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Ledet J, Tan C, Guan XH, Yong CLX, Ying L, Todd P. Trapping of microplastics and other anthropogenic particles in seagrass beds: Ubiquity across a vertical and horizontal sampling gradient. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 197:106487. [PMID: 38583358 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106487] [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: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Seagrass beds can trap large amounts of marine debris leading to areas of accumulation, known as 'sinks', of anthropogenic particles. While the presence of vegetation can enhance accumulation, less is known about how the trapping effect changes from vegetated to less vegetated patches. To test this, vegetation and sediment were sampled along a vegetation percent cover gradient from the centre of seagrass beds to nearby less vegetated patches. To determine whether trapped particles can lead to increased accumulation in associated fauna, gastropods were also collected from the transects laid across this gradient. Extracted anthropogenic particles were counted and characterised. Particles were detected in all sample types and reached quantifiable limits in at least 50% of sediment and gastropod samples. There was no significant difference in the distribution of particles found in seagrass beds compared to less vegetated patches, suggesting other factors contribute to the trapping efficiency of biogenic habitats besides simply the presence or absence of vegetation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine Ledet
- Experimental Marine Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Block S3 Level 2, Singapore, 117558
| | - Chloe Tan
- Experimental Marine Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Block S3 Level 2, Singapore, 117558
| | - Xing Hua Guan
- Experimental Marine Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Block S3 Level 2, Singapore, 117558
| | - Clara Lei Xin Yong
- Experimental Marine Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Block S3 Level 2, Singapore, 117558
| | - Lynette Ying
- Experimental Marine Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Block S3 Level 2, Singapore, 117558
| | - Peter Todd
- Experimental Marine Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Block S3 Level 2, Singapore, 117558.
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2
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Garrard SL, Clark JR, Martin N, Nelms SE, Botterell ZLR, Cole M, Coppock RL, Galloway TS, Green DS, Jones M, Lindeque PK, Tillin HM, Beaumont NJ. Identifying potential high-risk zones for land-derived plastic litter to marine megafauna and key habitats within the North Atlantic. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 922:171282. [PMID: 38412875 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
The pervasive use of plastic in modern society has led to plastic litter becoming ubiquitous within the ocean. Land-based sources of plastic litter are thought to account for the majority of plastic pollution in the marine environment, with plastic bags, bottles, wrappers, food containers and cutlery among the most common items found. In the marine environment, plastic is a transboundary pollutant, with the potential to cause damage far beyond the political borders from where it originated, making the management of this global pollutant particularly complex. In this study, the risks of land-derived plastic litter (LDPL) to major groups of marine megafauna - seabirds, cetaceans, pinnipeds, elasmobranchs, turtles, sirenians, tuna and billfish - and a selection of productive and biodiverse biogenic habitats - coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass, saltmarsh and kelp beds - were analysed using a Spatial Risk Assessment approach. The approach combines metrics for vulnerability (mechanism of harm for megafauna group or habitat), hazard (plastic abundance) and exposure (distribution of group or habitat). Several potential high-risk zones (HRZs) across the North Atlantic were highlighted, including the Azores, the UK, the French and US Atlantic coasts, and the US Gulf of Mexico. Whilst much of the modelled LDPL driving risk in the UK originated from domestic sources, in other HRZs, such as the Azores archipelago and the US Gulf of Mexico, plastic originated almost exclusively from external (non-domestic) sources. LDPL from Caribbean islands - some of the largest generators of marine plastic pollution in the dataset of river plastic emissions used in the study - was noted as a significant input to HRZs across both sides of the Atlantic. These findings highlight the potential of Spatial Risk Assessment analyses to determine the location of HRZs and understand where plastic debris monitoring and management should be prioritised, enabling more efficient deployment of interventions and mitigation measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha L Garrard
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom.
