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Selvakumar U, Wijesinghe RDN, Arulananthan A. Abundance of Marine Macrodebris on the Northern Coast of Jaffna Peninsula, Sri Lanka. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:54534-54545. [PMID: 39207614 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-34771-z] [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: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Marine plastic debris has emerged as a pressing concern along the northern coast of Jaffna, Sri Lanka, posing a significant threat to marine resources. A preliminary study was conducted to investigate the abundance and characteristics of marine plastic debris at four major fish landing sites in the northern coast of Jaffna, using the Clean Coast Index (CCI) and Plastic Abundance Index (PAI). The results revealed that the average abundance of marine debris and plastic debris were 1.71 ± 0.42 items/m2 and 1.66 ± 0.57 items/m2, respectively. The most common types of plastic debris represented plastic rope and net pieces (23.2%), followed by unidentified weathered plastic fragments (16.7%), beverage bottles (16.2%), bottle caps and lids (13%), and styrofoam (14.1%). The recognized sources of plastic debris were mainly fishing-based activities, recreation activities, transboundary sources, and unidentified sources. The fish landing sites were classified as exceptionally polluted, with a CCI exceeding 10 and a PAI value exceeding 8. Myliddy had the highest debris density, indicating substantial pollution levels, followed by Point Pedro, Mathagal, and Valveddithurai. These findings underscore the urgency of establishing a comprehensive plastic waste management framework for the northern coast of Jaffna and devising strategies to address buoyant debris within the northern Indian Ocean. Furthermore, this study carries significant implications for the local marine ecosystem, coastal communities, and Sri Lanka's broader environmental policies and practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urmila Selvakumar
- Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science and Technology, University of Ruhuna, Matara, Wallamadama, Sri Lanka.
| | | | - Ashani Arulananthan
- Department of Civil Engineering, Division of Urban Pollution Research Group, Aalborg University, Aalborg Øst, Denmark
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2
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Monchanin C, Desmolles M, Rivetta K, Saramul S, Charoenpong C, Mehrotra R. Spatiotemporal variations in marine macro-litter pollution along the shoreline of Koh Mun Nai, an uninhabited island in the Gulf of Thailand. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 352:124098. [PMID: 38729512 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124098] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Despite a recent ambitious plan to improve waste management in Thailand, few studies have monitored the impact of these policies on beached marine litter. Here, we assessed weekly the amounts and composition of stranded macro-litter (≥2.5 cm) on five beaches from an uninhabited island in Thailand during one year. A total of 24,407 items (391.86 kg) yielded a mean abundance of 3.18 ± 11.39 items m-2 (52.75 ± 204.68 g m-2), with plastic being the most abundant marine litter (48% of the total number). The overall Clean Coast Index (30.1) classified the beaches as 'extremely dirty', with a Plastic Abundance Index of 9.8 ('very high abundance' of plastics). When assessing the seasonal rates of accumulation, we found a higher flux pre-monsoon (0.05 items m-2 d-1; 0.66 g m-2 d-1) than post-monsoon (0.01 items m-2 d-1; 0.35 g m-2 d-1). Using modeling of the local hydrodynamic conditions, we explored the potential sources of the pollution, and surprisingly found that the closest river appeared not to be the source. Our results denote that the distribution and typology of marine litter were representatives of household and fishing activities, which in turn highlights the need for better regional litter management measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coline Monchanin
- Aow Thai Marine Ecology Center, Love Wildlife Foundation, FREC Bangkok, 77 Nakhon Sawan Road, Wat Sommanat, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok, 10100, Thailand.
| | - Matthias Desmolles
- Aow Thai Marine Ecology Center, Love Wildlife Foundation, FREC Bangkok, 77 Nakhon Sawan Road, Wat Sommanat, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok, 10100, Thailand
| | - Kilian Rivetta
- Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phayathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Suriyan Saramul
- Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phayathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Chawalit Charoenpong
- Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phayathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Rahul Mehrotra
- Aow Thai Marine Ecology Center, Love Wildlife Foundation, FREC Bangkok, 77 Nakhon Sawan Road, Wat Sommanat, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok, 10100, Thailand
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3
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Gracia C A, Neal WJ, Rangel-Buitrago N. Emerging from lockdown: Medical and sanitary waste on a Colombian beach during the first holiday season after COVID pandemic. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 202:116355. [PMID: 38615518 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Gracia C
- Programa de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad del Atlántico, Puerto Colombia, Atlántico, Colombia.
| | - William J Neal
- Department of Geology, Grand Valley State University, The Seymour K. & Esther R. Padnos Hall of Science 213A, Allendale, MI, USA
| | - Nelson Rangel-Buitrago
- Programa de Física, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad del Atlántico, Puerto Colombia, Atlántico, Colombia.
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Jayapala HPS, Jayasiri HB, Ranatunga RRMK, Perera IJJUN, Bellanthudawa BKA. Ecological ramifications of marine debris in mangrove ecosystems: Estimation of substrate coverage and physical effects of marine debris on mangrove ecosystem in Negombo Lagoon, Sri Lanka. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 201:116184. [PMID: 38412797 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116184] [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: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
The adverse environmental impacts on mangrove ecosystems due to anthropogenic marine debris contamination have attracted public attention not only in Sri Lanka but worldwide. Therefore, quantification of marine debris in sensitive ecosystems like mangroves is critical to assess the impacts on ecosystem vitality and services. We conducted this study to assess the abundance and density of marine debris in Negombo lagoon, Western Province, Sri Lanka. We selected two sites (n = 2) using the purposive sampling technique. Marine debris cover and concentration were calculated to explore the extent of pollution from marine debris. The findings revealed that 9.83 ± 1.05 % of the substrate of the mangrove ecosystem is covered by debris. Nine types of marine debris were recorded, and a higher abundance belonged to single-use plastic items. A significantly higher debris cover was found in Kadolkele (18.80 ± 1.74 %, n = 120) than in Molekadolwetiya (0.85 ± 0.03 %, n = 120) (One-way ANOVA, p < 0.05). The study indicated that the mangroves in lagoon are highly polluted with marine debris and act as "litter catchers." Correlation coefficient analysis was used to find the impact of debris cover on physical damage to roots, seedlings, and undergrowth vegetation. Correlation analysis revealed that physical damage to seedlings and branches/barks have a positive correlation with debris cover. To conserve these valuable coastal habitats in Negombo lagoon, it is recommended to take remedial measures to reduce arriving debris loads and to remove the debris present in mangroves.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - H B Jayasiri
- Ocean University of Sri Lanka, Colombo 15, Sri Lanka
| | - R R M K Ranatunga
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | - I J J U N Perera
- Department of Agricultural Engineering and Environmental Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Matara 81100, Sri Lanka
| | - B K A Bellanthudawa
- Department of Agricultural Engineering and Environmental Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Matara 81100, Sri Lanka.
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Irfan T, Isobe A, Matsuura H. A particle tracking model approach to determine the dispersal of riverine plastic debris released into the Indian Ocean. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 199:115985. [PMID: 38184858 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115985] [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: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Although the Indian Ocean receives a large amount of land-based plastic waste, the studies on pathways of riverine plastic debris are limited to date. Therefore, a particle tracking model that included ocean surface currents, horizontal diffusion, Stokes drift, windage, and beaching/re-drifting processes was developed to reproduce the behavior of riverine plastic debris in the Indian Ocean. The modeled particles were released in the model domain based on riverine plastic debris database. The maximum abundance of beached particles occurred during the southwesterly monsoon season, particularly in the Bay of Bengal. The particles released from the rivers were trapped in the northern Indian Ocean unless both Stokes drift and windage were excluded from transportation velocity. These results suggest that the riverine plastic debris was trapped in the northern Indian Ocean until it fragmented into less buoyant small microplastics drifting in the subsurface layer, free from windage and Stokes drift at increasing depths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahira Irfan
- Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Engineering Sciences, Kyushu University, 6-1 Kasuga-Koen, Kasuga 816-8580, Japan.
