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Gao H, Yu R, Gong Y, Chen X, Li Y, Liu B, Gan Q. Diversity but not abundance of ingested plastics changes with ontogenetic dietary shift: Stable isotope insights into plastic contamination in a mesopelagic predator longnose lancetfish Alepisaurus ferox. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 208:116910. [PMID: 39255673 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2024] [Revised: 08/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024]
Abstract
We employed Fourier infrared spectroscopy, laser infrared technology, and stable isotope analysis to investigate the relationships between characteristics of ingested plastics and size-related feeding ecology of a mesopelagic predator, longnose lancetfish Alepisaurus ferox. Plastics were detected in 81.48 % of specimens, up to 8.81 ± 8.29 items/individual and 0.59 ± 0.66 items/g wet weight of intestine, and were sized 20.00 μm to 6.50 cm. The majority were granules and fragments in shape, and polystyrene and acrylate copolymer in polymer type. The diversity indices exhibited a correlation with trophic position and body size groups, emphasizing that the ontogenetic dietary shift of A. ferox may influence the diversity of plastics ingested. This study provides new insights into the plastic pathways linking epipelagic and mesopelagic food webs and demonstrates that biochemical ecological tracers can effectively indicate the bioavailability of plastic correlated with growth in mesopelagic predator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huachen Gao
- College of Marine Living Resource Sciences and Management, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruoyang Yu
- College of Marine Living Resource Sciences and Management, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Gong
- College of Marine Living Resource Sciences and Management, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Sustainable Exploitation of Oceanic Fisheries Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China; National Engineering Research Centre for Oceanic Fisheries, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Oceanic Fisheries Exploration, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xinjun Chen
- College of Marine Living Resource Sciences and Management, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Sustainable Exploitation of Oceanic Fisheries Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China; National Engineering Research Centre for Oceanic Fisheries, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Oceanic Fisheries Exploration, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai, China
| | - Yunkai Li
- College of Marine Living Resource Sciences and Management, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Sustainable Exploitation of Oceanic Fisheries Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China; National Engineering Research Centre for Oceanic Fisheries, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Oceanic Fisheries Exploration, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai, China
| | - Bilin Liu
- College of Marine Living Resource Sciences and Management, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Sustainable Exploitation of Oceanic Fisheries Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China; National Engineering Research Centre for Oceanic Fisheries, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Oceanic Fisheries Exploration, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai, China
| | - Qinyuan Gan
- College of Marine Living Resource Sciences and Management, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
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Wang MH, Chen CF, Lim YC, Albarico FPJB, Tsai WP, Chen CW, Dong CD. Microplastics and phthalate esters contamination in top oceanic predators: A study on multiple shark species in the Pacific Ocean. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 206:116769. [PMID: 39059223 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116769] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Marine organisms, especially top predators such as sharks, are susceptible to environmental pollutants like microplastics (MPs) and phthalate esters (PAEs), leading to ecosystem risks. Research on contamination in these apex species is, however, still limited. This study investigated MPs and PAEs in multiple shark species (Isurus oxyrinchus, Alopias superciliosus, Alopias pelagicus, Carcharhinus brevipinna, and Sphyrna zygaena) off Taiwan's eastern coast. Gastric tissue analyses revealed ubiquitous microplastics (2-31 particles), which positively correlated with body lengths and weights for Isurus oxyrinchus. Blue, fiber-shaped (1-2 mm), and rayon-based MPs are likely associated with textile fiber pollution. The PAEs concentration mean was 7035 ± 6829 ng/g, ww, having DEHP and DiNP as primary compounds. This study highlights pervasive contamination in Pacific Ocean sharks, emphasizing anthropogenic impact on top oceanic predators and providing essential insights for food safety and MP accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Huang Wang
- Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, College of Hydrosphere Science, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Feng Chen
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan
| | - Yee Cheng Lim
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan
| | - Frank Paolo Jay B Albarico
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Pei Tsai
- Department of Fisheries Production and Management, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan
| | - Chiu-Wen Chen
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan.
| | - Cheng-Di Dong
- Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, College of Hydrosphere Science, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan; Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan.
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3
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Ciaralli L, Valente T, Monfardini E, Libralato G, Manfra L, Berto D, Rampazzo F, Gioacchini G, Chemello G, Piermarini R, Silvestri C, Matiddi M. Rose or Red, but Still under Threat: Comparing Microplastics Ingestion between Two Sympatric Marine Crustacean Species ( Aristaeomorpha foliacea and Parapenaeus longirostris). Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:2212. [PMID: 39123738 PMCID: PMC11311061 DOI: 10.3390/ani14152212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Increasing plastic contamination poses a serious threat to marine organisms. Microplastics (MPs) ingestion can represent a risk for the organism itself and for the ultimate consumer. Through the analysis of the gastrointestinal tract, coupled with stable isotope analysis on the muscle tissue, this study provides insights into the relationship between MPs pollution and ecology in two commercial marine species caught in the Central Tyrrhenian Sea: Aristaeomorpha foliacea and Parapenaeus longirostris. Stable isotope analysis was conducted to determine the trophic position and the trophic niche width. The gastrointestinal tracts were processed, and the resultant MPs were analysed under FT-IR spectroscopy to estimate the occurrence, abundance, and typology of the ingested MPs. The trophic level of the species was similar (P. longirostris TP = 3 ± 0.10 and A. foliacea TP = 3.1 ± 0.08), with an important trophic niche overlap, where 38% and 52% of P. longirostris and A. foliacea has ingested MPs, respectively. Though species-level differences may not be evident regarding MP's abundance per individual, a high degree of dissimilarity was noted in the typologies of ingested particles. This research provides valuable insights into how MPs enter marine trophic webs, stressing that isotopic niche analysis should be combined with other methods to explain in detail the differences in MPs ingestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Ciaralli
- ISPRA, Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Centro Nazionale Laboratori, Necton Lab, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy; (L.C.); (T.V.); (E.M.); (L.M.); (R.P.); (C.S.)
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Vicinale Cupa Cinthia 26, 80126 Naples, Italy;
| | - Tommaso Valente
- ISPRA, Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Centro Nazionale Laboratori, Necton Lab, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy; (L.C.); (T.V.); (E.M.); (L.M.); (R.P.); (C.S.)
| | - Eleonora Monfardini
- ISPRA, Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Centro Nazionale Laboratori, Necton Lab, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy; (L.C.); (T.V.); (E.M.); (L.M.); (R.P.); (C.S.)
- PhD Program in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Rome ‘Tor Vergata’, Via della Ricerca Scientifica snc, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Libralato
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Vicinale Cupa Cinthia 26, 80126 Naples, Italy;
| | - Loredana Manfra
- ISPRA, Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Centro Nazionale Laboratori, Necton Lab, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy; (L.C.); (T.V.); (E.M.); (L.M.); (R.P.); (C.S.)
- Department of Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology, Villa Comunale, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80121 Naples, Italy
| | - Daniela Berto
- ISPRA, Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Via Padre Venturini snc, Loc. Brondolo, 30015 Chioggia, Italy; (D.B.); (F.R.)
| | - Federico Rampazzo
- ISPRA, Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Via Padre Venturini snc, Loc. Brondolo, 30015 Chioggia, Italy; (D.B.); (F.R.)
| | - Giorgia Gioacchini
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences (DiSVA), Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (G.G.); (G.C.)
| | - Giulia Chemello
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences (DiSVA), Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (G.G.); (G.C.)
| | - Raffaella Piermarini
- ISPRA, Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Centro Nazionale Laboratori, Necton Lab, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy; (L.C.); (T.V.); (E.M.); (L.M.); (R.P.); (C.S.)
| | - Cecilia Silvestri
- ISPRA, Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Centro Nazionale Laboratori, Necton Lab, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy; (L.C.); (T.V.); (E.M.); (L.M.); (R.P.); (C.S.)
| | - Marco Matiddi
- ISPRA, Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Centro Nazionale Laboratori, Necton Lab, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy; (L.C.); (T.V.); (E.M.); (L.M.); (R.P.); (C.S.)
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Mboglen D, Gong Y, Guo Z, Ngo Nola D, Li Y. First report of plastic and non-plastic microparticles in stomach of slandertail lanternshark and shortspine spurdog from the edge of East China Sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 204:116531. [PMID: 38823373 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116531] [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: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
This study investigates the presence of plastic and non-plastic microparticles in the gastrointestinal tracts of two deep-sea sharks, Etmopterus molleri (n = 118) and Squalus mitsukurii (n = 6), bycatch from the East China Sea continental shelf. We found a total of 117 microparticles, predominantly fibres (67.52 %), with blue (31.62 %) and black (23.94 %) being the most prevalent colours. E. molleri contained 70 microparticles (0.63 ± 0.93 items/shark), 61.42 % non-plastics like viscose and cotton, while plastics included polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and acrylic. Despite S. mitsukurii's limited sample size, the results show that it takes in a lot of microparticles (47 microparticles, 7.83 ± 2.64 items/shark), 57.44 % non-plastics (viscose, cotton, and ethyl cellulose), and 42.56 % plastics. A positive correlation between microparticle presence and total length was observed for E. molleri. These results provide initial data on microparticle ingestion by these species, highlighting potential ecological risks and trophic transfer implications in deep-sea ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Mboglen
- College of Marine Living Resources and Management, Shanghai Ocean University, 999 Huchenghuan Rd., Shanghai, China; Institute of Research for Agriculture and Development (IRAD), Specialized Research Station on Marine Ecosystems, Antenne d'Ebodjé, 219 Kribi, Cameroon
| | - Yi Gong
- College of Marine Living Resources and Management, Shanghai Ocean University, 999 Huchenghuan Rd., Shanghai, China; The key Laboratory of Sustainable Exploitation of Oceanic Fisheries Resources, Ministry of Education, 999 Huchenghuan Rd., Shanghai, China; National Engineering Research Centre for Oceanic Fisheries, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Zehao Guo
- College of Marine Living Resources and Management, Shanghai Ocean University, 999 Huchenghuan Rd., Shanghai, China
| | - Dorine Ngo Nola
- College of Marine Living Resources and Management, Shanghai Ocean University, 999 Huchenghuan Rd., Shanghai, China
| | - Yunkai Li
- College of Marine Living Resources and Management, Shanghai Ocean University, 999 Huchenghuan Rd., Shanghai, China; The key Laboratory of Sustainable Exploitation of Oceanic Fisheries Resources, Ministry of Education, 999 Huchenghuan Rd., Shanghai, China; National Engineering Research Centre for Oceanic Fisheries, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China.
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5
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Higueruelo A, Constenla M, Padrós F, Sánchez-Marín P, Carrassón M, Soler-Membrives A, Dallarés S. Coping with current impacts: The case of Scyliorhinus canicula in the NW Mediterranean Sea and implications for human consumption. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 201:116200. [PMID: 38430679 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116200] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
The small-spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula) is a bottom-dwelling elasmobranch that represents the most discarded catch in terms of biomass in the Catalan coast (NW Mediterranean). Potential impacts affecting its population and food safety implications have been assessed in three localities along the Catalan coast. Distinct indicators were integrated, such as biological data, ingested anthropogenic items (plastic and cellulose-like items), parasitological indices, trace metal concentrations and histopathology using liver as target organ. Although high ingestion rates of fibres and levels of some heavy metals, they do not seem negatively affected by any major pathology nor by the current levels of pollutants. Small-scale differences among localities and depths were found and discussed. No zoonotic parasites were found. Encysted larvae of Grillotia adenoplusia and, above all, the levels of Hg found in the musculature, that are well over the European Commission limits, rise concerns regarding human consumption of S. canicula in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Higueruelo
- Departament de Biologia Animal, de Biologia Vegetal i d'Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Constenla
- Departament de Biologia Animal, de Biologia Vegetal i d'Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesc Padrós
- Departament de Biologia Animal, de Biologia Vegetal i d'Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paula Sánchez-Marín
- Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo, Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO-CSIC), Subida a Radio Faro, s/n, 36390 Vigo, Spain
| | - Maite Carrassón
- Departament de Biologia Animal, de Biologia Vegetal i d'Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Soler-Membrives
- Departament de Biologia Animal, de Biologia Vegetal i d'Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Sara Dallarés
- Departament de Biologia Animal, de Biologia Vegetal i d'Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
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6
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Quilis SA, Hernández-Martínez AM, Arribas AJM, Pérez JG, García-March JR, Medialdea JT. High prevalence of microplastics in the digestive tract of Scyliorhinus canicula (Linneaus, 1758) shows the species biomonitoring potential. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 200:116051. [PMID: 38271918 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is widespread in oceans and the ingestion of plastic by marine organisms is causing concern about potential adverse effects. The purpose of this study was to analyze the different types of plastics in the digestive tract of female small-spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula). An alkaline digestion method using 10 % potassium hydroxide (KOH), was used. The samples were filtered and visually observed to classify the plastics according to size, shape, and color. Raman spectroscopy was further employed to identify the polymer types. The study found the presence of plastics in 89.5 % of the 200 females analyzed, including 10 polymers, with polystyrene (PS), polyamide-6 (PA6), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and silicone rubber (SR) being the most common. The polymers identified largely reflect the results of similar studies in the marine environment and were similar to global polymer diversity of microplastics, which highlights the potential of S. canicula females for biomonitoring microplastic pollution.
