1
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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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2
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McIlwraith HK, Lindeque PK, Miliou A, Tolhurst TJ, Cole M. Microplastic shape influences fate in vegetated wetlands. Environ Pollut 2024; 345:123492. [PMID: 38311156 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123492] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Coastal areas are prone to plastic accumulation due to their proximity to land based sources. Coastal vegetated habitats (e.g., seagrasses, saltmarshes, mangroves) provide a myriad of ecosystem functions, such as erosion protection, habitat refuge, and carbon storage. The biological and physical factors that underlie these functions may provide an additional benefit: trapping of marine microplastics. While microplastics occurrence in coastal vegetated sediments is well documented, there is conflicting evidence on whether the presence of vegetation enhances microplastics trapping relative to bare sites and the factors that influence microplastic trapping remain understudied. We investigated how vegetation structure and microplastic type influences trapping in a simulated coastal wetland. Through a flume experiment, we measured the efficiency of microplastic trapping in the presence of branched and grassy vegetation and tested an array of microplastics that differ in shape, size, and polymer. We observed that the presence of vegetation did not affect the number of microplastics trapped but did affect location of deposition. Microplastic shape, rather than polymer, was the dominant factor in determining whether microplastics were retained in the sediment or adhered to the vegetation canopy. Across the canopy, microfibre concentrations decreased from the leading edge to the interior which suggests that even on a small-scale, vegetation has a filtering effect. The outcome of this study enriches our understanding of coastal vegetation as a microplastics sink and that differences among microplastics informs where they are most likely to accumulate within a biogenic canopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley K McIlwraith
- Marine Ecology & Biodiversity, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, Plymouth, PL1 3DH, UK; University of East Anglia, School of Environmental Sciences, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Penelope K Lindeque
- Marine Ecology & Biodiversity, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, Plymouth, PL1 3DH, UK
| | - Anastasia Miliou
- Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation, Pythagorio, Samos, 83103, Greece
| | - Trevor J Tolhurst
- University of East Anglia, School of Environmental Sciences, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Matthew Cole
- Marine Ecology & Biodiversity, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, Plymouth, PL1 3DH, UK.
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3
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Pace G, Lourenço J, Ribeiro CA, Rodrigues C, Pascoal C, Cássio F. Spatial accumulation of flood-driven riverside litter in two Northern Atlantic Rivers. Environ Pollut 2024; 345:123528. [PMID: 38336138 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123528] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
The escalation of litter accumulation in aquatic environments is recognized as an emerging global concern. Although rivers represent the main conduits for land-based waste into the oceans, the spatial dynamics of litter accumulation in these systems remain poorly investigated, especially after hydro-climatic extreme events. Floods have been identified as major drivers of litter mobilization, including macroplastics, within rivers. However, predicting flood-induced litter accumulation along riverbanks is complex due to the cumulative interplay of multiple environmental (geomorphological and riparian) and anthropogenic factors. Using empirical data collected from 14 stream reaches in two Northern Atlantic rivers in Portugal, our study evaluates which factors, among geomorphological, riparian, and anthropogenic descriptors, best drive riverside litter accumulation after floods. Taking into account the longitudinal gradient and the spatial heterogeneity of the studied reaches, our study enhances how the accumulation and characteristics (type, size) of riverside litter vary across a rural-urban continuum. Our model reveals that the combination of the human population density and the stream slope at river reach showed the highest explanatory power for the accumulation of riverside litter. Our findings indicate that litter tends to be retained close to the source, even under flood conditions. We also found that the structure of riparian vegetation showed low explanatory power for litter accumulation. However, riparian trapping could be influenced by litter input (density and type) which varies with anthropogenic activities. This work highlights the importance of gathering field data to identify critical areas of riverside litter accumulation within river basins. Our findings can further support environmental managers in designing and implementing effective cleanup campaigns and implementing plastic recovery strategies at specific areas. Nevertheless, it is crucial to enhance coordinated efforts across the entire value chain to reduce plastic pollution, promote innovative approaches for plastic litter valorization, and establish effective prevention pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Pace
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA) / Aquatic Research Network (ARNET) Associate Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability (IB-S), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; Landscape Laboratory (LL), Rua da Ponte Romana, Creixomil, 4835-095, Guimarães, Portugal.
| | - J Lourenço
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA) / Aquatic Research Network (ARNET) Associate Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability (IB-S), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; Landscape Laboratory (LL), Rua da Ponte Romana, Creixomil, 4835-095, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - C A Ribeiro
- Landscape Laboratory (LL), Rua da Ponte Romana, Creixomil, 4835-095, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - C Rodrigues
- Landscape Laboratory (LL), Rua da Ponte Romana, Creixomil, 4835-095, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - C Pascoal
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA) / Aquatic Research Network (ARNET) Associate Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability (IB-S), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - F Cássio
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA) / Aquatic Research Network (ARNET) Associate Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability (IB-S), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
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4
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Horton AA, Weerasinghe KDI, Mayor DJ, Lampitt R. Microplastics in commercial marine fish species in the UK - A case study in the River Thames and the River Stour (East Anglia) estuaries. Sci Total Environ 2024; 915:170170. [PMID: 38232843 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170170] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the abundance of microplastics in the gastro-intestinal tracts of three commercially important fish species in the UK, to determine whether catch location, feeding habits and fish size influence the amount of microplastics within fish. Fish were collected from two rivers in the UK: the River Thames and the River Stour (East Anglia). Fish were collected from two sites in the River Thames and one site in the River Stour. Species selected were European flounder (Platichthys flesus), whiting (Merlangius merlangus), and Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus), and were chosen to represent benthic and pelagic feeding habits. Across all locations, 41.5 % of fish had ingested at least one microplastic particle (37.5 % of European flounder, 52.2 % of whiting, and 28.6 % of Atlantic herring). The average number by species was 1.98 (±3.50) microplastics/fish in European flounder, 2.46 (±3.10) microplastics/fish in whiting and 1.47 (±3.17) microplastics/fish in herring. There were no significant differences in the number or mass of microplastics in fish based on river, site, species or habitat. However, the number and mass of microplastics within benthic fish (European flounder) in the River Stour were significantly higher than in benthic fish from the River Thames. By number of microplastics, larger and heavier fish were more highly contaminated. This study enhances our understanding of microplastics in commercially important fish but highlights that fish contamination is not easily predicted by feeding habits or catch location alone. Exposure and uptake is likely to vary with changing environmental conditions. Fish size tends to be a good predictor of contamination, with larger fish generally containing more microplastics. This is the first study to directly compare concentrations of microplastics in fish from different UK rivers and the first evidence of microplastics in the River Stour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice A Horton
- National Oceanography Centre, European Way, Southampton SO14 3ZH, UK.
| | - K D Isuri Weerasinghe
- National Oceanography Centre, European Way, Southampton SO14 3ZH, UK; University of Southampton, University Road, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK; University of Galway, University Road, Galway H91 TK33, Ireland
| | - Daniel J Mayor
- National Oceanography Centre, European Way, Southampton SO14 3ZH, UK; Biosciences, Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Richard Lampitt
- National Oceanography Centre, European Way, Southampton SO14 3ZH, UK
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Anusha JR, Citarasu T, Uma G, Vimal S, Kamaraj C, Kumar V, Muzammil K, Mani Sankar M. Recent advances in nanotechnology-based modifications of micro/nano PET plastics for green energy applications. Chemosphere 2024; 352:141417. [PMID: 38340992 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141417] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) plastic is an omnipresent synthetic polymer in our lives, which causes negative impacts on the ecosystem. It is crucial to take mandatory action to control the usage and sustainable disposal of PET plastics. Recycling plastics using nanotechnology offers potential solutions to the challenges associated with traditional plastic recycling methods. Nano-based degradation techniques improve the degradation process through the influence of catalysts. It also plays a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of recycling processes and modifying them into value-added products. The modified PET waste plastics can be utilized to manufacture batteries, supercapacitors, sensors, and so on. The waste PET modification methods have massive potential for research, which can play major role in removing post-consumer plastic waste. The present review discusses the effects of micro/nano plastics in terrestrial and marine ecosystems and its impacts on plants and animals. Briefly, the degradation and bio-degradation methods in recent research were explored. The depolymerization methods used for the production of monomers from PET waste plastics were discussed in detail. Carbon nanotubes, fullerene, and graphene nanosheets synthesized from PET waste plastics were delineated. The reuse of nanotechnologically modified PET waste plastics for potential green energy storage products, such as batteries, supercapacitors, and sensors were presented in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- J R Anusha
- Centre for Marine Science and Technology, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Rajakkamangalam, Kanyakumari District, Tamilnadu, 629 502, India
| | - T Citarasu
- Centre for Marine Science and Technology, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Rajakkamangalam, Kanyakumari District, Tamilnadu, 629 502, India
| | - G Uma
- Centre for Marine Science and Technology, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Rajakkamangalam, Kanyakumari District, Tamilnadu, 629 502, India
| | - S Vimal
- Department of Biochemistry, Saveetha Medical College & Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Thandalam, Chennai, 602105, Tamilnadu, India.