| | - Atsuhiko Isobe
- Research Institute for Applied Mechanics, Kyushu University, 6-1 Kasuga-Koen, Kasuga 816-8580, Japan
| | - Hiromi Matsuura
- Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Engineering Sciences, Kyushu University, 6-1 Kasuga-Koen, Kasuga 816-8580, Japan
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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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Mugilarasan M, Karthik R, Robin RS, Subbareddy B, Hariharan G, Anandavelu I, Jinoj TPS, Purvaja R, Ramesh R. Anthropogenic marine litter: An approach to environmental quality for India's southeastern Arabian Sea coast. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 866:161363. [PMID: 36610620 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.161363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic marine litter (AML), mainly plastic, is a global concern that is persistent and widespread. To prevent and mitigate this threat, we need to understand the magnitude and source of AML. There is limited knowledge about AML pollution on the Indian Coast. In this context, the present study examined the distribution, abundance, typology, and beach quality based on AML along 22 beaches on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Sea. A total of 4911 AML items were classified into 9 categories, weighing 16.79 kg, and retrieved from a total area of 8000 m2. The mean abundance and weight of AML in the current study were 0.45 ± 0.34 items/m2 and 1.53 ± 0.92 g/m2, respectively. Thottapally showed the most abundant AML among the studied beaches with 0.96 items/m2, followed by Azheekkal with 0.73 items/m2. Plastic, being the most common item, accounts for 77.6 % of all items and has a mean density of 0.35 items/m2 comprising hard plastic (22 %), thermocol (13 %), food wrappers (7 %), cigarette butts (7 %), plastic rope (6 %), and plastic cutlery (6 %). Hazardous anthropogenic litter (HAL) was maximum at Thottapally (17.71 %; 85 out of 480 items collected). Based on the cleanliness of beaches, they are graded "moderately clean" (63 %) by the General Index (GI), "clean" (54 %), and "moderately clean" (40 %) as calculated by the Clean Coast Index (CCI). Hazardous Anthropogenic Beach Litter Index (HABLI) classifies 72 % of beaches as "moderately safe", while the Environmental Status Index (ESI) rates 68 % of beaches as "mediocre". Besides, model simulations demonstrated the pathways of AML propagation, which correlate to the littoral and coastal current flow patterns over the region. Land-based activities were the crucial factors influencing AML distribution. The study highlighted the need for effective regional litter management strategies, policy instruments for the litter impact pathways, economic, regulatory, and behavioural management tools, which were also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Mugilarasan
- National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Chennai 600 025, India
| | - R Karthik
- National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Chennai 600 025, India
| | - R S Robin
- National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Chennai 600 025, India.
| | - B Subbareddy
- National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Chennai 600 025, India
| | - G Hariharan
- National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Chennai 600 025, India
| | - I Anandavelu
- National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Chennai 600 025, India
| | - T P S Jinoj
- National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Chennai 600 025, India
| | - R Purvaja
- National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Chennai 600 025, India
| | - R Ramesh
- National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Chennai 600 025, India
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8
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Fruergaard M, Laursen SN, Larsen MN, Posth NR, Niebe KB, Bentzon-Tarp A, Svenningsen SK, Acevedo N LI, Trinh BS, Tran-Thi PT, Doan-Nhu H, Nguyen-Ngoc L, Andersen TJ. Abundance and sources of plastic debris on beaches in a plastic hotspot, Nha Trang, Viet Nam. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 186:114394. [PMID: 36493520 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Viet Nam is challenged by extensive marine plastic pollution, however, remediation efforts are hampered by undefined sources to the coastal environment. This study surveyed the abundance, type, and source of beached plastic litter at seven beaches along the coast of Nha Trang, Viet Nam. A total of 4754 beached plastic litter items (>2 cm) yielded a mean abundance of 19.8 ± 19.5 items m-2 corresponding to 116 ± 226 g DW m-2. Our results demonstrate that plastic litter related to fishing and aquaculture constituted at least 62 % of the total by weight and 38 % by number, showing that these two sectors are responsible for a significant part of the plastic pollution along the coast. Hence, we argue that improved management of the fishing and aquaculture sectors could substantially reduce marine plastic pollution along Viet Nam's coast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikkel Fruergaard
- Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management (IGN), University of Copenhagen, Øster Voldgade 10, DK-1350 Copenhagen K, Denmark.
| | - Simon N Laursen
- Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management (IGN), University of Copenhagen, Øster Voldgade 10, DK-1350 Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Marianne N Larsen
- Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management (IGN), University of Copenhagen, Øster Voldgade 10, DK-1350 Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Nicole R Posth
- Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management (IGN), University of Copenhagen, Øster Voldgade 10, DK-1350 Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Kasper B Niebe
- Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management (IGN), University of Copenhagen, Øster Voldgade 10, DK-1350 Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Abeline Bentzon-Tarp
- Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management (IGN), University of Copenhagen, Øster Voldgade 10, DK-1350 Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Sidsel K Svenningsen
- Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management (IGN), University of Copenhagen, Øster Voldgade 10, DK-1350 Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Laura I Acevedo N
- Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management (IGN), University of Copenhagen, Øster Voldgade 10, DK-1350 Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Bao-Son Trinh
- Institute for Environment and Resources, National University of Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | | | - Hai Doan-Nhu
- Department of Marine Plankton, Institute of Oceanography (Viet Nam Academy of Science and Technology, VAST), Cau Da 01, Nha Trang 650000, Viet Nam
| | - Lam Nguyen-Ngoc
- Department of Marine Plankton, Institute of Oceanography (Viet Nam Academy of Science and Technology, VAST), Cau Da 01, Nha Trang 650000, Viet Nam
| | - Thorbjørn J Andersen
- Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management (IGN), University of Copenhagen, Øster Voldgade 10, DK-1350 Copenhagen K, Denmark
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Perumal K, Muthuramalingam S, Chellaiyan S. Marine litter on the beaches of the Kanyakumari, Southern India: An assessment of their abundance and pollution indices. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 186:114443. [PMID: 36495610 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114443] [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: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The problem of marine litter is increasing along the Indian coast. For conducting a baseline study to identify and assess the abundance, clean-coast index (CCI), and plastics abundance index (PAI) of marine litter were calculated on the beaches of Kanyakumari, Southern India. A total of 11,439 marine litter items were collected and classified into 33 groups along the 7 beaches of Kanyakumari. From the results, plastics were the most abundant items (65.08 %) followed by foam (21.93 %), along with cloths (4.59 %), rubber (3.09 %), papers (2.26 %), glass (2.16 %), metal (0.38 %), wood (0.26 %), and others (0.26 %). The average CCI value (27.24) indicates that all beaches are 'extremely dirty'; however, the PAI average value (4.37) indicates 'high abundance'. About 96.87 % of the marine litter originates from the land-based sources. This study provides an interpretive framework for further plastic pollution assessment, which could lead to a better marine litter management on Indian beaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karthikeyan Perumal
- School of Marine Sciences, Department of Oceanography and Coastal Area Studies, Alagappa University, Karaikudi 630 003, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Subagunasekar Muthuramalingam
- Centre for Geoinformatics, School of Health Sciences & Rural Development, The Gandhigram Rural Institute, Dindigul 624 302, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Stella Chellaiyan
- School of Marine Sciences, Department of Oceanography and Coastal Area Studies, Alagappa University, Karaikudi 630 003, Tamil Nadu, India
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10
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Mishra P, Kaviarasan T, Sambandam M, Dhineka K, Murthy MVR, Iyengar G, Singh J, Ravichandran M. Assessment of national beach litter composition, sources, and management along the Indian coast - a citizen science approach. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 186:114405. [PMID: 36493514 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The present study evaluates the Pan-India beach litter density (items/m2), weight (kg/m2), composition (%), and probable sources based on the citizen science approach. A total of 33 beaches in 2019 and 30 beaches in 2021 were studied. Based on density, the national beach litter average was 0.475± 0.51 and 0.3 ± 0.4 items/m2 in 2019 and 2021, respectively. Plastic was the dominant litter type (65 % in 2019; 74 % in 2021) and Single-Use Plastics (SUPs) were predominant. Based on Clean-Coast Index, six beaches in 2019 and three beaches in 2021 are classified as "extremely dirty". The principal (∼60 %) sources of litter were tourism and public littering. Improving solid waste management, stringent implementation of environmental legislation, leveraging the polluter pays principle, monitoring the effectiveness of SUPs ban, generating awareness, and beach clean-up at regular intervals by engaging the public, educational, and non-governmental organizations will improve and sustain the cleanliness of beaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pravakar Mishra
- National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), Ministry of Earth Sciences, Govt. of India, NIOT Campus, Pallikaranai, Chennai, 600 100, India.