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Munno K, Hoopes L, Lyons K, Drymon M, Frazier B, Rochman CM. High microplastic and anthropogenic particle contamination in the gastrointestinal tracts of tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier) caught in the western North Atlantic Ocean. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 344:123185. [PMID: 38147950 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Few studies have documented microplastics (<5 mm) in shark gastrointestinal (GI) tracts. Here, we report microplastic contamination in the tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier), an apex predator and generalist feeder, at several different life stages. We examined seven stomachs and one spiral valve from eight individuals captured off the United States Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts (eastern US) and conducted a literature review of publications reporting anthropogenic debris ingestion in elasmobranchs. Specimens were chemically digested in potassium hydroxide (KOH) and density separated using calcium chloride (CaCl2) before quantifying and categorizing suspected anthropogenic particles (>45 μm) by size, morphology, and colour. Anthropogenic particles were found in the stomachs and spiral valve of all sharks. A total of 3151 anthropogenic particles were observed across all stomachs with 1603 anthropogenic particles observed in a single specimen. A subset of suspected anthropogenic particles (14%) were chemically identified using Raman spectroscopy and μ-Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy to confirm anthropogenic origin. Overall, ≥95% of particles analyzed via spectroscopy were confirmed anthropogenic, with 45% confirmed as microplastics. Of the microplastics, polypropylene (32%) was the most common polymer. Diverse microparticle morphologies were found, with fragments (57%) and fibers (41%) most frequently observed. The high occurrence and abundance of anthropogenic particle contamination in tiger sharks is likely due to their generalist feeding strategy and high trophic position compared to other marine species. The literature review resulted in 32 studies published through 2022. Several methodologies were employed, and varying amounts of contamination were reported, but none reported contamination as high as detected in our study. Anthropogenic particle ingestion studies should continue in the tiger shark, in addition to other elasmobranch species, to further understand the effects of anthropogenic activities and associated pollution on these predators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keenan Munno
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Lisa Hoopes
- Georgia Aquarium, IUCN Center for Species Survival, 225 Baker Street NW, Atlanta, GA, 30313, USA
| | - Kady Lyons
- Georgia Aquarium, IUCN Center for Species Survival, 225 Baker Street NW, Atlanta, GA, 30313, USA
| | - Marcus Drymon
- Mississippi State University, Coastal Research and Extension Center, 1815 Popps Ferry Road, Biloxi, MS, 39532, USA; Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium, 703 East Beach Drive, Ocean Springs, MS, 39564, USA
| | - Bryan Frazier
- South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Marine Resources Research Institute, 217 Ft. Johnson Rd. Charleston, SC, 29412, USA
| | - Chelsea M Rochman
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Ciaralli L, Rotini A, Scalici M, Battisti C, Chiesa S, Christoforou E, Libralato G, Manfra L. The under-investigated plastic threat on seagrasses worldwide: a comprehensive review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:8341-8353. [PMID: 38170360 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-31716-w] [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: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Marine plastic pollution is a well-recognised and debated issue affecting most marine ecosystems. Despite this, the threat of plastic pollution on seagrasses has not received significant scientific attention compared to other marine species and habitats. The present review aims to summarise the scientific data published in the last decade (January 2012-2023), concerning the evaluation of plastic pollution, of all sizes and types, including bio-based polymers, on several seagrass species worldwide. To achieve this goal, a comprehensive and critical review of 26 scientific papers has been carried out, taking into consideration the investigated areas, the seagrass species and the plant parts considered, the experimental design and the type of polymers analysed, both in field monitoring and in laboratory-controlled experiments. The outcomes of the present review clearly showed that the dynamics and effects of plastic pollution in seagrass are still under-explored. Most data emerged from Europe, with little or no data on plastic pollution in North and South America, Australia, Africa and Antarctica. Most of the studies were devoted to microplastics, with limited studies dedicated to macroplastics and only one to nanoplastics. The methodological approach (in terms of experimental design and polymer physico-chemical characterisation) should be carefully standardised, beside the use of a model species, such as Zostera marina, and further laboratory experiments. All these knowledge gaps must be urgently fulfilled, since valuable and reliable scientific knowledge is necessary to improve seagrass habitat protection measures against the current plastic pollution crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Ciaralli
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia 26, 80126, Naples, Italy
- Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Via Vitaliano Brancati, 48, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Alice Rotini
- Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Via Vitaliano Brancati, 48, 00144, Rome, Italy.
| | - Massimiliano Scalici
- Department of Sciences, University of Rome, Roma 3", Viale Guglielmo Marconi 446, 00146, Rome, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Università Di Palermo, Piazza Marina 61, 90133, Palermo, Italy
| | - Corrado Battisti
- Protected Areas Service, Torre Flavia' LTER (Long Term Ecological Research) Station, Città Metropolitana Di Roma Capitale, Viale G. Ribotta, 41, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Chiesa
- Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Via Vitaliano Brancati, 48, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleni Christoforou
- Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute, CMMI House, Vasileos Pavlou Square, 6023, Larnaca, Cyprus
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Cyprus University of Technology, 3036, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Giovanni Libralato
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia 26, 80126, Naples, Italy
- Department of Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology, Villa Comunale, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Loredana Manfra
- Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Via Vitaliano Brancati, 48, 00144, Rome, Italy
- Department of Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology, Villa Comunale, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80121, Naples, Italy
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9
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Lu HC, Smith JL, Ziajahromi S, Leusch FDL. Microplastics and other anthropogenic fibres in large apex shark species: Abundance, characteristics, and recommendations for future research. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 349:140957. [PMID: 38128742 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140957] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics and microfibres are found ubiquitously in global oceans as well as marine organisms from different trophic levels. However, little is known about the presence of microplastics and microfibres in marine megafauna, such as sharks. This study provided the first investigation of the presence of microplastics and other anthropogenic fibres (i.e., cellulose based fibres) in intestine and muscle samples of four large apex shark species in Australian coastal waters. Microplastics and other anthropogenic fibres were found in 82% of the analysed intestine samples. The mean abundance in intestine samples was 3.1 ± 2.6 particles/individual, which corresponded to 0.03 ± 0.02 particles/g of intestine, across all shark species. The size of particles ranged from 190 to 4860 μm in length with 92% being fibrous in shape and the rest fragments. FTIR spectroscopy identified that 70% of fibres were cellulose-based followed by polyethylene terephthalate (PET), while the fragments were polyethylene and polypropylene. In shark muscles, 60% of samples contained microplastics and other anthropogenic fibres, again with the majority being cellulose-based fibres followed by PET fibres. Methodological differences hinder a more comprehensive assessment of microplastic contamination across studies. Additionally, we identified some challenges which should be factored in for future studies looking at the presence of microplastics as well as other anthropogenic fibres in these large marine organisms. Overall, the findings provide first evidence of microplastics and other anthropogenic fibres not only in the intestines, but also in muscle tissues of large apex shark species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsuan-Cheng Lu
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport QLD 4222, Australia.
| | - Julia L Smith
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Shima Ziajahromi
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Frederic D L Leusch
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport QLD 4222, Australia
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10
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Kibria G. Impacts of microplastic on fisheries and seafood security - Global analysis and synthesis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:166652. [PMID: 37652377 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
This review paper collected, collated, analysed, interpreted, synthesised, and documented the research investigations conducted on microplastic (MPs) pollution impacts on seafood organisms (including fish, sharks, shrimps, lobsters, crabs, oysters, mussels, and seaweeds) during the last ten years (2012-2022) covering fifty-seven locations/countries in the world. MPs contaminated 926 seafood species comprising 895 finfish, 09 crustaceans, 20 molluscs and 02 seaweeds. Seafood from Asia was found to be most contaminated with MPs. High MP contamination/ingestion was revealed in several seafood organisms. The ingestion of MPs can reduce fish growth and fish fitness, leading to reduced yield/fish production. Fish and seafood play a significant role in supporting the economy, employment, food sources, and livelihoods of people across the globe, which can be threatened due to the contamination of seafood organisms with MPs. MPs have bioaccumulated in fish skin, gills, stomachs, liver, intestine, and muscles as well as dry fish and canned fish. Hence, the consumption of MP-contaminated fresh fish, whole fish, dried fish or canned fish poses risks as it may be a pathway of MP transfer to humans. MPs can increase the health risks to seafood fish consumers since there is a probability that high risks pollutants adsorbed on MPs (heavy metals, pesticides, and oil compounds) can transfer to humans via the food chain. Several of the chemicals (heavy metals, DDT, PAHs) adsorbed onto MPs are carcinogenic. MPs have also been detected in fish meals, therefore, farmed livestock such as aquaculture fish and chicken fed to fish meals can be exposed to MPs and ultimately to humans. Preventive and safety measures are suggested to reduce the exposure of MPs to humans. In addition, several policy strategies are recommended to reduce the impacts of plastic waste and plastic pollution on the environment, aquatic biota, wildlife, seafood and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Golam Kibria
- School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia; Global Artificial Mussels Pollution Watch Program, Australia.
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11
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Chemello G, Trotta E, Notarstefano V, Papetti L, Di Renzo L, Matiddi M, Silvestri C, Carnevali O, Gioacchini G. Microplastics evidence in yolk and liver of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta), a pilot study. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 337:122589. [PMID: 37734631 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122589] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
The potential toxicity of microplastics is a growing concern for the scientific community. The loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) is particularly inclined to accidently ingest plastic and microplastic due to its long-life cycle features. The possible transfer of microplastics from the female to the eggs should be investigated. The present study investigated the presence of microplastics in yolk and liver samples evaluating the number of melanomacrophages in the hepatic tissue as a possible biomarker of microplastics impact on the embryonic health status. The biometric parameters and liver histological analysis of 27 and 48 embryos (from two different nests respectively) at the 30 stage of development were analyzed. Raman Microspectroscopy was performed to identify the microplastics after alkaline digestion (10% KOH) of yolk and portion of liver from 5 embryos at the 30 developmental stage per nest. Microplastics were found in yolk and liver of loggerhead sea turtles at late embryonic stage for the first time. All microplastics were smaller than 5 μm and were made of polymers and colors suggesting their diverse origins. A total number of 21 microplastics, with dimensions lower than 5 μm, were found between the two nests (11 and 10 microplastics respectively). Only two shape categories were identified: spheres and fragments. The most frequent polymers observed were polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (31.5%, 21.1% and 15.8% respectively). Despite the eggs showing a higher number of microplastics in yolk samples than liver (15 and 6 microplastics in yolk and liver respectively), a positive correlation was observed only between the number of melanomacrophages (r = 0.863 p < 0.001) and microplastics in the liver. This result may suggest that microplastics could exert some effects on the hepatic tissues. Future studies should investigate this aspect and the possible relation between microplastics and other stress biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Chemello
- Department of Environmental and Life Science (DISVA), Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Erica Trotta
- Department of Environmental and Life Science (DISVA), Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Valentina Notarstefano
- Department of Environmental and Life Science (DISVA), Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Luana Papetti
- CRTM, TartAmare Onlus, 85100, Marina di Grosseto, Italy.
| | - Ludovica Di Renzo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Dell'Abruzzo e Del Molise "G. Caporale", 64100, Teramo, Italy; Centro Studi Cetacei, 65125, Pescara, Italy.
| | - Marco Matiddi
- Centro Nazionale per La Rete Nazionale Dei Laboratori CN-LAB, Istituto Superiore per La Ricerca e La Protezione Ambientale (ISPRA), 00144, Roma, Italy.
| | - Cecilia Silvestri
- Centro Nazionale per La Rete Nazionale Dei Laboratori CN-LAB, Istituto Superiore per La Ricerca e La Protezione Ambientale (ISPRA), 00144, Roma, Italy.
| | - Oliana Carnevali
- Department of Environmental and Life Science (DISVA), Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Giorgia Gioacchini
- Department of Environmental and Life Science (DISVA), Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131, Ancona, Italy.