| | - Chinnaperumal Kamaraj
- Interdisciplinary Institute of Indian System of Medicine (IIISM), Directorate of Research, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu - 603203, India
| | - Vinay Kumar
- Department of Community Medicine, Saveetha Medical College & Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Thandalam, Chennai, 602105, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Khursheed Muzammil
- Department of Public Health, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Khamis Mushait Campus, King Khalid University, Abha, 62561, Saudi Arabia
| | - M Mani Sankar
- Department of Biochemistry, Saveetha Medical College & Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Thandalam, Chennai, 602105, Tamilnadu, India
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6
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Hua T, He L, Jiang Q, Chou LM, Xu Z, Yao Y, Ye G. Spatio-temporal coupling analysis and tipping points detection of China's coastal integrated land-human activity-ocean system. Sci Total Environ 2024; 914:169981. [PMID: 38215845 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.169981] [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: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
The coastal zone is typically highly developed and its ocean environment is vastly exposed to the onshore activities. Land-based pollution, as the "metabolite" of terrestrial human activities, significantly impacts the ocean environment. Although numerous studies have investigated these effects, few have quantified the interactions among land-human activity-ocean across both spatial and temporal scales. In this study, we have developed a land-human activity-ocean systemic framework integrating the coupling coordination degree model and tipping point to quantify the spatiotemporal dynamic interaction mechanism among the land-based pollution, human activities, and ocean environment in China from 2001 to 2020. Our findings revealed that the overall coupling coordination degree of the China's coastal zone increased by 36.9 % over last two decades. Furthermore, the effect of human activities on China's coastal environment remained within acceptable thresholds, as no universal tipping points for coastal pollution or ocean environment has been found over the 20-year period. Notably, the lag time for algal blooms, the key indicator of ocean environment health, was found to be 0-3 years in response to the land economic development and 0-4 years in response to land-based pollution. Based on the differences in spatiotemporal interactions among land-human activity-ocean system, we employed cluster analysis to categorize China's coastal provinces into four types and to develop appropriate management measures. Quantifying the interaction mechanism within the land-human activity-ocean system could aid decision-makers in creating sustainable coastal development strategies. This enables efficient use of land and ocean resources, supports coastal conservation and restoration efforts, and fosters effective management recommendations to enhance coastal sustainability and resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianran Hua
- Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, China; Hainan Institute of Zhejiang University, Sanya, Hainan, China
| | - Liuyue He
- Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, China; Donghai Laboratory, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qutu Jiang
- Department of Geography, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | | | - Zhenci Xu
- Department of Geography, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Yanming Yao
- Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, China
| | - Guanqiong Ye
- Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, China; Hainan Institute of Zhejiang University, Sanya, Hainan, China; Second Institute of Oceanography of MNR, Hanghou, Zhejiang, China.
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7
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Hu S, Johnson DM, Jiang M, Zhang J, Huang Y, Xi Y, Xu T. The effect of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) color on biofilm development and biofilm-heavy metal chemodynamics in the aquatic environment. Sci Total Environ 2023; 905:166924. [PMID: 37704145 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166924] [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: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Plastic surfaces are colonized by microorganisms and biofilms are formed in the natural aquatic environment. As the biofilm develops, it changes the density and buoyancy of the plastic-biofilm complex, results in plastic sinking, and increases the heavy metals accumulated by biofilm's mobility and availability in aquatic ecosystems. In this experiment, biofilms were cultured on five colors of polyvinyl chloride (PVC; transparent, green, blue, red, black) in an aquatic environment to investigate the effects of plastic color on biofilm formation and development (Phase 1) and to study the effects of being sunk below the photic zone on biofilm (Phase 2). The PVC color significantly affected the biofilm formation rate but had no impact on the final biofilm biomass. After sinking the biofilm-PVC below the photic zone in Phase 2, the layer of diatoms on the biofilm surface began to disintegrate, and the biomass and Chlorophyll-a (Chla) content of the biofilm decreased, except on the red PVC. Below the photic zone, the microbial community of the biofilm changed from primarily autotrophic microbes to mostly heterotrophic microbes. Microbial diversity increased and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) content decreased. The primary factor leading to microbial diversity and community structure changes was water depth rather than PVC color. The changes induced in the biofilm led to an increase in the concentration of all heavy metals in the biofilm, related to the increase in microbial diversity. This study provides new insights into the biofilm formation process and the effects on a biofilm when it sinks below the photic zone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Hu
- College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, Hubei, China; Engineering Research Center of Eco-Environment in Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, Hubei, China
| | - David M Johnson
- College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, Hubei, China; Engineering Research Center of Eco-Environment in Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, Hubei, China
| | - Menghan Jiang
- Engineering Research Center of Eco-Environment in Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, Hubei, China; College of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, Hubei, China
| | - Junjie Zhang
- College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, Hubei, China; Engineering Research Center of Eco-Environment in Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, Hubei, China
| | - Yingping Huang
- Engineering Research Center of Eco-Environment in Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, Hubei, China; College of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, Hubei, China
| | - Ying Xi
- Engineering Research Center of Eco-Environment in Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, Hubei, China; College of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, Hubei, China
| | - Tao Xu
- College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, Hubei, China; Engineering Research Center of Eco-Environment in Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, Hubei, China.
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Li C, Zhu L, Li WT, Li D. Microplastics in the seagrass ecosystems: A critical review. Sci Total Environ 2023; 902:166152. [PMID: 37567296 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166152] [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: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Marine microplastic (MP) pollution represents a global environmental issue that has ignited considerable apprehension within the international community. Seagrass beds, which serve as nearshore marine ecosystems, have emerged as focal points of plastic and MP contamination due to the pronounced density of anthropogenic activities and the hydrological mitigating effects of submerged vegetation. Nevertheless, our comprehension of MPs within seagrass ecosystems remains constrained. In this study, we employed bibliometric analyses and comprehensive data exploration to summarize the historical progression of the development, pivotal areas of interest, and research deficiencies, followed by proposing future research directions for MP pollution in seagrass beds. The 37 selected papers were sourced from the Web of Science Core Collection scientific database as of December 31st, 2022. Based on the current evaluation, MPs are ubiquitously discovered within seagrass canopies, sediments, and marine organisms, while less than 15 % of seagrass species worldwide have been investigated. Moreover, methodological inconsistencies in sampling, processing and visualization between studies hindered the fusion and comparison of data. MPs in upper sediments and seagrass blades were the most widely investigated, with an average abundance of 263.4 ± 309.2 n/kg and 0.09 ± 0.03 n/blade. In all environmental compartments, the prevalent forms of MPs comprise fibrous and fragmented particles, encompassing the dominant polymers such as polypropylene, polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate. However, the source of MPs in seagrass beds based on MP characteristics and local hydrodynamics has not been comprehensively analyzed in previous studies. The evidence for MPs acting as pollutants and contaminant carries impacting the growth and decline of seagrass is also weak. Currently, the precise implications of MPs on submerged vegetation, organisms, and the broader seagrass ecosystem remain inconclusive. However, considering the persistent accumulation of MPs, it is imperative to explore the ecological hazards they may pose within the foreseeable future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changjun Li
- Ocean School, Yantai University, Yantai, China.
| | - Lixin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China; Department of Marine and Environmental Science, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Wen-Tao Li
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Daoji Li
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
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9
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Song W, Li Y. Tidal flat microbial communities between the Huaihe estuary and Yangtze River estuary. Environ Res 2023; 238:117141. [PMID: 37717808 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117141] [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: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Tidal flats have important ecological functions and offer great economic value. Using field sampling, numerical simulation, and high-throughput sequencing, the ecological state of typical tidal flats along the eastern coast of China was investigated. The findings demonstrated that the area may be separated into subregions with notable differences in the features of microbial communities due to the variations in water quality and total pollutant discharge of seagoing rivers. With a ratio of 62%, the development of the microbial community revealed that homogenous selection predominated. In general, the formation of microbial communities follows deterministic processes, especially those of environmental selection. The wetland microbial communities are impacted by pollutants discharged into the sea from the Huaihe River and the Yangtze River. The Yangtze River's nitrogen pollutants affected the wetland zone, and denitrification dominated. The study established ecological patterns between the river and the sea and we offer suggestions for managing watersheds and safeguarding the ecology of coastal tidal flats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Song
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China; National Engineering Research Center of Water Resources Efficient Utilization and Engineering Safety, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China.
| | - Yi Li
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China; National Engineering Research Center of Water Resources Efficient Utilization and Engineering Safety, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China.