| | - Thanamegam Kaviarasan
- National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), Ministry of Earth Sciences, Govt. of India, NIOT Campus, Pallikaranai, Chennai, 600 100, India
| | - Murugan Sambandam
- National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), Ministry of Earth Sciences, Govt. of India, NIOT Campus, Pallikaranai, Chennai, 600 100, India
| | - Kuppuswamy Dhineka
- National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), Ministry of Earth Sciences, Govt. of India, NIOT Campus, Pallikaranai, Chennai, 600 100, India
| | - M V Ramana Murthy
- National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), Ministry of Earth Sciences, Govt. of India, NIOT Campus, Pallikaranai, Chennai, 600 100, India
| | - Gopal Iyengar
- Ministry of Earth Sciences, Govt. of India, New Delhi, 110003, India
| | - Jagvir Singh
- Ministry of Earth Sciences, Govt. of India, New Delhi, 110003, India
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Perera K, Ziajahromi S, Bengtson Nash S, Manage PM, Leusch FDL. Airborne Microplastics in Indoor and Outdoor Environments of a Developing Country in South Asia: Abundance, Distribution, Morphology, and Possible Sources. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:16676-16685. [PMID: 36441558 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c05885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Airborne microplastics (AMPs) have been reported in indoor and outdoor air in high-income countries and are expected to be a significant contributor to daily microplastic (MP) exposure for human beings. To date, there are only a handful of studies in lower-middle-income countries. In this study, AMPs from 5000 to 50 μm were sampled across selected areas of Sri Lanka using an active sampling technique. Suspected AMPs were further characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. MP concentrations were higher indoors compared to outdoor air (0.13-0.93, compared to 0.00-0.23 particles/m3, respectively). The types of indoor MPs were related to indoor-generating sources, and the occupant's lifestyles. The highest outdoor MP abundance was found near an industrial zone, followed by urban and inland locations in high-density areas. The dominant size range of MPs was 100-300 μm, and the only shapes observed indoors and outdoors were fibers (98%) and fragments. Polyethylene terephthalate was the most prominent MP type, followed by polyester, indicating that textile fibers could be the major source of these AMPs. This study provides the first report on AMPs in Sri Lanka. Considering population growth and industrialization, further research should evaluate possible trends and health risks upon inhalation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kushani Perera
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Southport Qld 4222, Australia
| | - Shima Ziajahromi
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Southport Qld 4222, Australia
| | - Susan Bengtson Nash
- Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Southport Qld 4222, Australia
| | - Pathmalal M Manage
- Centre for Water Quality and Algae Research, Department of Zoology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka
| | - Frederic D L Leusch
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Southport Qld 4222, Australia
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12
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Islam MS, Phoungthong K, Islam ARMT, Ali MM, Ismail Z, Shahid S, Kabir MH, Idris AM. Sources and management of marine litter pollution along the Bay of Bengal coast of Bangladesh. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 185:114362. [PMID: 36410195 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Marine debris is often detected everywhere in the oceans after it enters the marine ecosystems from various sources. Marine litter pollution is a major threat to the marine ecosystem in Bangladesh. A preliminary study was conducted to identify the sources of marine litter (plastics, foamed plastic, clothes, glass, ceramic, metals, paper, and cardboard) along the Bay of Bengal coast. From the observations, the range of abundance of the collected marine litter was 0.14-0.58 items/m2. From the ten sampling sites, the highest amount of marine litter was observed for aluminium cans (3500), followed by plastic bottles (3200). The spatial distribution pattern indicated that all the study areas had beach litter of all types of materials. The present investigation showed that plastics were the dominating pollutants in the marine ecosystem in Bangladesh. The clean-coast index (CCI) value indicated that the Cox's Bazar coast was clean to dirty class. The abundance, distribution, and pollution of marine litter along the coastal belts pose a potential threat to the entire ecosystem. This study will help come up with ways to manage and get rid of marine litter along the coast in an effective way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Saiful Islam
- Environmental Assessment and Technology for Hazardous Waste Management Research Center, Faculty of Environmental Management, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90112, Thailand; Department of Soil Science, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Dumki, Patuakhali 8602, Bangladesh; Centre for River and Coastal Engineering (CRCE), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), 81310 Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
| | - Khamphe Phoungthong
- Environmental Assessment and Technology for Hazardous Waste Management Research Center, Faculty of Environmental Management, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90112, Thailand.
| | | | - Mir Mohammad Ali
- Department of Aquaculture, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh
| | - Zulhilmi Ismail
- Centre for River and Coastal Engineering (CRCE), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), 81310 Johor Bahru, Malaysia; Department of Water & Environmental Engineering, School of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), 81310, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Shamsuddin Shahid
- Centre for River and Coastal Engineering (CRCE), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), 81310 Johor Bahru, Malaysia; Department of Water & Environmental Engineering, School of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), 81310, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Md Humayun Kabir
- Department of Environmental Science and Resource Management, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail, Bangladesh
| | - Abubakr M Idris
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 62529, Saudi Arabia; Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, Abha 62529, Saudi Arabia
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13
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James BD, de Vos A, Aluwihare LI, Youngs S, Ward CP, Nelson RK, Michel APM, Hahn ME, Reddy CM. Divergent Forms of Pyroplastic: Lessons Learned from the M/V X-Press Pearl Ship Fire. ACS ENVIRONMENTAL AU 2022; 2:467-479. [PMID: 37101454 PMCID: PMC10125272 DOI: 10.1021/acsenvironau.2c00020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
In late May 2021, the M/V X-Press Pearl container ship caught fire while anchored 18 km off the coast of Colombo, Sri Lanka and spilled upward of 70 billion pieces of plastic or "nurdles" (∼1680 tons), littering the country's coastline. Exposure to combustion, heat, chemicals, and petroleum products led to an apparent continuum of changes from no obvious effects to pieces consistent with previous reports of melted and burned plastic (pyroplastic) found on beaches. At the middle of this continuum, nurdles were discolored but appeared to retain their prefire morphology, resembling nurdles that had been weathered in the environment. We performed a detailed investigation of the physical and surface properties of discolored nurdles collected on a beach 5 days after the ship caught fire and within 24 h of their arrival onshore. The color was the most striking trait of the plastic: white for nurdles with minimal alteration from the accident, orange for nurdles containing antioxidant degradation products formed by exposure to heat, and gray for partially combusted nurdles. Our color analyses indicate that this fraction of the plastic released from the ship was not a continuum but instead diverged into distinct groups. Fire left the gray nurdles scorched, with entrained particles and pools of melted plastic, and covered in soot, representing partial pyroplastics, a new subtype of pyroplastic. Cross sections showed that the heat- and fire-induced changes were superficial, leaving the surfaces more hydrophilic but the interior relatively untouched. These results provide timely and actionable information to responders to reevaluate cleanup end points, monitor the recurrence of these spilled nurdles, gauge short- and long-term effects of the spilled nurdles to the local ecosystem, and manage the recovery of the spill. These findings underscore partially combusted plastic (pyroplastic) as a type of plastic pollution that has yet to be fully explored despite the frequency at which plastic is burned globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan D. James
- Department
of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, Woods
Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, United States
- Department
of Biology, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, United States
| | - Asha de Vos
- Oceanswell, 9 Park Gardens, Colombo 5 00500, Sri Lanka
- The
Oceans Institute, University of Western
Australia, 35 Stirling
Highway, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Lihini I. Aluwihare
- Scripps
Institution of Oceanography, University
of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Sarah Youngs
- Department
of Applied Ocean Physics and Engineering, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, United States
| | - Collin P. Ward
- Department
of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, Woods
Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, United States
| | - Robert K. Nelson
- Department
of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, Woods
Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, United States
| | - Anna P. M. Michel
- Department
of Applied Ocean Physics and Engineering, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, United States
| | - Mark E. Hahn
- Department
of Biology, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, United States
| | - Christopher M. Reddy
- Department
of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, Woods
Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, United States
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14
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Cordova MR, Iskandar MR, Muhtadi A, Saville R, Riani E. Spatio-temporal variation and seasonal dynamics of stranded beach anthropogenic debris on Indonesian beach from the results of nationwide monitoring. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 182:114035. [PMID: 35973247 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The first stranded macrodebris study on a national scale in Indonesia was conducted on 18 beaches from February 2018 to December 2019. The average weight and abundance of beach debris were higher between October and February (rainy season). The highest stranded macrodebris was located in Ambon, Manado, Takalar, and Padang. Plastic (46.38 %) was the most prevalent type of debris across all macrodebris categories, with single-use plastics such as plastic sachets, plastic bags, and plastic bottles being the dominant macroplastic debris (64.64 %). Based on CCI, HII, and BGI, 18 beaches are "moderately clean," with few hazardous items observed, and "Good." This anthropogenic macrodebris is thought to be more localized (55 %) than transboundary macrodebris. Litter control and environmental quality of this Indonesian coastal region should be improved through a proactive and flexible approach. Finally, extensive stranded beach debris monitoring is recommended to better understand the distribution of macrodebris in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Reza Cordova
- Research Center for Oceanography, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) Republic of Indonesia, BRIN Kawasan Jakarta Ancol, Jalan Pasir Putih I, Ancol Timur, Jakarta 14430, Indonesia.