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12
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Trindade PAA, Brabo LDM, Andrades R, Azevedo-Santos VM, Andrade MC, Candore L, Cabigliera SB, Chelazzi D, Cincinelli A, Jeffres CA, Giarrizzo T. First record of plastic ingestion by a freshwater stingray. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 880:163199. [PMID: 37004767 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The abundance and dispersion of plastic particles in aquatic ecosystems has become pervasive resulting in the incorporation of these materials into food webs. Here we describe the first record of plastic ingestion by the freshwater white-blotched river stingray Potamotrygon leopoldi (Potamotrygonidae), an endemic and threatened species in the Xingu River, Amazon basin. Potamotrygonidae stingrays inhabit exclusively Neotropical rivers, occupying rocky substrate habitats and feeding mainly on benthic macroinvertebrates. The gastrointestinal tract of 24 stingrays were analyzed, 16 (66.6 %) of which contained plastic particles. In total, 81 plastic particles were recorded and consisted of microplastics (< 5 mm, n = 57) and mesoplastics (5-25 mm, n = 24). The plastic particles found were classified into fibers (64.2 %, n = 52) and fragments (35.8 %, n = 29). The predominant color was blue (33.3 %, n = 27), followed by yellow (18.5 %, n = 15), white (14.8 %, n = 12), black (13.6 %, n = 11), green (6.2 %, n = 5), transparent (4.9 %, n = 4), pink, grey and brown (2.5 %, n = 2, each) and orange (1.2 %, n = 1). No significant correlation was observed between the number of plastic particles and the body size. Eight types of polymers were identified in the plastic particles analyzed using 2D FTIR Imaging. The most frequent polymer was artificial cellulose fiber. This is the first report of plastic ingestion by freshwater elasmobranchs in the world. Plastic waste has become an emerging problem in aquatic ecosystems globally and our results provide an important datapoint for freshwater stingrays in the Neotropics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo A A Trindade
- Grupo de Ecologia Aquática, Espaço Inovação do Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia Guamá (PCT Guamá), Belém, Pará, Brazil; Núcleo de Ecologia Aquática e Pesca da Amazônia-NEAP, Universidade Federal do Pará-UFPA, Belém, Pará, Brazil.
| | - Lúcio D M Brabo
- Grupo de Ecologia Aquática, Espaço Inovação do Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia Guamá (PCT Guamá), Belém, Pará, Brazil; Instituto de Ciências do Mar (LABOMAR), Universidade Federal do Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Ryan Andrades
- Grupo de Ecologia Aquática, Espaço Inovação do Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia Guamá (PCT Guamá), Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Valter M Azevedo-Santos
- Grupo de Ecologia Aquática, Espaço Inovação do Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia Guamá (PCT Guamá), Belém, Pará, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade, Ecologia e Conservação, Universidade Federal do Tocantins-UFT, CEP 77500-000, Porto Nacional, Tocantins, Brazil; Faculdade Eduvale de Avaré, Avaré, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcelo C Andrade
- Núcleo de Ecologia Aquática e Pesca da Amazônia-NEAP, Universidade Federal do Pará-UFPA, Belém, Pará, Brazil; Centro de Ciências Humanas, Naturais, Saúde e Tecnologia, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, 65200-000 Pinheiro, Maranhão, Brazil
| | - Laura Candore
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff" and CSGI, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Serena B Cabigliera
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff" and CSGI, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy
| | - David Chelazzi
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff" and CSGI, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandra Cincinelli
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff" and CSGI, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Carson A Jeffres
- Center for Watershed Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Tommaso Giarrizzo
- Grupo de Ecologia Aquática, Espaço Inovação do Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia Guamá (PCT Guamá), Belém, Pará, Brazil; Instituto de Ciências do Mar (LABOMAR), Universidade Federal do Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza, Brazil
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13
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Impellitteri F, Multisanti CR, Rusanova P, Piccione G, Falco F, Faggio C. Exploring the Impact of Contaminants of Emerging Concern on Fish and Invertebrates Physiology in the Mediterranean Sea. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:767. [PMID: 37372052 DOI: 10.3390/biology12060767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
In this historical context, the Mediterranean Sea faces an increasing threat from emerging pollutants such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products, heavy metals, pesticides and microplastics, which pose a serious risk to the environment and human health. In this regard, aquatic invertebrates and fish are particularly vulnerable to the toxic effects of these pollutants, and several species have been identified as bio-indicators for their detection. Among these, bivalve molluscs and elasmobranchs are now widely used as bio-indicators to accurately assess the effects of contaminants. The study focuses on the catshark Scyliorhinus canicular and on the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. The first one is a useful indicator of localised contamination levels due to its exposure to pollutants that accumulate on the seabed. Moreover, it has a high trophic position and plays an important role in the Mediterranean Sea ecosystem. The bivalve mollusc Mytilus galloprovincialis, on the other hand, being a filter-feeding organism, can acquire and bioaccumulate foreign particles present in its environment. Additionally, because it is also a species of commercial interest, it has a direct impact on human health. In conclusion, the increasing presence of emerging pollutants in the Mediterranean Sea is a serious issue that requires immediate attention. Bivalve molluscs and elasmobranchs are two examples of bio-indicators that must be used to precisely determine the effects of these pollutants on the marine ecosystem and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Impellitteri
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Messina, Viale Giovanni Palatucci snc, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Cristiana Roberta Multisanti
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical, and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D'Alcontres, 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Polina Rusanova
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences (BiGeA)-Marine Biology and Fisheries Laboratory of Fano (PU), University of Bologna, 61032 Bologna, Italy
- Institute for Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnology (IRBIM)-CNR, L. Vaccara, 91026 Mazara del Vallo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Piccione
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Messina, Viale Giovanni Palatucci snc, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Francesca Falco
- Institute for Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnology (IRBIM)-CNR, L. Vaccara, 91026 Mazara del Vallo, Italy
| | - Caterina Faggio
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical, and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D'Alcontres, 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
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14
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Zicarelli G, Romano C, Gallo S, Valentino C, Pepe Bellomo V, Leonetti FL, Giglio G, Neri A, Marsili L, Milazzo C, Faggio C, Mancusi C, Sperone E. Diet and Plastic Ingestion in the Blackmouth Catshark Galeus melastomus, Rafinesque 1810, in Italian Waters. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13061039. [PMID: 36978580 PMCID: PMC10044643 DOI: 10.3390/ani13061039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Galeus melastomus is the most common Pentanchidae in the Mediterranean Sea. A scavenger and opportunistic feeder, and despite the wide distribution, little is known about its feeding habits in Italian waters. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the diet of the blackmouth catshark by analysing the stomach contents. The specimens analysed were obtained from five populations of the Tyrrhenian and of the Ionian Seas, collected from a depth between 40 and 700 m. A total of 259 stomachs were analysed. The stomach contents were grouped into macro-categories and identified to the lowest taxonomic level possible. Crustaceans such as Parapenaeus longirostris, the Cephalopods Heteroteuthis dispar and Onychoteuthis banksii, and Osteichthyes, mostly Myctophidae, were identified. Plastic debris was also found among the stomach contents and classified according to its colour and shape. Osteichthyes represent the most abundant item (44%), above all the Myctophidae family, except for the catshark population from Tuscany, in which the most frequent species were Cephalopods, such as Abralia veranyi and Heteroteuthis dispar. Differences in the plastic debris contents were also observed between the Tuscany population and other populations. These could be explained as a probable consequence of the different depths at which the blackmouth catshark populations were sampled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Zicarelli
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Chiara Romano
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Samira Gallo
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Carmen Valentino
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Victor Pepe Bellomo
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Francesco Luigi Leonetti
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Gianni Giglio
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Alessandra Neri
- Consorzio per il Centro Interuniversitario di Biologia Marina ed Ecologia Applicata “G. Bacci” (CIBM), Viale N. Sauro 4, 57128 Livorno, Italy
- Department of Environment, Earth and Physical Sciences, Siena University, Via Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Letizia Marsili
- Department of Environment, Earth and Physical Sciences, Siena University, Via Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Concetta Milazzo
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Caterina Faggio
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Cecilia Mancusi
- Department of Environment, Earth and Physical Sciences, Siena University, Via Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Environmental Protection Agency of the Tuscany Region (ARPAT), Via Marradi 114, 57126 Livorno, Italy
| | - Emilio Sperone
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Rende, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0984492972
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15
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Fan S, Yan Z, Qiao L, Gui F, Li T, Yang Q, Zhang X, Ren C. Biological effects on the migration and transformation of microplastics in the marine environment. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 185:105875. [PMID: 36652887 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.105875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics(MPs) are ubiquitous, difficult to degrade, and potentially threatening to organisms in marine environment, so it is important to clarify the factors that affect their biogeochemical processes. The impact of biological activities on the MPs in marine environment is ubiquitous and complex, and there is currently a lack of systematic summaries. This paper reviews the effects of biological actions on the migration, distribution and degradation of MPs in marine environment from four aspects: biological ingestion and digestion, biological movement, biological colonization and biological adhesion. MPs in seawater and sediments can be closely combined with organisms through three pathways: biological ingestion, biofilm formation or adhesion to organisms, and are passed between species at different trophic levels through the food chain. The generation and degradation of faecal pellets and biofilms can alter the density of "environmental MPs", thereby affecting their vertical migration and deposition in water bodies. The movement of swimming organisms and the disturbance by benthic organisms can promote the migration of MPs in water and vertical migration and resuspension in sediments, thereby changing the distribution of MPs in local sea areas. The grinding effect of the digestive tract and the secretion of chemicals from the biofilm (such as enzymes and acids) can reduce the particle size and increase surface roughness of MPs, or even degrade them completely. Besides, biological adhesion may be an important mechanism affecting the distribution, migration and preservation of MPs. There may be complex interactions and linkages among marine dynamical processes, photochemical degradation and biological processes that collectively affect the biogeochemical processes of MPs, but their relative contributions remain to be more studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songyao Fan
- College of Marine Science & Technology, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, 316004, China
| | - Zezheng Yan
- College of Marine Science & Technology, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, 316004, China
| | - Ling Qiao
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Utilization of Technology Research for Fishery Resource of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Zhoushan, 316012, China
| | - Feng Gui
- College of Marine Science & Technology, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, 316004, China
| | - Tiejun Li
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Utilization of Technology Research for Fishery Resource of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Zhoushan, 316012, China
| | - Qiao Yang
- ABI Group, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, 316022, China
| | - Xiaoling Zhang
- College of Marine Science & Technology, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, 316004, China
| | - Chengzhe Ren
- College of Marine Science & Technology, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, 316004, China.