| | - James R Clark
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola Martin
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah E Nelms
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, TR10 9FE, United Kingdom
| | - Zara L R Botterell
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, TR10 9FE, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Cole
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel L Coppock
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom
| | - Tamara S Galloway
- Biosciences, Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, United Kingdom
| | - Dannielle S Green
- Applied Ecology Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge CB1 1PT, United Kingdom
| | - Megan Jones
- Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, The Laboratory, Citadel Hill, Plymouth, PL1 2PB, United Kingdom
| | - Pennie K Lindeque
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom
| | - Heidi M Tillin
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola J Beaumont
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom
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3
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Sbrana A, Maiello G, Gravina MF, Cicala D, Galli S, Stefani M, Russo T. Environmental DNA metabarcoding reveals the effects of seafloor litter and trawling on marine biodiversity. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 196:106415. [PMID: 38395681 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques are emerging as promising tools for monitoring marine communities. However, they have not been applied to study the integrated effects of anthropogenic pressures on marine biodiversity. This study examined the relationships between demersal community species composition, key environmental features, and anthropogenic impacts such as fishing effort and seafloor litter using eDNA data in the central Tyrrhenian Sea. The results indicated that both fishing effort and seafloor litter influenced species composition and diversity. The adaptive traits of marine species played a critical role in their response to debris accumulation and fishing. Mobile species appeared to use relocation strategies, while sessile species showed flexibility in the face of disturbance. Epibiotic species relied on passive transport. The use of eDNA-based methods is a valuable resource for monitoring anthropogenic impacts during scientific surveys, enhancing our ability to monitor marine ecosystems and more effectively assess the effects of pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Sbrana
- Laboratory of Experimental Ecology and Aquaculture - Department of Biology - University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via della Ricerca Scientifica snc, 00133, Rome, Italy; PhD program in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Giulia Maiello
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, L33AF, Liverpool, UK
| | - Maria Flavia Gravina
- Laboratory of Experimental Ecology and Aquaculture - Department of Biology - University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via della Ricerca Scientifica snc, 00133, Rome, Italy; CoNISMa, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196, Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Cicala
- Laboratory of Experimental Ecology and Aquaculture - Department of Biology - University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via della Ricerca Scientifica snc, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Simone Galli
- CoNISMa, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Stefani
- Laboratory of Experimental Ecology and Aquaculture - Department of Biology - University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via della Ricerca Scientifica snc, 00133, Rome, Italy; PhD program in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Tommaso Russo
- Laboratory of Experimental Ecology and Aquaculture - Department of Biology - University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via della Ricerca Scientifica snc, 00133, Rome, Italy; CoNISMa, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196, Rome, Italy
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4
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Jagiello Z, Dylewski Ł, Szulkin M. The plastic homes of hermit crabs in the Anthropocene. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 913:168959. [PMID: 38185570 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168959] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Plastic is the most pervasive element of marine waste, with harmful impact on wildlife. By using iEcology (i.e., internet Ecology, use of online data sources as a new tool in ecological research), we report on the emergence of a novel behaviour in hermit crabs related to the use of plastic or other anthropogenic materials as protective shells. We analysed images posted on social media to identify 386 individuals with artificial shells - mainly plastic caps (85 %). We report that 10 of the world's 16 terrestrial hermit crabs use artificial shells, a behaviour observed on all of the Earth's tropical coasts. Four non-exclusive mechanisms may drive individual choice for artificial shells: sexual signaling, lightness of artificial shells, odour cues, and camouflage in a polluted environment. Further research is needed to determine the impact of this behaviour on hermit crab evolutionary trajectories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzanna Jagiello
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biology, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland; Department of Zoology, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Poznań, Poland.
| | - Łukasz Dylewski
- Department of Zoology, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Marta Szulkin
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biology, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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5
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Fong J, Lee SHR, Sun Y, Lim CL, Tan YAJ, Tan YH, Neo ML. Litter traps: A comparison of four marine habitats as sinks for anthropogenic marine macro-litter in Singapore. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 196:115645. [PMID: 37862845 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
The potential for marine litter being trapped in biodiverse marine habitats such as mangrove forests, seagrass meadows and coral reefs is poorly understood. This study presents the first comprehensive investigation on the status of macro-litter across four marine habitats in Singapore during the two monsoonal seasons. Overall, litter density did not vary considerably between the southwest and the northeast monsoon. The litter density in terms of count was generally lower in seagrass meadows and coral reefs compared to mangroves and beaches. Plastic was the major type of litter found across most habitat types. Notably, many fishing-related items were found on coral reefs, while drinking straws were abundant at the mangrove strandlines during the southwest monsoon. Foam fragments and cigarette butts were common at the beach strandlines. These results suggest that mangroves among other habitats examined here should be prioritised for clean-up efforts in order to restore these critical coastal habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Fong
- Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 18 Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119227, Singapore.
| | - Samuel Hsien Rong Lee
- Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 18 Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119227, Singapore
| | - Yuchen Sun
- Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 18 Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119227, Singapore
| | - Cheng Ling Lim
- Centre for International Law, National University of Singapore, 469A Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 259770, Singapore
| | - Yean Ai Jolin Tan
- Republic Polytechnic, 9 Woodlands Avenue 9, Singapore 738964, Singapore
| | - Yi Hong Tan
- Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 18 Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119227, Singapore
| | - Mei Lin Neo
- Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 18 Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119227, Singapore.
