Revised: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Monitoring efforts are required to understand the sources, distribution and abundance of microplastic pollution. To verify the abundance of microplastics along the Tuscan coastal waters (Italy), water-column and surface samples were collected in two seasons across four transects at different distances to the coast (0.5, 5, 10 and 20 km), within the implementation of the European Marine Strategy Framework Directive. The results show an average concentration of 0.26 items/m3 in the water-column samples and 41.1 g/km2 and 69,161.3 items/km2 of floating microplastics, with an increase with the distance to the coast The seasonality and the sampling area do not affect the abundance of microplastics. The most abundant size class is 1-2.5 mm as fragments and sheets suggesting that fragmentation of larger polyethylene and polypropylene items could be the main source of microplastics. These data represent the application of a harmonized protocol to make the data on microplastics comparable and reliable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Baini
- Department of Physical Sciences, Earth and Environment, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy; National Inter-University Consortium for Marine Sciences, CoNISMa, ULR Siena, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00182 Roma, Italy.
| | - Maria Cristina Fossi
- Department of Physical Sciences, Earth and Environment, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy; National Inter-University Consortium for Marine Sciences, CoNISMa, ULR Siena, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00182 Roma, Italy
| | - Matteo Galli
- Department of Physical Sciences, Earth and Environment, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy; National Inter-University Consortium for Marine Sciences, CoNISMa, ULR Siena, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00182 Roma, Italy
| | - Ilaria Caliani
- Department of Physical Sciences, Earth and Environment, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy; National Inter-University Consortium for Marine Sciences, CoNISMa, ULR Siena, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00182 Roma, Italy
| | - Tommaso Campani
- Department of Physical Sciences, Earth and Environment, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy; National Inter-University Consortium for Marine Sciences, CoNISMa, ULR Siena, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00182 Roma, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Finoia
- ISPRA, Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Via V. Brancati 48, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Panti
- Department of Physical Sciences, Earth and Environment, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy; National Inter-University Consortium for Marine Sciences, CoNISMa, ULR Siena, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00182 Roma, Italy
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Duncan EM, Botterell ZLR, Broderick AC, Galloway TS, Lindeque PK, Nuno A, Godley BJ. A global review of marine turtle entanglement in anthropogenic debris: a baseline for further action. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2017. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Murphy F, Russell M, Ewins C, Quinn B. The uptake of macroplastic & microplastic by demersal & pelagic fish in the Northeast Atlantic around Scotland. Mar Pollut Bull 2017; 122:353-359. [PMID: 28705632 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.06.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Revised: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 06/24/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This study reports plastic ingestion in various fish found from coastal and offshore sites in Scottish marine waters. Coastal samples consisted of three demersal flatfish species (n=128) collected from the East and West coasts of Scotland. Offshore samples consisted of 5 pelagic species and 4 demersal species (n=84) collected from the Northeast Atlantic. From the coastal fish sampled, 47.7% of the gastrointestinal tracts contained macroplastic and microplastic. Of the 84 pelagic and demersal offshore fish, only 2 (2.4%) individuals from different species had ingested plastic identified as a clear polystyrene fibre and a black polyamide fibre. The average number of plastic items found per fish from all locations that had ingested plastic was 1.8 (±1.7) with polyamide (65.3%), polyethylene terephthalate (14.4%) and acrylic (14.4%) being the three most commonly found plastics. This study adds to the existing data on macroplastic and microplastic ingestion in fish species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fionn Murphy
- Institute of Biomedical and Environmental Health Research (IBEHR), University of the West of Scotland, Paisley PA1 2BE, Scotland.
| | - Marie Russell
- Marine Scotland Science (MSS), Marine Laboratory, Aberdeen, Scotland
| | - Ciaran Ewins
- Institute of Biomedical and Environmental Health Research (IBEHR), University of the West of Scotland, Paisley PA1 2BE, Scotland
| | - Brian Quinn
- Institute of Biomedical and Environmental Health Research (IBEHR), University of the West of Scotland, Paisley PA1 2BE, Scotland
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