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Sciutteri V, Pedà C, Longo F, Calogero R, Cangemi G, Pagano L, Battaglia P, Nannini M, Romeo T, Consoli P. Integrated approach for marine litter pollution assessment in the southern Tyrrhenian Sea: Information from bottom-trawl fishing and plastic ingestion in deep-sea fish. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 188:114661. [PMID: 36708618 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Marine litter pollution threatens marine ecosystems and biodiversity conservation, particularly on seafloors where all anthropogenic waste naturally sinks. In this study, we provide new information on the composition, density and origin of seafloor macrolitter as well as on plastic ingestion in deep-sea fish from bottom-trawling by-catch in the southern Tyrrhenian Sea. Plastic constituted the highest fraction of litter in terms of density (64 %) and weight (32 %) and was also retrieved in the gastrointestinal traits of Chlorophthalmus agassizi, Coelorhynchus coelorhynchus and Hoplosthethus mediterraneus. FT-IR spectroscopy analysis on the seafloor macrolitter and the ingested plastics revealed the presence of artificial polymers including PE, PET/polyester, PA widely used for food packaging, plastic bags and several common products, especially Single Use Plastic (SUP). These results underline how poor waste management schemes or their incorrect application strongly contribute to marine litter accumulation on seafloors and plastic ingestion in deep-sea fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Sciutteri
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Sicily Marine Centre, Villa Pace, Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy.
| | - Cristina Pedà
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Sicily Marine Centre, Villa Pace, Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy.
| | - Francesco Longo
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Sicily Marine Centre, Villa Pace, Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy.
| | - Rosario Calogero
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Sicily Marine Centre, Villa Pace, Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Cangemi
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Sicily Marine Centre, Villa Pace, Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy; Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy.
| | - Luca Pagano
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Sicily Marine Centre, Villa Pace, Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy; Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy.
| | - Pietro Battaglia
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Sicily Marine Centre, Villa Pace, Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy.
| | - Matteo Nannini
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Ischia Marine Centre, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Punta San Pietro, 80077 Ischia, Naples, Italy.
| | - Teresa Romeo
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Sicily Marine Centre, Villa Pace, Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy.
| | - Pierpaolo Consoli
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Sicily Marine Centre, Villa Pace, Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy.
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17
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Sbrana A, Valente T, Bianchi J, Franceschini S, Piermarini R, Saccomandi F, de Lucia AG, Camedda A, Matiddi M, Silvestri C. From inshore to offshore: distribution of microplastics in three Italian seawaters. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:21277-21287. [PMID: 36269485 PMCID: PMC9938041 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-23582-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
A comprehensive understanding of the concentration of microplastics (MPs) in seawaters is essential to implement monitoring programs and understand the impacts on ecosystems, as required by the European legislation to protect the marine environment. In this context, the purpose of this study is to investigate the composition, quantity, and spatial distribution of microplastics from coastal to offshore areas in three Italian seawaters. In addition, the distribution of microplastics between surface and subsurface water layers was analyzed in order to better understand the dynamics of MPs in the upper layers of the water column. A total number of 6069 MPs (mean total concentration of 0.029 microplastics · m-2) were found to be heterogeneous in type, shape, and color. In general, MPs concentrations decrease with coastal distance, except when environmental forcings are predominant (such as sea currents). Moreover, the amount of surface MPs was almost four times that of subsurface microplastics, which consisted mostly of fibers. In light of these results, it becomes clear how critical it is to plan remediation actions and programs to minimize microplastic accumulations in the sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Sbrana
- ISPRA, Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Nekton Lab, Via di Castel Romano 100, 00144, Rome, RM, Italy.
- Department of Biology, PhD Program in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica snc, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Tommaso Valente
- ISPRA, Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Nekton Lab, Via di Castel Romano 100, 00144, Rome, RM, Italy
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Jessica Bianchi
- PhD Program in Ecology and Sustainable Management of Environmental Resources, Department of Ecology and Biology, University of Tuscia, Via S. Camillo de Lellis 44, 01100, Viterbo, VT, Italy
| | | | - Raffaella Piermarini
- ISPRA, Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Nekton Lab, Via di Castel Romano 100, 00144, Rome, RM, Italy
| | - Flavia Saccomandi
- ISPRA, Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Nekton Lab, Via di Castel Romano 100, 00144, Rome, RM, Italy
| | - Andrea Giuseppe de Lucia
- IAS-CNR, Institute of Anthropic Impacts and Sustainability in Marine Environment-National Research Council Loc. Sa Mardini, 09170, Torregrande, OR, Italy
| | - Andrea Camedda
- IAS-CNR, Institute of Anthropic Impacts and Sustainability in Marine Environment-National Research Council Loc. Sa Mardini, 09170, Torregrande, OR, Italy
| | - Marco Matiddi
- ISPRA, Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Nekton Lab, Via di Castel Romano 100, 00144, Rome, RM, Italy
| | - Cecilia Silvestri
- ISPRA, Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Nekton Lab, Via di Castel Romano 100, 00144, Rome, RM, Italy
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Dellisanti W, Leung MML, Lam KWK, Wang Y, Hu M, Lo HS, Fang JKH. A short review on the recent method development for extraction and identification of microplastics in mussels and fish, two major groups of seafood. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 186:114221. [PMID: 36495608 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of microplastics in the marine environment poses potential health risks to humans through seafood consumption. Relevant data are available but the diverse analytical approaches adopted to characterise microplastics have hampered data comparison among studies. Here, the techniques for extraction and identification of microplastics are summarised among studies of marine mussels and fish, two major groups of seafood. Among the reviewed papers published in 2018-2021, the most common practice to extract microplastics was through tissue digestion in alkaline chemicals (46 % for mussels, 56 % for fish) and oxidative chemicals (28 % for mussels, 12 % for fish). High-density solutions such as sodium chloride could be used to isolate microplastics from other undigested residues by flotation. Polymer analysis of microplastics was mainly carried out with Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy (58 % for both mussels and fish) and Raman spectroscopy (14 % for mussels, 8 % for fish). Among these methods, we recommend alkaline digestion for microplastic extraction, and the automated mapping approach of FTIR or Raman spectroscopy for microplastic identification. Overall, this study highlights the need for a standard protocol for characterising microplastics in seafood samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter Dellisanti
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Matthew Ming-Lok Leung
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong SAR, China; Ocean Park Conservation Foundation Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Karen Wing-Kei Lam
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Youji Wang
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences at Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Menghong Hu
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences at Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Hoi Shing Lo
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - James Kar Hei Fang
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong SAR, China; Research Institute for Future Food, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong SAR, China; State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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19
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Monique M, Giuseppe P, Francesca F, Davide DP, Savoca S, Gioele C, Teresa R, Giovanni P, Eleonora G, Nunziacarla S, Gioacchino B, Giuliano S, Teresa B. Investigating the effects of microplastic ingestion in Scyliorhinus canicula from the South of Sicily. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 850:157875. [PMID: 35964750 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is increasing dramatically worldwide, causing adverse effects on a wide variety of marine organisms at all trophic levels. As predators, sharks play a key role in marine ecosystems and they could especially be threatened by the ingestion of microplastics. This study contributes to expand the existing data on the MPs ingestion by a Mediterranean elasmobranch species, Scyliorhinus canicula, adding new information on the potential impact that this class of contaminants can have on the metabolism of this ecologically relevant species. The present research is aimed: i) to assess if the ingestion of MPs in S. canicula is related to sex, size and depth of catch; ii) to evaluate the effect of MPs on fish body condition; iii) to evaluate if the ingested MPs influence the amino acid and fatty acid composition of eye and liver. A total of 61 specimens of S. canicula were analysed. Forty-nine individuals (80.3 %) had ingested plastic items. Totally, 147 plastic elements were found, mainly belonging to small MPs (49 %), and large MPs (46 %), mostly represented by fibers (84 %). The predominant colour was black. No differences were found between sex and size. A difference in the number of items/specimens related to the deep, highest between 50 and 100 m (4.4), while the lowest between 101 and 500 m (2.1) was found. The condition factor (Kn) value was equal to 1.00 highlighting the wellness of the fish. Arginine (20.1 %), Glutamate (17.4), Phenylalanine (15.7 %), Proline (15.6 %) and were the most abundant amino acids in the eyes of S. canicula. The relative fatty acid composition of the livers was dominated by fatty acids SA (30.2 %) (SFA), CA (29.9 %) (SFA) and OA (22.4 %) (MUFA). This paper reports a study on the relationship between amino acids and fatty acids composition and ingested MPs, highlighting that no significant effects were found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mancuso Monique
- Institute for Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnology (IRBIM) - CNR, Spianata San Raineri 86, 98122 Messina, Italy; Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn - National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Sicily Marine Centre, Villa Pace - Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy
| | - Panarello Giuseppe
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Falco Francesca
- Institute for Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnology (IRBIM) - CNR, L. Vaccara 69, 91026 Mazara del Vallo, Italy
| | - Di Paola Davide
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Serena Savoca
- Institute for Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnology (IRBIM) - CNR, Spianata San Raineri 86, 98122 Messina, Italy; Department of Biomedical, Dental and Morphological and Functional Imaging, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, Messina, Italy.
| | - Capillo Gioele
- Institute for Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnology (IRBIM) - CNR, Spianata San Raineri 86, 98122 Messina, Italy; Department of Veterinary Sciences, Polo Universitario dell'Annunziata, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Romeo Teresa
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn - National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Sicily Marine Centre, Villa Pace - Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy
| | - Presti Giovanni
- Chemical Laboratory of Palermo, Italian Customs and Monopolies Agency, via Crispi, 143 - 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Gullotta Eleonora
- Chemical Laboratory of Palermo, Italian Customs and Monopolies Agency, via Crispi, 143 - 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Spanò Nunziacarla
- Institute for Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnology (IRBIM) - CNR, Spianata San Raineri 86, 98122 Messina, Italy; Department of Biomedical, Dental and Morphological and Functional Imaging, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, Messina, Italy
| | - Bono Gioacchino
- Institute for Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnology (IRBIM) - CNR, L. Vaccara 69, 91026 Mazara del Vallo, Italy
| | - Salvatore Giuliano
- Institute for Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnology (IRBIM) - CNR, L. Vaccara 69, 91026 Mazara del Vallo, Italy
| | - Bottari Teresa
- Institute for Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnology (IRBIM) - CNR, Spianata San Raineri 86, 98122 Messina, Italy; Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn - National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Sicily Marine Centre, Villa Pace - Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy
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20
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Carreras-Colom E, Cartes JE, Rodríguez-Romeu O, Padrós F, Solé M, Grelaud M, Ziveri P, Palet C, Soler-Membrives A, Carrassón M. Anthropogenic pollutants in Nephrops norvegicus (Linnaeus, 1758) from the NW Mediterranean Sea: Uptake assessment and potential impact on health. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 314:120230. [PMID: 36155227 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic pollution is considered one of the main threats to the marine environment, and there is an imperious need to assess its potential impact on ecologically and economically relevant species. This study characterises plastic ingestion and tissue levels of potentially toxic metallic elements in Nephrops norvegicus and their simultaneous levels in abiotic compartments from three locations of the Catalan coast (NW Mediterranean Sea). A multidisciplinary assessment of the health condition of N. norvegicus through condition indices, enzymatic biomarkers and histological techniques is provided, and its relationship with anthropogenic pollutant levels explored. Plastic fibres were commonly found in stomachs of N. norvegicus (85% of the individuals), with higher abundances (13 ± 21 fibres · ind-1) in specimens captured close to Barcelona. The presence of long synthetic fibres in near-bottom waters, as well as the mirroring trends in abundance among locations for water and ingested plastics, suggest that uptake from water may be occurring potentially through suspension feeding. The spatial variability in the levels of metallic elements in N. norvegicus was poorly correlated to the variability in sediments. In any case, present levels in abdominal muscle are considered safe for human consumption. Levels of ingested plastics only showed significant, yet weak, correlations with glutathione S-transferase and catalase activities. However, no other health parameter analysed showed any trend potentially associated to anthropogenic pollutant levels. Neither the condition indices nor the histopathological assessment evidenced any signs of pathologic conditions affecting N. norvegicus. Thus, it was concluded that presently there is no evidence of a negative impact of the studied pollutants on the health condition of N. norvegicus in the studied grounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ester Carreras-Colom
- Departament de Biologia Animal, de Biologia Vegetal i d'Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan E Cartes
- Departament de Recursos Marins Renovables, Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC), 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Oriol Rodríguez-Romeu
- Departament de Biologia Animal, de Biologia Vegetal i d'Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesc Padrós
- Departament de Biologia Animal, de Biologia Vegetal i d'Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Montserrat Solé
- Departament de Recursos Marins Renovables, Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC), 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Michaël Grelaud
- Institute of Environmental Science and Techonology (ICTA-UAB), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Patrizia Ziveri
- Institute of Environmental Science and Techonology (ICTA-UAB), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain; Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Pg. Lluís Companys 23, 08010, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Palet
- Departament de Química, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Soler-Membrives
- Departament de Biologia Animal, de Biologia Vegetal i d'Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maite Carrassón
- Departament de Biologia Animal, de Biologia Vegetal i d'Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain.
