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Matiddi M, Valente T, Camedda A, Centelleghe C, Cocumelli C, Dara S, de Lucia GA, Di Renzo L, Ferri N, Gioacchini G, Hochscheid S, Lucifora G, Maffucci F, Monteverde V, Pelamatti T, Petrella A, Pietroluongo G, Roncari C, Terracciano G, Silvestri C. Are we even close? Five years marine litter ingestion monitoring in loggerhead turtles along Italian coast reveals how far we are from the Good Environmental Status. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 205:116647. [PMID: 38941806 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116647] [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: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
The loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta has been chosen as bioindicator to monitor the amount of litter ingested by marine animals within the European Marine Strategy Framework Directive and the Barcelona Regional Sea Convention. European Member States and Contracting Parties are committed to achieve the Good Environmental Status (GES), which is reached when the quantity of ingested litter does not adversely affect the health of the species concerned. Although the monitoring strategy has been outlined for more than a decade, to date no threshold values have been adopted to verify GES achievement. After five years of extensive monitoring along the Italian coasts, this study evaluates the suitability of five different GES scenarios and proposes a new threshold value (i.e., "there should be less than 33% of sea turtles having more than 0.05 g of ingested plastic in the GI") for its implementation in the European seas and the Mediterranean basin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Matiddi
- ISPRA, Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, CN-LAB, Nekton Lab., Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Roma, RM, Italy
| | - Tommaso Valente
- ISPRA, Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, CN-LAB, Nekton Lab., Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Roma, RM, Italy; 'La Sapienza' University of Rome, Department of Environmental Biology, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, RM, 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
| | - Cinzia Centelleghe
- Dipartimento di Biomedicina Comparata e Alimentazione, Università degli Studi di Padova, V.le dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy.; CONISMA, Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare, P.le Flaminio 9, 00196 Roma, RM, Italy
| | - Cristiano Cocumelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Roma, RM, Italy
| | - Salvatore Dara
- Centro Referenza Nazionale Tartarughe Marine (C.Re.Ta.M), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia "A. Mirri", Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, PA, 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
| | - Ludovica Di Renzo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Laboratorio Ecosistemi Acquatici e Terrestri, Via Campo Boario, 64100 Teramo, TE, Italy; Centro Studi Cetacei Onlus, Via Mario Mantini 15, 65125 Pescara, PE, Italy
| | - Nicola Ferri
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Laboratorio Ecosistemi Acquatici e Terrestri, Via Campo Boario, 64100 Teramo, TE, Italy
| | - Giorgia Gioacchini
- Marche Polytechnic University, Department of Life and Environmental Sciences (DiSVA), Via Brecce Bianche snc, 60131 Ancona, AN, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Lucifora
- Istituto Zooprofilattico del Mezzogiorno, sezione di Vibo Valentia, Corso Umberto I 362, 89852 Mileto, VV, Italy
| | - Fulvio Maffucci
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Monteverde
- Centro Referenza Nazionale Tartarughe Marine (C.Re.Ta.M), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia "A. Mirri", Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, PA, Italy
| | - Tania Pelamatti
- ISPRA, Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, CN-LAB, Nekton Lab., Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Roma, RM, Italy
| | - Antonio Petrella
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, Via Manfredonia 20, Foggia, FO, Italy
| | - Guido Pietroluongo
- Dipartimento di Biomedicina Comparata e Alimentazione, Università degli Studi di Padova, V.le dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy.; CONISMA, Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare, P.le Flaminio 9, 00196 Roma, RM, Italy
| | - Chiara Roncari
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy
| | - Giuliana Terracciano
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Roma, RM, Italy
| | - Cecilia Silvestri
- ISPRA, Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, CN-LAB, Nekton Lab., Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Roma, RM, Italy
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2
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Gao H, Wang H, Wang Y, Lin Y, Yan J, Shen H. Identification and quantification of microplastics in salts by complementary approaches using pyrolysis-gas chromatography/quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry (Py-GC/QTOFMS) and laser direct infrared (LDIR) chemical imaging analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 348:123820. [PMID: 38527583 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123820] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) have been suspected as contaminants in various foodstuffs, including salts, all over the world. Regarding the different sizes and polymer types, the mass concentrations of actual plastic particles in salt are not very clear. The purpose of this study is to develop a scalable method for qualitative and quantitative analysis of MPs and NPs by using Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography Quadrupole-Time of Flight mass spectrometry (Py-GC/QTOFMS) to detect their mass concentrations in salt samples. The targeted and suspected lists of polymers in salts were compiled based on the combined results of the high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) full scanning with auxiliary MS dataset and the laser direct infrared (LDIR) chemical imaging analysis. The seven targeted MPs with polymer standards, i.e., polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polycarbonate (PC), were first subjected to a full MS scanning mode of the Py-GC/QTOFMS analysis. Subsequently, the parental masses of their pyrolysis compounds were used as the seeds to generate the related daughter masses. This process established both retention time and mass-pairs matching for the target MS/MS mode for enabling the identification and quantification of the particles. The suspected MPs with a matching degree >0.65 in the LDIR list were explored either by the full scan MS. Only PVC was identified, and PET was suspected. The Py-GC/QTOFMS result is complementary and comparable to the LDIR detection with the matching degree >0.85. We identified that PVC and PET (suspected) can be measured in both commercial and bulk sea salts, and their concentrations in sea salts are much higher than in rock salts, implying heavy contamination of the seawater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongying Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China; Key Laboratory of Health Risk Factors for Seafood of Zhejiang Province, Zhoushan Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, 316021, China
| | - Heng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Health Risk Factors for Seafood of Zhejiang Province, Zhoushan Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, 316021, China
| | - Yuchao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Health Risk Factors for Seafood of Zhejiang Province, Zhoushan Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, 316021, China
| | - Yi Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Jianbo Yan
- Key Laboratory of Health Risk Factors for Seafood of Zhejiang Province, Zhoushan Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, 316021, China
| | - Heqing Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China; Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China.
