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Valentine K, Hughes C, Boxall A. Plastic Litter Emits the Foraging Infochemical Dimethyl Sulfide after Submersion in Freshwater Rivers. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2024; 43:1485-1496. [PMID: 38661488 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is widespread throughout aquatic environments globally, with many organisms known to interact with and ingest plastic. In marine environments, microbial biofilms that form on plastic surfaces can produce the odorous compound dimethyl sulfide (DMS), which is a known foraging cue. This has been shown to increase the ingestion of plastic by some invertebrates and therefore act as a biological factor which influences the risks of plastic to marine ecosystems. In freshwater however, the production of DMS has been largely overlooked, despite the known sensitivity of some freshwater species to this compound. To address this gap, the present study analyzed the production of DMS by biofilms which formed on low-density polyethylene and polylactic acid films after 3 and 6 weeks of submersion in either a rural or an urban United Kingdom river. Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, the production of DMS by these biofilms was consistently identified. The amount of DMS produced varied significantly across river locations and materials, with surfaces in the urban river generally producing a stronger signal and plastics producing up to seven times more DMS than glass control surfaces. Analysis of biofilm weight and photosynthetic pigment content indicated differences in biofilm composition across conditions and suggested that DMS production was largely driven by nonphotosynthetic taxa. For the first time this work has documented the production of DMS by plastic litter after submersion in freshwater rivers. Further work is now needed to determine if, as seen in marine systems, this production of DMS can encourage the interaction of freshwater organisms with plastic litter and therefore operate as a biological risk factor in the impacts of plastic on freshwater environments. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:1485-1496. © 2024 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katey Valentine
- Department of Environment and Geography, University of York, York, United Kingdom
- BeZero Carbon, London, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Hughes
- Department of Environment and Geography, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Alistair Boxall
- Department of Environment and Geography, University of York, York, United Kingdom
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Neale PJ, Williamson CE, Banaszak AT, Häder DP, Hylander S, Ossola R, Rose KC, Wängberg SÅ, Zepp R. The response of aquatic ecosystems to the interactive effects of stratospheric ozone depletion, UV radiation, and climate change. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2023:10.1007/s43630-023-00370-z. [PMID: 37129840 PMCID: PMC10153058 DOI: 10.1007/s43630-023-00370-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Variations in stratospheric ozone and changes in the aquatic environment by climate change and human activity are modifying the exposure of aquatic ecosystems to UV radiation. These shifts in exposure have consequences for the distributions of species, biogeochemical cycles, and services provided by aquatic ecosystems. This Quadrennial Assessment presents the latest knowledge on the multi-faceted interactions between the effects of UV irradiation and climate change, and other anthropogenic activities, and how these conditions are changing aquatic ecosystems. Climate change results in variations in the depth of mixing, the thickness of ice cover, the duration of ice-free conditions and inputs of dissolved organic matter, all of which can either increase or decrease exposure to UV radiation. Anthropogenic activities release oil, UV filters in sunscreens, and microplastics into the aquatic environment that are then modified by UV radiation, frequently amplifying adverse effects on aquatic organisms and their environments. The impacts of these changes in combination with factors such as warming and ocean acidification are considered for aquatic micro-organisms, macroalgae, plants, and animals (floating, swimming, and attached). Minimising the disruptive consequences of these effects on critical services provided by the world's rivers, lakes and oceans (freshwater supply, recreation, transport, and food security) will not only require continued adherence to the Montreal Protocol but also a wider inclusion of solar UV radiation and its effects in studies and/or models of aquatic ecosystems under conditions of the future global climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J Neale
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Edgewater, USA.