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21
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Huang X, Gao H, Li Z, Wu F, Gong Y, Li Y. Microplastic contamination and risk assessment in blue shark (Prionace glauca) from the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 184:114138. [PMID: 36162290 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
We quantified the abundance and characteristics of microplastics in the blue shark, Prionace glauca, found in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean and investigated the potential microplastic pollution risks. Microplastics (MPs) were detected in 39.1 % of specimens, up to 0.15 ± 0.38 items/g wet weight of the posterior part of the pylorus, and were sized 45.87 to 3220.12 μm. The majority were fibrous in shape (83.3 %) and blue in color (72.2 %). Both sexes of sharks had similar MP abundance and characteristics, except for polymers, with polyethylene terephthalate and polypropylene representing the dominant type in males and females, respectively. Most individuals experienced low pollution, but one male P. glauca exhibited a high ecological risk level owing to the high MP abundance and detection of polyvinyl chloride. This study provides an important baseline for the ingestion of microplastics by pelagic shark species and is a preliminary quantitative measure that could be used in future studies of the risk of MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemin Huang
- College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huachen Gao
- College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zezheng Li
- College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Wu
- College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Sustainable Exploitation of Oceanic Fisheries Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China; National Engineering Research Centre for Oceanic Fisheries, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Oceanic Fisheries Exploration, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Gong
- College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Sustainable Exploitation of Oceanic Fisheries Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China; National Engineering Research Centre for Oceanic Fisheries, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Oceanic Fisheries Exploration, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yunkai Li
- College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Sustainable Exploitation of Oceanic Fisheries Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China; National Engineering Research Centre for Oceanic Fisheries, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Oceanic Fisheries Exploration, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai, China.
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22
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Valente T, Pelamatti T, Avio CG, Camedda A, Costantini ML, de Lucia GA, Jacomini C, Piermarini R, Regoli F, Sbrana A, Ventura D, Silvestri C, Matiddi M. One is not enough: Monitoring microplastic ingestion by fish needs a multispecies approach. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 184:114133. [PMID: 36150223 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The development of monitoring programs based on bioindicators is crucial for assessing the impact of microplastic ingestion on marine organisms. This study presents results from an Italian pilot action aimed at investigating the suitability of a monitoring strategy based on a multispecies approach. The benthic-feeder Mullus barbatus, the demersal species Merluccius merluccius, and the pelagic-feeder species of the genus Scomber were used to assess the environmental contamination by microplastics in three different marine areas, namely Ancona (Adriatic Sea), Anzio (Tyrrhenian Sea), and Oristano (Western Sardinia). Microplastic ingestion frequencies were higher in samples from Anzio (26.7 %) and Ancona (25.0 %) than Oristano (14.4 %), suggesting a relationship between microplastic bioavailability and the proximity to urban settlements and river flows. Furthermore, microplastic ingestion was affected by the feeding habits of the examined species. The detected differences reinforce the hypothesis that a multispecies approach is needed to evaluate microplastic ingestion by marine animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Valente
- 'La Sapienza' University of Rome, Department of Environmental Biology, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, RM, Italy; ISPRA, Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Via di Castel Romano 100, 00128 Rome, RM, Italy.
| | - Tania Pelamatti
- ISPRA, Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Via di Castel Romano 100, 00128 Rome, RM, Italy
| | - Carlo Giacomo Avio
- Marche Polytechnic University, Department of Life and Environmental Sciences (DiSVA), Via Brecce Bianche snc, 60131 Ancona, AN, Italy
| | - Andrea Camedda
- IAS-CNR, Institute of Anthropic Impact and Sustainability in Marine Environment, National Research Council Oristano Section, Località Sa Mardini, 09170 Torregrande, OR, Italy
| | - Maria Letizia Costantini
- 'La Sapienza' University of Rome, Department of Environmental Biology, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, RM, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Andrea de Lucia
- IAS-CNR, Institute of Anthropic Impact and Sustainability in Marine Environment, National Research Council Oristano Section, Località Sa Mardini, 09170 Torregrande, OR, Italy
| | - Carlo Jacomini
- ISPRA, Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Via di Castel Romano 100, 00128 Rome, RM, Italy
| | - Raffaella Piermarini
- ISPRA, Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Via di Castel Romano 100, 00128 Rome, RM, Italy
| | - Francesco Regoli
- Marche Polytechnic University, Department of Life and Environmental Sciences (DiSVA), Via Brecce Bianche snc, 60131 Ancona, AN, Italy
| | - Alice Sbrana
- ISPRA, Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Via di Castel Romano 100, 00128 Rome, RM, Italy; PhD Program in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via della Ricerca Scientifica snc, 00133 Rome, RM, Italy
| | - Daniele Ventura
- 'La Sapienza' University of Rome, Department of Environmental Biology, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, RM, Italy
| | - Cecilia Silvestri
- ISPRA, Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Via di Castel Romano 100, 00128 Rome, RM, Italy
| | - Marco Matiddi
- ISPRA, Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Via di Castel Romano 100, 00128 Rome, RM, Italy
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23
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Pittura L, Garaventa F, Costa E, Minetti R, Nardi A, Ventura L, Morgana S, Capello M, Ungherese G, Regoli F, Gorbi S. Microplastics in seawater and marine organisms: Site-specific variations over two-year study in Giglio Island (North Tyrrhenian Sea). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 181:113916. [PMID: 35810651 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113916] [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: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Geographical and temporal differences of microplastic occurrence were documented in water and fish collected in 2017 and 2019 from the Giglio Island (North Tyrrhenian Sea) close to the area where the Costa Concordia sank in January 2012. Results on water samples showed a site-dependent difference, suggesting the role of surface current dynamics in the microplastic local distribution, while tested Neuston nets (200 μm and 330 μm mesh size) did not influence microplastic retention efficiency. Fish exhibited in 2019 a higher frequency of specimens positive to microplastic ingestion with respect to 2017, with an occurrence higher than those typically observed in other Mediterranean areas. Both in water and fish, fragments were the dominating shape, polypropylene and polyethylene were the prevalent polymers, without particular difference between sites and years. This study highlights the importance of applying microplastic investigation in biotic and abiotic matrices for an effective monitoring of this pollution in the marine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Pittura
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesca Garaventa
- Institute for the Study of Anthropic Impacts and Sustainability in Marine Environment, Italian National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Costa
- Institute for the Study of Anthropic Impacts and Sustainability in Marine Environment, Italian National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Minetti
- Institute for the Study of Anthropic Impacts and Sustainability in Marine Environment, Italian National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Nardi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Lucia Ventura
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Silvia Morgana
- Institute for the Study of Anthropic Impacts and Sustainability in Marine Environment, Italian National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Capello
- Department for the Earth, Environment and Life Sciences, University of Genova, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Regoli
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Stefania Gorbi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy.
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24
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Occurrence of Natural and Synthetic Micro-Fibers in the Mediterranean Sea: A Review. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10070391. [PMID: 35878296 PMCID: PMC9320265 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10070391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Among microplastics (MPs), fibers are one of the most abundant shapes encountered in the aquatic environment. Growing attention is being focused on this typology of particles since they are considered an important form of marine contamination. Information about microfibers distribution in the Mediterranean Sea is still limited and the increasing evidence of the high amount of fibers in the aquatic environment should lead to a different classification from MPs which, by definition, are composed only of synthetic materials and not natural. In the past, cellulosic fibers (natural and regenerated) have been likely included in the synthetic realm by hundreds of studies, inflating “micro-plastic” counts in both environmental matrices and organisms. Comparisons are often hampered because many of the available studies have explicitly excluded the micro-fibers (MFs) content due, for example, to methodological problems. Considering the abundance of micro-fibers in the environment, a chemical composition analysis is fundamental for toxicological assessments. Overall, the results of this review work provide the basis to monitor and mitigate the impacts of microfiber pollution on the sea ecosystems in the Mediterranean Sea, which can be used to investigate other basins of the world for future risk assessment.
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25
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Microplastics in the Deep: Comparing Dietary and Plastic Ingestion Data between Two Mediterranean Bathyal Opportunistic Feeder Species, Galeus melastomus, Rafinesque, 1810 and Coelorinchus caelorhincus (Risso, 1810), through Stomach Content Analysis. JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/jmse10050624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Marine plastic pollution is currently an issue of mounting concern around the world. Stomach content of marine fish has been increasingly used as a valid proxy for detecting the presence of such a pollutant in marine biota, both for coastal and deep-water environments. Although ingestion of microplastics has been reported in an increasing number of species, the patterns of ingestion still remain unclear, depending closely on the interaction between the species and types of microplastics involved. In this context, we analysed and compared the stomach contents of two bathyal dwelling opportunistic feeder species namely Galeus melastomus and Coelorinchus caelorhincus. In particular, we analysed microplastic items according to their dimension, morphology and colour, and diet’s variation with size obtained through prey identification. Both species showed a higher frequency of occurrence of the blue filament-like middle-sized microplastics (1.01–4.75 mm) compared with the other categories, although this pattern was much more marked in C. caelorhincus than in G. melastomus. The latter conversely showed a larger array of ingested plastic items in terms of shape and colour. Matching plastic ingestion with dietary data suggested potential predator confusion occurring in C. caelorhincus through active mis-selection of a defined type of microplastic instead of some particular family of polychaetes, which resemble in shape, size, and color to that type. Otherwise, G. melastomus appeared more prone to a random ingestion of a larger array of microplastic items because of a more generalistic and less selective feeding strategy. Although further validation is needed, stomach contents of the two species showed evidence strong enough to be considered as potential bioindicator species of microplastic pollution, as required by the Marine Strategy Framework Directive for monitoring this pollutant in the marine environment.
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A Meta-Analysis of the Characterisations of Plastic Ingested by Fish Globally. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10040186. [PMID: 35448447 PMCID: PMC9027263 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10040186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Plastic contamination in the environment is common but the characterisation of plastic ingested by fish in different environments is lacking. Hence, a meta-analysis was conducted to identify the prevalence of plastic ingested by fish globally. Based on a qualitative analysis of plastic size, it was determined that small microplastics (<1 mm) are predominantly ingested by fish globally. Furthermore, our meta-analysis revealed that plastic fibres (70.6%) and fragments (19.3%) were the most prevalent plastic components ingested by fish, while blue (24.2%) and black (18.0%) coloured plastic were the most abundant. Polyethylene (15.7%) and polyester (11.6%) were the most abundant polymers. Mixed-effect models were employed to identify the effects of the moderators (sampling environment, plastic size, digestive organs examined, and sampling continents) on the prevalence of plastic shape, colour, and polymer type. Among the moderators, only the sampling environment and continent contributed to a significant difference between subgroups in plastic shape and polymer type.