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3
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Duncan EM, Akbora HD, Baldi P, Beton D, Broderick AC, Cicek BA, Crowe-Harland C, Davey S, DeSerisy T, Fuller WJ, Haywood JC, Hsieh YJ, Kaya E, Omeyer LCM, Ozkan M, Palmer JL, Roast E, Santillo D, Schneider MJ, Snape RTE, Sutherland KC, Godley BJ. Marine turtles as bio-indicators of plastic pollution in the eastern Mediterranean. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 201:116141. [PMID: 38401386 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116141] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
The loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) has been suggested as a bio-indicator species for plastic pollution. However, detailed investigations in the eastern Mediterranean are limited. Here, we present data from loggerhead turtles (2012-2022; n = 131) of which 42.7 % (n = 57) had ingested macroplastic (pieces ≥ 5 mm). Frequency of occurrence (%) was not found to have changed over time, with body size (CCL cm), between stranded or bycaught turtles, or with levels of digesta present. The characteristics of ingested plastic (n = 492) were largely sheetlike (62 %), clear (41 %) or white (25 %) and the most common polymers identified were Polypropylene (37 %) and Polyethylene (35 %). Strong selectivity was displayed towards certain types, colours and shapes. Data are also presented for posthatchling turtles (n = 4), an understudied life stage. Much larger sample sizes will be needed for this species to be an effective bio-indicator, with the consideration of monitoring green turtles (Chelonia mydas) for the eastern Mediterranean recommended allowing a more holistic picture to be gathered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M Duncan
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, United Kingdom.
| | - Hasan Deniz Akbora
- Underwater Research and Imaging Centre, Biological Sciences Department, Eastern Mediterranean University, 99628 Famagusta, Cyprus; Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Eastern Mediterranean University, 99628 Famagusta, Cyprus
| | - Patrizia Baldi
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, United Kingdom
| | - Damla Beton
- Society for Protection of Turtles, Levent Daire 1, Ulus Sokak, Gönyeli, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Annette C Broderick
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, United Kingdom
| | - Burak Ali Cicek
- Underwater Research and Imaging Centre, Biological Sciences Department, Eastern Mediterranean University, 99628 Famagusta, Cyprus; Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Eastern Mediterranean University, 99628 Famagusta, Cyprus
| | - Charlotte Crowe-Harland
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie Davey
- Society for Protection of Turtles, Levent Daire 1, Ulus Sokak, Gönyeli, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Tess DeSerisy
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, United Kingdom
| | - Wayne J Fuller
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, United Kingdom; Society for Protection of Turtles, Levent Daire 1, Ulus Sokak, Gönyeli, Nicosia, Cyprus; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Julia C Haywood
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, United Kingdom
| | - Yu Jou Hsieh
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, United Kingdom
| | - Ecem Kaya
- Society for Protection of Turtles, Levent Daire 1, Ulus Sokak, Gönyeli, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Lucy C M Omeyer
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, United Kingdom
| | - Meryem Ozkan
- Society for Protection of Turtles, Levent Daire 1, Ulus Sokak, Gönyeli, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Josie L Palmer
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Roast
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, United Kingdom
| | - David Santillo
- Greenpeace Research Laboratories, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - M Jesse Schneider
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, United Kingdom; Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Robin T E Snape
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, United Kingdom; Society for Protection of Turtles, Levent Daire 1, Ulus Sokak, Gönyeli, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Katrina C Sutherland
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, United Kingdom
| | - Brendan J Godley
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, United Kingdom
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4
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Amponsah AK, Afrifa EA, Essandoh PK, Enyoh CE. Evidence of microplastics accumulation in the gills and gastrointestinal tract of fishes from an estuarine system in Ghana. Heliyon 2024; 10:e25608. [PMID: 38333793 PMCID: PMC10850975 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The contamination of aquatic environments by microplastics (MPs) and their subsequent ingestion by fish continues to be a universal ecological challenge. Although numerous studies have been conducted on the accumulation of MPs by fishes globally, not much work has been done within the major estuaries along the Atlantic Coast. This study explored and characterized microplastics in the gills and gastrointestinal tract in 98 specimens of 10 fish taxa (Sarotherodon melanotheron, Pseudotolithus senegalensis, Gobionellus occidentalis, Ethmalosa fimbriata, Chrysichthys nigrodigitalus, Elops lacerta, Mugil bananesis, Cynoglossus senegalensis, Apsilus fuscus and Galeoides decadactylus) from the Pra Estuary, Ghana. The gastrointestinal contents of the fish were extracted, analysed and characterized using a stereomicroscope fitted with an Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). A total of 529 MP particles were found in the fishes. C. nigrodigitalus recorded the highest MP levels in the gills with an average of 4.83 ± 2.08 items/individual whiles S. melanotheron recorded the highest in the gastrointestinal tract at 9.83 ± 4.63 items/individual. Within the fish, transparent fibrous MPs of size <0.5 mm were the dominate types found. A vertical prevalence of MPs was observed across the feeding and habitat preference of the species suggesting a possible linkage with the ecological niche of fishes. Our findings further demonstrate the need for advance studies on the impacts and level of threat microplastic accumulation pose to the sampled fishes and potential consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andoh Kwaku Amponsah
- Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
- Africa Centre of Excellence in Coastal Resilience, Centre for Coastal Management, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Ernest Amankwa Afrifa
- Department of Environmental Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
- Africa Centre of Excellence in Coastal Resilience, Centre for Coastal Management, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Paul Kwame Essandoh
- Department of Environmental Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
- Africa Centre of Excellence in Coastal Resilience, Centre for Coastal Management, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Christian Ebere Enyoh
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Imo State University, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
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Schuab JM, de Paula MS, Ocaris ERY, Milagres MR, Motta DG, da Costa MB. First record of microplastic in the Brazilian sea hare Aplysia brasiliana Rang, 1828 (Mollusca: Aplysiidae). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 895:165156. [PMID: 37385493 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165156] [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: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
The presence of plastic debris in the marine environment has reached massive levels in the past decades. In marine environments, microplastics can exist for hundreds of years and the presence of microplastics in this environment has been reported since 1970 and since then has been considered ubiquitous. Mollusks are being used as microplastic pollution indicators, especially in coastal areas and bivalves are more often used in microplastic-monitoring studies. On the other hand, gastropods are poorly used as indicators for microplastic pollution, even though they are the most diverse group of mollusks. The sea hares of the genus Aplysia are herbivorous gastropods, important model organisms commonly used in neuroscience studies, isolating the compounds in their defensive ink. Until today, there is no previous record of the presence of MPs in Aplysia gastropods. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the presence of microplastics in tissues of A. brasiliana found in southeastern Brazil. We collected seven individuals of A. brasiliana from a beach in southeastern Brazil, dissected them to isolate the digestive tract and the gills, and digested the tissues with a solution of 10 % NaOH. In the end, 1021 microplastic particles were found, 940 in the digestive tissue, and 81 in the gills. These results represent the first record of the presence of microplastics in the Brazilian sea hare A. brasiliana.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Marcos Schuab
- Federal University of Espírito Santo, Department of Chemistry, Laboratory of Coastal Biology and Microplastic Analysis, Brazil.