| | | | - A T Banaszak
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Unidad Académica de Sistemas Arrecifales, Puerto Morelos, Mexico
| | - D-P Häder
- Friedrich-Alexander University, Möhrendorf, Germany
| | | | - R Ossola
- Colorado State University, Fort Collins, USA
| | - K C Rose
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, USA
| | | | - R Zepp
- ORD/CEMM, US Environmental Protection Agency, Athens, USA
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Chaudhary DK, Karki HP, Bajagain R, Kim H, Rhee TS, Hong JK, Han S, Choi YG, Hong Y. Mercury and other trace elements distribution and profiling of microbial community in the surface sediments of East Siberian Sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 185:114319. [PMID: 36343547 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In this study, total mercury (THg), methylmercury (MeHg), various trace elements, and microbial communities were measured in surface sediments of the East Siberian Sea (ESS). The results showed that the average values of THg and MeHg were 58.8 ± 15.21 μg/kg and 0.50 ± 0.22 μg/kg, respectively. The notable levels of trace elements present in both surface sediment and porewater were Al, Fe, and Mn. The enrichment factor and geoaccumulation index analyses found that both natural phenomena and anthropogenic activities contributed to elevated concentrations of metals in the ESS. The redox proxy metals, pH, and SO42- were the major factors influencing the THg and MeHg distributions. Microbial profiles were substantially affected by metals and other abiotic factors. Proteobacteria and Thaumarchaeota were the most abundant phyla. Overall, the findings presented here facilitate the understanding of the current status of metal contamination, its influencing factors, and metal-microbiota-interactions in ESS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhiraj Kumar Chaudhary
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University Sejong Campus, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong City 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - Hem Prakash Karki
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University Sejong Campus, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong City 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - Rishikesh Bajagain
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University Sejong Campus, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong City 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwansuk Kim
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University Sejong Campus, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong City 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Siek Rhee
- Korea Polar Research Institute, 26 Songdomirae-ro, Incheon 21990, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Kuk Hong
- Korea Polar Research Institute, 26 Songdomirae-ro, Incheon 21990, Republic of Korea
| | - Seunghee Han
- School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Gyun Choi
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Chungnam National University, Daejeon City, Republic of Korea
| | - Yongseok Hong
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University Sejong Campus, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong City 30019, Republic of Korea.
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Rees AP, Bange HW, Arévalo-Martínez DL, Artioli Y, Ashby DM, Brown I, Campen HI, Clark DR, Kitidis V, Lessin G, Tarran GA, Turley C. Nitrous oxide and methane in a changing Arctic Ocean. AMBIO 2022; 51:398-410. [PMID: 34628596 PMCID: PMC8692636 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-021-01633-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Human activities are changing the Arctic environment at an unprecedented rate resulting in rapid warming, freshening, sea ice retreat and ocean acidification of the Arctic Ocean. Trace gases such as nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4) play important roles in both the atmospheric reactivity and radiative budget of the Arctic and thus have a high potential to influence the region's climate. However, little is known about how these rapid physical and chemical changes will impact the emissions of major climate-relevant trace gases from the Arctic Ocean. The combined consequences of these stressors present a complex combination of environmental changes which might impact on trace gas production and their subsequent release to the Arctic atmosphere. Here we present our current understanding of nitrous oxide and methane cycling in the Arctic Ocean and its relevance for regional and global atmosphere and climate and offer our thoughts on how this might change over coming decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P. Rees
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth, PL1 3DH UK
| | - Hermann W. Bange
- GEOMAR Helmholtz-Zentrum Für Ozeanforschung Kiel, Chemische Ozeanographie, Düsternbrooker Weg 20, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Damian L. Arévalo-Martínez
- GEOMAR Helmholtz-Zentrum Für Ozeanforschung Kiel, Chemische Ozeanographie, Düsternbrooker Weg 20, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Yuri Artioli
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth, PL1 3DH UK
| | - Dawn M. Ashby
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth, PL1 3DH UK
| | - Ian Brown
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth, PL1 3DH UK
| | - Hanna I. Campen
- GEOMAR Helmholtz-Zentrum Für Ozeanforschung Kiel, Chemische Ozeanographie, Düsternbrooker Weg 20, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Darren R. Clark
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth, PL1 3DH UK
| | - Vassilis Kitidis
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth, PL1 3DH UK
| | - Gennadi Lessin
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth, PL1 3DH UK
| | - Glen A. Tarran
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth, PL1 3DH UK
| | - Carol Turley
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth, PL1 3DH UK
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Thomas DN, Arévalo-Martínez DL, Crocket KC, Große F, Grosse J, Schulz K, Sühring R, Tessin A. A changing Arctic Ocean. AMBIO 2022; 51:293-297. [PMID: 34843100 PMCID: PMC8692628 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-021-01677-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- David N. Thomas
- University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 1, P.O. Box 65, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | | | | | - Fabian Große
- Department of Microbiology, Federal Institute of Hydrology, Am Mainzer Tor 1, 56068 Koblenz, Germany
| | | | - Kirstin Schulz
- 201 E. 24th Street, Stop C0200, Austin, TX 78712-1229 USA
| | - Roxana Sühring
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3 Canada
| | - Allyson Tessin
- Department of Geology, Kent State University, 800 E Summit St, Kent, OH 44240 USA
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