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Ahmadi A, Moore F, Keshavarzi B, Soltani N, Sorooshian A. Potentially toxic elements and microplastics in muscle tissues of different marine species from the Persian Gulf: Levels, associated risks, and trophic transfer. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 175:113283. [PMID: 35101745 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Selected potentially toxic elements (PTEs), including As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn, along with microplastic particles (MPs) were characterized in the muscle of seafood species in order to study potential health risk and also investigate biomagnification of the contaminants. The results revealed high levels of the analyzed PTEs and MPs in crustaceans. The cancer risk among the consumer population (adult and children) posed by As is higher than the acceptable lifetime risk of 10-4. Portunus plagicus and Platycephalus indicus had the highest and lowest amount of MP particles in their muscles, respectively, among investigated species. Finally, PTEs (except Hg) and MPs are not biomagnified in the collected species. The results of this research emphasize the importance of accounting for health risks posed by potential pollutants via consumption of contaminated seafood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azam Ahmadi
- Department of Earth Sciences, College of Science, Shiraz University, 71454 Shiraz, Iran
| | - Farid Moore
- Department of Earth Sciences, College of Science, Shiraz University, 71454 Shiraz, Iran
| | - Behnam Keshavarzi
- Department of Earth Sciences, College of Science, Shiraz University, 71454 Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Naghmeh Soltani
- Department of Earth Sciences, College of Science, Shiraz University, 71454 Shiraz, Iran
| | - Armin Sorooshian
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA; Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
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Esposito G, Prearo M, Renzi M, Anselmi S, Cesarani A, Barcelò D, Dondo A, Pastorino P. Occurrence of microplastics in the gastrointestinal tract of benthic by-catches from an eastern Mediterranean deep-sea environment. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 174:113231. [PMID: 34933217 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Concern about microplastic pollution little is known about levels in deep-sea species; to fill this knowledge gap, levels of microplastics in the gastrointestinal (GI) tracts of 34 fish from eight different deep-sea by-catches: blackmouth catshark, lesser spotted dogfish, and velvet belly, armless snake eel, hollowsnout grenadier, phaeton dragonet, royal flagfin, and slender snipe eel were measured. All were collected at the same site (east Sardinia, Mediterranean Sea; 40°10'12.49″N, 9°44'12.31″E) using a bottom gillnet at depths between -820/250 and -1148 ft./350 m. Microplastics (MPs) were retrieved in 16 out of 34 fish. At least one microplastic item was found in 48% (33%, E. spinax - 75%, G. melastomus) of the samples. The most frequent was polyethylene (PE), with nine items (filaments, films, fragments) found in five specimens. This preliminary study of by-catches adds new data on MPs ingestion by species inhabiting a deep-sea environment of the Mediterranean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Esposito
- The Veterinary Medical Research Institute for Piemonte, Liguria and Valle D'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Torino, Italy
| | - Marino Prearo
- The Veterinary Medical Research Institute for Piemonte, Liguria and Valle D'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Torino, Italy
| | - Monia Renzi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 10, 34127 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Serena Anselmi
- Bioscience Research Center, Via Aurelia Vecchia 32, 58015 Orbetello, Italy
| | - Alberto Cesarani
- Department of Agriculture, University of Sassari, Viale Italia 39/a, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Damià Barcelò
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDAEA - CSIC, C/ Jordi Girona 18 - 26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain; Catalan Institute for Water Research, ICRA - CERCA, Emili Grahit 101, 17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Alessandro Dondo
- The Veterinary Medical Research Institute for Piemonte, Liguria and Valle D'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Torino, Italy
| | - Paolo Pastorino
- The Veterinary Medical Research Institute for Piemonte, Liguria and Valle D'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Torino, Italy
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29
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Camedda A, Matiddi M, Vianello A, Coppa S, Bianchi J, Silvestri C, Palazzo L, Massaro G, Atzori F, Ruiu A, Piermarini R, Cocumelli C, Briguglio P, Hochscheid S, Brundu R, de Lucia GA. Polymer composition assessment suggests prevalence of single-use plastics among items ingested by loggerhead sea turtles in the western mediterranean sub-region. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 292:118274. [PMID: 34606971 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The ingestion of plastic is becoming a major concern for various species and particularly for marine turtles across the globe. The loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) was recently chosen by the European Commission as a bio-indicator for plastic pollution within the Mediterranean basin. We further investigated which items this key species is more prone to ingest, following the standardised Marine Strategy Framework Directive protocols. Moreover, we integrated to this protocol the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, which allowed us to determine the polymer type of each item. We analysed samples from 226 sea turtles from 2008 to 2017 in two areas of the western Mediterranean sub-region (sensu MSFD). In the Lazio area we found a frequency of occurrence of plastic ingestion of 78.33%, while in Sardinia 41.79%. The analysis of the litter categories, among all individuals, highlights a prevalence of user-sheet (Use-She; 69.13%) and user-fragment plastics (Use-Fra; 20.84%). In addition, the polymer analysis showed a dominance of polyethylene (65.98%) and polypropylene (26.23%). As a result, by looking at other works that have investigated polymer types and items sources, we are able to infer that 77.25% of the objects ingested by the C. caretta individuals are attributable to disposable daily-life objects managed in an improper way. Therefore, C. caretta apart from being an efficient bio-indicator for plastic pollution, highlighting spatial and temporal concentration differences, it could also be used to verify the effectiveness of the Single-use Plastic Directive (EU 2019/904).
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Camedda
- Institute of Anthropic Impact and Sustainability in Marine Environment - National Research Council Oristano Section, Località Sa Mardini 09170 Torregrande, Oristano, Italy
| | - Marco Matiddi
- Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Via Vitaliano Brancati 48, 00144, Roma, Italy
| | - Alvise Vianello
- Aalborg University, Section of Water and Environment, Department of the Built Environment, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9220, Aalborg Øst, Denmark
| | - Stefania Coppa
- Institute of Anthropic Impact and Sustainability in Marine Environment - National Research Council Oristano Section, Località Sa Mardini 09170 Torregrande, Oristano, Italy.
| | - Jessica Bianchi
- Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Via Vitaliano Brancati 48, 00144, Roma, Italy; Department of Ecology and Biology, University of Tuscia, Via S. Camillo de Lellis 44, 01100, Viterbo, VT, Italy
| | - Cecilia Silvestri
- Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Via Vitaliano Brancati 48, 00144, Roma, Italy
| | - Luca Palazzo
- Institute of Anthropic Impact and Sustainability in Marine Environment - National Research Council Oristano Section, Località Sa Mardini 09170 Torregrande, Oristano, Italy; Department of Ecology and Biology, University of Tuscia, Via S. Camillo de Lellis 44, 01100, Viterbo, VT, Italy
| | - Giorgio Massaro
- Institute of Anthropic Impact and Sustainability in Marine Environment - National Research Council Oristano Section, Località Sa Mardini 09170 Torregrande, Oristano, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Atzori
- Department of Ecology and Biology, University of Tuscia, Via S. Camillo de Lellis 44, 01100, Viterbo, VT, Italy; Capo Carbonara MPA- Municipality of Villasimius, 09049, Villasimius (SU), Italy
| | - Angelo Ruiu
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Della Sardegna - Struttura Complessa Diagnostica di Oristano, Via Atene, Z.I., 09170, Oristano, Italy
| | - Raffaella Piermarini
- Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Via Vitaliano Brancati 48, 00144, Roma, Italy
| | - Cristiano Cocumelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Del Lazio e Della Toscana M. Aleandri, via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178, Roma, Italy
| | - Paolo Briguglio
- Clinica Veterinaria "due Mari", Via Cagliari 313, 09170, Oristano, Italy
| | - Sandra Hochscheid
- Marine Turtle Research Center, Dipartment of Animal Conservation and Public Engagement, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Via Nuova Macello 16, 80055, Portici, Italy
| | - Roberto Brundu
- "Penisola Del Sinis e Isola di Mal di Ventre" Marine Protected Area, P.zza Eleonora 1, 09072, Cabras, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Andrea de Lucia
- Institute of Anthropic Impact and Sustainability in Marine Environment - National Research Council Oristano Section, Località Sa Mardini 09170 Torregrande, Oristano, Italy
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Wootton N, Reis-Santos P, Dowsett N, Turnbull A, Gillanders BM. Low abundance of microplastics in commercially caught fish across southern Australia. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 290:118030. [PMID: 34461419 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution has increased significantly in the past decades and is now a major global environmental issue. Plastic objects enter the ocean and are broken down into smaller pieces, while wastewater and runoff also carry microplastics (plastics <5 mm) into the ocean. Plastic has been found in over 700 different species of marine wildlife but little research has examined fish sold for human consumption. We determined the microplastic abundance in nine commercially important, wild-caught fish species purchased from seafood markets across 4000 km of Australia (Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales). For microplastic quantification, fish gastro-intestinal tracts were chemically digested and the amount and type of microplastic identified under a microscope and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. Across all states, an average of 35.5% of fish samples had at least one piece of microplastic in their gastro-intestinal tract. South Australia had the highest percentage of fish with plastic (49%) and Tasmania the lowest (20%). The average microplastic load was 0.94 piece per fish but ranged from 0 to 17 pieces, with polyolefin identified as the dominant polymer group. Overall, the ingestion of microplastic was widespread across species, locations, diets and habitat niches of fish species investigated, but the average plastic ingestion was less than other similar global studies. This study provides novel insights on the use of fish species from seafood markets to assess environmental contamination by microplastic, as well as an important perspective of the potential for microplastic contamination to enter the human food chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Wootton
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia.
| | | | - Natalie Dowsett
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia; South Australian Research and Development Institute, Food Sciences Division, GPO Box 397, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia
| | - Alison Turnbull
- South Australian Research and Development Institute, Food Sciences Division, GPO Box 397, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia; Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Taroona, Tasmania, 7053, Australia
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31
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Hsu YJ, Tsai WP, Chiang WC, Huang CC, Chien HW, Lee M. Incidence of plastic ingestion by the shortfin mako, Isurus oxyrinchus, off the northeast coast of Taiwan. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 172:112820. [PMID: 34365159 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This present study documents the incidence of plastic digestion by shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus), caught by the Taiwanese small-scale tuna longline fishery in the Northwest Pacific Ocean (between the northeast coast of Taiwan and Japan). In 20 stomachs of shortfin mako, nearly 10% of samples contained at least one piece of plastic debris. The ingested plastic debris was found in the forms of films (5.0 cm) and fragments (3.0 mm) and was identified as polypropylene (PP) based on its polymer characteristics. The results from the analysis provide evidence for the anthropogenic origin and potential intake pathway of direct engulfment of ingested plastics. Our results also confirmed the low incidence of plastic ingestion in shortfin mako, suggesting that pelagic marine species may be relatively less affected by plastic pollution. Future research efforts are thus needed to assess the long-term impact of plastic pollution on marine species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Jhen Hsu
- Department of Safety, Health and Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Pei Tsai
- Department of Fisheries Production and Management, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chuan Chiang
- Eastern Marine Biology Research Center of Fisheries Research Institute, Taitung, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Chi Huang
- Department of Safety, Health and Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu-Wen Chien
- Department of Chemical and Material Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Mengshan Lee
- Department of Safety, Health and Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
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32
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Field evidence for microplastic interactions in marine benthic invertebrates. Sci Rep 2021; 11:20900. [PMID: 34686714 PMCID: PMC8536658 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00292-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Microplastics represent an important issue of concern for marine ecosystems worldwide, and closed seas, such as the Mediterranean, are among the most affected by this increasing threat. These pollutants accumulate in large quantities in benthic environments causing detrimental effects on diverse biocenoses. The main focus of this study is on the ‘polychaetes-microplastics’ interactions, particularly on two species of benthic polychaetes with different ecology and feeding strategies: the sessile and filter feeder Sabella spallanzanii (Gmelin, 1791) and the vagile carnivorous Hermodice carunculata (Pallas, 1766). Since not standardized protocols are proposed in literature to date, we compared efficiencies of diverse common procedures suitable for digesting organic matter of polychaetes. After the definition of an efficient digestion protocol for microplastics extraction for both polychaetes, our results showed high microplastics ingestion in both species. Microplastics were found in 42% of individuals of S. spallanzanii, with a mean of 1 (± 1.62) microplastics per individual, in almost all individuals of H. carunculata (93%), with a mean of 3.35 (± 2.60). These significant differences emerged between S. spallanzanii and H. carunculata, is probably due to the diverse feeding strategies. The susceptibility to this pollutant makes these species good bioindicators of the impact of microplastics on biota.