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Gomez NCF, Cragg SM, Ghiglione JF, Onda DFL. Accumulation and exposure classifications of plastics in the different coastal habitats in the western Philippine archipelago. Environ Pollut 2023; 337:122602. [PMID: 37741539 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122602] [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: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Studies consistently ranked the Philippines as one of the top contributors of plastic wastes leaking into the ocean. However, most of these were based on probabilities and estimates due to lack of comprehensive ground-truth data, resulting also in the limited understanding of the contributing factors and drivers of local pollution. This makes it challenging to develop science-driven and locally-contextualized policies and interventions to mitigate the problem. Here, 56 sites from different coastal habitats in the western Philippine archipelago were surveyed for macroplastics standing stock, representing geographic regions with varying demography and economic activities. Clustering of sites revealed three potential influencing factors to plastic accumulation: population density, wind and oceanic transport, and habitat type. Notably, the amount and types of dominant plastics per geographic region varied significantly. Single-use plastics (food packaging and sachets) were the most abundant in sites adjacent to densely populated and highly urbanized areas (Manila Bay and eastern Palawan), while fishing-related materials dominated in less populated and fishing-dominated communities (western Palawan and Bolinao), suggesting the local industries significantly contributing to the mismanaged plastics in the surveyed sites. Meanwhile, isolated areas such as islands were characterized by the abundance of buoyant materials (drinking bottles and hygiene product containers), emphasizing the role of oceanic transport and strong connectivity in the oceans. Exposure assessment also identified single-use and fishing-related plastics to be of "high exposure (Type 4)" due to their high abundance and high occurrence. These increase their chances of encountering and interacting with organisms and habitats, thus, resulting into more potential harm. This study is the first comprehensive work done in western Philippines, and results will help contextualize local pollution, facilitating more effective management and policymaking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norchel Corcia F Gomez
- Microbial Oceanography Laboratory, The Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, 1101, Philippines
| | - Simon M Cragg
- Institute of Marine Sciences and Centre for Enzyme Innovation, School of Biological Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
| | - Jean-François Ghiglione
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Sorbonne Université, Laboratoire d'Océanographie Microbienne (LOMIC), UMR 7621, Observatoire Océanologique de Banyuls, Banyuls sur mer, France
| | - Deo Florence L Onda
- Microbial Oceanography Laboratory, The Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, 1101, Philippines; Pag-asa Island Research Station (PIRS), The Marine Science Institute, Pag-asa Island, Kalayaan Island Group, West Philippine Sea, Philippines.
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11
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Martin L, Marbach S, Zimba P, Liu Q, Xu W. Uptake of Nanoplastic particles by zebrafish embryos triggers the macrophage response at early developmental stage. Chemosphere 2023; 341:140069. [PMID: 37673181 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [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: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution continues to erupt as a global ecological concern. As plastic debris is degraded into nanoscale and microscale particles via biodegradation, UV-irradiation, and mechanical processes, nanoplastic pollution arises as a threat to virtually every biological and ecological system on the planet. In this study, zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos were exposed to fluorescently labeled plastic particles at nanoscales (30 nm and 100 nm). The uptake of both the nanoplastic particles (NPs) was found to exponentially increase with incubation time. Penetration of NPs through the natural barrier of the zebrafish embryos, the chorion, was observed prior to the hatching of the embryo. As a result, the NPs were found to accumulate on the body surface as well as inside the body of the zebrafish. The invasion of NPs into zebrafish embryos induced the upregulation of several stress and immune response genes including interleukins (il6 and il1b), cytochrome P450 (cyp1a and cyp51), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) removal protein-encoding genes (sod and cat). This suggested the initiation of ROS generation and removal as well as the activation of the immune response of zebrafish embryos. Colocalization of macrophages and NPs in zebrafish embryos indicated the involvement of macrophage response to the NP invasion at the early developmental stage of zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leisha Martin
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Science, Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, TX, USA
| | - Sandra Marbach
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Science, Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, TX, USA
| | - Paul Zimba
- Center for Coastal Studies, Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, TX, USA; Rice Rivers Center, VA Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Qianqian Liu
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Nursing and Health Science, Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, TX, USA
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Science, Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, TX, USA; Center for Coastal Studies, Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, TX, USA.
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12
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Vorsatz LD, So MWK, Not C, Cannicci S. Anthropogenic debris pollution in peri-urban mangroves of South China: Spatial, seasonal, and environmental drivers in Hong Kong. Mar Pollut Bull 2023; 195:115495. [PMID: 37708605 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115495] [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: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Excessive mismanaged debris along tropical coasts pose a threat to vulnerable mangrove ecosystems. Here, we examined the spatial, seasonal and environmental drivers of anthropogenic debris abundance and its potential ecological impact in peri-urban mangroves across Hong Kong. Seasonal surveys were conducted in both landward and seaward zones, with identification, along belt transects, of macrodebris (>5 mm) based on material type and use. Our results indicate spatial variability in debris abundance and distribution, with plastic being the predominant material type identified. Both plastic and non-plastic domestic items covered the most surface area. Debris aggregation was highest at the landward zones, consistent with the literature. In the dry season, more debris accumulated and covered greater surface area in both seaward and landward zones. These results confirm that land-derived debris from mismanaged waste, rather than debris coming from the Pearl River, is the primary source of anthropogenic debris pollution threatening Hong Kong's mangroves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyle Dennis Vorsatz
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa; The Swire Institute of Marine Science, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
| | - Mandy Wing Kwan So
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Department of Earth Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; School of Life Sciences & Earth and Environmental Sciences Programme, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Christelle Not
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Department of Earth Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Stefano Cannicci
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Department of Biology, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
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13
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Cappa P, Walton MEM, Paler MKO, Taboada EB, Hiddink JG, Skov MW. Impact of mangrove forest structure and landscape on macroplastics capture. Mar Pollut Bull 2023; 194:115434. [PMID: 37634347 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Complex networks of above-ground roots and trunks make mangrove forests trap plastic litter. We tested how macroplastics relate to tree biomass, root abundance, mangrove geomorphology and river mouth proximity, surveying landward and seaward margins of seven forests in the Philippines, a global hotspot for marine plastic pollution. Macroplastics were abundant (mean ± s.e.: 1.1 ± 0.22 items m-2; range: 0.05 ± 0.05 to 3.79 ± 1.91), greatest at the landward zone (mean ± s.e.: 1.60 ± 0.41 m-2) and dominated by land-derived items (sachets, bags). Plastic abundance and weight increased with proximity to river mouths, with root abundance predicting plastic litter surface area (i.e., the cumulative sum of all the surface areas of each plastic element per plot). The study confirms rivers are a major pathway for marine plastic pollution, with mangrove roots are the biological attribute that regulate litter retention. The results suggest land-based waste management that prevent plastics entering rivers will reduce marine plastic pollution in Southeast Asia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Cappa
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Isle of Anglesey LL595AB, UK.
| | - Mark E M Walton
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Isle of Anglesey LL595AB, UK
| | | | - Evelyn B Taboada
- School of Engineering, University of San Carlos, Talamban, Cebu City 6000, Philippines
| | - Jan G Hiddink
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Isle of Anglesey LL595AB, UK
| | - Martin W Skov
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Isle of Anglesey LL595AB, UK
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14
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Zou W, Lu S, Wang J, Xu Y, Shahid MA, Saleem MU, Mehmood K, Li K. Environmental Microplastic Exposure Changes Gut Microbiota in Chickens. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2503. [PMID: 37570310 PMCID: PMC10417107 DOI: 10.3390/ani13152503] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
As novel environmental contaminants, MPs exist widely in the environment and accumulate in organisms, which has become a global ecological problem. MP perturbations of organismal physiology and behavior have been extensively recorded in aquatic animals, but the potential effects of MPs on poultry are not well characterized. Here, we explored the adverse effects of MP exposure on the growth performance and gut microbiota of chickens. Results showed that the growth performance of chickens decreased significantly during MP exposure. Additionally, Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, and Proteobacteria were found to be dominant in the gut microbiota of MP-exposed chickens, regardless of health status. Although the types of dominant bacteria did not change, the abundances of some bacteria and the structure of the gut microbiota changed significantly. Compared with the controls, the alpha diversity of gut microbiota in chickens exposed to MPs showed a significant decrease. The results of comparative analyses of bacteria between groups showed that the levels of 1 phyla (Proteobacteria) and 18 genera dramatically decreased, whereas the levels of 1 phyla (Cyanobacteria) and 12 genera dramatically increased, during MP exposure. In summary, this study provides evidence that exposure to MPs has a significant impact on the growth performance and gut microbial composition and structure of chickens, leading to a gut microbial imbalance. This may raise widespread public concern about the health threat caused by MP contamination, which is relevant to the maintenance of environmental quality and protection of poultry health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Zou
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (W.Z.); (S.L.); (J.W.); (Y.X.)
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Sijia Lu
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (W.Z.); (S.L.); (J.W.); (Y.X.)
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Jia Wang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (W.Z.); (S.L.); (J.W.); (Y.X.)
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Yixiao Xu
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (W.Z.); (S.L.); (J.W.); (Y.X.)
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Muhammad Akbar Shahid
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan;
| | - Muhammad Usman Saleem
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan;
| | - Khalid Mehmood
- Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan;
| | - Kun Li
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (W.Z.); (S.L.); (J.W.); (Y.X.)