| | - Midiã Silva de Paula
- Federal University of Espírito Santo, Department of Chemistry, Laboratory of Coastal Biology and Microplastic Analysis, Brazil
| | - Enrique Ronald Yapuchura Ocaris
- Universidad Tecnológica del Perú, Peru; Laboratory of Carbon and Ceramic Materials, Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - Mateus Reis Milagres
- Federal University of Espírito Santo, Department of Chemistry, Laboratory of Coastal Biology and Microplastic Analysis, Brazil
| | - Daniel Gosser Motta
- Federal University of Espírito Santo, Department of Chemistry, Laboratory of Coastal Biology and Microplastic Analysis, Brazil
| | - Mercia Barcellos da Costa
- Federal University of Espírito Santo, Department of Chemistry, Laboratory of Coastal Biology and Microplastic Analysis, Brazil
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Thibault M, Hoarau L, Lebreton L, Le Corre M, Barret M, Cordier E, Ciccione S, Royer SJ, Ter Halle A, Ramanampamonjy A, Jean C, Dalleau M. Do loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) gut contents reflect the types, colors and sources of plastic pollution in the Southwest Indian Ocean? MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 194:115343. [PMID: 37531795 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
We analyzed plastic debris ingested by loggerheads from bycatch between 2007 and 2021 in the Southwest Indian Ocean (SWIO). We also analyzed plastic debris accumulated on beaches of the east coast of Madagascar as a proxy for ocean plastics to compare the characteristics of beached plastics and plastic ingested by turtles. We conducted a "brand audit" of the plastics to determine their country of origin. An oceanic circulation model was used to identify the most likely sources of plastics in the SWIO. In total, 202 of the 266 loggerheads analyzed had ingested plastics. Plastics categorized as "hard" and "white" were equally dominant in loggerheads and on beaches, suggesting no diet selectivity. Both the brand audit and circulation modeling demonstrated that Southeast Asia is the main source of plastic pollution in the region. This study demonstrates that loggerheads can be used as bioindicators of plastic pollution in the SWIO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margot Thibault
- UMR ENTROPIE, University of Reunion Island, 15 Avenue René Cassin, BP 7151, 97715, Saint Denis, Reunion Island, France; Centre d'Étude et Découverte de Tortues Marine (CEDTM), Saint-Leu, Reunion Island, France; The Ocean Cleanup, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Kelonia, The Marine Turtle Observatory of Reunion Island, 46 rue du Gal de Gaulle, Saint-Leu, Reunion Island, France; CNRS, Université Toulouse III, Laboratoire des Interactions Moléculaires et Réactivité Chimique et Photochimique (IMRCP), UMR 5623 Toulouse, France.
| | - Ludovic Hoarau
- UMR ENTROPIE, University of Reunion Island, 15 Avenue René Cassin, BP 7151, 97715, Saint Denis, Reunion Island, France; Centre d'Étude et Découverte de Tortues Marine (CEDTM), Saint-Leu, Reunion Island, France
| | | | - Matthieu Le Corre
- UMR ENTROPIE, University of Reunion Island, 15 Avenue René Cassin, BP 7151, 97715, Saint Denis, Reunion Island, France
| | - Mathieu Barret
- Kelonia, The Marine Turtle Observatory of Reunion Island, 46 rue du Gal de Gaulle, Saint-Leu, Reunion Island, France
| | - Emmanuel Cordier
- Osu-Réunion, University of Reunion Island, 15 Avenue René Cassin, BP 7151, 97715, Saint Denis, Reunion Island, France
| | - Stéphane Ciccione
- Kelonia, The Marine Turtle Observatory of Reunion Island, 46 rue du Gal de Gaulle, Saint-Leu, Reunion Island, France
| | | | - Alexandra Ter Halle
- CNRS, Université Toulouse III, Laboratoire des Interactions Moléculaires et Réactivité Chimique et Photochimique (IMRCP), UMR 5623 Toulouse, France
| | | | - Claire Jean
- Kelonia, The Marine Turtle Observatory of Reunion Island, 46 rue du Gal de Gaulle, Saint-Leu, Reunion Island, France
| | - Mayeul Dalleau
- Centre d'Étude et Découverte de Tortues Marine (CEDTM), Saint-Leu, Reunion Island, France
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7
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Costa MBD, Otegui MBP, Zamprogno GC, Caniçali FB, Dos Reis Cozer C, Pelletier E, Graceli JB. Abundance, composition, and distribution of microplastics in intertidal sediment and soft tissues of four species of Bivalvia from Southeast Brazilian urban beaches. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 857:159352. [PMID: 36257412 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In coastal areas, microplastics (MPs) can deposit in sediment, allowing it to be ingested by benthic organisms, like mussels, thus creating a possible transfer to humans. The aim of this study is to evaluate MPs pollution in sediment as a function of shoreline elevation in two urbanized beaches and to evaluate the abundance/frequency of MPs in 4 different species of bivalves commonly used in the human diet, such as the oyster Crassostrea brasiliana, the mussels Mytella strigata and Perna perna and the clam Tivela mactroides, and identify the polymers via μ-FTIR technique. A total of 3337 MPs were found in this study, of which 1488 were found in the sediment at the five sites analyzed, and 1849 in the bivalve tissues at the two sampling sites. MPs contamination was observed in all sediment samples and species of the pool and in each of the 10 specimens of the four species. Thus, the frequency of contamination by MPs reached 100 % for the analyzed samples. The number of filaments is higher than fragments in sediment samples and in each bivalve species. Regarding types and colors, the blue were greater than fragment-type in sediments and samples. In an effort to classify the polymers via μ-FTIR, our study was able to identify polypropylene, polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate, besides a great number of cellulose fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercia Barcellos da Costa
- Chemistry Department, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Av. Fernando Ferrari, 514, Goiabeiras, Vitória, 29075-910, ES, Brazil.