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Angiolillo M, Gérigny O, Valente T, Fabri MC, Tambute E, Rouanet E, Claro F, Tunesi L, Vissio A, Daniel B, Galgani F. Distribution of seafloor litter and its interaction with benthic organisms in deep waters of the Ligurian Sea (Northwestern Mediterranean). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 788:147745. [PMID: 34134397 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The Mediterranean Sea is one of the most polluted marine basins and currently serves as a hotspot for marine litter. The seafloor represents the ultimate sink for most litter worldwide. Nevertheless, the knowledge about litter distribution and its interactions with benthic organisms in deep water is poorly understood. In 2018, we investigated spatial patterns of macro- and micro-litter distribution, and their effects on benthic communities in the Ligurian Sea. An oceanographic survey was carried out with a remotely operated vehicle and a multibeam echosounder on seven seamounts and canyons, at depths ranging from 350 to 2200 m. High litter accumulations were discovered at the mouth of the Monaco canyon, where estimated densities of up to 3.8 × 104 items km-2 were found at 2200 m depth. The highest abundance of urban litter items was found on the soft substrate, at the bottom of the deeper parts of the submarine canyons, which seem to act as conduits carrying litter from the shelf towards deeper areas. In contrast, fishing-related items were most abundant in the upper layer of the seamounts (300-600 m depths). Furthermore, more than 10% of the observed deep gorgonian colonies were entangled by lost longlines, indicating the detrimental effects of this fishing gear on benthic habitats. The discovery of new litter hotspots and the evaluation of how deep-sea species interact with litter contribute to increasing the knowledge about litter distribution and its effects on the deep ecosystem of the Mediterranean basin. All the observations recorded in this study showed substantial and irreversible changes in the deep and remote areas of marine environments, and these changes were found to be caused by humans. Our findings further stress the need for urgent and specific measures for the management of deep-sea pollution and the reduction of litter inputs in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Angiolillo
- Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), Via Vitaliano Brancati, 60, 00144 Rome, Italy.
| | - Olivia Gérigny
- Institut Français de Recherche pour l'Exploitation de la MER (Ifremer), Centre Méditerranée, Z.P. de Brégaillon, 83507, La Seyne-sur-Mer and Bastia, France
| | - Tommaso Valente
- Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), Via Vitaliano Brancati, 60, 00144 Rome, Italy; Sapienza University of Rome, Department of Environmental Biology, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Marie-Claire Fabri
- Institut Français de Recherche pour l'Exploitation de la MER (Ifremer), Centre Méditerranée, Z.P. de Brégaillon, 83507, La Seyne-sur-Mer and Bastia, France
| | - Eric Tambute
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Avenue Saint Martin, 98000 Monaco, Monaco
| | - Elodie Rouanet
- GIS Posidonie, Aix-Marseille University, OSU Pytheas, campus universitaire de Luminy, case 901, 13288 Marseille cedex 09, France
| | - Francoise Claro
- Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle-UMS PATRINAT, CP41, 57 rue Cuvier, 75231 Paris, France
| | - Leonardo Tunesi
- Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), Via Vitaliano Brancati, 60, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Anne Vissio
- Secrétaire exécutif RAMOGE, Av. de l'Annonciade, 98000 Monaco, Monaco
| | - Boris Daniel
- Agence française pour la biodiversité, rue de la République 26, Marseille, France
| | - François Galgani
- Institut Français de Recherche pour l'Exploitation de la MER (Ifremer), Centre Méditerranée, Z.P. de Brégaillon, 83507, La Seyne-sur-Mer and Bastia, France
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34
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Environmental Microplastic Particles vs. Engineered Plastic Microparticles-A Comparative Review. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:polym13172881. [PMID: 34502921 PMCID: PMC8434362 DOI: 10.3390/polym13172881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Microplastic particles (MPs) pose a novel threat to nature. Despite being first noticed in the 1970s, research on this topic has only surged in recent years. Researchers have mainly focused on environmental plastic particles; however, studies with defined microplastic particles as the sample input are scarce. Furthermore, comparison of those studies indicates a discrepancy between the particles found (e.g., in the environment) and those used for further research (e.g., exposure studies). Obviously, it is important to use particles that resemble those found in the environment to conduct appropriate research. In this review, different categories of microplastic particles are addressed, before covering an overview of the most common separation and analysis methods for environmental MPs is covered. After showing that the particles found in the environment are mostly irregular and polydisperse, while those used in studies with plastic microparticles as samples are often not, different particle production techniques are investigated and suggestions for preparing realistic plastic particles are given.
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35
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Morgan E, Hutchinson D, Gaion A. Plastic Ingestion by the Small-Spotted Catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula) from the South West Coast of the United Kingdom. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2021; 106:910-915. [PMID: 33580294 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-021-03129-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution has increased dramatically worldwide and is having a detrimental effect on a variety of marine organisms. This study contributes to the existing data on the ingestion of both macroplastics and microplastics by one elasmobranch species, the small-spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula), considering the occurrence in males and females. Plastics were extracted from the stomach and spiral valve of (N = 200, n = 100 females and n = 100 males) and analysed by visual observations. A total of 28 pieces of plastic were found with five pieces extracted from a single individual. Overall findings indicate that this shark species is vulnerable to some extent to plastic ingestion (6.5% frequency of occurrence), but different aspects, such as differences in plastic contamination levels of different locations and ability to regurgitate stomach content, may affect the results of similar studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellana Morgan
- University Centre South Devon, Long Road, Paignton, TQ4 7EJ, UK.
| | | | - Andrea Gaion
- University Centre South Devon, Long Road, Paignton, TQ4 7EJ, UK
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36
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Pegado T, Brabo L, Schmid K, Sarti F, Gava TT, Nunes J, Chelazzi D, Cincinelli A, Giarrizzo T. Ingestion of microplastics by Hypanus guttatus stingrays in the Western Atlantic Ocean (Brazilian Amazon Coast). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 162:111799. [PMID: 33183749 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The present study documents, for the first time, the ingestion of microplastics (MPs) by Longnose stingrays in the Western Atlantic Ocean. We examined 23 specimens of Hypanus guttatus from the Brazilian Amazon coast and found microplastic particles in the stomach contents of almost a third of the individuals. Fibers were the most frequent item (82%), blue was the most frequent color (47%) and Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) was the most frequent polymer recorded (35%), as identified by 2D imaging - Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR). The ingestion of microplastics by Longnose stingray has not been previously recorded. The findings of the present study thus provide an important baseline for future studies of microplastic ingestion by dasyatid rays and other batoid species in the Atlantic Ocean, and contribute to the broader understanding of the spatial and temporal dimensions of the growing problem of plastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems and organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamyris Pegado
- Núcleo de Ecologia Aquática e Pesca da Amazônia (NEAP), Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil.
| | - Lucio Brabo
- Núcleo de Ecologia Aquática e Pesca da Amazônia (NEAP), Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Kurt Schmid
- Núcleo de Ecologia Aquática e Pesca da Amazônia (NEAP), Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil; Department of Fish Ecology and Evolution, EAWAG Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Kastanienbaum, Switzerland
| | - Francesco Sarti
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff" and CSGI, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Thaís T Gava
- Laboratório de Organismos Aquáticos, Departamento de Oceanografia e Limnologia, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís, Brazil
| | - Jorge Nunes
- Laboratório de Organismos Aquáticos, Departamento de Oceanografia e Limnologia, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís, Brazil
| | - David Chelazzi
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff" and CSGI, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandra Cincinelli
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff" and CSGI, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Tommaso Giarrizzo
- Núcleo de Ecologia Aquática e Pesca da Amazônia (NEAP), Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
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37
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Tsangaris C, Digka N, Valente T, Aguilar A, Borrell A, de Lucia GA, Gambaiani D, Garcia-Garin O, Kaberi H, Martin J, Mauriño E, Miaud C, Palazzo L, Del Olmo AP, Raga JA, Sbrana A, Silvestri C, Skylaki E, Vighi M, Wongdontree P, Matiddi M. Using Boops boops (osteichthyes) to assess microplastic ingestion in the Mediterranean Sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 158:111397. [PMID: 32753182 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
This study assesses microplastic ingestion in Boops boops at different geographical areas in the Mediterranean Sea. A total of 884 fish were caught at 20 coastal sites in Spain, France, Italy and Greece and analyzed using a common methodological protocol. Microplastics were found in 46.8% of the sampled fish, with an average number of items per individual of 1.17 ± 0.07. Filaments were the predominant shape type, while polyethylene and polypropylene were indicated by FTIR as the most common polymer types of ingested microplastics. The frequency of occurrence, as well as the abundance and proportion of types (size, shape, color and polymer) of ingested microplastics, varied among geographical areas. The spatial heterogeneity of the abundance of ingested microplastics was mainly related to the degree of coastal anthropogenic pressure at the sampling sites. Our findings further support the suitability of B. boops as bioindicator of microplastic pollution in the Mediterranean Sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Tsangaris
- Institute of Oceanography, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), 46.7 km, Athinon-Souniou Ave., P.O. Box 712, 19013 Anavyssos, Greece..
| | - Nikoletta Digka
- Institute of Oceanography, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), 46.7 km, Athinon-Souniou Ave., P.O. Box 712, 19013 Anavyssos, Greece
| | - Tommaso Valente
- Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Via Vitaliano Brancati 48, 00144 Roma, Italy
| | - Alex Aguilar
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, and Institute of Biodiversity Research (IRBio), Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona. Spain
| | - Asunción Borrell
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, and Institute of Biodiversity Research (IRBio), Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona. Spain
| | | | - Delphine Gambaiani
- PSL, UMR 5175 CEFE, EPHE, Biogeography and Vertebrate Ecology, 1919 route de Mende, 34000 Montpellier, France
| | - Odei Garcia-Garin
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, and Institute of Biodiversity Research (IRBio), Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona. Spain
| | - Helen Kaberi
- Institute of Oceanography, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), 46.7 km, Athinon-Souniou Ave., P.O. Box 712, 19013 Anavyssos, Greece
| | - Jessica Martin
- PSL, UMR 5175 CEFE, EPHE, Biogeography and Vertebrate Ecology, 1919 route de Mende, 34000 Montpellier, France
| | - Elena Mauriño
- Science Park, Marine Zoology Unit, Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, University of Valencia, C/Catedrático José Beltrán 2, 46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | - Claude Miaud
- PSL, UMR 5175 CEFE, EPHE, Biogeography and Vertebrate Ecology, 1919 route de Mende, 34000 Montpellier, France
| | - Luca Palazzo
- IAS-CNR, National Research Council, 09170 Oristano, Italy.; Department of Ecology and Biology, University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
| | - Ana Pérez Del Olmo
- Science Park, Marine Zoology Unit, Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, University of Valencia, C/Catedrático José Beltrán 2, 46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan Antonio Raga
- Science Park, Marine Zoology Unit, Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, University of Valencia, C/Catedrático José Beltrán 2, 46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | - Alice Sbrana
- Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Via Vitaliano Brancati 48, 00144 Roma, Italy
| | - Cecilia Silvestri
- Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Via Vitaliano Brancati 48, 00144 Roma, Italy
| | - Ester Skylaki
- Institute of Oceanography, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), 46.7 km, Athinon-Souniou Ave., P.O. Box 712, 19013 Anavyssos, Greece
| | - Morgana Vighi
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, and Institute of Biodiversity Research (IRBio), Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona. Spain
| | - Paprapach Wongdontree
- PSL, UMR 5175 CEFE, EPHE, Biogeography and Vertebrate Ecology, 1919 route de Mende, 34000 Montpellier, France
| | - Marco Matiddi
- Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Via Vitaliano Brancati 48, 00144 Roma, Italy
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Sbrana A, Valente T, Scacco U, Bianchi J, Silvestri C, Palazzo L, de Lucia GA, Valerani C, Ardizzone G, Matiddi M. Spatial variability and influence of biological parameters on microplastic ingestion by Boops boops (L.) along the Italian coasts (Western Mediterranean Sea). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 263:114429. [PMID: 32222624 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Recently, many studies focus on the ingestion of microplastics by marine biota. Fish exploit almost every kind of marine environment, occupy many ecological niches and are an important food source for human populations worldwide. For these reasons, they seem to represent very appropriate biological indicators of microplastic ingestion. UNEP/MAP SPA/RAC (2018) identified the bogue, Boops boops (Linnaeus, 1758), as a possible target species for monitoring microplastic ingestion in fish populations. This study provides the first report of microplastic ingestion by B. boops from the Tyrrhenian and the Ligurian Seas (Western Mediterranean Sea). Generalized Linear Mixed Models were used to analyse the relationship among biological parameters and environmental factors. A total of 379 bogues were collected in three Italian regions, subject to different anthropogenic pressures (river input, human population, shipping lanes and distance from the coast). Microplastics were detected in the gastrointestinal tract of most individuals (56%) with a mean of 1.8 (±0.2) microplastics per individual. Our study further confirms that this species is able to highlight differences in the ingestion of microplastics according to local anthropization, resulting Latium region to be the most polluted. Fish with lower physical condition are more likely to ingest microplastics, suggesting a relationship with the level of local environmental contamination. Finally, the ingestion of microplastics might be influenced by behavioural differences between sexes. According to our results, males ingest significantly more microplastics than females (p < 0.05). Our research confirms that an extensive knowledge on the biology of a bioindicator species is a priority for developing a valid monitoring strategy, such as the Marine Strategy Framework Directive for European waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Sbrana
- ISPRA, Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Via di Castel Romano 100, 00144, Rome, RM, Italy
| | - Tommaso Valente
- ISPRA, Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Via di Castel Romano 100, 00144, Rome, RM, Italy
| | - Umberto Scacco
- ISPRA, Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Via di Castel Romano 100, 00144, Rome, RM, Italy
| | - Jessica Bianchi
- ISPRA, Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Via di Castel Romano 100, 00144, Rome, RM, Italy; Department of Ecology and Biology, University of Tuscia, Via S. Camillo de Lellis 44, 01100, Viterbo, VT, Italy
| | - Cecilia Silvestri
- ISPRA, Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Via di Castel Romano 100, 00144, Rome, RM, Italy
| | - Luca Palazzo
- Department of Ecology and Biology, University of Tuscia, Via S. Camillo de Lellis 44, 01100, Viterbo, VT, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Andrea de Lucia
- IAS-CNR, Institute of Anthropic Impacts and Sustainability in Marine Environment- National Research Council Loc. Sa Mardini, 09170, Torregrande, OR, Italy
| | - Claudio Valerani
- Parco Nazionale delle "Cinque Terre", Via Discovolo snc - c/o Stazione Manarola, 19017 Riomaggiore, SP, Italy
| | - Giandomenico Ardizzone
- Department of Environmental Biology, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Viale dell'Università 32, 00185, Rome, RM, Italy
| | - Marco Matiddi
- ISPRA, Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Via di Castel Romano 100, 00144, Rome, RM, Italy.
