Framework for the environmental impact assessment of operational shipping

Addressing underwater noise: Joint efforts and progress on its global governance

Underwater noise generated by human activities has become a major reason of concern over the past decades as human exploitation of world seas became more intense. A key to reduce human-generated acoustic pressure on aquatic ecosystems depends on an approach based on international cooperation. Over the past years, scientists worldwide worked together to assess trends in underwater noise levels in order to develop mitigation measures that would allow the effective protection of endangered species without reducing the possibilities for a sustainable use of seas. This review focused on international programmes dedicated to underwater noise monitoring, mapping and to programs dedicated to mitigate noise and its effects on marine fauna. All together this review shows the existence of a growing, general, international consensus on the fact that anthropogenic underwater noise should be significantly reduced by setting appropriate mitigation measures and effective regulatory actions.

Abundance and distribution of microplastics in surface waters of the Kattegat/ Skagerrak (Denmark)

Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous pollutants in the ocean, and there is a general concern about their persistence and potential effects on marine ecosystems. We still know little about the smaller size-fraction of marine MPs (MPs <300 μm), which are not collected with standard nets for MPs monitoring (e.g., Manta net). This study aims to determine the concentration, composition, and size distribution of MPs down to 10 μm in the Kattegat/Skagerrak area. Surface water samples were collected at fourteen stations using a plastic-free pump-filter device (UFO sampler) in October 2020. The samples were treated with an enzymatic-oxidative method and analyzed using FPA-μFTIR imaging. MPs concentrations ranged between 11 and 87 MP m^-3, with 88% of the MPs being smaller than 300 μm. The most abundant shape of MPs were fragments (56%), and polyester, polypropylene, and polyethylene were the dominant synthetic polymer types. The concentration of MPs shows a significant positive correlation to the seawater density. Furthermore, there was a tendency towards higher MPs concentrations in the Northern and the Southern parts of the study area. The concentration of MPs collected with the UFO sampler was several orders of magnitude higher than those commonly found in samples collected with the Manta net due to the dominance of MP smaller size fractions. Despite the multiple potential sources of MPs in the study area, the level of MPs pollution in the surface waters was low compared (<100 MP m^-3) to other regions. The concentrations of MPs found in the studied surface waters were six orders of magnitude lower than those causing negative effects on pelagic organisms based on laboratory exposure studies, thus is not expected to cause any impact on the pelagic food web.

Ecotoxicity Study of New Composite Materials Based on Epoxy Matrix DER-331 Filled with Biocides Used for Industrial Applications

The impact of fillers in the epoxy oligomer on the test culture of the marine ecosystem was investigated. The content of additive—biocides—was selected based on the complex research using STAT-GRAPHICS^® Centurion XVI. The ecotoxicity of composite surfaces was determined in model systems using methods which are standard in eco-microbiology. The microorganism was identified by studying morphological, cultural, biochemical, and antigenic properties. Studies of the structure and the microrelief of the surfaces of composite materials were conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy. Based on comprehensive research, it was established that the composition of oxytetracycline with content of q = 1.5 wt% and nanosilver with a content of q = 0.075 wt% per 100 wt% of the DER-331 oligomer and 10 parts by the mass of the TETA hardener ensures the formation of a porous nano-heterogeneous structure of the coating, which leads to the acceleration of the release of silver ions from the surface of the polymer. The rational content of the complex additives of biocides ensures adhesion to the cell wall of bacteria with subsequent penetration into it and subsequent change to the cell membrane, its death, and, therefore, the suppression of the fouling process of metal structures.

Assessment of Explosion Safety Status within the Area of an LNG Terminal in a Function of Selected Parameters

This paper examines the issues of designing optimization tasks with the objective of ensuring the safety and continuation of transportation processes. Modelling the processes that are a consequence of a breakdown is a crucial issue enabling an increase of safety at selected stages of transport. This paper elaborates on the matter of modelling hazardous situations resulting from an uncontrolled LNG release due to a crash or damage to a ship’s hull. This paper demonstrates subsequent stages of modelling along with theoretical assumptions and finally it presents the results of simulation calculations for various scenarios of LNG releases. The article shows the complexity of modelling at a time when variable atmospheric conditions occur, which hinder the planning of rescue operations in the event of an uncontrolled LNG release into the atmosphere. It needs to be remembered that making decisions in critical situations and developing proper procedures at a time when people’s lives are at risk or in the face of an environmental pollution incident constitutes one of the most significant components of effective management in transport. Two LNG release scenarios are presented in this article: catastrophic rupture and leak, for which danger zone dimensions were calculated. Simulations were conducted with the use of a tool called Phast ver. 8.23 for LNG. Calculations were made in a function of variable weather conditions and for two values of Pasquill coefficients.