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6
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Rodríguez Y, Silva MA, Pham CK, Duncan EM. Cetaceans playing with single-use plastics (SUPs): A widespread interaction with likely severe impacts. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 194:115428. [PMID: 37639865 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115428] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Play is a common behaviour in wild cetaceans that includes the manipulation of natural, as well as artificial objects such as marine debris. Yet, very little is known about these interactions despite the potential impacts on cetacean health. We combined a detailed review of the scientific literature and social media with 12 years of observations to examine cetacean interactions with plastic litter. A total of 11 odontocete species (Tursiops truncatus, Stenella longirostris, Delphinus delphis, Grampus griseus, Steno bredanensis, Stenella frontalis, Sotalia guianensis, Pseudorca crassidens, Orcinus orca, Globicephala melas and Physeter macrocephalus) were documented in 59 events carrying or throwing plastic litter with their head and/or flippers suggesting a form of play. Interactions occurred in the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean, and Red Sea, with single-use plastics composing the main typology registered. While these interactions appeared harmless to the observers, they can pose a significant risk through subsequent entanglement or ingestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmina Rodríguez
- Instituto de Investigação em Ciências do Mar - OKEANOS, Universidade dos Açores, 9900-138 Horta, Portugal.
| | - Mónica A Silva
- Instituto de Investigação em Ciências do Mar - OKEANOS, Universidade dos Açores, 9900-138 Horta, Portugal
| | - Christopher K Pham
- Instituto de Investigação em Ciências do Mar - OKEANOS, Universidade dos Açores, 9900-138 Horta, Portugal
| | - Emily M Duncan
- Instituto de Investigação em Ciências do Mar - OKEANOS, Universidade dos Açores, 9900-138 Horta, Portugal
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7
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Machado AA, Masi BP, Aguiar AA, Ozorio MEC, Salles CN, Hostim-Silva M, Bertoncini ÁA. Rocky reef incursions: challenges faced by reef fishes in a Brazilian Hope Spot region. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 193:115240. [PMID: 37429158 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Biodiversity conservation has been a critical challenge faced by environmental managers worldwide. From 2020 to 2022, a total of 576 underwater visual censuses focused on reef fishes, marine litter (ML), and non-native species were performed in the newest Brazilian Hope Spot, to understand the distribution, characteristics, and effects of ML and Tubastraea spp., on the reef fish community. Plastic was the main category recorded (34.54 %), followed by Metal and Line (mostly fishing gear within a Marine Protected Area). Tubastraea spp. was widely distributed, especially between 10-20 meters deep. The t-test analysis showed that fish abundance and richness were significantly higher at low Tubastraea cover areas. Our efforts present the baseline of ML (mean 1.92 ± 1.5 items/100 m2) and non-native species occurrence (15) and distribution (including three new records) showing their negative impacts on rocky reef ecosystems and provide managers support in the elaboration of marine conservation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Augusto A Machado
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Oceanografia Ambiental (PPGOAM), Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES), Vitória, ES, Brazil; Projeto Ilhas do Rio, Instituto Mar Adentro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Centro Federal de Educação Tecnológica Celso Suckow da Fonseca (CEFET-RJ), Coordenação de Biologia (COBIO), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Bruno P Masi
- Laboratório de Ecologia Marinha e Oceanografia Pesqueira da Amazônia (LEMOPA), Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia (UFRA), Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Aline A Aguiar
- Projeto Ilhas do Rio, Instituto Mar Adentro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Maria E C Ozorio
- Escola Americana do Rio de Janeiro (EARJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Caio N Salles
- Projeto Ilhas do Rio, Instituto Mar Adentro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecoturismo e Conservação (PPGEC), Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Projeto Verde Mar, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Maurício Hostim-Silva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Oceanografia Ambiental (PPGOAM), Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES), Vitória, ES, Brazil
| | - Áthila A Bertoncini
- Projeto Ilhas do Rio, Instituto Mar Adentro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecoturismo e Conservação (PPGEC), Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia (PPGECO), Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
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8
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Calderisi G, Cogoni D, Loni A, Fenu G. Difference between invasive alien and native vegetation in trapping beach litter: A focus on a typical sandy beach of W-Mediterranean Basin. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 192:115065. [PMID: 37216878 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Beach litter is one of the most pervasive pollution issues in coastal environments worldwide. In this study, we aim to assess the amount and distribution of beach litter on Porto Paglia beach, its entrapment across psammophilous habitats, and whether the invasive Carpobrotus acinaciformis (L.) L.Bolus plays a different role in trapping litter than native vegetation. To this end, two seasonal samplings (in spring and autumn) were conducted using a paired sampling method that considers plots in all coastal habitats with and without C. acinaciformis. Our results confirm that the main beach litter category is plastic, and that its distribution varies across habitats: the white dune seems to play a greater role in trapping and filtering beach litter, reducing its amount in the backdune. A correlation was found between the Naturalness index (N) and the beach litter amount, supporting the finding that invaded habitats trap beach litter better than native ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Calderisi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences (DiSVA), University of Cagliari, Viale Sant'Ignazio da Laconi 13, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Donatella Cogoni