| | - Mariana Beatriz Paz Otegui
- Biological Sciences Department, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Av. Fernando Ferrari, 514, Vitória, Espírito Santo 29075-910, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Carvalho Zamprogno
- Biological Sciences Department, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Av. Fernando Ferrari, 514, Vitória, Espírito Santo 29075-910, Brazil
| | | | | | - Emilien Pelletier
- Institut des Sciences de la mer à Rimouski, UQAR, 310, Allée des Ursulines, Rimouski, QC, Canada
| | - Jones Bernardes Graceli
- Morphology Department, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Av. Marechal Campos, 1468, Vitória, Espírito Santo 290440-090, Brazil
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8
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Pietroluongo G, Quintana Martín-Montalvo B, Antichi S, Miliou A, Costa V. First Assessment of Micro-Litter Ingested by Dolphins, Sea Turtles and Monk Seals Found Stranded along the Coasts of Samos Island, Greece. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12243499. [PMID: 36552419 PMCID: PMC9774117 DOI: 10.3390/ani12243499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This study is the first to assess the occurrence of micro-litter ingested by marine megafauna in the north-eastern Aegean Sea. A total of 25 specimens from four species of marine mammals, including dolphins and monk seals, and two species of sea turtles, found stranded along the coastline of Samos Island, Greece, were selected for the analysis. Litter particles, identified as microplastics (MPs), were ubiquitous throughout all sections of the gastrointestinal tract (oesophagus, stomach and intestine) in all specimens. Overall, the MPs most frequently found were black fibres 0.21-0.50 mm in size. These results provide insight into the extent of micro-litter ingestion and contamination in marine vertebrates. Here we propose a method of standardisation to establish a baseline for marine taxa in this region of the Mediterranean Sea, where knowledge of the topic is still lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Pietroluongo
- Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation, P.O. Box 42, 83103 Pythagorio, Samos, Greece
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Viale dell’Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
- Correspondence: (G.P.); (V.C.)
| | | | - Simone Antichi
- Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation, P.O. Box 42, 83103 Pythagorio, Samos, Greece
- Departamento de Ciencias Marinas y Costeras, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur, Sur KM 5.5, La Paz 23080, Mexico
| | - Anastasia Miliou
- Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation, P.O. Box 42, 83103 Pythagorio, Samos, Greece
| | - Valentina Costa
- Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation, P.O. Box 42, 83103 Pythagorio, Samos, Greece
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn (SZN), Contrada Torre Spaccata, Località Torre Spaccata, 87071 Amendolara, Italy
- Correspondence: (G.P.); (V.C.)
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9
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Darmon G, Schulz M, Matiddi M, Loza AL, Tòmàs J, Camedda A, Chaieb O, El Hili HA, Bradai MN, Bray L, Claro F, Dellinger T, Dell'Amico F, de Lucia GA, Duncan EM, Gambaiani D, Godley B, Kaberi H, Kaska Y, Martin J, Moreira C, Ostiategui P, Pham CK, Piermarini R, Revuelta O, Rodríguez Y, Silvestri C, Snape R, Sozbilen D, Tsangaris C, Vale M, Vandeperre F, Miaud C. Drivers of litter ingestion by sea turtles: Three decades of empirical data collected in Atlantic Europe and the Mediterranean. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 185:114364. [PMID: 36435019 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114364] [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: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Sea turtles are considered as bio-indicators for monitoring the efficiency of restoration measures to reduce marine litter impacts on health. However, the lack of extended and standardised empirical data has prevented the accurate analysis of the factors influencing litter ingestion and the relationships with individual health. Historic data collected from 1988 and standard data collected from 2016 were harmonised to enable such analyses on necropsied loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) in eight Mediterranean and North-East Atlantic countries. Litter was found in 69.24 % of the 1121 individuals, mostly single-use and fishing-related plastics. Spatial location, sex and life history stage explained a minor part of litter ingestion. While no relationships with health could be detected, indicating that all individuals can be integrated as bio-indicators, the mechanistic models published in literature suggest that the high proportion of plastics in the digestive contents (38.77 % per individual) could have long-term repercussions on population dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaëlle Darmon
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE-PSL University, IRD, Biogéographie et Écologie des Vertébrés, Montpellier, France.
| | - Marcus Schulz
- AquaEcology GmbH & Co. KG, AquaEcology, Steinkamp 19, 26125 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Marco Matiddi
- Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Nekton Lab, Via di Castel Romano 100, 00144 Roma, RM, Italy
| | - Ana Liria Loza
- University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, EcoAqua University Institute, Telde, Las Palmas 35214, Spain
| | - Jesús Tòmàs
- Marine Zoology Unit, Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, University of Valencia, UVEG, Valencia, Spain
| | - Andrea Camedda
- Institute for Coastal Marine Environment-National Research Council (IAS-CNR) - Institute of Anthropic Impacts and Sustainability in marine environment/National Research Council, Institute of Anthropic Impact and Sustainability in Marine Environment - National Research Council Oristano Section, Località Sa Mardini, 09170 Torregrande, Oristano, Italy
| | - Olfa Chaieb
- Tunisian National Institute for the Sciences and Technologies of the Sea, 28 rue du 2 mars 1934, 2025 Salammbô, Tunisia
| | - Hedia A El Hili
- Centre National de Veille Zoosanitaire (National Center for wildlife health monitoring), Tunisia
| | - Mohamed N Bradai
- Tunisian National Institute for the Sciences and Technologies of the Sea, 28 rue du 2 mars 1934, 2025 Salammbô, Tunisia
| | - Laura Bray
- Institute of Oceanography, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), 46.7 km Athinon-Souniou Ave., Anavyssos, Attiki, 19013, Greece
| | - Françoise Claro
- National museum of natural history, UMS OFB-MNHN-CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Thomas Dellinger