| | - Mochamad Riza Iskandar
- Research Center for Oceanography, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) Republic of Indonesia, BRIN Kawasan Jakarta Ancol, Jalan Pasir Putih I, Ancol Timur, Jakarta 14430, Indonesia.
| | - Ahmad Muhtadi
- Department of Aquatic Resources Management, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Jl. Prof. A. Sofyan No. 3, Medan 20215, Indonesia.
| | - Ramadhona Saville
- Laboratory of Management Informatics, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Setagaya Campus 1-1-1 Sakuragaoka, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8502, Japan.
| | - Etty Riani
- Department of Aquatic Resources Management, Bogor Agricultural University, Jl. Agatis Kampus IPB Darmaga, Bogor, Jawa Barat 16680, Indonesia.
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15
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Assessment of Marine Debris on Hard-to-Reach Places Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Segmentation Models Based on a Deep Learning Approach. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14148311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
It is difficult to assess the characteristics of marine debris, especially on hard-to-reach places such as uninhabited islands, rocky coasts, and seashore cliffs. In this study, to overcome the difficulties, we developed a method for marine debris assessment using a segmentation model and images obtained by UAVs. The method was tested and verified on an uninhabited island in Korea with a rocky coast and a seashore cliff. Most of the debris was stacked on beaches with low slopes and/or concave shapes. The number of debris items on the whole coast estimated by the mapping was 1295, which was considered to be the actual number of coastal debris items. However, the number of coastal debris items estimated by conventional monitoring method-based statistical estimation was 6741 (±1960.0), which was severely overestimated compared with the mapping method. The segmentation model shows a relatively high F1-score of ~0.74 when estimating a covered area of ~177.4 m2. The developed method could provide reliable estimates of the class of debris density and the covered area, which is crucial information for coastal pollution assessment and management on hard-to-reach places in Korea.
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16
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de Vos A, Aluwihare L, Youngs S, DiBenedetto MH, Ward CP, Michel APM, Colson BC, Mazzotta MG, Walsh AN, Nelson RK, Reddy CM, James BD. The M/V X-Press Pearl Nurdle Spill: Contamination of Burnt Plastic and Unburnt Nurdles along Sri Lanka’s Beaches. ACS ENVIRONMENTAL AU 2022; 2:128-135. [PMID: 37101587 PMCID: PMC10114858 DOI: 10.1021/acsenvironau.1c00031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In May 2021, the M/V X-Press Pearl cargo ship caught fire 18 km off the west coast of Sri Lanka and spilled ∼1680 tons of spherical pieces of plastic or "nurdles" (∼5 mm; white in color). Nurdles are the preproduction plastic used to manufacture a wide range of end products. Exposure to combustion, heat, and chemicals led to agglomeration, fragmentation, charring, and chemical modification of the plastic, creating an unprecedented complex spill of visibly burnt plastic and unburnt nurdles. These pieces span a continuum of colors, shapes, sizes, and densities with high variability that could impact cleanup efforts, alter transport in the ocean, and potentially affect wildlife. Visibly burnt plastic was 3-fold more chemically complex than visibly unburnt nurdles. This added chemical complexity included combustion-derived polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. A portion of the burnt material contained petroleum-derived biomarkers, indicating that it encountered some fossil-fuel products during the spill. The findings of this research highlight the added complexity caused by the fire and subsequent burning of plastic for cleanup operations, monitoring, and damage assessment and provides recommendations to further understand and combat the impacts of this and future spills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asha de Vos
- Oceanswell, 9 Park Gardens, Colombo 5 00500, Sri Lanka
- The Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Lihini Aluwihare
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Sarah Youngs
- Department of Applied Ocean Physics and Engineering, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, United States
| | - Michelle H. DiBenedetto
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Collin P. Ward
- Department of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, United States
| | - Anna P. M. Michel
- Department of Applied Ocean Physics and Engineering, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, United States
| | - Beckett C. Colson
- Department of Applied Ocean Physics and Engineering, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, United States
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- MIT−WHOI Joint Program in Oceanography/Applied Ocean Science & Engineering, Cambridge and Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Michael G. Mazzotta
- Department of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, United States
| | - Anna N. Walsh
- Department of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, United States
- MIT−WHOI Joint Program in Oceanography/Applied Ocean Science & Engineering, Cambridge and Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Robert K. Nelson
- Department of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, United States
| | - Christopher M. Reddy
- Department of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, United States
| | - Bryan D. James
- Department of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, United States
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17
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Baxter L, Lucas Z, Walker TR. Evaluating Canada's single-use plastic mitigation policies via brand audit and beach cleanup data to reduce plastic pollution. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 176:113460. [PMID: 35217426 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Single-use plastics (SUPs) represent a major threat to marine environments and require proactive policies to reduce consumption and mismanagement. Many SUP management strategies exist to reduce SUP use and mitigate environmental impacts, including extended producer responsibility (EPR), deposit-return schemes, SUP bans or taxes, and public outreach and education. This study analyzed brand audit and beach cleanup data in four densely populated Canadian cities (Vancouver, Toronto, Montréal, Halifax) and a remote island (Sable Island) to determine efficacy of ongoing SUP mitigation measures. Cities were found to have similar litter type proportions, and six brands were found to disproportionally contribute to Canadian SUP litter, comprising 39% of branded litter collected. Results confirm that current Canadian SUP management appears to be insufficient to address leakage of SUPs into the environment. Recommendations to strengthen SUP management strategies and mitigate plastic pollution are recommended to improve future Canadian SUP reduction policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Baxter
- Marine Affairs Program, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada.
| | - Zoe Lucas
- Sable Island Institute, P.O. Box 11, Halifax Central, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 2L4, Canada
| | - Tony R Walker
- School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
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18
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Suteja Y, Atmadipoera AS, Riani E, Nurjaya IW, Nugroho D, Purwiyanto AIS. Stranded marine debris on the touristic beaches in the south of Bali Island, Indonesia: The spatiotemporal abundance and characteristic. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 173:113026. [PMID: 34628344 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113026] [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: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Stranded marine debris (MD) has become a hot topic on Bali Island because it threatens coastal tourism sustainability. This study aims to investigate the spatiotemporal abundance and characteristics of MD on 14 touristic beaches in Bali Island. Sampling is carried out twice every season by adapting methods from NOAA's MD program. We found that the average MD abundance and weight were 0.356 ± 0.366 items/m2 and 4.057 ± 3.892 g/m2, respectively. Plastic dominated the MD based on abundance (86.9%) and weight (40.1%). Plastic bags, straws, and plastic cups are the most common items among plastics. The MD is originated from Indonesia and is dominated by land-based sources. The beaches are categorized as dirty in the rainy seasons and clean in the dry seasons. Statistically, the MD based on abundance, weight, category, source, and level of cleanliness varied significantly between seasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulianto Suteja
- Marine Science Department, Faculty of Marine and Fisheries, Udayana University Indonesia, Jl. Raya Kampus Universitas Udayana, Bukit Jimbaran, Bali, Indonesia; Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Bogor Agricultural University, IPB Darmaga Campus, Bogor 16680, West Java, Indonesia.
| | - Agus Saleh Atmadipoera
- Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Bogor Agricultural University, IPB Darmaga Campus, Bogor 16680, West Java, Indonesia.
| | - Etty Riani
- Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Bogor Agricultural University, IPB Darmaga Campus, Bogor 16680, West Java, Indonesia.
| | - I Wayan Nurjaya
- Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Bogor Agricultural University, IPB Darmaga Campus, Bogor 16680, West Java, Indonesia.
| | - Dwiyoga Nugroho
- Agency of Research and Development for Marine and Fisheries, Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Jakarta, Indonesia.
| | - Anna Ida Sunaryo Purwiyanto
- Marine Science Department, Mathematics and Natural Science Faculty, Sriwijaya University, Palembang, Indonesia.