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
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15
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Garcés-Ordóñez O, Castillo-Olaya V, Espinosa-Díaz LF, Canals M. Seasonal variation in plastic litter pollution in mangroves from two remote tropical estuaries of the Colombian Pacific. Mar Pollut Bull 2023; 193:115210. [PMID: 37385182 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115210] [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: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Mangroves in estuaries are highly vulnerable to the impacts of plastic litter pollution, because their location at river mouths and the high capacity of mangrove trees to trap plastic items. Here, we present new results on the abundance and characteristics of plastic litter during high and low rainfall seasons in mangrove waters and sediments of the Saija and Timbiqui River estuaries in the Colombian Pacific. In both estuaries, microplastics were the most common size (50-100 %), followed by mesoplastics (13-42 %) and macroplastics (0-8 %). Total abundances of plastic litter were higher during the high rainfall season (0.17-0.53 items/m-3 in surface waters and 764-832 items/m-2 in sediments), with a moderately positive relationship between plastic abundances recorded in both environmental matrices. The most common microplastics were foams and fragments. Continuous research and monitoring are required for a better understanding and management of these ecosystems and their threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ostin Garcés-Ordóñez
- Programa Calidad Ambiental Marina, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras José Benito Vives de Andréis - INVEMAR, calle 25 # 2-55 Rodadero, Santa Marta, Colombia; GRC Geociències Marines, Departament de Dinàmica de la Terra i de l'Oceà, Universitat de Barcelona, Martí i Franquès s/n, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Red de Vigilancia para la Conservación y Protección de las aguas marinas y costeras de Colombia-REDCAM, Santa Marta, Colombia.
| | - Victoria Castillo-Olaya
- Programa Calidad Ambiental Marina, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras José Benito Vives de Andréis - INVEMAR, calle 25 # 2-55 Rodadero, Santa Marta, Colombia
| | - Luisa F Espinosa-Díaz
- Programa Calidad Ambiental Marina, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras José Benito Vives de Andréis - INVEMAR, calle 25 # 2-55 Rodadero, Santa Marta, Colombia; Red de Vigilancia para la Conservación y Protección de las aguas marinas y costeras de Colombia-REDCAM, Santa Marta, Colombia
| | - Miquel Canals
- GRC Geociències Marines, Departament de Dinàmica de la Terra i de l'Oceà, Universitat de Barcelona, Martí i Franquès s/n, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
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16
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Zhou X, Xiao C, Li X, Chen T, Yang X. Microplastics in coastal blue carbon ecosystems: A global Meta-analysis of its distribution, driving mechanisms, and potential risks. Sci Total Environ 2023; 878:163048. [PMID: 36990230 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163048] [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: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics, as emerging pollutants, have become a global environmental concern. Blue carbon ecosystems (BCEs) are threatened by microplastics. Although substantial studies have explored the dynamics and threats of microplastics in BCEs, the fate and driving factors of microplastics in BCEs on a global scale remain largely unknown. Here, the occurrence, driving factors, and risks of microplastics in global BCEs were investigated by synthesizing a global meta-analysis. The results showed that the abundance of microplastics in BCEs has notable spatial differences worldwide, with the highest microplastic concentrations in Asia, especially in South and Southeast Asia. Microplastic abundance is influenced by the vegetation habitat, climate, coastal environment, and river runoff. The interaction of geographic location, ecosystem type, coastal environment, and climate enhanced the effects of microplastic distribution. In addition, we found that microplastic accumulation in organisms varied according to feeding habits and body weight. Significant accumulation was observed in large fish; however, growth dilution effects were also observed. The effect of microplastics on the organic carbon content of sediments from BCEs varies by ecosystem; microplastic concentrations do not necessarily increase organic carbon sequestration. Global BCEs are at a high risk of microplastic pollution, with high microplastic abundance and toxicity driving the high pollution risk. Finally, this review provides scientific evidence that will form the basis for future microplastic research, focusing on the transport of microplastics in BCEs; effects on the growth, development, and primary productivity of blue carbon plants; and soil biogeochemical cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100088, China
| | - Cunde Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100088, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xueying Li
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100088, China
| | - Tao Chen
- School of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Xiaofan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100088, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 510006, China.
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17
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Naidoo G. The mangroves of Africa: A review. Mar Pollut Bull 2023; 190:114859. [PMID: 37001404 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114859] [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: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Mangroves are highly productive, dynamic ecosystems that occur in intertidal areas in tropical and temperate regions. These woody trees or shrubs are important because of their global extent and high productivity. Africa has 20 % of global mangroves, with 74 % on the west coast and 26 % on the east coast. Mangroves occur in 19 African countries on the west coast and 15 on the east coast. This review gives an overview of the importance, losses, current areas and distribution of mangroves in Africa, using current data based on Global Mangrove Watch maps. It then summarizes the ecosystem services provided by mangroves and examines threats to their survival from anthropogenic factors such as harvesting, pollution and conversion to aquaculture and agriculture. It also examines treats from natural factors such as climate change and sea level rise. It discusses the status of mangroves in each country and makes recommendations for management and conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonasageran Naidoo
- University of KwaZulu-Natal, School of Life Sciences, Durban, South Africa.
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18
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Nyberg B, Harris PT, Kane I, Maes T. Leaving a plastic legacy: Current and future scenarios for mismanaged plastic waste in rivers. Sci Total Environ 2023; 869:161821. [PMID: 36708835 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161821] [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] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Mismanaged plastic waste (MPW) entering the riverine environment is concerning, given that most plastic pollution never reaches the oceans, and it has a severe negative impact on terrestrial ecosystems. However, significant knowledge gaps on the storage and remobilization of MPW within different rivers over varying timescales remain. Here we analyze the exposure of river systems to MPW to better understand the sedimentary processes that control the legacy of plastic waste. Using a conservative approach, we estimate 0.8 million tonnes of MPW enter rivers annually in 2015, affecting an estimated 84 % of rivers by surface area, globally. By 2060, the amount of MPW input to rivers is expected to increase nearly 3-fold, however improved plastic waste strategies through better governance can decrease plastic pollution by up to 72 %. Currently, most plastic input occurs along anthropogenically modified rivers (49 %) yet these represent only 23 % of rivers by surface area. Another 17 % of MPW occur in free-flowing actively migrating meandering rivers that likely retain most plastic waste within sedimentary deposits, increasing retention times and likelihood of biochemical weathering. Active braided rivers receive less MPW (14 %), but higher water discharge will also increase fragmentation to form microplastics. Only 20 % of plastic pollution is found in non-migrating and free-flowing rivers; these have the highest probability of plastics remaining within the water column and being transferred downstream. This study demonstrates the spatial variability in MPW affecting different global river systems with different retention, fragmentation, and biochemical weathering rates of plastics. Targeted mitigation strategies and environmental risk assessments are needed at both international and national levels that consider river system dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Björn Nyberg
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Bergen, Allegaten 41, 5020 Bergen, Norway; Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research, Allegaten 70, 5020 Bergen, Norway.
| | | | - Ian Kane
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Thomas Maes
- GRID-Arendal, P.O. Box 183, N-4802 Arendal, Norway
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Mani T, Hawangchu Y, Khamdahsag P, Lohwacharin J, Phihusut D, Arsiranant I, Junchompoo C, Piemjaiswang R. Gaining new insights into macroplastic transport 'hotlines' and fine-scale retention-remobilisation using small floating high-resolution satellite drifters in the Chao Phraya River estuary of Bangkok. Environ Pollut 2023; 320:121124. [PMID: 36682617 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121124] [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: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In river plastic pollution research little is known about the detailed pathways and interruptions that occur during the journey of macroplastic debris (>5 cm) from land to sea. Data on fine-scale and high-accuracy transport trajectories and cycles of retention (when macroplastics are trapped, e.g. at a pier) and remobilisation is needed to inform global river plastic transport models as well as mechanical cleanup efforts. Though well established in the marine environment, the use of floating satellite drifters to understand macroplastic debris transport in tidal rivers and estuaries is in its infancy. Exploring the capacity to investigate fine-scale macroplastic debris-estuary interactions, this study brings together, on the one hand, a small, sensitive, floating satellite drifter with, on the other hand, the major riverine-marine habitat of the Chao Phraya River estuary at Bangkok, Thailand. The used grapefruit-sized drifters (n = 5) with minimal drogue (ρ ≈ 0.67 g/cm3) sent their positions at up to 4 m and 5 min spatiotemporal resolution via cellular GSM network for up to 48 days. This study indicates that river macroplastic debris transport 'hotlines' (positions where floating debris will likely pass by in a river) as well as retention-remobilisation cycles can be studied at fine scale. On their way through the river and gulf, covering between 9 and 696 km, drifters got stuck up to 23 times, spending 80% of their river lifetime in retention. Furthermore, it is outlined that the trajectories can be linked with environmental factors such as bathymetry and tides to more accurately model macroplastic debris behaviour in rivers. Finally, it is shown that trajectories crossing the riverine-marine continuum at the estuary can be accurately traced to support future investigations on the so far scarcely evidenced river mouth emissions of macroplastic debris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Mani