- University of Madeira - Estação de Biologia Marinha do Funchal, Cais de Carvão - Promenade da Orla Marítima P-9000-107 Funchal / Madeira, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos (CIBIO), 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
| | - Florence Dell'Amico
- Centre d'études et de soins pour les tortues marines (CESTM) - Aquarium La Rochelle, Quai Louis Prunier, 17000 La Rochelle, France
| | - Giuseppe A de Lucia
- Institute for Coastal Marine Environment-National Research Council (IAS-CNR) - Institute of Anthropic Impacts and Sustainability in marine environment/National Research Council, Institute of Anthropic Impact and Sustainability in Marine Environment - National Research Council Oristano Section, Località Sa Mardini, 09170 Torregrande, Oristano, Italy
| | - Emily M Duncan
- Marine Turtle Research Group, Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, UK; Ocean Science Institute - OKEANOS, Universidade dos Açores, MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, 9900-138 Horta, Portugal
| | - Delphine Gambaiani
- CESTMED Center for the Study and Conservation of Mediterranean Sea Turtles, Av. du Palais de la Mer, 30240 Le Grau-du-Roi, France
| | - Brendan Godley
- Marine Turtle Research Group, Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, UK
| | - Helen Kaberi
- Institute of Oceanography, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), 46.7 km Athinon-Souniou Ave., Anavyssos, Attiki, 19013, Greece
| | - Yakup Kaska
- Pamukkale University, Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Denizli, Turkey
| | - Jessica Martin
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE-PSL University, IRD, Biogéographie et Écologie des Vertébrés, Montpellier, France
| | - Cláudia Moreira
- University of Coimbra, MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Department of Life Sciences, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Patricia Ostiategui
- University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, EcoAqua University Institute, Telde, Las Palmas 35214, Spain
| | - Christopher K Pham
- Ocean Science Institute - OKEANOS, Universidade dos Açores, MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, 9900-138 Horta, Portugal
| | - Raffaella Piermarini
- Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Nekton Lab, Via di Castel Romano 100, 00144 Roma, RM, Italy
| | - Ohiana Revuelta
- Marine Zoology Unit, Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, University of Valencia, UVEG, Valencia, Spain
| | - Yasmina Rodríguez
- Ocean Science Institute - OKEANOS, Universidade dos Açores, MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, 9900-138 Horta, Portugal
| | - Cecilia Silvestri
- Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Nekton Lab, Via di Castel Romano 100, 00144 Roma, RM, Italy
| | - Robin Snape
- Marine Turtle Research Group, Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, UK
| | - Dogăn Sozbilen
- Pamukkale University, Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Denizli, Turkey
| | - Catherine Tsangaris
- Institute of Oceanography, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), 46.7 km Athinon-Souniou Ave., Anavyssos, Attiki, 19013, Greece
| | - Maria Vale
- Regional Fund for Science and Technology (FRCT), Azores Regional Government, Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal
| | - Frederic Vandeperre
- Ocean Science Institute - OKEANOS, Universidade dos Açores, MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, 9900-138 Horta, Portugal
| | - Claude Miaud
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE-PSL University, IRD, Biogéographie et Écologie des Vertébrés, Montpellier, France
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10
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Solomando A, Cohen-Sánchez A, Box A, Montero I, Pinya S, Sureda A. Microplastic presence in the pelagic fish, Seriola dumerili, from Balearic Islands (Western Mediterranean), and assessment of oxidative stress and detoxification biomarkers in liver. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 212:113369. [PMID: 35508220 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are characterized by their high persistence in marine ecosystems, and due to their small size, they can be easily ingested by very diverse organisms. Although the presence of MPs in wild fish is well documented, there is still limited information on their potential to induce adverse effects. Pelagic fish species, because of their wide distribution, are considered good bioindicators for monitoring environmental pollution of marine ecosystems. This study investigated the presence of MPs in the gastrointestinal tract of the predatory pelagic fish (Seriola dumerili) in the Balearic Islands (Mediterranean Sea), and the possible relationship with oxidative stress through the analysis of biomarkers in liver tissue. The results showed the presence of MPs in 98% of total samples examined (n = 52) with an average of 12.2 ± 1.3 MPs/individual. A greater amount of fibre-like particles was isolated compared to fragments. No correlation between the presence of MPs in the gastrointestinal contents and the size of the fishes was noted. Antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase) and the phase II detoxification enzyme glutathione-S-transferase showed increased activities in fish with higher MPs load. The activity ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase and the levels of malondialdehyde were similar in both groups. In conclusion, the present results provide an important database on the assessment of the presence of MP debris in S. dumerili gastrointestinal tract and, the potential capability to cause oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antònia Solomando
- Research Group in Community Nutrition and Oxidative Stress (NUCOX), University of Balearic Islands-IUNICS, 07122, Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain; Interdisciplinary Ecology Group, Department of Biology, University of the Balearic Islands, E-07122, Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain.
| | - Amanda Cohen-Sánchez
- Research Group in Community Nutrition and Oxidative Stress (NUCOX), University of Balearic Islands-IUNICS, 07122, Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain.
| | - Antonio Box
- Department of Agricultura, Ramaderia, Pesca, Caça i Cooperació Municipal, Consell Insular d'Eivissa, 07800, Balearic Islands, Spain.
| | - Inmaculada Montero
- Grup D'Accio Local Per Al Desenvolupament Rural D'Eivissa i Formentera (GALEF), 07800, Ibiza, Balearic Islands, Spain.
| | - Samuel Pinya
- Interdisciplinary Ecology Group, Department of Biology, University of the Balearic Islands, E-07122, Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain.