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences (DiSVA), University of Cagliari, Viale Sant'Ignazio da Laconi 13, 09123 Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Loni
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences (DiSVA), University of Cagliari, Viale Sant'Ignazio da Laconi 13, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Fenu
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences (DiSVA), University of Cagliari, Viale Sant'Ignazio da Laconi 13, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
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9
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Gallitelli L, Cesarini G, Sodo A, Cera A, Scalici M. Life on bottles: Colonisation of macroplastics by freshwater biota. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 873:162349. [PMID: 36813195 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
While rivers are known to be the main vectors of plastics to the sea, it seems surprising that studies on interactions (e.g. colonisation/entrapment and drift) between macroplastics and biota continue to remain largely neglected, notwithstanding they represent unexpected threats to freshwater biota and riverine habitats. To fill these gaps, here we focused on the colonisation of plastic bottles by freshwater biota. To do so, we collected 100 plastic bottles from the River Tiber in summer 2021. Overall, 95 bottles were colonised externally and 23 internally. Specifically, biota mainly occurred within and outside the bottles rather than plastic pieces and organic debris. Moreover, while bottles were externally covered mainly by vegetal organisms (i.e. macrophytes), they internally entrapped more animal organisms (i.e. invertebrates). The taxa most occurring within and outside the bottles belonged to pool and low water quality-associated taxa (e.g. Lemna sp., Gastropoda, and Diptera). In addition to biota and organic debris, plastic particles also occurred on bottles reporting the first observation of 'metaplastics' (i.e. plastics encrusted on bottles). Furthermore, we observed a significant positive correlation between the colonising taxa abundance and the bottle degree degradation. In this regard, we discussed how bottle buoyancy may change due to the organic matter on the bottle, affecting bottle sinking and transport along rivers. Our findings might be crucial for understanding the underrepresented topic of riverine plastics and their colonisation by biota, given that these plastics may act as vectors and cause biogeographical, environmental, and conservation issues to freshwater habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Gallitelli
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - G Cesarini
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy.
| | - A Sodo
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - A Cera
- Institute of Freshwater Biology, Nagano University, 1088 Komaki, Ueda, Nagano 386-0031, Japan
| | - M Scalici
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy
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10
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Freitas TBN, Leite TS, de Ramos B, Proietti MC. Understanding the interactions between cephalopods and marine litter: A research evaluation with identification of gaps and future perspectives. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 190:114814. [PMID: 36933358 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Litter is known to negatively affect numerous marine organisms, but the extent of such impacts is not well known for several groups, including cephalopods. Considering the ecological, behavioral and economic importance of these animals, we reviewed the types of interactions between cephalopods and litter in the scientific literature, to evaluate impacts and knowledge gaps. We found 30 papers, which included records of microplastic ingestion and the transfer of synthetic microfibers along the food web. The largest number of records involved litter use as shelter, and the common octopus was the most frequent species. At first sight, litter use as shelter could appear to be a potential positive effect, but it is necessary to clarify the implications of this choice and its long-term consequences. Regarding ingestion and trophic transfer, further research is needed to elucidate its occurrence and impacts on cephalopods and their predators, including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tainah B N Freitas
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Oceanografia Biológica and Projeto Lixo Marinho, Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Campus Carreiros, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Tatiana S Leite
- Laboratório de Métodos de Estudos Subaquáticos e Cefalópodes, Departamento de Ecologia e Zoologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina - UFSC, Trindade, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Bruna de Ramos
- Departamento de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco - UFPE, Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Maíra C Proietti
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Oceanografia Biológica and Projeto Lixo Marinho, Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Campus Carreiros, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil; The Ocean Cleanup, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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11
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Zheng X, Sun R, Dai Z, He L, Li C. Distribution and risk assessment of microplastics in typical ecosystems in the South China Sea. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 883:163678. [PMID: 37100141 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution in the marine environment has attracted worldwide attention. The South China Sea is considered a hotspot for microplastic pollution due to the developed industries and high population density around the South China Sea. The accumulation of microplastics in ecosystems can adversely affect the health of the environment and organisms. This paper reviews the recent microplastic studies conducted in the South China Sea, which novelty summarizes the abundance, types, and potential hazards of microplastics in coral reef ecosystems, mangrove ecosystems, seagrass bed ecosystems, and macroalgal ecosystems. A summary of the microplastic pollution status of four ecosystems and a risk assessment provides a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of microplastic pollution on marine ecosystems in the South China Sea. Microplastic abundances of up to 45,200 items/m3 were reported in coral reef surface waters, 5738.3 items/kg in mangrove