- The Ocean Cleanup, 3014 JH, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Yotwadee Hawangchu
- Aquatic Resources Research Institute, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Pummarin Khamdahsag
- Environmental Research Institute, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Jenyuk Lohwacharin
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Doungkamon Phihusut
- Environmental Research Institute, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand; Program Management Unit for Human Resources & Institutional Development, Research and Innovation (PMU-B), Office of National Higher Education Science Research and Innovation Policy Council, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Isara Arsiranant
- Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center, Eastern Upper Gulf of Thailand, Chachoengsao, 24130, Thailand
| | - Chalatip Junchompoo
- Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center, Eastern Upper Gulf of Thailand, Chachoengsao, 24130, Thailand
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20
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Lasdin KS, Arnold M, Agrawal A, Fennie HW, Grorud-Colvert K, Sponaugle S, Aylesworth L, Heppell S, Brander SM. Presence of microplastics and microparticles in Oregon Black Rockfish sampled near marine reserve areas. PeerJ 2023; 11:e14564. [PMID: 36815986 PMCID: PMC9936869 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14564] [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: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Measuring the spatial distribution of microparticles which include synthetic, semi-synthetic, and anthropogenic particles is critical to understanding their potential negative impacts on species. This is particularly important in the context of microplastics, which are a form of microparticle that are prevalent in the marine environment. To facilitate a better understanding of microparticle occurrence, including microplastics, we sampled subadult and young juvenile Black Rockfish (Sebastes melanops) at multiple Oregon coast sites, and their gastrointestinal tracts were analyzed to identify ingested microparticles. Of the subadult rockfish, one or more microparticles were found in the GI tract of 93.1% of the fish and were present in fish from Newport, and near four of five marine reserves. In the juveniles, 92% of the fish had ingested one or more microparticles from the area of Cape Foulweather, a comparison area, and Otter Rock, a marine reserve. The subadults had an average of 7.31 (average background = 5) microparticles detected, while the juveniles had 4.21 (average background = 1.8). In both the subadult and juvenile fish, approximately 12% of the microparticles were identified as synthetic using micro-Fourier Infrared Spectroscopy (micro-FTIR). Fibers were the most prevalent morphology identified, and verified microparticle contamination was a complex mixture of synthetic (∼12% for subadults and juveniles), anthropogenic (∼87% for subadults and 85.5% for juveniles), and natural (e.g., fur) materials (∼0.7% for subadults and ∼2.4% for juveniles). Similarities in exposure types (particle morphology, particle number) across life stages, coupled with statistical differences in exposure levels at several locations for subadult fish, suggest the potential influence of nearshore oceanographic patterns on microparticle distribution. A deeper understanding of the impact microplastics have on an important fishery such as those for S. melanops, will contribute to our ability to accurately assess risk to both wildlife and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine S. Lasdin
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States,Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States
| | - Madison Arnold
- Department of Environmental Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Anika Agrawal
- Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - H. William Fennie
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States,Fisheries Resources Division, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric and Administration, La Jolla, CA, USA,Hatfield Marine Science Center, Newport, OR, USA
| | - Kirsten Grorud-Colvert
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Su Sponaugle
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States,Hatfield Marine Science Center, Newport, OR, USA
| | | | - Scott Heppell
- Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States
| | - Susanne M. Brander
- Coastal Oregon Marine Experiment Station, Oregon State University, Newport, Oregon, United States
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Sedakov R, Osadchiev A, Barnier B, Molines JM, Colombo P. Large chocked lagoon as a barrier for river-sea flux of dissolved pollutants: Case study of the Azov Sea and the Black Sea. Mar Pollut Bull 2023; 187:114496. [PMID: 36586199 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114496] [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: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The Don River is among the largest rivers in the Eastern Europe and is heavily polluted. This river inflows into small and semi-isolated Sea of Azov, which is connected with the Black Sea by a narrow strait. Generally, the Sea of Azov is a large choked lagoon, which serves as a barrier for river-borne constituents. Using numerical modeling, we reveal that presence of the choked lagoon significantly slows down the estuary-seawater flux of dissolved pollutants and slackens its discharge-induced seasonal variability. In particular, the Sea of Azov delays the 5 % and 95 % of the total flux of riverine pollution to the Black Sea by 9 and 36 months, respectively. The obtained results are important for assessment the influence of background and emergency pollution accidents at the Don River on water quality in the study region. Moreover, these results could be applied to many other chocked lagoons in the World Ocean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Sedakov
- Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Nakhimovskiy prospekt 36, 117997 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Alexander Osadchiev
- Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Nakhimovskiy prospekt 36, 117997 Moscow, Russia; Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Instituskiy Lane 9, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia.
| | - Bernard Barnier
- Institute des Géosciences del'Environment, UGA/CNRS/IRD, Cedex 9, 38 058 Grenoble, France
| | - Jean-Marc Molines
- Institute des Géosciences del'Environment, UGA/CNRS/IRD, Cedex 9, 38 058 Grenoble, France.
| | - Pedro Colombo
- Climate Change Research Centre, University of New South Wales, NSW 2052, Sydney, Australia
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De K, Sautya S, Dora GU, Gaikwad S, Katke D, Salvi A. Mangroves in the "Plasticene": High exposure of coastal mangroves to anthropogenic litter pollution along the Central-West coast of India. Sci Total Environ 2023; 858:160071. [PMID: 36356762 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic litter is a ubiquitous stressor in the global ocean, and poses ominous threats to oceanic biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. At the terrestrial-ocean interface, tropical mangrove forests are subject to substantial exposure to mismanaged litter from inland and marine sources. While the effects of litter in different marine ecosystems are well-documented, research on the ecological consequences of litter pollution on mangroves remain nascent stage. Here, we investigated anthropogenic litter concentration, composition, probable sources, and impact on coastal mangroves along the Central West coast of India. The mean concentration of trapped litter was measured 8.5 ± 1.9 items/m2 (ranged 1.4 ̶ 26.9 items/m2), and 10.6 ± 0.5 items/tree (ranged 0 ̶ 85 items/tree) on the mangrove floor and mangrove canopy, respectively. Plastic dominated 83.02 % of all litter deposited on the mangrove forest floor and 93.4 % of all entangled litter on mangrove canopy. Most litter comprised single-use plastic products across all surveyed locations. Mangrove floor cleanliness was assessed using several indices, such as Clean Coast Index, General Index, Hazardous Items Index, and Pollution Load Index, reiterating an inferior cleanliness status. The pollution load index indicates "Hazard level I" plastic pollution risk across the mangroves. Litter concentration differed markedly across all sites. However, a significantly higher concentration of stranded litter was detected in the densely populated urban agglomeration and rural areas with inadequate solid waste management. Probable sources of litter indicate land-based (local) and sea-originated (fishing). Supportive information on the transport and accumulation of marine litter is examined based on the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Climate Forecast System (CFS) model version 2 reanalysis of surface wind and current pattern across the Arabian Sea followed by MIKE simulated tide-induced coastal current. Mangrove pneumatophores and branches were found to be damaged by entangled plastics. Hence, determining litter quantum and their probable input source is pivotal in mitigating anthropogenic litter impact on mangrove ecosystems and fostering mangrove conservation. Overall, results envisage that stringent enforcement, implementation of an integrated solid waste management framework, and general behavioral change of the public are crucial to mitigate litter/plastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalyan De
- Laboratory of Benthic Trait Analysis (L-BETA), CSIR- National Institute of Oceanography, Regional Centre-Mumbai, Maharashtra 400053, India.
| | - Sabyasachi Sautya
- Laboratory of Benthic Trait Analysis (L-BETA), CSIR- National Institute of Oceanography, Regional Centre-Mumbai, Maharashtra 400053, India.
| | - G Udhaba Dora
- Physical Oceanography Division, CSIR- National Institute of Oceanography, Regional Centre-Mumbai, Maharashtra 400053, India
| | - Santosh Gaikwad
- Laboratory of Benthic Trait Analysis (L-BETA), CSIR- National Institute of Oceanography, Regional Centre-Mumbai, Maharashtra 400053, India
| | - Dinesh Katke
- Laboratory of Benthic Trait Analysis (L-BETA), CSIR- National Institute of Oceanography, Regional Centre-Mumbai, Maharashtra 400053, India
| | - Aditya Salvi
- Laboratory of Benthic Trait Analysis (L-BETA), CSIR- National Institute of Oceanography, Regional Centre-Mumbai, Maharashtra 400053, India
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23
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Corbau C, Buoninsegni J, Olivo E, Vaccaro C, Nardin W, Simeoni U. Understanding through drone image analysis the interactions between geomorphology, vegetation and marine debris along a sandy spit. Mar Pollut Bull 2023; 187:114515. [PMID: 36580840 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Marine litter (ML) is recognized as one of the main socio-economic and environmental concerns and monitoring operations have been realized worldwide in order to collect information on the types, quantities and distribution of marine debris. In this study, we used Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) images to map the presence of ML on a coastal spit in relation to geomorphological aspects and vegetation. Our results show that ML is present everywhere, but concentrates in the beach wrack, dunes, and saltmarshes, highlighting the role of the vegetation in trapping ML. Moreover, ML will most probably remain trapped by the saltmarsh vegetation, since they are not visible and easily accessible to allow cleaning operations. On the contrary, cleaning operations may remove the ML present in the beach wrack. Finally, our results provide useful information to support decision-makers for improving beach cleaning activities in the Po river Delta areas (Italy).
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinne Corbau
- University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; HPL - UMCES, Cambridge, MD, USA; CURSA, Roma, Italy.