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19
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Rizzo A, Rangel-Buitrago N, Impedovo A, Mastronuzzi G, Scardino G, Scicchitano G. A rapid assessment of litter magnitudes and impacts along the Torre Guaceto marine protected area (Brindisi, Italy). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 173:112987. [PMID: 34601251 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This study focuses on assessing litter magnitudes along the Torre Guaceto Marine Protected Area (Brindisi, Italy). Collected litter was grouped into twenty different types and classified into four litter typologies according to the Guidance on Monitoring of Marine Litter in European Seas. All data were analyzed using an index-based approach that allowed the classification of a coastal stretch in terms of cleanliness, and presence of plastics as well hazardous items. The average litter abundance in the study area was 0.5 items/m2, being plastics the most common litter item. Hazardous litter items were found along the study area, reaching 21.3% of the total collected items. The application of environmental indices allowed to define the study area with a "moderate cleanliness" and a "moderate" presence of hazardous litter items. Sampled litter typologies and related magnitudes suggest a combination of sources that mainly include direct activities on the nearby coastal zones and river basins (dumping).
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Rizzo
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra e Geoambientali, Università degli Studi di Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy.
| | - Nelson Rangel-Buitrago
- Programas de Física - Biologia, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad del Atlántico, Barranquilla, Atlántico, Colombia
| | - Angelita Impedovo
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra e Geoambientali, Università degli Studi di Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Mastronuzzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra e Geoambientali, Università degli Studi di Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Scardino
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra e Geoambientali, Università degli Studi di Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Scicchitano
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra e Geoambientali, Università degli Studi di Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
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20
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Sevwandi Dharmadasa WLS, Andrady AL, Kumara PBTP, Maes T, Gangabadage CS. Microplastic pollution in Marine Protected Areas of Southern Sri Lanka. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 168:112462. [PMID: 33993039 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous in marine environment. The prevalence of MPs in coastal and lagoon sediments, and water were studied in two Marine Protected Areas (MPAs); Bundala National Park (BNP) and Hikkaduwa Marine National Park (HNP) in Sri Lanka. Both areas are important for turtles, birds and coral ecosystems, all of which are particularly threatened by MPs. Abundance of MPs was generally higher in both coastal sediments and waters in HNP (111±29 MPs/m2 for sediments and 0.515±0.054 MPs/m3 for water) than in the BNP (102±16 MPs/m2 for sediments and 0.276±0.077 MPs/m3 for water). The most common shape and polymer type of MPs were fragments and Polyethylene respectively. This research is the first to survey MPs in MPAs in Sri Lanka and provides a baseline of MPs pollution in these environments for future research and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- W L S Sevwandi Dharmadasa
- Department of Oceanography and Marine Geology, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences & Technology, University of Ruhuna, Matara, Sri Lanka.
| | - A L Andrady
- Department of Biology and Marine Biology, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA
| | - P B Terney Pradeep Kumara
- Department of Oceanography and Marine Geology, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences & Technology, University of Ruhuna, Matara, Sri Lanka; Marine Environment Protection Authority, No.177, Nawala Road, Narahenpita, Colombo 05, Sri Lanka
| | - T Maes
- Grid-Arendal, Teaterplassen 3, 4836 Arendal, Norway
| | - C S Gangabadage
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Ruhuna, Matara, Sri Lanka
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21
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Mugilarasan M, Karthik R, Purvaja R, Robin RS, Subbareddy B, Hariharan G, Rohan S, Jinoj TPS, Anandavelu I, Pugalenthi P, Ramesh R. Spatiotemporal variations in anthropogenic marine litter pollution along the northeast beaches of India. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 280:116954. [PMID: 33773306 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Marine litter is widely distributed in marine environments and has been a severe concern worldwide, due to the disposal of waste from diverse sources. The severity of this threat has garnered increasing attention in India over the last decade, but the full consequences of this pollution are yet to be quantified. To estimate the spatiotemporal distribution, composition and beach quality of marine litter pollution, 17 beaches along the Hooghly estuary, a part of the Gangetic delta was studied. Marine litter was collected from 100 m long transects during two seasons (monsoon and post-monsoon). The OSPAR monitoring standard was applied to the 16,597 litter items collected, then grouped under 6 types and 44 categories. In terms of number, litter abundance was higher during monsoon (1.10 ± 0.39 items/m2) than that of post-monsoon (0.86 ± 0.32 items/m2). Most of the beaches were categorized as low cleanliness as computed by the general index and clean coast index and the good for the pellet pollution index. Hazardous litter constituted 6.5% of the total collected litter items. The model prediction revealed that the influence of high discharge from Hooghly, Rasulpur and Subarnarekha River carried enormous anthropogenic litter to the northeast beaches. The litter flux decreases with an increase in distance from the shore, and act as a sink to the sea-floor. The results denote that the distribution and typology of marine litter were representatives of household, tourism and fishing, which in turn highlights the need for better regional litter management measures. Suggested management practices include source reduction, mitigation, management of beach environment and change in littering behaviour through environmental education.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Mugilarasan
- National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Chennai, 600 025, India
| | - R Karthik
- National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Chennai, 600 025, India.
| | - R Purvaja
- National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Chennai, 600 025, India
| | - R S Robin
- National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Chennai, 600 025, India
| | - B Subbareddy
- National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Chennai, 600 025, India
| | - G Hariharan
- National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Chennai, 600 025, India
| | - S Rohan
- National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Chennai, 600 025, India
| | - T P S Jinoj
- National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Chennai, 600 025, India
| | - I Anandavelu
- National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Chennai, 600 025, India
| | - P Pugalenthi
- National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Chennai, 600 025, India
| | - R Ramesh
- National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Chennai, 600 025, India.
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22
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Okuku EO, Kiteresi L, Owato G, Otieno K, Omire J, Kombo MM, Mwalugha C, Mbuche M, Gwada B, Wanjeri V, Nelson A, Chepkemboi P, Achieng Q, Ndwiga J. Temporal trends of marine litter in a tropical recreational beach: A case study of Mkomani beach, Kenya. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 167:112273. [PMID: 33774485 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Six marine litter standing stock surveys were carried out to determine the influence of monsoon on the temporal abundance and composition of macro-litter in Mkomani beach, Mombasa Kenya. Foam (0.073 items m-2) and plastic (0.042 items m-2) fragments had the highest densities. The brand audit indicated that 66.9% of branded marine litter was of Kenyan origin. Food product packaging contributed 78.4% of the branded litter with PET bottles being the most abundant type of packaging (48.2%). Foreign products contributed 35.6% of branded marine litter during South East Monsoon (SEM) whereas only 11.7% during North-East Monsoon (NEM). Worth noting, PET packaging dominated during SEM (53.6%) compared to NEM (20.2%). Mkomani beach could be considered "extremely dirty" with a Clean-Coast Index greater than 20. The study concludes that monsoons influences litter diversity, richness and evenness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Ochieng Okuku
- Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, P. O. Box 81651, Mombasa, Kenya.