sediments, and 927.3 items/kg in seagrass bed sediments. There are few studies of microplastics in the South China Sea macroalgae ecosystems. However, studies from other areas indicate that macroalgae can accumulate microplastics and are more likely to enter the food chain or be consumed by humans. Finally, this paper compared the current risk levels of microplastics in the coral reef, mangrove, and seagrass bed ecosystems based on available studies. Pollution load index (PLI) ranges from 3 to 31 in mangrove ecosystems, 5.7 to 11.9 in seagrass bed ecosystems, and 6.1 to 10.2 in coral reef ecosystems, respectively. The PLI index varies considerably between mangroves depending on the intensity of anthropogenic activity around the mangrove. Further studies on seagrass beds and macroalgal ecosystems are required to extend our understanding of microplastic pollution in marine environments. Recent microplastic detection in fish muscle tissue in mangroves requires more research to further the biological impact of microplastic ingestion and the potential food safety risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuanjing Zheng
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518108, China; School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Ruikun Sun
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Zhenqing Dai
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518108, China.
| | - Lei He
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Chengyong Li
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518108, China; School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China.
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12
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Nama S, Shanmughan A, Nayak BB, Bhushan S, Ramteke K. Impacts of marine debris on coral reef ecosystem: A review for conservation and ecological monitoring of the coral reef ecosystem. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 189:114755. [PMID: 36905864 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Coral reefs are the most spectacular underwater creation of nature. It enhances ecosystem functioning and marine biodiversity while also ensuring the livelihood of millions of coastal communities worldwide. Unfortunately, marine debris poses a serious threat to ecologically sensitive reef habitats and their associated organisms. Over the past decade, marine debris has been regarded as a major anthropogenic threat to marine ecosystems and gained scientific attention around the globe. However, the sources, types, abundance, distribution, and potential consequences of marine debris on reef ecosystems are hardly known. The goal of this review is to provide an overview of the current status of marine debris in various reef ecosystems across the world, with special emphasis on its sources, abundance, distribution, species impacted, major categories, potential impacts and management strategies. Furthermore, the adhesion mechanisms of microplastics to coral polyps, diseases caused by microplastics and are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suman Nama
- Fisheries Resource Harvest and Post-Harvest Management Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Panch Marg, Off Yari Road, Versova, Mumbai 400061, India.
| | - Ashna Shanmughan
- Fisheries Resource Harvest and Post-Harvest Management Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Panch Marg, Off Yari Road, Versova, Mumbai 400061, India
| | - Binaya Bhusan Nayak
- Fisheries Resource Harvest and Post-Harvest Management Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Panch Marg, Off Yari Road, Versova, Mumbai 400061, India
| | - Shashi Bhushan
- Fisheries Resource Harvest and Post-Harvest Management Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Panch Marg, Off Yari Road, Versova, Mumbai 400061, India
| | - Karankumar Ramteke
- Fisheries Resource Harvest and Post-Harvest Management Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Panch Marg, Off Yari Road, Versova, Mumbai 400061, India
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13
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Zhang W, Sik Ok Y, Bank MS, Sonne C. Macro- and microplastics as complex threats to coral reef ecosystems. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 174:107914. [PMID: 37028266 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The impacts of macroplastics (macro-), microplastics (MPs, <5mm), and nanoplastics (NPs, <100 nm) on corals and their complex reef ecosystems are receiving increased attention and visibility. MPs represent a major, contemporary, sustainability challenge with known and unknown effects on the ocean, and coral reef ecosystems worldwide. However, the fate and transport processes of macro-, MPs, and NPs and their direct and indirect impacts on coral reef ecosystems remains poorly understood. In this study, we verify and briefly summarize MPs distribution and pollution patterns in coral reefs from various geographical regions and discuss potential risks. The main interaction mechanisms show that MPs may substantially affect coral feeding performance, proper skeletal formation, and overall nutrition and, thus, there is an urgent need to address this rapidly growing environmental problem. From a management perspective, macro-, MPs, and NPs should, ideally, all be included in environmental monitoring frameworks, as possible, to aid in identifying those geographical areas that are most heavily impacted and to support future prioritization of conservation efforts. The potential solutions to the macro-, MP, and NP pollution problem include raising public awareness of plastic pollution, developing robust, environmental, conservation efforts, promoting a circular economy, and propelling industry-supported technological innovations to reduce plastic use and consumption. Global actions to curb plastic inputs, and releases of macro-, MP, and NP particles, and their associated chemicals, to the environment are desperately needed to secure the overall health of coral reef ecosystems and their inhabitants. Global scale horizon scans, gap analyses, and other future actions are necessary to gain and increase momentum to properly address this massive environmental problem and are in good accordance with several relevant UN sustainable development goals to sustain planetary health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China; Korea Biochar Research Center, APRU Sustainable Waste Management & Division of Environmental Science & Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Yong Sik Ok
- Korea Biochar Research Center, APRU Sustainable Waste Management & Division of Environmental Science & Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea.