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Garcés-Ordóñez O, Saldarriaga-Vélez JF, Espinosa-Díaz LF, Canals M, Sánchez-Vidal A, Thiel M. A systematic review on microplastic pollution in water, sediments, and organisms from 50 coastal lagoons across the globe. Environ Pollut 2022; 315:120366. [PMID: 36240966 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [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: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Coastal lagoons are transitional environments between continental and marine aquatic systems. Globally, coastal lagoons are of great ecological and socioeconomic importance as providers of valuable ecosystem services. However, these fragile environments are subject to several human pressures, including pollution by microplastics (MPs). The aim of this review was to identify and summarize advances in MP pollution research in coastal lagoons across the world. We consider peer-reviewed publications on this topic published in English and Spanish between 2000 and April 21, 2022, available in Scopus and Google Scholar. We found 57 publications with data on MP abundances and their characteristics in 50 coastal lagoons from around the world, 58% of which have some environmental protection status. The number of publications on this type of pollution in lagoons has increased significantly since 2019. Methodological differences amongst studies of MPs in coastal lagoons were nevertheless a limiting factor for wide-ranging comparisons. Most studies (77%) were conducted in single environmental compartments, and integration was limited, hampering current understanding of MP dynamics in such lagoons. MPs were more abundant in lagoons with highly populated shores and watersheds, which support intensive human activities. On the contrary, lagoons in natural protected areas had lower abundances of MPs, mostly in sediments and organisms. Fiber/filament and fragment shapes, and polyethylene, polyester, and polypropylene polymers were predominant. MPs had accumulated in certain areas of coastal lagoons, or had been exported to the sea, depending on the influence of seasonal weather, hydrodynamics, anthropogenic pressures, and typology of MPs. It is advised that future research on MP pollution in coastal lagoons should focus on methodological aspects, assessment/monitoring of pollution itself, MP dynamics and impacts, and prevention measures as part of a sound environmental management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ostin Garcés-Ordóñez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras "José Benito Vives de Andréis"-INVEMAR, Programa Calidad Ambiental Marina, Calle 25 No. 2-55 Rodadero, Santa Marta, Colombia; CRG Marine Geosciences, Department of Earth and Ocean Dynamics, Earth Sciences Faculty, University of Barcelona, E-08028, Barcelona, Spain; Red de Vigilancia para la Conservación y Protección de las Aguas Marinas y Costeras de Colombia, REDCAM, Colombia.
| | - Juan F Saldarriaga-Vélez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras "José Benito Vives de Andréis"-INVEMAR, Programa Calidad Ambiental Marina, Calle 25 No. 2-55 Rodadero, Santa Marta, Colombia; Red de Vigilancia para la Conservación y Protección de las Aguas Marinas y Costeras de Colombia, REDCAM, Colombia
| | - Luisa F Espinosa-Díaz
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras "José Benito Vives de Andréis"-INVEMAR, Programa Calidad Ambiental Marina, Calle 25 No. 2-55 Rodadero, Santa Marta, Colombia; Red de Vigilancia para la Conservación y Protección de las Aguas Marinas y Costeras de Colombia, REDCAM, Colombia
| | - Miquel Canals
- CRG Marine Geosciences, Department of Earth and Ocean Dynamics, Earth Sciences Faculty, University of Barcelona, E-08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Sánchez-Vidal
- CRG Marine Geosciences, Department of Earth and Ocean Dynamics, Earth Sciences Faculty, University of Barcelona, E-08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Martin Thiel
- Universidad Católica del Norte, Facultad Ciencias del Mar, Larrondo, 1281, Coquimbo, Chile; Millennium Nucleus Ecology and Sustainable Management of Oceanic Island (ESMOI), Coquimbo, Chile; Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Áridas (CEAZA), Coquimbo, Chile
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25
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Walther BA, Bergmann M. Plastic pollution of four understudied marine ecosystems: a review of mangroves, seagrass meadows, the Arctic Ocean and the deep seafloor. Emerg Top Life Sci 2022; 6:371-87. [PMID: 36214383 DOI: 10.1042/ETLS20220017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is now a worldwide phenomenon affecting all marine ecosystems, but some ecosystems and regions remain understudied. Here, we review the presence and impacts of macroplastics and microplastics for four such ecosystems: mangroves, seagrass meadows, the Arctic Ocean and the deep seafloor. Plastic production has grown steadily, and thus the impact on species and ecosystems has increased, too. The accumulated evidence also indicates that plastic pollution is an additional and increasing stressor to these already ecosystems and many of the species living in them. However, laboratory or field studies, which provide strong correlational or experimental evidence of ecological harm due to plastic pollution remain scarce or absent for these ecosystems. Based on these findings, we give some research recommendations for the future.
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Omeyer LCM, Duncan EM, Aiemsomboon K, Beaumont N, Bureekul S, Cao B, Carrasco LR, Chavanich S, Clark JR, Cordova MR, Couceiro F, Cragg SM, Dickson N, Failler P, Ferraro G, Fletcher S, Fong J, Ford AT, Gutierrez T, Shahul Hamid F, Hiddink JG, Hoa PT, Holland SI, Jones L, Jones NH, Koldewey H, Lauro FM, Lee C, Lewis M, Marks D, Matallana-Surget S, Mayorga-Adame CG, McGeehan J, Messer LF, Michie L, Miller MA, Mohamad ZF, Nor NHM, Müller M, Neill SP, Nelms SE, Onda DFL, Ong JJL, Pariatamby A, Phang SC, Quilliam R, Robins PE, Salta M, Sartimbul A, Shakuto S, Skov MW, Taboada EB, Todd PA, Toh TC, Valiyaveettil S, Viyakarn V, Wonnapinij P, Wood LE, Yong CLX, Godley BJ. Priorities to inform research on marine plastic pollution in Southeast Asia. Sci Total Environ 2022; 841:156704. [PMID: 35718174 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Southeast Asia is considered to have some of the highest levels of marine plastic pollution in the world. It is therefore vitally important to increase our understanding of the impacts and risks of plastic pollution to marine ecosystems and the essential services they provide to support the development of mitigation measures in the region. An interdisciplinary, international network of experts (Australia, Indonesia, Ireland, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam) set a research agenda for marine plastic pollution in the region, synthesizing current knowledge and highlighting areas for further research in Southeast Asia. Using an inductive method, 21 research questions emerged under five non-predefined key themes, grouping them according to which: (1) characterise marine plastic pollution in Southeast Asia; (2) explore its movement and fate across the region; (3) describe the biological and chemical modifications marine plastic pollution undergoes; (4) detail its environmental, social, and economic impacts; and, finally, (5) target regional policies and possible solutions. Questions relating to these research priority areas highlight the importance of better understanding the fate of marine plastic pollution, its degradation, and the impacts and risks it can generate across communities and different ecosystem services. Knowledge of these aspects will help support actions which currently suffer from transboundary problems, lack of responsibility, and inaction to tackle the issue from its point source in the region. Being profoundly affected by marine plastic pollution, Southeast Asian countries provide an opportunity to test the effectiveness of innovative and socially inclusive changes in marine plastic governance, as well as both high and low-tech solutions, which can offer insights and actionable models to the rest of the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy C M Omeyer
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, United Kingdom.
| | - Emily M Duncan
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, United Kingdom; Institute of Marine Sciences - Okeanos, University of the Azores, Rua Professor Doutor Frederico Machado 4, 9901-862 Horta, Portugal.
| | - Kornrawee Aiemsomboon
- Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Nicola Beaumont
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth, Devon PL1 3DH, United Kingdom
| | - Sujaree Bureekul
- Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Bin Cao
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 637551, Singapore; School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, 639798, Singapore
| | - Luis R Carrasco
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, 117543, Singapore
| | - Suchana Chavanich
- Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; Aquatic Resources Research Institute Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - James R Clark
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth, Devon PL1 3DH, United Kingdom
| | - Muhammad R Cordova
- Research Centre for Oceanography, Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), Jalan Pasir Putih 1, Ancol Timur, Jakarta 14430, Indonesia; Research Centre for Oceanography, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Jalan Pasir Putih 1, Ancol Timur, Jakarta 14430, Indonesia
| | - Fay Couceiro
- School of Civil Engineering and Surveying, Faculty of Technology, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO1 3AH, United Kingdom
| | - Simon M Cragg
- Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO4 9LY, United Kingdom; Centre for Enzyme Innovation, School of Biological Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO1 2DY, United Kingdom
| | - Neil Dickson
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey LL59 5AB, United Kingdom
| | - Pierre Failler
- Centre for Blue Governance, Department of Economics and Finance, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO1 3DE, United Kingdom
| | - Gianluca Ferraro
- Centre for Blue Governance, Department of Economics and Finance, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO1 3DE, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Fletcher
- School of the Environment, Geography and Geosciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO1 3DE, United Kingdom; UN Environment World Conservation Monitoring Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jenny Fong
- Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Alex T Ford
- Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO4 9LY, United Kingdom
| | - Tony Gutierrez
- School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Institute of Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Fauziah Shahul Hamid
- Centre for Research in Waste Management, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Jan G Hiddink
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey LL59 5AB, United Kingdom
| | - Pham T Hoa
- School of Biotechnology, International University, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Hinh City, Viet Nam
| | - Sophie I Holland
- School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Institute of Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Lowenna Jones
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, United Kingdom; Department of Politics and International Relations, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, United Kingdom
| | - Nia H Jones
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey LL59 5AB, United Kingdom
| | - Heather Koldewey
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, United Kingdom; Zoological Society of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Federico M Lauro
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 637551, Singapore; Asian School of the Environment, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, 639798, Singapore
| | - Charlotte Lee
- Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, United Kingdom
| | - Matt Lewis
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey LL59 5AB, United Kingdom
| | - Danny Marks
- School of Law and Government, Dublin City University, Dublin 9 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sabine Matallana-Surget
- Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, United Kingdom
| | | | - John McGeehan
- Centre for Enzyme Innovation, School of Biological Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO1 2DY, United Kingdom
| | - Lauren F Messer
- Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Michie
- Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO4 9LY, United Kingdom
| | - Michelle A Miller
- Asia Research Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zeeda F Mohamad
- Department of Science and Technology Studies, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nur Hazimah Mohamed Nor
- Asian School of the Environment, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, 639798, Singapore
| | - Moritz Müller
- Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Science, Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, Kuching 93350, Malaysia
| | - Simon P Neill
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey LL59 5AB, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah E Nelms
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, United Kingdom
| | - Deo Florence L Onda
- The Marine Science Institute, Velasquez St., University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City 1101, Philippines
| | - Joyce J L Ong
- Asian School of the Environment, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, 639798, Singapore
| | - Agamuthu Pariatamby
- Jeffrey Sachs Centre on Sustainable Development, Sunway University, Selangor Darul Ehsan 47500, Malaysia