| | - Antoni Sureda
- Research Group in Community Nutrition and Oxidative Stress (NUCOX), University of Balearic Islands-IUNICS, 07122, Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain; CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029, Madrid, Spain; Health Research Institute of Balearic Islands (IdISBa), 07120, Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
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11
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Bruno C, Blasi MF, Mattei D, Martellone L, Brancaleone E, Savoca S, Favero G. Polymer composition analysis of plastic debris ingested by loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) in Southern Tyrrhenian Sea through ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 179:105676. [PMID: 35803050 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2022.105676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The ingestion of anthropogenic plastic debris by marine wildlife is widespread in the Mediterranean Sea. The endangered status (in the IUCN Red List) of Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta, Linnaeus, 1758) is a consequence of its vulnerability. In this study, macro-/meso-plastics (5-170 mm) collected from faeces of twelve loggerhead turtles rescued (live) in the Aeolian Archipelago (Southern Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy) were analyzed by size, weight, shape, color and polymer type through Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). The defecation rate during hospitalization (7-14 days) varied among turtles (from 0.08 to 0.58). The mean number of plastic expulsions (2.7 ± 1.8 items for turtle) was higher during the 5th day of hospitalization (Kruskal-Wallis test, P = 0.01). However, the mean number of plastic-like items defecated during the common days of hospitalization did not vary among turtles (Kruskal-Wallis test, P > 0.05). All turtles were found to have ingested plastic. A total of 114 debris items were recovered from their faeces, 113 of which were identified as plastic. Their color was mostly white-transparent (64.9%) and light (19.3%). Shape was mainly fragments (52.6%), sheets (38.6%), followed by nylon, net-fragments, elastic plastic, foamed plastic and industrial granules (8.8%). Meso-plastics (5-25 mm) represented 72% of the total number of debris and were found more frequently in turtle with Curved Carapace Length (CCL) ≤ 60 cm (CCL = 30-60 cm, n = 5) than those with CCL >60 cm (CCL = 60-71 cm, n = 7). Plastic items were composed mainly of polyethylene (48.2%) and polypropylene (34.2%). Polypropylene (R2 = 0.95, P < 0.001) and polyisoprene (R2 = 0.45, P = 0.017) were more common in meso-plastics while polyethylene (R2 = 0.44, P < 0.01) in macro-plastics. Finally, high-density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyamide and polyurethane were also found in some turtles. This study reveals high spreads of plastic contamination in faeces of both turtles with CCL ≤60 cm and CCL >60 cm, particularly vulnerable to the increasing quantity of floating plastic into their foraging sites highlighting the need of further research to associate debris ingestion with turtle diet and their size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Bruno
- Filicudi Wildlife Conservation, Località Stimpagnato Filicudi, 98050, Lipari, ME, Italy
| | - Monica Francesca Blasi
- Filicudi Wildlife Conservation, Località Stimpagnato Filicudi, 98050, Lipari, ME, Italy; Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Roma "La Sapienza", Roma, RM, Italy; Dipartimento Ambiente e Salute, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma, RM, Italy.
| | - Daniela Mattei
- Dipartimento Ambiente e Salute, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma, RM, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Martellone
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Roma "La Sapienza", Roma, RM, Italy; Dipartimento Ambiente e Salute, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma, RM, Italy
| | - Eleonora Brancaleone
- Dipartimento Ambiente e Salute, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma, RM, Italy; Dipartimento di Biologia Ambientale, Università degli Studi di Roma "La Sapienza", Roma, RM, Italy
| | - Serena Savoca
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Biologiche, Farmaceutiche e Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Messina, Italy
| | - Gabriele Favero
- Dipartimento di Biologia Ambientale, Università degli Studi di Roma "La Sapienza", Roma, RM, Italy
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12
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Yaghmour F, Samara F, Ghalayini T, Kanan SM, Elsayed Y, Al Bousi M, Al Naqbi H. Junk food: Polymer composition of macroplastic marine debris ingested by green and loggerhead sea turtles from the Gulf of Oman. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 828:154373. [PMID: 35278539 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154373] [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: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Pollution of the marine environment by plastic marine debris has become one of the most pervasive threats impacting marine environments. In this study, for the first time, we evaluate the polymer types of the plastic marine debris ingested by 49 green and 14 loggerhead sea turtle strandings in the Gulf of Oman. Plastic marine debris was ingested by 73.5% of green and 42.9% of loggerhead sea turtles in this study. Overall, evidence suggested that green sea turtles from the Gulf of Oman coast of the United Arab Emirates ingested high levels of plastic marine debris, predominantly Polypropylene (PP) & Polyethylene (PE), followed by Nylon, PP-PE mixture, Polystyrene (PS), Poly vinyl chloride (PVC) and Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), respectively. Loggerhead sea turtles also ingested high levels of plastic marine debris, which also predominantly consisted of PP & PE, followed by PP-PE mixture, Nylon and PS. While recent studies were directed into polymer characterization of micro-plastics in aquatic life, our study focuses on macro-plastics which impose significantly greater risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fadi Yaghmour
- Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre (Scientific Research Department), Environment and Protected Areas Authority, Kalba, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates..
| | - Fatin Samara
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Thouraya Ghalayini
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sofian M Kanan
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Yehya Elsayed
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Marwa Al Bousi
- EPAA Kalba Office (Scientific Research Department), Environment and Protected Areas Authority, Kalba, United Arab Emirates
| | - Halima Al Naqbi
- EPAA Kalba Office (Scientific Research Department), Environment and Protected Areas Authority, Kalba, United Arab Emirates
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13
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Solomando A, Pujol F, Sureda A, Pinya S. Ingestion and characterization of plastic debris by loggerhead sea turtle, Caretta caretta, in the Balearic Islands. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 826:154159. [PMID: 35231507 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Plastic waste has become ubiquitous pollutants in seas and oceans and can affect a wide range of species. For some marine species, plastic debris could pose a considerable threat through entanglement, ingestion, and habitat degradation and loss. Sea turtles are one of the most sensitive species, as their migratory behaviour and multifaceted life cycles make these reptiles especially vulnerable to the negative effects of plastic debris. The present study aimed to assess the amount and composition of plastic debris ingested by loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta, Linnaeus, 1758) in the Balearic Islands Sea, thusly providing new information to complete the knowledge for this topic. In this work, 45 stranded dead C. caretta specimens were necropsied, and their digestive tract content analysed for the presence of plastic debris. Plastic objects were observed in 27 individuals (60.0%), with an average of 12.7 ± 4.7 plastic items per turtle. Litter in the faecal pellet was also monitored in 67 living individuals, observing plastic elements in 46 (68.7%) of the specimens, reporting an average of 9.7 ± 3.3 plastic elements per individual. Overall, 785 plastic items were found, measured, weighed and categorized according to size, colour, shape, and type of polymer. The main elements ingested were plastic sheets that were found in 65.3% of the turtles analysed, being white (42.7%) and transparent (29.2%) the most predominant colours. Most elements were macroplastics (59.3%), while microplastics were not found. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (FT-IR) analysis showed that high-density polyethylene and polypropylene were the main polymer plastics, representing 42.3% and 33.8% of the total, respectively. In conclusion, the high occurrence of plastic debris determined in the present study evidenced for the first time plastic ingestion in loggerhead turtles in the Balearic Islands, and highlights C. caretta as a bioindicator organism for marine pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antònia Solomando
- Research Group in Community Nutrition and Oxidative Stress, University of Balearic Islands, E-07122 Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain; Interdisciplinary Ecology Group, Department of Biology, University of the Balearic Islands, E-07122 Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain.
| | - Francisca Pujol
- Palma Aquarium Foundation, Carrer Manuela de los Herreros i Sorà 21, 07610 Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain
| | - Antoni Sureda
- Research Group in Community Nutrition and Oxidative Stress, University of Balearic Islands, E-07122 Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain; CIBEROBN (Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition), University of the Balearic Islands, E-07122 Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain.
| | - Samuel Pinya
- Interdisciplinary Ecology Group, Department of Biology, University of the Balearic Islands, E-07122 Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain.