| | - Michael S Bank
- Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway; University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Christian Sonne
- Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark; Sustainability Cluster, School of Engineering, University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248007, India
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14
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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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15
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Ashrafy A, Liza AA, Islam MN, Billah MM, Arafat ST, Rahman MM, Rahman SM. Microplastics Pollution: A Brief Review of Its Source and Abundance in Different Aquatic Ecosystems. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ADVANCES 2023; 9:100215. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hazadv.2022.100215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
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16
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Angiolillo M, Fortibuoni T, Di Lorenzo B, Tunesi L. First baseline assessment of seafloor litter on Italian coralligenous assemblages (Mediterranean Sea) in accordance with the European Marine Strategy Framework Directive. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 187:114597. [PMID: 36642002 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114597] [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: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
A monitoring programme for coralligenous assemblages was carried out in Italy for implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), aiming to characterise the coralligenous' environmental status and litter distribution. A standardised monitoring protocol, based on ROV-imaging, has been applied; this paper analyses the data obtained during the first MSFD cycle (2015-2019). Ninety-five areas were monitored at depths ranging between 14 and 199 m in the three subregions bordering Italy. Overall, 4316 macrolitter items were recorded. The median litter density was 2 items 100 m-2 (range: 0-120 items 100 m-2), but significant subregional differences emerged in litter quantities and composition. Fishery-related litter (mainly lines and ropes) was the most common type (86 %), affecting vulnerable coralligenous reefs. A first baseline is proposed for assessing achievement toward Good Environmental Status and evaluation of the efficacy of the Italian MSFD measures aiming to eliminate the negative effects of marine litter on vulnerable reefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Angiolillo
- Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), Rome, Italy.
| | - Tomaso Fortibuoni
- Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), Ozzano dell'Emilia, BO, Italy
| | - Bianca Di Lorenzo
- Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), Rome, Italy
| | - Leonardo Tunesi
- Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), Rome, Italy
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17
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Plastic pollution of four understudied marine ecosystems: a review of mangroves, seagrass meadows, the Arctic Ocean and the deep seafloor. Emerg Top Life Sci 2022; 6:371-387. [PMID: 36214383 DOI: 10.1042/etls20220017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is now a worldwide phenomenon affecting all marine ecosystems, but some ecosystems and regions remain understudied. Here, we review the presence and impacts of macroplastics and microplastics for four such ecosystems: mangroves, seagrass meadows, the Arctic Ocean and the deep seafloor. Plastic production has grown steadily, and thus the impact on species and ecosystems has increased, too. The accumulated evidence also indicates that plastic pollution is an additional and increasing stressor to these already ecosystems and many of the species living in them. However, laboratory or field studies, which provide strong correlational or experimental evidence of ecological harm due to plastic pollution remain scarce or absent for these ecosystems. Based on these findings, we give some research recommendations for the future.