| | - Sui C Phang
- Centre for Blue Governance, Department of Economics and Finance, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO1 3DE, United Kingdom; The Nature Conservancy, London Office, 5 Chancery Lane Suite 403, London WC2A 1LG, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Quilliam
- Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, United Kingdom
| | - Peter E Robins
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey LL59 5AB, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Salta
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO1 2DY, United Kingdom
| | - Aida Sartimbul
- Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang 65145, East Java, Indonesia; Marine Resources Exploration and Management (MEXMA) Research Group, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang 65145, East Java, Indonesia
| | - Shiori Shakuto
- Department of Anthropology, School of Social and Political Sciences, The University of Sydney, Social Sciences Building, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Martin W Skov
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey LL59 5AB, United Kingdom
| | - Evelyn B Taboada
- BioProcess Engineering and Research Centre, Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of San Carlos, Cebu City 6000, Philippines
| | - Peter A Todd
- Experimental Marine Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, 117558, Singapore
| | - Tai Chong Toh
- Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore; College of Alice & Peter Tan, National University of Singapore, 8 College Avenue East, 138615, Singapore
| | - Suresh Valiyaveettil
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, 117543, Singapore
| | - Voranop Viyakarn
- Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; Aquatic Resources Research Institute Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Passorn Wonnapinij
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; Centre for Advanced Studies in Tropical Natural Resources, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; Omics Center for Agriculture, Bioresources, Food and Health, Kasetsart University (OmiKU), Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Louisa E Wood
- Centre for Blue Governance, Department of Economics and Finance, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO1 3DE, United Kingdom
| | - Clara L X Yong
- Experimental Marine Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, 117558, Singapore
| | - Brendan J Godley
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, United Kingdom
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Lincoln S, Andrews B, Birchenough SNR, Chowdhury P, Engelhard GH, Harrod O, Pinnegar JK, Townhill BL. Marine litter and climate change: Inextricably connected threats to the world's oceans. Sci Total Environ 2022; 837:155709. [PMID: 35525371 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [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: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The global issues of climate change and marine litter are interlinked and understanding these connections is key to managing their combined risks to marine biodiversity and ultimately society. For example, fossil fuel-based plastics cause direct emissions of greenhouse gases and therefore are an important contributing factor to climate change, while other impacts of plastics can manifest as alterations in key species and habitats in coastal and marine environments. Marine litter is acknowledged as a threat multiplier that acts with other stressors such as climate change to cause far greater damage than if they occurred in isolation. On the other hand, while climate change can lead to increased inputs of litter into the marine environment, the presence of marine litter can also undermine the climate resilience of marine ecosystems. There is increasing evidence that that climate change and marine litter are inextricably linked, although these interactions and the resulting effects vary widely across oceanic regions and depend on the particular characteristics of specific marine environments. Ecosystem resilience approaches, that integrate climate change with other local stressors, offer a suitable framework to incorporate the consideration of marine litter where that is deemed to be a risk, and to steer, coordinate and prioritise research and monitoring, as well as management, policy, planning and action to effectively tackle the combined risks and impacts from climate change and marine litter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Lincoln
- International Marine Climate Change Centre (iMC3), The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences (Cefas), Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, United Kingdom.
| | - Barnaby Andrews
- International Marine Climate Change Centre (iMC3), The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences (Cefas), Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, United Kingdom
| | - Silvana N R Birchenough
- International Marine Climate Change Centre (iMC3), The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences (Cefas), Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, United Kingdom
| | - Piyali Chowdhury
- International Marine Climate Change Centre (iMC3), The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences (Cefas), Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, United Kingdom
| | - Georg H Engelhard
- International Marine Climate Change Centre (iMC3), The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences (Cefas), Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, United Kingdom
| | - Olivia Harrod
- International Marine Climate Change Centre (iMC3), The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences (Cefas), Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, United Kingdom
| | - John K Pinnegar
- International Marine Climate Change Centre (iMC3), The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences (Cefas), Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, United Kingdom
| | - Bryony L Townhill
- International Marine Climate Change Centre (iMC3), The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences (Cefas), Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, United Kingdom
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Meng J, Zhang Q, Ma M, Shi H, He G. Persistence of avian influenza virus (H9N2) on plastic surface. Sci Total Environ 2022; 834:155355. [PMID: 35460779 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155355] [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: 01/23/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Plastics have been found to be colonized with pathogens and may become vectors for transmission of diseases. In this study, we evaluated the persistence of H9N2 avian influenza virus (AIV) on the surfaces of various plastics (PP, PE, PS, PET, PVC, PMMA) under different environmental conditions using glass and stainless steel for comparison. Our results showed that the RNA abundance of AIV on plastics was decreased over time but still detectable 14 days after AIV had been dropped on plastic surfaces. Low temperature (4 °C) was more favorable for AIV RNA preservation and infectivity maintenance. The abundance of AIV RNA was significantly greater on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) than that on glass and stainless steel at higher temperature (i.e., 25 °C and 37 °C) and lower humidity (<20% and 40-60%) (p < 0.05). Infectivity assay showed that AIV infectivity was only maintained at 4 °C after 24 h of incubation. Taken together, the persistence of AIV was more affected by environmental factors than material types. Plastics were able to preserve viral RNA more effectively in relatively high-temperature or low-humidity environments. Our study indicates that environmental factors should be taken into consideration when we evaluate the capacity of plastics to spread viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Meng
- Institute of Eco-Chongming, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200162, China; State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China.
| | - Qun Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Urban Ecological Process and Eco-Restoration, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences; State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Min Ma
- Laboratory of Wildlife Epidemic Diseases, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Huahong Shi
- Institute of Eco-Chongming, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200162, China; State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China.
| | - Guimei He
- Institute of Eco-Chongming, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200162, China; Laboratory of Wildlife Epidemic Diseases, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China.
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29
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Zailan NA, Azizan MM, Hasikin K, Mohd Khairuddin AS, Khairuddin U. An automated solid waste detection using the optimized YOLO model for riverine management. Front Public Health 2022; 10:907280. [PMID: 36033781 PMCID: PMC9412171 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.907280] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to urbanization, solid waste pollution is an increasing concern for rivers, possibly threatening human health, ecological integrity, and ecosystem services. Riverine management in urban landscapes requires best management practices since the river is a vital component in urban ecological civilization, and it is very imperative to synchronize the connection between urban development and river protection. Thus, the implementation of proper and innovative measures is vital to control garbage pollution in the rivers. A robot that cleans the waste autonomously can be a good solution to manage river pollution efficiently. Identifying and obtaining precise positions of garbage are the most crucial parts of the visual system for a cleaning robot. Computer vision has paved a way for computers to understand and interpret the surrounding objects. The development of an accurate computer vision system is a vital step toward a robotic platform since this is the front-end observation system before consequent manipulation and grasping systems. The scope of this work is to acquire visual information about floating garbage on the river, which is vital in building a robotic platform for river cleaning robots. In this paper, an automated detection system based on the improved You Only Look Once (YOLO) model is developed to detect floating garbage under various conditions, such as fluctuating illumination, complex background, and occlusion. The proposed object detection model has been shown to promote rapid convergence which improves the training time duration. In addition, the proposed object detection model has been shown to improve detection accuracy by strengthening the non-linear feature extraction process. The results showed that the proposed model achieved a mean average precision (mAP) value of 89%. Hence, the proposed model is considered feasible for identifying five classes of garbage, such as plastic bottles, aluminum cans, plastic bags, styrofoam, and plastic containers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Athirah Zailan
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Mokhzaini Azizan
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia,*Correspondence: Muhammad Mokhzaini Azizan
| | - Khairunnisa Hasikin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,Centre of Intelligent Systems for Emerging Technology (CISET), Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,Khairunnisa Hasikin
| | - Anis Salwa Mohd Khairuddin
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,Centre of Intelligent Systems for Emerging Technology (CISET), Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,Anis Salwa Mohd Khairuddin
| | - Uswah Khairuddin
- Malaysia Japan International Institute of Technology, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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30
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Tran-thanh D, Rinasti AN, Gunasekara K, Chaksan A, Tsukiji M. GIS and Remote Sensing-Based Approach for Monitoring and Assessment of Plastic Leakage and Pollution Reduction in the Lower Mekong River Basin. Sustainability 2022; 14:7879. [DOI: 10.3390/su14137879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Determination of plastic leakage sources and pathways is essential in plastic pollution mitigation. Finding ways to stem land-sourced plastic waste leakage requires understanding its sources. Spatial analysis conducted in a geographic information system (GIS) environment and remote sensing investigation uncovered insights into the distribution of plastic leakage in the lower Mekong River basin (LMRB). The main objectives of this approach were: (i) to map plastic leakage density using multi-source geospatial data; and (ii) to identify plastic leakage source hotspots and their accumulation pathways by incorporating hydrological information. Mapping results have shown that plastic leakage density was highly concentrated in urban areas with a high intensity of human activities. In contrast, the major pathways for plastic leakage source hotspots were the high morphometric areas directly influenced by facilities, infrastructure, and population. The overall efforts in this study demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed novel method used for predicting plastic leakage density and its sources from land-based activities. It is also accomplished using multi-geospatial data with GIS-based analysis to produce a graphical model for plastic leakage waste density in each region that non-technical personnel can easily visualize. The proposed method can be applied to other areas beyond the LMRB to improve the baseline information on plastic waste leakage into the river.