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14
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Moon Y, Shim WJ, Han GM, Jeong J, Cho Y, Kim IH, Kim MS, Lee HR, Hong SH. What type of plastic do sea turtles in Korean waters mainly ingest? Quantity, shape, color, size, polymer composition, and original usage. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 298:118849. [PMID: 35032602 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.118849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Globally, sea turtles are at high risk of ingesting plastic. However, research on plastic ingestion by sea turtles in East Asia is scant, and no quantitative or qualitative investigation has been conducted in Korean waters. This study examined the plastic ingestion of sea turtles stranded, floating, or incidentally captured in Korean waters between 2012 and 2018. The quantity, shape, color, size, polymer type, and original usage of plastic debris (>1 mm) ingested by sea turtles were analyzed after being sorted from the gastrointestinal tracts of 34 turtles (21 loggerheads (Caretta caretta), 9 green turtles (Chelonia mydas), 2 leatherbacks (Dermochelys coriacea), and 2 olive ridleys (Lepidochelys olivacea)). The ingestion frequencies of greens, loggerheads, olive ridleys, and leatherbacks were 100%, 81%, 50%, and 50%, respectively. The mean amount of plastic ingested was 108 ± 253 mg/kg (38 ± 61 n/ind.). The ingested debris tended to be films and fibers (>80%), light in color (white and transparent; 65%), and light polymers (polyethylene, polypropylene, polypropylene [poly (ethylene:propylene)], expanded polystyrene; 93%). The original uses were identified for 187 pieces; single-use plastics (e.g., plastic bag and packaging) and fishing and aquaculture items (e.g., twine and net) were found to dominate. Green turtles (264 ± 433 mg/kg) ingested significantly higher amounts of plastic than loggerheads (72.8 ± 156 mg/kg). Green turtles ingested mostly fibers (51%), such as rope, twine, and net, while loggerheads ingested largely films (61%), such as plastic bags and packaging. Interspecies differences in quantities and shapes of ingested debris may be related to their distinct feeding habits and geographical range of movement. The present study demonstrates that sea turtles foraging in Korean waters are considerably affected by marine plastic debris, and indicates that proper waste management of single-use plastics and fishing gears is urgently needed to mitigate the damage that plastic debris causes to marine wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yelim Moon
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje, Republic of Korea; Department of Ocean Science, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Joon Shim
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje, Republic of Korea; Department of Ocean Science, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Gi Myung Han
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje, Republic of Korea
| | - Jongwook Jeong
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje, Republic of Korea; Department of Ocean Science, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Youna Cho
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje, Republic of Korea; Department of Ocean Science, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Il-Hun Kim
- National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea, Seochun-gun, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Seop Kim
- National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea, Seochun-gun, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae-Rim Lee
- National Institute of Ecology, Seochun-gun, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Hee Hong
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje, Republic of Korea; Department of Ocean Science, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea.
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15
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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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16
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Int-Veen I, Nogueira P, Isigkeit J, Hanel R, Kammann U. Positively buoyant but sinking: Polymer identification and composition of marine litter at the seafloor of the North Sea and Baltic Sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 172:112876. [PMID: 34450407 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112876] [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: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Different litter types accumulate in all marine environments. Plastics are of special interest because of their high abundance and possible threats to marine organisms. Polymer type is crucial for their distribution and fate in marine environments. Seafloor litter abundance and composition in the Baltic and North Sea were analysed based on three sampling campaigns according to the protocol of ICES International Bottom Trawl Survey. Polymers were identified via attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. General litter abundances differed significantly between the Baltic and North Sea with 9.6 items/km2 and 70.7 items/km2, respectively. Plastic built the dominating litter group in both seas (62.2% and 91.3%, respectively). Polymer identification revealed clear dominance of polyethylene, polypropylene and polyamide. Most polymers were positively buoyant in seawater (89.5%), thereby excluding polymer density as the main driver of vertical plastic litter transportation. Plastics at the seafloor basically reflected the entirety of polymers entering marine environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivo Int-Veen
- Thünen Institute of Fisheries Ecology, Herwigstraße 31, 27572 Bremerhaven, Germany.
| | - Pedro Nogueira
- Thünen Institute of Fisheries Ecology, Herwigstraße 31, 27572 Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Jason Isigkeit
- Thünen Institute of Fisheries Ecology, Herwigstraße 31, 27572 Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Reinhold Hanel
- Thünen Institute of Fisheries Ecology, Herwigstraße 31, 27572 Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Ulrike Kammann
- Thünen Institute of Fisheries Ecology, Herwigstraße 31, 27572 Bremerhaven, Germany
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17
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Prokić MD, Gavrilović BR, Radovanović TB, Gavrić JP, Petrović TG, Despotović SG, Faggio C. Studying microplastics: Lessons from evaluated literature on animal model organisms and experimental approaches. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 414:125476. [PMID: 33647615 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Although we are witnesses of an increase in the number of studies examining the exposure/effects of microplastics (MPs) on different organisms, there are many unknowns. This review aims to: (i) analyze current studies devoted to investigating the exposure/effects of MPs on animals; (ii) provide some basic knowledge about different model organisms and experimental approaches used in studying MPs; and to (iii) convey directions for future studies. We have summarized data from 500 studies published from January 2011 to May 2020, about different aspects of model organisms (taxonomic group of organisms, type of ecosystem they inhabit, life-stage, sex, tissue and/or organ) and experimental design (laboratory/field, ingestion/bioaccumulation/effect). We also discuss and try to encourage investigation of some less studied organisms (terrestrial and freshwater species, among groups including Annelida, Nematoda, Echinodermata, Cnidaria, Rotifera, birds, amphibians, reptiles), and aspects of MP pollution (long-term field studies, comparative studies examining life stages, sexes, laboratory and field work). We hope that the information presented in this review will serve as a good starting point and will provide useful guidelines for researchers during the process of deciding on the model organism and study designs for investigating MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marko D Prokić
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković" - National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Branka R Gavrilović
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković" - National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Tijana B Radovanović
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković" - National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jelena P Gavrić
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković" - National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Tamara G Petrović
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković" - National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Svetlana G Despotović
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković" - National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Caterina Faggio
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d'Alcontres, 3198166 Santa Agata-Messina, Italy.