| | - Linet Kiteresi
- Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, P. O. Box 81651, Mombasa, Kenya; Pwani University, P.O Box 195-80108, Mombasa, Kenya
| | - Gilbert Owato
- Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, P. O. Box 81651, Mombasa, Kenya; Pwani University, P.O Box 195-80108, Mombasa, Kenya
| | - Kenneth Otieno
- Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, P. O. Box 81651, Mombasa, Kenya; Technical University of Mombasa, P.O. Box 90420 - 80100, Mombasa, Kenya
| | - Jill Omire
- Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, P. O. Box 81651, Mombasa, Kenya
| | | | - Catherine Mwalugha
- Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, P. O. Box 81651, Mombasa, Kenya; Technical University of Mombasa, P.O. Box 90420 - 80100, Mombasa, Kenya
| | - Mary Mbuche
- Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, P. O. Box 81651, Mombasa, Kenya
| | - Brenda Gwada
- Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, P. O. Box 81651, Mombasa, Kenya
| | - Veronica Wanjeri
- Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, P. O. Box 81651, Mombasa, Kenya
| | - Annette Nelson
- Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, P. O. Box 81651, Mombasa, Kenya
| | - Purity Chepkemboi
- Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, P. O. Box 81651, Mombasa, Kenya
| | - Quinter Achieng
- Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, P. O. Box 81651, Mombasa, Kenya
| | - Joey Ndwiga
- Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, P. O. Box 81651, Mombasa, Kenya
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Rangel-Buitrago N, Mendoza AV, Mantilla-Barbosa E, Arroyo-Olarte H, Arana VA, Trilleras J, Gracia C A, Neal WJ, Williams AT. Plastic pollution on the Colombian central Caribbean beaches. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 162:111837. [PMID: 33203601 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Along 24 beaches of the Central Caribbean Coast of Colombia, plastic items were collected and grouped into 43 different typologies. The average plastic abundance was 4.54 items/m2 being eight typologies responsible for 82% of all plastic collected. The application of the Clean Coast Index (CCI) and the Plastic Abundance Index (PAI) allows categorization of the study area as "Extremely Dirty" coastal strip with a "Very High Abundance" of plastics. Beaches were statistically grouped into three specific types: moderate, bad and extremely bad environmental conditions. The typology and magnitudes of plastics found in the study area suggest a combination of sources that primarily include dumping and direct activities on the beach. Plastic medical and sanitary waste, ocean/waterway items, and plastic items related to smoking-related activities also were observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelson Rangel-Buitrago
- Programa de Física, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad del Atlántico, Barranquilla, Atlántico, Colombia; Programa de Biologia, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad del Atlántico, Barranquilla, Atlántico, Colombia.
| | - Anubis Velez Mendoza
- Programa de Biologia, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad del Atlántico, Barranquilla, Atlántico, Colombia
| | - Egna Mantilla-Barbosa
- Programa de Maestría en Ciencias Ambientales, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad del Atlántico, Puerto Colombia, Atlántico, Colombia
| | - Harry Arroyo-Olarte
- Programa de Maestría en Ciencias Ambientales, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad del Atlántico, Puerto Colombia, Atlántico, Colombia
| | - Victoria Andrea Arana
- Programa de Maestría en Ciencias Ambientales, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad del Atlántico, Puerto Colombia, Atlántico, Colombia; Programa de Quimica, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad del Atlántico, Barranquilla, Atlántico, Colombia
| | - Jorge Trilleras
- Programa de Maestría en Ciencias Ambientales, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad del Atlántico, Puerto Colombia, Atlántico, Colombia; Programa de Quimica, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad del Atlántico, Barranquilla, Atlántico, Colombia
| | - Adriana Gracia C
- Programa de Biologia, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad del Atlántico, Barranquilla, Atlántico, Colombia
| | - William J Neal
- Department of Geology, Grand Valley State University, The Seymour K. & Esther R. Padnos Hall of Science 213A, Allendale, MI, USA
| | - Allan T Williams
- Faculty of Architecture, Computing and Engineering, University of Wales: Trinity Saint David (Swansea), SA1 6ED, Mount Pleasant, Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom
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Athapaththu AMAIK, Thushari GGN, Dias PCB, Abeygunawardena AP, Egodauyana KPUT, Liyanage NPP, Pitawala HMJC, Senevirathna JDM. Plastics in surface water of southern coastal belt of Sri Lanka (Northern Indian Ocean): Distribution and characterization by FTIR. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 161:111750. [PMID: 33132148 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This study focused on investigating the occurrence, quantification, and the spatial and temporal distribution of plastics in coastal surface water from 12 coastal regions in southern part of Sri Lanka. The overall average densities of macroplastics and mesoplastics were recorded as 0.23 and 0.33 items/m3, respectively. Sampling locations had no significant difference (p > 0.05) on total microplastics (MPs) density (overall mean MPs density: 17.45 ± 3.35 items/m3). MPs debris of less than 1 mm size consisted of >45% of the total number of MPs, whereas the maximum size of microscopically observed plastic debris was 11.04 mm, a filament. Filaments were the most common MPs followed by films. Relatively, blue-colored MPs were highly abundant in this coastal line. The type of MPs was further confirmed by Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) method. Potential plastic pollution factors are hydrodynamics and man-made activities like unsustainable harbor operations, fisheries, and tourism. More attention is needed to reduce plastic pollution regionally.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M A I K Athapaththu
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture, Uva Wellassa University, Badulla, Sri Lanka
| | - G G N Thushari
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture, Uva Wellassa University, Badulla, Sri Lanka.
| | - P C B Dias
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture, Uva Wellassa University, Badulla, Sri Lanka
| | - A P Abeygunawardena
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture, Uva Wellassa University, Badulla, Sri Lanka
| | - K P U T Egodauyana
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture, Uva Wellassa University, Badulla, Sri Lanka
| | - N P P Liyanage
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture, Uva Wellassa University, Badulla, Sri Lanka
| | - H M J C Pitawala
- Department of Science and Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Uva Wellassa University, Badulla, Sri Lanka
| | - J D M Senevirathna
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture, Uva Wellassa University, Badulla, Sri Lanka.
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25
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Gonçalves M, Schmid K, Andrade MC, Andrades R, Pegado T, Giarrizzo T. Are the tidal flooded forests sinks for litter in the Amazonian estuary? MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 161:111732. [PMID: 33075695 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Pollution in aquatic ecosystems is rapidly becoming one of the world's greatest ecological challenges. Given their intermediate position between terrestrial and marine environments, estuarine systems are especially vulnerable to human pollution. Amazonian estuaries have unique characteristics, such as heterogeneous landscape intercalating tracts of vegetation with sandbanks and beaches. In the present study, we provide the first qualitative and quantitative data on litter retention in an Amazonian estuary, comparing vegetated and bare substrate areas. Overall, 12,003 items were recovered, with a mean ± SD density and weight of 1.69 ± 2.16 items/m2 and 78.08 ± 93.11 g/m2, respectively. Plastic was the principal material (80.97%) found. The highest number of items was found in the vegetated habitats (73.11%), indicating these areas as the most affected by plastic pollution. Our findings provide important insights for future research planning and implementation of effective public policies for conservation and management of these important ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myckey Gonçalves
- Núcleo de Ecologia Aquática e Pesca da Amazônia, Universidade Federal do Pará, Av. Perimetral 2651, Terra Firme, 66077830 Belém, Pará, Brazil.
| | - Kurt Schmid
- Núcleo de Ecologia Aquática e Pesca da Amazônia, Universidade Federal do Pará, Av. Perimetral 2651, Terra Firme, 66077830 Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Marcelo C Andrade
- Núcleo de Ecologia Aquática e Pesca da Amazônia, Universidade Federal do Pará, Av. Perimetral 2651, Terra Firme, 66077830 Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Ryan Andrades
- Núcleo de Ecologia Aquática e Pesca da Amazônia, Universidade Federal do Pará, Av. Perimetral 2651, Terra Firme, 66077830 Belém, Pará, Brazil; Laboratório de Ictiologia, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Av. Fernando Ferrari, Goiabeiras, 29075-910 Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - Tamyris Pegado
- Núcleo de Ecologia Aquática e Pesca da Amazônia, Universidade Federal do Pará, Av. Perimetral 2651, Terra Firme, 66077830 Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Tommaso Giarrizzo
- Núcleo de Ecologia Aquática e Pesca da Amazônia, Universidade Federal do Pará, Av. Perimetral 2651, Terra Firme, 66077830 Belém, Pará, Brazil
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Ryan PG. Land or sea? What bottles tell us about the origins of beach litter in Kenya. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2020; 116:49-57. [PMID: 32784121 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2020.07.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Identifying the source of marine litter is essential to design effective mitigation measures to reduce plastic leakage into marine ecosystems. Kenya recently banned the use of polyethylene bags, but PET drink bottles remain a contentious source of litter in the country. I collected bottles and other single-use containers at nine Kenyan beaches, and compared their composition, country of manufacture and approximate age (time since manufacture) to bottles collected in coastal towns. Locally manufactured bottles dominated street litter (98%) and on urban beaches (93%) but became increasingly uncommon with distance from coastal towns, comprising only 30% of bottles at remote beaches. These steep spatial gradients indicate that most local bottles do not disperse far from source areas. The presence of lids is important for long-distance dispersal of glass and PET bottles, and many PET bottles littered in urban areas lack lids. HDPE bottles are much more common on beaches than on streets, and most come from Indonesia. The presence of epibionts and bite marks suggest that most HDPE bottles have drifted in the South Equatorial Current from southeast Asia, whereas foreign PP bottles mostly come from Indian Ocean island states. Reducing plastic leakage in southeast Asia should reduce the amount of beach litter throughout the western Indian Ocean. Some foreign PET bottles come from neighbouring states, but many are probably dumped illegally from ships operating from Asia. In addition to reducing plastic leakage from land-based sources, we need to ensure compliance with MARPOL Annex V regulations banning the disposal of plastic wastes at sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter G Ryan
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa.