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31
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Yen N, Hu CS, Chiu CC, Walther BA. Quantity and type of coastal debris pollution in Taiwan: A rapid assessment with trained citizen scientists using a visual estimation method. Sci Total Environ 2022; 822:153584. [PMID: 35114250 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Ongoing monitoring of the distribution and composition of coastal debris is a prerequisite for efficient management and cleanups. Therefore, we conducted a rapid assessment of coastal debris along the 1210 km coastline of Taiwan using a visual estimation method. Forty-nine citizen scientists were intensively trained to correctly identify the volume and types of debris. At 121 sampling locations randomly placed along Taiwan's coastline, the citizen scientists recorded the pollution level and the three most abundant debris types within a 100-m transect during four surveys in 2018-2019. Averaging over the four surveys, the mean amount of coastal debris was estimated to be 406.6 kg/km, and the three most abundant debris types were plastic bottles, foamed plastics, and fishing nets and ropes. Using a statistical test which avoids spatial pseudoreplication, we showed that north-facing coastlines had significantly higher pollution levels than the other coastlines, which we suggest is deposited there during strong winter winds. We also showed that fishery-related debris was a much more important part of coastal debris when the volume of it was determined instead of just the number of items. Mean pollution levels were further associated with wind speed, coastline type, and the distance to presumed pollution sources. Our results compare well with similar surveys conducted in Japan and South Korea. In each country, the debris was highly aggregated, which means it was concentrated in a few highly polluted localities. Therefore, the visual estimation method can effectively guide cleanup efforts to the most polluted areas and also reliably generate long-term monitoring data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Yen
- IndigoWaters Institute, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | | | - Ching-Chun Chiu
- Institute of Marine Affairs and Resources Management, National Taiwan Ocean University, No. 2, Pei-Ning Road, Keelung 20224, Taiwan
| | - Bruno A Walther
- Alfred-Wegener-Institut Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung, Am Handelshafen 12, D-27570 Bremerhaven, Germany.
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32
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Laso J, Ruiz-salmón I, Margallo M, Villanueva-rey P, Poceiro L, Quinteiro P, Dias AC, Almeida C, Marques A, Entrena-barbero E, Moreira MT, Feijoo G, Loubet P, Sonnemann G, Cooney R, Clifford E, Regueiro L, Sousa DABD, Jacob C, Noirot C, Martin J, Raffray M, Rowan N, Mellett S, Aldaco R. Achieving Sustainability of the Seafood Sector in the European Atlantic Area by Addressing Eco-Social Challenges: The NEPTUNUS Project. Sustainability 2022; 14:3054. [DOI: 10.3390/su14053054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Fisheries and aquaculture are becoming a focus of societal concern driven by globalization and increasing environmental degradation, mainly caused by climate change and marine litter. In response to this problem, the European Atlantic Area NEPTUNUS project aims to support and inform about the sustainability of the seafood sector, boosting the transition towards a circular economy through defining eco-innovation approaches and a steady methodology for eco-labelling products. This timely trans-regional European project proposes key corrective actions for positively influencing resource efficiency by addressing a life cycle thinking and involving all stakeholders in decision-making processes, harnessing the water-energy-seafood nexus. This paper presents inter-related objectives, methodologies and cues to action that will potentially meet these challenges that are aligned with many of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and European policy frameworks (e.g., Farm to Fork, European Green Deal).
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33
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Zhang J, Ling J, Zhou W, Zhang W, Yang F, Wei Z, Yang Q, Zhang Y, Dong J. Biochar Addition Altered Bacterial Community and Improved Photosynthetic Rate of Seagrass: A Mesocosm Study of Seagrass Thalassia hemprichii. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:783334. [PMID: 34925287 PMCID: PMC8678274 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.783334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Seagrass meadows, as typical “blue carbon” ecosystems, play critical ecological roles in the marine ecosystem and decline every year. The application of biochar in soil has been proposed as a potential soil amendment to improve soil quality and mitigate global climate change. The effects of biochar on soil bacterial activities are integrally linked to the potential of biochar in achieving these benefits. However, biochar has been rarely applied in marine ecosystems. Whether the application of biochar could work on the seagrass ecosystem remained unknown. In this study, we investigated the responses of sediment and rhizosphere bacterial communities of seagrass Thalassia hemprichii to the biochar addition derived from maize at ratios of 5% by dry weight in the soil during a one-month incubation. Results indicated that the biochar addition significantly changed the sedimental environment with increasing pH, total phosphorus, and total kalium while total nitrogen decreased. Biochar addition significantly altered both the rhizosphere and sediment bacterial community compositions. The significant changes in rhizosphere bacterial community composition occurred after 30days of incubation, while the significant variations in sediment bacterial community composition distinctly delayed than in sediment occurred on the 14th day. Biochar application improved nitrification and denitrification, which may accelerate nitrogen cycling. As a stabilizer to communities, biochar addition decreased the importance of deterministic selection in sediment and changed the bacterial co-occurrence pattern. The biochar addition may promote seagrass photosynthesis and growth by altering the bacterial community compositions and improving nutrient circulation in the seagrass ecosystem, contributing to the seagrass health improvement. This study provided a theoretical basis for applying biochar to the seagrass ecosystem and shed light on the feasible application of biochar in the marine ecosystem. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-Resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Oceanology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China.,Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,College of Marine Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Ling
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-Resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Oceanology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China.,Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Sanya National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Tropical Marine Biological Research Station in Hainan, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China
| | - Weiguo Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-Resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Oceanology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China.,Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenqian Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-Resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Oceanology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China.,Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,College of Marine Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fangfang Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-Resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Oceanology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China.,Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhangliang Wei
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-Resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Oceanology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China.,Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingsong Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-Resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Oceanology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China.,Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Sanya National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Tropical Marine Biological Research Station in Hainan, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-Resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Oceanology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China.,Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junde Dong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-Resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Oceanology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China.,Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Sanya National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Tropical Marine Biological Research Station in Hainan, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China
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Harris PT, Tamelander J, Lyons Y, Neo ML, Maes T. Taking a mass-balance approach to assess marine plastics in the South China Sea. Mar Pollut Bull 2021; 171:112708. [PMID: 34273726 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [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: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The South China Sea (SCS) is recognised as a global hotspot for plastic pollution. We review available field studies and identify a significant lack of data needed to construct a simple mass balance box model for plastic pollution in the SCS. Fundamental information on plastic mass input, transfer and sink terms are simply not available. Also unknown are the rates of accumulation in different environments, the dispersal pathways of plastic particles of different density, the residence times of plastic in the water column and the rate at which macroplastics are transformed into microplastics in different environments. Filling these information gaps is critical for states to determine adequate response measures, including developing and tracking impact of policies to deal with the problem of plastic pollution in the SCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- P T Harris
- GRID-Arendal, P.O. Box 183, N-4802, Arendal, Norway.
| | - J Tamelander
- United Nations Environment Programme, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
| | - Y Lyons
- Centre for International Law, National University of Singapore, Bukit Timah Campus, Singapore
| | - M L Neo
- Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, Kent Ridge Campus, Singapore
| | - T Maes
- GRID-Arendal, P.O. Box 183, N-4802, Arendal, Norway
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35
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Nagarajan D, Aristya GR, Lin YJ, Chang JJ, Yen HW, Chang JS. Microbial cell factories for the production of polyhydroxyalkanoates. Essays Biochem 2021:EBC20200142. [PMID: 34132340 DOI: 10.1042/EBC20200142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Pollution caused by persistent petro-plastics is the most pressing problem currently, with 8 million tons of plastic waste dumped annually in the oceans. Plastic waste management is not systematized in many countries, because it is laborious and expensive with secondary pollution hazards. Bioplastics, synthesized by microorganisms, are viable alternatives to petrochemical-based thermoplastics due to their biodegradable nature. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are a structurally and functionally diverse group of storage polymers synthesized by many microorganisms, including bacteria and Archaea. Some of the most important PHA accumulating bacteria include Cupriavidus necator, Burkholderia sacchari, Pseudomonas sp., Bacillus sp., recombinant Escherichia coli, and certain halophilic extremophiles. PHAs are synthesized by specialized PHA polymerases with assorted monomers derived from the cellular metabolite pool. In the natural cycle of cellular growth, PHAs are depolymerized by the native host for carbon and energy. The presence of these microbial PHA depolymerases in natural niches is responsible for the degradation of bioplastics. Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is the most common PHA with desirable thermoplastic-like properties. PHAs have widespread applications in various industries including biomedicine, fine chemicals production, drug delivery, packaging, and agriculture. This review provides the updated knowledge on the metabolic pathways for PHAs synthesis in bacteria, and the major microbial hosts for PHAs production. Yeasts are presented as a potential candidate for industrial PHAs production, with their high amenability to genetic engineering and the availability of industrial-scale technology. The major bottlenecks in the commercialization of PHAs as an alternative for plastics and future perspectives are also critically discussed.
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