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18
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Savoca D, Arculeo M, Vecchioni L, Cambera I, Visconti G, Melfi R, Arizza V, Palumbo Piccionello A, Buscemi S, Pace A. Can phthalates move into the eggs of the loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta? The case of the nests on the Linosa Island in the Mediterranean Sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 168:112395. [PMID: 33991990 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
During the monitoring of Caretta caretta nests on the island of Linosa, 30 unhatched eggs from four nests were collected to study the presence of phthalates in their three components (shell, yolk, and albumen). Four phthalates, namely diethyl (DEP), dibutyl (DBP), di-(2-ethylhexyl) (DEHP), and dioctyl (DOTP) phthalic acid esters (PAE), which are widely used as additives in plastics, were detected in all egg components. The most frequently found phthalate was DBP, followed by DEHP in eggshell and yolk. Dimethyl- (DMP) and butylbenzyl-phthalate (BBP) were below the limits of detection for all samples. The high total phthalate recorded in the yolk suggests that contamination could arise by vitellogenesis. PERMANOVA analysis (p = 0.01) confirmed significant differences in the PAEs contamination profiles in the eggs from the four nests. This study confirms the negative impact of plastic related compounds posing questions about the potential adverse effects on organisms and their conservation status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Savoca
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, 90100 Palermo, Italy
| | - Marco Arculeo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, 90100 Palermo, Italy
| | - Luca Vecchioni
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, 90100 Palermo, Italy
| | - Irene Cambera
- Marine Protected Area 'Isole Pelagie', Via Cameroni, Lampedusa AG 92031, Italy
| | - Giulia Visconti
- Marine Protected Area 'Isole Pelagie', Via Cameroni, Lampedusa AG 92031, Italy
| | - Raffaella Melfi
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, 90100 Palermo, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Arizza
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, 90100 Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonio Palumbo Piccionello
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, 90100 Palermo, Italy
| | - Silvestre Buscemi
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, 90100 Palermo, Italy
| | - Andrea Pace
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, 90100 Palermo, Italy.
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19
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Curmi M, Axiak V. Extended study on floating litter in Malta's coastal waters (Central Mediterranean). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 166:112200. [PMID: 33677331 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112200] [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: 12/26/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to determine the level of floating marine litter in coastal and inshore areas around Malta and Gozo (Central Mediterranean) and to investigate factors which influence litter distribution. Observations of macro-litter and mega-litter were conducted through seasonal boat surveys around Malta and Gozo during 2018-2019. Visual observations were conducted along line transects whilst maintaining a 6 m observation width. For coastal areas, of up to -1 km away from the shoreline, the total density of litter ranged between 27 and 2428 items/km2, with a mean of 292 ± 85 items/km2. Within inshore areas the density varied between 180 and 46,289 items/km2, with a mean of 3242 ± 1880 items/km2. The highest density was present in winter, this being 2.5 higher than the lowest density season. 91% of the litter was plastic. The manner in which anthropogenic factors and natural events influenced litter accumulations and distributions, are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Curmi
- Department of Biology, University of Malta, Msida, Malta.
| | - Victor Axiak
- Department of Biology, University of Malta, Msida, Malta.
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20
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Chen Y, Awasthi AK, Wei F, Tan Q, Li J. Single-use plastics: Production, usage, disposal, and adverse impacts. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 752:141772. [PMID: 32892042 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Single-use plastics (SUPs), invented for the modern "throwaway society," are intended to be used only once. They are being increasingly produced and used globally, most notably as packaging or consumables, such as SUP shopping bags or disposable tableware. We discuss how most SUPs are landfilled or incinerated, which causes pollution, consumes valuable land, and squanders limited natural resources. Only relatively small amounts are currently recycled, a hindrance to the concept of a circular economy. Moreover, SUP litter aggregation in the natural environment is a major concern. This article briefly reviews SUP contamination in various environmental media including soil, rivers, lakes and oceans around the world. In the face of mounting evidence regarding the threat posed to plant growth, soil invertebrates and other land animals, (sea) birds, and marine ecosystems, there is a growing push to minimize SUPs. Regulatory tools and voluntary actions to reduce SUP usage have been put forward, with some suggestions for minimizing SUP waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Chen
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China; Key Laboratory of Cleaner Production and Integrated Resource Utilization of China National Light Industry, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
| | | | - Fan Wei
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Quanyin Tan
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Jinhui Li
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China; Basel Convention Regional Centre for Asia and the Pacific, Beijing 100084, China.
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21
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Garcia-Garin O, Borrell A, Aguilar A, Cardona L, Vighi M. Floating marine macro-litter in the North Western Mediterranean Sea: Results from a combined monitoring approach. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 159:111467. [PMID: 32692674 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111467] [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: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was twofold: (i) to validate the drone methodology for floating marine macro-litter (FMML) monitoring, by comparing the results obtained through concurrent drone surveys and visual observations from vessels, and (ii) to assess FMML densities along the North Western Mediterranean Sea using the validated drone surveys. The comparison between monitoring techniques was performed based on 18 concurrent drone/vessel transects. Similar densities of FMML were detected through the two methods (16 items km-2 from the drone method vs 19 items km-2 from the vessel-based visual method). The assessment of FMML densities was done using 40 additional drone transects performed over the waters off the Catalan coast. The densities of FMML observed ranged 0-200 items km-2. These results provide a validation of the use of drones to monitor FMML and contribute to increasing the knowledge about the density of FMML in the North Western Mediterranean Sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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.
| | - Asunción Borrell
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, and Institute of Biodiversity Research (IRBio), Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alex Aguilar
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, and Institute of Biodiversity Research (IRBio), Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luis Cardona
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, and Institute of Biodiversity Research (IRBio), Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Morgana Vighi
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, and Institute of Biodiversity Research (IRBio), Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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