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18
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Vered G, Shenkar N. Limited effects of environmentally-relevant concentrations in seawater of dibutyl phthalate, dimethyl phthalate, bisphenol A, and 4-nonylphenol on the reproductive products of coral-reef organisms. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 314:120285. [PMID: 36179999 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120285] [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: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Plastic additives (PAs) are chemical compounds incorporated into the plastic during the manufacturing process. Phthalate acid esters, bisphenols, and nonylphenols are all PAs found in marine environments and associated with endocrine-disrupting processes. However, our knowledge regarding the impact of endocrine-disrupting PAs on coral-reef organisms is limited. As reef population structure is directly linked to reproduction and larval settlement processes, interference with hormonal systems can impact coral-reef community structure, particularly if the effects of PAs differ among species. In the current study we exposed the reproductive products of four tropical coral-reef invertebrates to environmentally-relevant concentrations of four prevalent PAs in seawater: dibutyl phthalate (DBP), dimethyl phthalate, (DMP), 4-nonylphenol (4-NP), and bisphenol A (BPA), as well as to 103 higher laboratory concentrations of these PAs. Our results revealed that apart from the significant negative effect of the 1 μg/L of 4-NP on the settlement of the soft coral Rhytisma fulvum, none of the other tested materials demonstrated a significant effect on the exposed organisms at environmentally-relevant concentrations in seawater. The 4-NP high laboratory concentration (1000 μg/L), however, had significant negative effects on all the examined species. The high laboratory BPA concentration (1000 μg/L) significantly reduced fertilization success in the solitary ascidian Herdmaniamomus, up to its complete failure to reproduce. Moreover, the high laboratory DMP concentration (100 μg/L) had a significant negative effect on planulae settlement of the stony coral Stylophora pistillata. Our findings demonstrate the negative and selective effects of PAs on the development and reproduction of coral-reef organisms; and, specifically, the significant effect found following exposure to 4-NP. Consequently, if we aim to fully understand the impact of these contaminants on this endangered ecosystem, we suggest that the actual concentrations within the living organism tissues should be tested in order to produce relevant risk assessments for brooding-coral species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gal Vered
- The School of Zoology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; The Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences (IUI), Eilat, Israel
| | - Noa Shenkar
- The School of Zoology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; The Steinhardt Museum of Natural History, Israel National Center for Biodiversity Studies, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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19
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Rizzo L, Minichino R, Virgili R, Tanduo V, Osca D, Manfredonia A, Consoli P, Colloca F, Crocetta F. Benthic litter in the continental slope of the Gulf of Naples (central-western Mediterranean Sea) hosts limited fouling communities but facilitates molluscan spawning. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 181:113915. [PMID: 35868237 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Seafloor pollution by benthic litter is an emerging phenomenon, although debris colonization by biota remains largely unexplored. We characterized the litter of the continental slope (~400-600 m) of the Gulf of Naples (Mediterranean) and investigated its fouling biota through integrative taxonomic approaches. Plastic pieces (82 %) with land-based origin (96 %) and limited sizes (10-20 cm) were the items most commonly encountered, suggesting a transfer to deep waters through floating and sinking. The majority of the items were not fouled, and the debris hosted an impoverished biota, leading to hypothesize that benthic litter supports wide communities only in shallow waters. Higher colonization rates were observed for gastropod and cephalopod eggs with no preference for materials and sizes, suggesting that even small pieces of soft plastic provide a spawning habitat for molluscs and affect species' connectivity in the deep-sea ecosystem. Holistic approaches are necessary to evaluate interactions between litter and biota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Rizzo
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, I-80121 Napoli, Italy; Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council, Via Monteroni, I-73025 Lecce, Italy.
| | - Riccardo Minichino
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, I-80121 Napoli, Italy
| | - Riccardo Virgili
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, I-80121 Napoli, Italy
| | - Valentina Tanduo
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, I-80121 Napoli, Italy
| | - David Osca
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, I-80121 Napoli, Italy
| | - Alessandro Manfredonia
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, I-80121 Napoli, Italy
| | - Pierpaolo Consoli
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Pace, Contrada Porticatello 29, I-98167 Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Colloca
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Via Po 25c, I-00198 Roma, Italy
| | - Fabio Crocetta
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, I-80121 Napoli, Italy.