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Parton KJ, Godley BJ, Santillo D, Tausif M, Omeyer LCM, Galloway TS. Investigating the presence of microplastics in demersal sharks of the North-East Atlantic. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12204. [PMID: 32699221 PMCID: PMC7376218 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68680-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Microplastic pollution is ubiquitous in the marine environment and is ingested by numerous marine species. Sharks are an understudied group regarding their susceptibility to microplastic ingestion. Here, we provide evidence of ingestion of microplastic and other anthropogenic fibres in four demersal sharks species found in the waters of the United Kingdom and investigate whether body burdens of contamination vary according to species, sex or size. Sharks were collected from the North-East Atlantic. Stomachs and digestive tracts of 46 sharks of 4 species were examined and 67% of samples contained at least one contaminant particle. Although we acknowledge modest sample size, estimated particle burden increased with body size but did not vary systematically with sex or species. A total of 379 particles were identified, leading to median estimates ranging from 2 to 7.5 ingested contaminants per animal for the 4 species. The majority were fibrous in nature (95%) and blue (88%) or black (9%) in colour. A subsample of contaminants (N = 62) were subject to FT-IR spectroscopy and polymers identified as: synthetic cellulose (33.3%), polypropylene (25%), polyacrylamides (10%) and polyester (8.3%). The level of risk posed to shark species by this level of contamination is unknown. Nevertheless, this study presents the first empirical evidence and an important baseline for ingestion of microplastics and other anthropogenic fibres in native UK shark species and highlights the pervasive nature of these pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristian J Parton
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, TR10 9EZ, UK.
| | - Brendan J Godley
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, TR10 9EZ, UK
| | - David Santillo
- Greenpeace Research Laboratories, School of Biosciences, Innovation Centre Phase 2, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Muhammad Tausif
- Textile Technology Research Group, School of Design, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Lucy C M Omeyer
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, TR10 9EZ, UK
| | - Tamara S Galloway
- Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4QD, UK
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Valente T, Scacco U, Matiddi M. Macro-litter ingestion in deep-water habitats: is an underestimation occurring? ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 186:109556. [PMID: 32334175 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Marine litter affects marine organisms, posing threats to biodiversity conservation and to ecosystem structure and functioning. Providing a suitable assessment of marine litter effects on marine life through bioindicator species is crucial to drive an effective waste management policy. However, to date no standardized tool has been developed to describe and monitor the impact of marine macro-litter on marine life within deep-water habitats. Modifying the protocol proposed to monitor macro-litter ingestion by the loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta, we perform a preliminary investigation on the suitability of different elasmobranch species for monitoring macro-litter ingestion in deep-sea. A total of 122 specimens representing 7 elasmobranch species were collected and examined. External visual inspections documented no clear evidences of disease due to marine litter entanglement. A total of 7 ingested litter items were found in the stomach or in the esophagus of 6 specimens of 4 different species (frequency of occurrence = 4.9%), with a maximum number of 2 items per specimen. No litter items were found in the intestinal contents, as well as no evidence of gastrointestinal blockages due to litter items were detected. The low number of collected litter items suggests that the number of samples required is too large for a feasible monitoring program. Moreover, we observed that the anatomy of the intestinal spiral valve may represent an obstacle to the transit of macro-litter items, which could be spontaneously regurgitated as it happens in the selective elimination of undigested remains, such as bones and scales. Therefore, macro-litter retention time in the gastrointestinal tract of elasmobranchs could be brief and shorter than retention time of food. This may lead to an underestimation of macro-litter ingestion frequency by deep-water elasmobranchs. This study reports the first evidence of plastic ingestion by the kitefin shark Dalatias licha.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Valente
- ISPRA, Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Via di Castel Romano 100, 00144, Roma, RM, Italy.
| | - Umberto Scacco
- ISPRA, Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Via di Castel Romano 100, 00144, Roma, RM, Italy.
| | - Marco Matiddi
- ISPRA, Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Via di Castel Romano 100, 00144, Roma, RM, Italy.
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Bianchi J, Valente T, Scacco U, Cimmaruta R, Sbrana A, Silvestri C, Matiddi M. Food preference determines the best suitable digestion protocol for analysing microplastic ingestion by fish. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 154:111050. [PMID: 32174500 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic presence in the marine environment has generated considerable concern. Many procedures for microplastics detection in fish gastrointestinal tract have been recently developed. In this study, we compared efficiencies of two common procedures applied for the digestion of organic matter (10% KOH; 15% H2O2) with a new proposal (mixture of 5% HNO3 and 15% H2O2). We considered ecological diversity among species and differences in their diet compositions as factors that could affect the efficiency and feasibility of analytical approaches. Our aim was to understand whether either one of the three protocols might be suitable for all species or it might be more advisable to select a method according to the gut content determined by different food preferences. The results showed that the trophic level and feeding habits should be considered for protocol selection. Finally, we applied the best protocols on samples from the Tyrrhenian sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Bianchi
- Department of Ecology and Biology, University of Tuscia, Via S. Camillo de Lellis 44, 01100 Viterbo, VT, Italy; ISPRA, Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Via di Castel Romano 100, 00144 Roma, RM, Italy.
| | - Tommaso Valente
- ISPRA, Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Via di Castel Romano 100, 00144 Roma, RM, Italy
| | - Umberto Scacco
- ISPRA, Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Via di Castel Romano 100, 00144 Roma, RM, Italy
| | - Roberta Cimmaruta
- Department of Ecology and Biology, University of Tuscia, Via S. Camillo de Lellis 44, 01100 Viterbo, VT, Italy
| | - Alice Sbrana
- ISPRA, Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Via di Castel Romano 100, 00144 Roma, RM, Italy
| | - Cecilia Silvestri
- ISPRA, Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Via di Castel Romano 100, 00144 Roma, RM, Italy
| | - Marco Matiddi
- ISPRA, Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Via di Castel Romano 100, 00144 Roma, RM, Italy
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Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution is a global environmental issue, and traditionally treated wastewater has been identified as a source of land-based microplastics into the aquatic environment. This study evaluated the performance of a pilot-scale biofilter to polish wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluent before it enters the environment. The filter was divided into four zones, allowing the concentration of microplastics to be followed through the filter. It was fed with secondary effluent from a conventional WWTP in Denmark. The raw effluent from the WWTP contained 917 items m−3 which corresponded to a mass concentration of 24.8 µg m−3. After the top layer of the biofilter, the concentration had decreased to a median value of 197 item m−3 and 2.8 µg m−3, indicating an overall removal efficiency of 79% in terms of particle number and 89% in terms of particle mass. We also observed a tendency that MP of larger size and higher particle mass were more likely to be retained. After the last filtration zone, all MP larger than 100 µm had been removed. The results of this study demonstrate that biofilters are able to lower the MP abundance in treated wastewater significantly, but a complete removal is not ensured, hence some MP, particularly small-sized ones, can still be discharged into the receiving environment.
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Knowledge about Microplastic in Mediterranean Tributary River Ecosystems: Lack of Data and Research Needs on Such a Crucial Marine Pollution Source. JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/jmse8030216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Plastic debris occurring in freshwater environments, which can either come from the surrounding terrestrial areas or transported from upstream, has been identified as one of the main sources and routes of plastic pollution in marine systems. The ocean is the final destination of land- based microplastic sources, but compared to marine environments, the occurrence and effects of microplastics in freshwater ecosystems remain largely unknown. A thorough examination of scientific literature on abundance, distribution patterns, and characteristics of microplastics in freshwater environments in Mediterranean tributary rivers has shown a substantial lack of information and the need to apply adequate and uniform measurement methods.
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Capillo G, Savoca S, Panarello G, Mancuso M, Branca C, Romano V, D'Angelo G, Bottari T, Spanò N. Quali-quantitative analysis of plastics and synthetic microfibers found in demersal species from Southern Tyrrhenian Sea (Central Mediterranean). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 150:110596. [PMID: 31733904 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.110596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This study highlights plastics occurrence in five demersal fish species from the Southern Tyrrhenian Sea: the Red mullet Mullus barbatus barbatus, the Piper gurnard Trigla lyra, the Blackmouth catshark Galeus melastomus, the Lesser spotted dogfish Scyliorhinus canicula and the Brown ray Raja miraletus. Overall, 125 fish were examined: 21 Red mullets, 16 Piper gurnards, 75 Blackmouth catsharks, 72 Dogfish and 1 Brown ray. The percentage of fish with ingested plastics was 14.4% with 0.24 items per specimen. The majority of the debris were fibers and the application of infrared and Raman spectroscopy allowed the identification and discrimination of plastic and non-plastic fibers. The plastic debris isolated were mainly microplastics (94.1%), while macroplastics occurrence was very low (5.9%). The plastics were identified as polypropylene, Teflon, nylon, kraton G (triblock copolymer) and polyethylene. Also cellulose was detected. S. canicula was the species with the highest number of plastic pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gioele Capillo
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D'Alcontres 31, 98166, Messina, Italy
| | - Serena Savoca
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D'Alcontres 31, 98166, Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Panarello
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D'Alcontres 31, 98166, Messina, Italy
| | - Monique Mancuso
- Institute for Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnology (IRBIM), National Research Council (CNR), Section of Messina, Spianata S. Raineri, 86, 98122, Messina, Italy; StazioneZoologica Anton Dohrn, Centro Interdipartimentale della Sicilia, Italy
| | - Caterina Branca
- Department of Mathematical and Computational Sciences, Physical Science and Earth Science, Messina University, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D'Alcontres 31, 98166, Messina, Italy
| | - Valentino Romano
- Department of Mathematical and Computational Sciences, Physical Science and Earth Science, Messina University, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D'Alcontres 31, 98166, Messina, Italy
| | - Giovanna D'Angelo
- Department of Mathematical and Computational Sciences, Physical Science and Earth Science, Messina University, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D'Alcontres 31, 98166, Messina, Italy; CNR-IPCF, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d'Alcontres 37, 98158, Messina, Italy.
| | - Teresa Bottari
- Institute for Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnology (IRBIM), National Research Council (CNR), Section of Messina, Spianata S. Raineri, 86, 98122, Messina, Italy; StazioneZoologica Anton Dohrn, Centro Interdipartimentale della Sicilia, Italy
| | - Nunziacarla Spanò
- Department of Biomedical, Dental and Morphological and Functional Imaging University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, Messina, Italy.
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Impact of Plastic Pollution on Marine Life in the Mediterranean Sea. THE HANDBOOK OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/698_2019_421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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