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27
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Okuku EO, Kiteresi LI, Owato G, Mwalugha C, Omire J, Otieno K, Mbuche M, Nelson A, Gwada B, Mulupi L. Marine macro-litter composition and distribution along the Kenyan Coast: The first-ever documented study. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 159:111497. [PMID: 32738643 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111497] [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: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Macro-litter accumulation surveys were carried out in six beaches in Kilifi, Mombasa and Kwale Counties. Macro litter were collected, quantified and characterized to determine their composition, distribution and accumulation rates. The results showed that the accumulation rates ranged between 1.53 ± 1.23 and 11.46 ± 7.72 (for dry zones) and 2.69 ± 2.13 and 8.93 ± 7.87 items m-1 day-1 (for wet zones). Plastics and foam were the most abundant litter categories. Local products constituted about 88% of all the collected litter. Food packaging products constituted about 91.3% of all branded litter types. Marine litter pollution particularly by plastics was widespread in all studied coastal counties. However, a significant amount of litter encountered in the beaches was of local origin, thus a local solution to waste management (that will eliminate leakage into marine environments) will considerably reduce marine litter pollution in Kenya.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Ochieng Okuku
- Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, P. O. Box 81651, Mombasa, Kenya.
| | - Linet Imbayi Kiteresi
- Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, P. O. Box 81651, Mombasa, Kenya; Pwani University, P.O Box 195, 80108 Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Gilbert Owato
- Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, P. O. Box 81651, Mombasa, Kenya; Pwani University, P.O Box 195, 80108 Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Catherine Mwalugha
- Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, P. O. Box 81651, Mombasa, Kenya; Technical University of Mombasa, P.O. Box 90420, 80100 Mombasa, Kenya
| | - Jill Omire
- Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, P. O. Box 81651, Mombasa, Kenya
| | - Kenneth Otieno
- Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, P. O. Box 81651, Mombasa, Kenya; Technical University of Mombasa, P.O. Box 90420, 80100 Mombasa, Kenya
| | - Mary Mbuche
- Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, P. O. Box 81651, Mombasa, Kenya
| | - Annette Nelson
- Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, P. O. Box 81651, Mombasa, Kenya
| | - Brenda Gwada
- Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, P. O. Box 81651, Mombasa, Kenya
| | - Lilian Mulupi
- Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, P. O. Box 81651, Mombasa, Kenya; Pwani University, P.O Box 195, 80108 Kilifi, Kenya
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28
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Athawuda AMGAD, Jayasiri HB, Thushari GGN, Guruge KPGKP. Quantification and morphological characterization of plastic litter (0.30-100 mm) in surface waters of off Colombo, west coast of Sri Lanka. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2020; 192:509. [PMID: 32656598 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-020-08472-2] [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: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This study focused on quantification and morphological characterization of plastics (0.30-100 mm) at seven sites, namely, Uswetakeiyawa, Kerawalapitiya, Dikowita, Modera, Kollupitiya, Bambalapitiya, and Wellawatta along the west coast, off Colombo, in August, October, and November, 2017. Samples were collected by dragging the floating net with a mesh size of 300 μm horizontally at the surface. The collected samples were analyzed using standard methods to quantify the plastics in terms of size, color, and shape. The mean abundance (± SE) of total plastics recovered from off Colombo was 140.34 ± 15.23 items/m3 (0.30-100 mm) by number and 0.66 ± 0.16 mg/m3 (1-100 mm) by weight (n = 63). The significantly higher abundance (± SE) of total plastics (0.30-100 mm) was found at Wellawatta (229.40 ± 46.39 items/m3) and Modera (201.28 ± 62.13 items/m3) than that of other sites (p < 0.05). Nevertheless, the 99.60% of the plastics collected were small microplastics within the size range of 0.30-1 mm. Only mesoplastics were significantly varied among sites by weight with significantly high abundance in Kerawalapitiya (0.71 ± 0.31 mg/m3) than that of other sites (p < 0.05). The composition analysis of shape categories indicated that filaments were dominated in coastal area off Colombo with 61% followed by fragments (25%) and films (14%). The color categorization of plastics revealed that colored plastics are predominant with 47% by the number of items followed by white, transparent, and black in off Colombo. According to the results, all study sites are affected by plastic contamination and cause significant health risk on coastal biota. Microplastic contamination level in surface waters acts as a key indicator on high pollution level in the west coast.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M G A D Athawuda
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture, Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, Badulla, Sri Lanka
| | - H B Jayasiri
- Ocean University of Sri Lanka, Crow Island, Colombo 15, Sri Lanka.
| | - G G N Thushari
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture, Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, Badulla, Sri Lanka
| | - K P G K P Guruge
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture, Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, Badulla, Sri Lanka
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29
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Sulochanan B, Veena S, Ratheesh L, Padua S, Rohit P, Kaladharan P, Kripa V. Temporal and spatial variability of beach litter in Mangaluru, India. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2019; 149:110541. [PMID: 31543482 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.110541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Monthly litter samples were collected from three major beaches in Mangaluru from 2011-2016. Fishing litter persisted at the beaches, resulting in higher abundances by number (59%) and weight (33.4%) relative to all litter in 2016. In addition to plastics, foam comprised 7.14-11.0% of total litter. Significant positive correlations were observed between the amount of plastic on the beaches and rainy days, rainfall, and river discharge. The maximum river discharge coincided with an increase in plastic items on the beach. Yearly quantities of plastic items (p < 0.01), plastic bags (p < 0.001), and plastic footwear (p < 0.05), on the beaches were significantly different indicating clean-up activities reduced the litter quantity. Changes in total beach litter revealed that Panambur Beach, a fishing boat landing centre was the least changed, and thus appropriate incentive-based management options for the resident fishermen could result in collection and elimination of litter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bindu Sulochanan
- Mangalore Research Center of Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, P.B. No. 244, Hoige Bazar, Mangaluru, Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka 575001, India.
| | - S Veena
- Mangalore Research Center of Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, P.B. No. 244, Hoige Bazar, Mangaluru, Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka 575001, India
| | - Lavanya Ratheesh
- Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, P.B. No. 1603, Ernakulam North P.O., Kochi, Kerala 682018, India
| | - Shelton Padua
- Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, P.B. No. 1603, Ernakulam North P.O., Kochi, Kerala 682018, India
| | - Prathibha Rohit
- Mangalore Research Center of Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, P.B. No. 244, Hoige Bazar, Mangaluru, Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka 575001, India
| | - P Kaladharan
- Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, P.B. No. 1603, Ernakulam North P.O., Kochi, Kerala 682018, India
| | - V Kripa
- Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, P.B. No. 1603, Ernakulam North P.O., Kochi, Kerala 682018, India
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30
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Rothäusler E, Jormalainen V, Gutow L, Thiel M. Low abundance of floating marine debris in the northern Baltic Sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2019; 149:110522. [PMID: 31437612 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.110522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
We determined the spatial and seasonal distribution of Floating Marine Debris (FMD) by visual ship surveys across the northern Baltic Sea between Finland and Sweden. FMD density was comparatively low, and we found the highest debris density close to major port cities. The seasonal variation in debris density was not pronounced although we observed more FMD items during the summer surveys. Plastic bags were the most common identifiable litter items, and we also found other consumer items (plastic bottles and cups). Styrofoam items suggest fishing or aquaculture activities as potential sea-based sources of FMD. These are the first data on FMD density in the Baltic Sea, and they are substantially lower than those reported for other coastal waters, which may be due to (i) lower human population densities, and (ii) higher environmental awareness in the Scandinavian countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Rothäusler
- Section of Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Turku, FIN-20014 Turku, Finland; Centro de Investigaciones Costeras - Universidad de Atacama (CIC - UDA), Avenida Copayapu 485, Copiapó, Atacama, Chile; Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo #1281, Coquimbo, Chile.
| | - Veijo Jormalainen
- Section of Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Turku, FIN-20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Lars Gutow
- Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Box 120161, 27515 Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Martin Thiel
- Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo #1281, Coquimbo, Chile; Millennium Nucleus Ecology and Sustainable Management of Oceanic Islands (ESMOI), Coquimbo, Chile; Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Áridas (CEAZA), Larrondo #1281, Coquimbo 1781421, Chile
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31
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Agamuthu P, Mehran SB, Norkhairah A, Norkhairiyah A. Marine debris: A review of impacts and global initiatives. WASTE MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOLID WASTES AND PUBLIC CLEANSING ASSOCIATION, ISWA 2019; 37:987-1002. [PMID: 31084415 DOI: 10.1177/0734242x19845041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Marine debris, defined as any persistent manufactured or processed solid material discarded, disposed of or abandoned in the marine and coastal environment, has been highlighted as a contaminant of global environmental and economic concern. The five main categories of marine debris comprise of plastic, paper, metal, textile, glass and rubber. Plastics is recognised as the major constituent of marine debris, representing between 50% and 90% of the total marine debris found globally. Between 4.8 and 12.7 million metric tonnes of consumer plastics end up in the world oceans annually, resulting in the presence of more than 100 million particles of macroplastics in only 12 regional seas worldwide, and with 51 trillion particles of microplastic floating on the ocean surface globally. The impacts of marine debris can be branched out into three categories; injury to or death of marine organisms, harm to marine environment and effects on human health and economy. Marine mammals often accidentally ingest marine debris because of its appearance that can easily be mistaken as food. Moreover, floating plastics may act as vehicles for chemicals and/or environmental contaminants, which may be absorbed on to their surface during their use and permanence into the environment. Additionally, floating plastics is a potential vector for the introduction of invasive species that get attached to it, into the marine environment. In addition, human beings are not excluded from the impact of marine debris as they become exposed to microplastics through seafood consumption. Moreover, landscape degradation owing to debris accumulation is an eyesore and aesthetically unpleasant, thus resulting in decreased tourism and subsequent income loss. There are a wide range of initiatives that have been taken to tackle the issue of marine debris. They may involve manual removal of marine debris from coastal and aquatic environment in form of programmes and projects organised, such as beach clean-ups by scientific communities, non-governmental organizations and the removal of marine litter from Europe's four regional seas, respectively. Other initiatives focus on assessment, reduction, prevention and management of marine debris under the umbrella of international (the United Nations Environment Programme/Mediterranean Action Plan, the Oslo/Paris Convention) and regional organisations - that is, the Helsinki Commission. There are also a number of international conventions and national regulations that encourage mitigation and management of marine debris. However, it is argued that these initiatives are short-term unsustainable solutions and the long-term sustainable solution would be adoption of circular economy. Similarly, four of the sustainable developmental goals have targets that promote mitigation of marine debris by efficient waste management and practice of 3R. As evident by the Ad Hoc Expert Group on Marine Litter and Microplastics meeting, tackling the marine debris crisis is not a straightforward, one-size-fits-all solution, but rather an integrated and continuous effort required at local, regional and global level.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Agamuthu
- Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Center for Research in Waste Management, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - S B Mehran
- Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - A Norkhairah
- Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - A Norkhairiyah
- Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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32
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Schöneich-Argent RI, Hillmann F, Cordes D, Wansing RAD, Merder J, Freund JA, Freund H. Wind, waves, tides, and human error? - Influences on litter abundance and composition on German North Sea coastlines: An exploratory analysis. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2019; 146:155-172. [PMID: 31426143 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.05.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 05/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Being globally and locally prevalent, beach litter has been monitored at 29 sites along the German North Sea coastline. This study offers an exploratory analysis of data from 1991 to 2016. Schleswig-Holstein exhibited lower mean litter pollution levels than Lower Saxony, possibly because the locations in Lower Saxony are situated along the main coastal current, whereas the North Frisian Islands act as a barrier for the mainland sites in Schleswig-Holstein. Locations close to the Elbe estuary had significantly larger amounts of debris, likely receiving litter from marine and riverine sources. No clear overall pattern in litter abundance or composition could be detected. Significant quantitative similarities between debris types were inconsistent. The effect of wind, tides, and exposure appeared to be marginal. Recurring data inconsistencies, gaps, and outliers were partly attributed to human error. This could be reduced through hypothesis-driven monitoring with a simpler litter classification and continuous data checking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna Isabel Schöneich-Argent
- Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Geoecology, ICBM-Terramare, Schleusenstr. 1, 26382 Wilhelmshaven, Germany.
| | - Frank Hillmann
- Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Geoecology, ICBM-Terramare, Schleusenstr. 1, 26382 Wilhelmshaven, Germany
| | - Daniel Cordes
- Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Theoretical Physics (Complex Systems), Carl-von-Ossietzky-Str. 9-11, 26111 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Raphael Andreas Daniel Wansing
- Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Theoretical Physics (Complex Systems), Carl-von-Ossietzky-Str. 9-11, 26111 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Julian Merder
- Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Theoretical Physics (Complex Systems), Carl-von-Ossietzky-Str. 9-11, 26111 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Jan Alfred Freund
- Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Theoretical Physics (Complex Systems), Carl-von-Ossietzky-Str. 9-11, 26111 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Holger Freund
- Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Geoecology, ICBM-Terramare, Schleusenstr. 1, 26382 Wilhelmshaven, Germany
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Honorato-Zimmer D, Kruse K, Knickmeier K, Weinmann A, Hinojosa IA, Thiel M. Inter-hemispherical shoreline surveys of anthropogenic marine debris - A binational citizen science project with schoolchildren. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2019; 138:464-473. [PMID: 30660296 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.11.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic marine debris (AMD) is a global problem and the identification of its sources is essential for adequate mitigation strategies. Herein we examined whether AMD density and composition differed between two countries with contrasting socio-economic backgrounds and marine litter sources (i.e. Chile and Germany). In nationwide beach litter surveys, we used a citizen science approach with schoolchildren and their teachers. Litter densities were substantially higher in Chile than in Germany. The different geographic zones surveyed in both countries showed strong grouping tendencies according to their main economic activities (tourism, shipping, fisheries/aquaculture), major litter sources, and AMD composition, in terms of dominance and diversity of AMD types. The results suggest that beach litter composition can be used as a simple proxy to identify AMD sources, and also that law enforcement and education can help mitigate the problem; however, for efficient solutions, production and consumption of plastics must be reduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Honorato-Zimmer
- Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo #1281, Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Katrin Kruse
- Kieler Forschungswerkstatt, University of Kiel and Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education (IPN), Kiel, Germany
| | - Katrin Knickmeier
- Kieler Forschungswerkstatt, University of Kiel and Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education (IPN), Kiel, Germany
| | - Anna Weinmann
- Kieler Forschungswerkstatt, University of Kiel and Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education (IPN), Kiel, Germany
| | - Ivan A Hinojosa
- Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo #1281, Coquimbo, Chile; Millennium Nucleus Ecology and Sustainable Management of Oceanic Islands (ESMOI), Coquimbo, Chile; Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Ecología & Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Ambientes Sustentables (CIBAS), Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Alonso de Ribera #2850, Concepción, Chile
| | - Martin Thiel
- Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo #1281, Coquimbo, Chile; Millennium Nucleus Ecology and Sustainable Management of Oceanic Islands (ESMOI), Coquimbo, Chile; Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Áridas (CEAZA), Larrondo #1281, Coquimbo 1781421, Chile.
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