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20
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Béraud E, Bednarz V, Otto I, Golbuu Y, Ferrier-Pagès C. Plastics are a new threat to Palau’s coral reefs. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0270237. [PMID: 35793287 PMCID: PMC9258895 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Plastic pollution of the oceans has long been an ongoing and growing problem. Single-use plastic (plastic bags and microbeads) is responsible for most of this pollution. In recent years, studies have highlighted the importance of the size of plastic particles, and the impact of this pollution source on the environment. We determined the concentration of small marine plastics in seawater, sediments and beach sand around a pristine reef area (Republic of Palau) using very simple tools (plankton net, sieves, organic matter degradation, density separation, Nile red fluorochrome). In this study, we succeeded in detecting microplastic (MPs) particles and microplastic fibers, but also nanoplastic (NPs). These three types of particles were found in all samples with a large heterogeneity, from 0.01 to 0.09 particles L-1 and 0.17 to 32.13 particles g-1 DW for MPs in seawater, sediments and sand, respectively. Even when NPs were identified, the amounts of NPs were underestimated and varied from 0.09 to 0.43 particles L-1 in seawater and from 1.08 to 71.02 particles g-1 DW in sediment and sand, respectively. These variations could be attributed to the environmental characteristics of the different sites. This study shows that plastic pollution must be considered in environmental studies even in the most pristine locations. It also shows that NPs pollution is related to the amount of MPs found at the sites. To understand the effects of this plastic pollution, it is necessary that the next toxicological studies take into account the effects of this fraction that makes up the NPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Béraud
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Equipe Ecophysiologie Corallienne, Monaco, Monaco
- * E-mail:
| | - Vanessa Bednarz
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Equipe Ecophysiologie Corallienne, Monaco, Monaco
| | - Ikelau Otto
- PICRC, Palau International Coral Reef Center, Koror, Palau, Republic of Palau
| | - Yimnang Golbuu
- PICRC, Palau International Coral Reef Center, Koror, Palau, Republic of Palau
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21
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What Teachers Should Know for Effective Marine Litter Education: A Scoping Review. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14074308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Marine litter has had a huge impact on the marine environment and the socio-economic activities that depend on healthy oceans. All members of the community must play their part to address marine litter. Teachers are agents of change that are capable of encouraging pro-environmental practices among the community that will reduce environmental issues, including marine litter. However, teachers were found to have limited knowledge regarding ocean literacy and marine pollution. A scoping review was conducted to identify various aspects of content knowledge related to marine litter education that has been recently conducted for school teachers and students. Web of Science, Scopus and ERIC databases were searched for articles published in English between 2015 and 8 July 2021. Fourteen peer-reviewed articles were selected for this study and were subjected to content analysis. Topics related to marine litter were frequently addressed. Meanwhile, topics related to teaching Environmental Education/Education for Sustainable Development (EE/ESD) were the least addressed. Benthic marine litter, solutions to marine litter and the introduction of new types of marine litter were identified as topics that need to be addressed in future marine litter education. This study lists content knowledge based on previous literature and identified the gaps, which will be useful for teachers to improve their knowledge and implement effective marine litter education in school.
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22
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Freitas TBN, Leite TS, de Ramos B, di Cosmo A, Proietti MC. In an octopus's garden in the shade: Underwater image analysis of litter use by benthic octopuses. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 175:113339. [PMID: 35093780 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Benthic octopuses have been widely documented in artificial shelters for decades, and this use is apparently increasing. Despite any possible positive effects, the use of litter as shelter could have negative implications. In this work, we aimed to elucidate the interactions of octopuses with marine litter, identifying types of interactions and affected species and regions. To achieve this, we obtained 261 underwater images from 'citizen science' records, and identified 8 genera and 24 species of benthic octopuses interacting with litter. Glass objects were present in 41.6% of interactions, and plastic in 24.7%. Asia presented the highest number of images, and most records were from 2018 to 2021. Citizen science provided important evidence on octopus/marine litter interactions, highlighting its value and the need for more investigations on the subject. This information is fundamental to help prevent and mitigate the impacts of litter on octopuses, and identify knowledge gaps that require attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tainah B N Freitas
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Oceanografia Biológica and Projeto Lixo Marinho, Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Avenida Itália Km 08, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Tatiana S Leite
- Laboratório de Métodos de Estudos Subaquáticos e Cefalópodes, Departamento de Ecologia e Zoologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.
| | - Bruna de Ramos
- Departamento de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco - UFPE, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Anna di Cosmo
- Department of Biology, University of Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario Monte Sant' Angelo, Via Cinthia, 80126 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Maíra C Proietti
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Oceanografia Biológica and Projeto Lixo Marinho, Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Avenida Itália Km 08, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil.
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23
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Mueller JS, Bill N, Reinach MS, Lasut MT, Freund H, Schupp PJ. A comprehensive approach to assess marine macro litter pollution and its impacts on corals in the Bangka Strait, North Sulawesi, Indonesia. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 175:113369. [PMID: 35144214 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This is a comprehensive study showing the marine anthropogenic litter pollution within North Sulawesi, Indonesia. From an area of 2972 m2 that encompassed five sparsely populated locations, a total of 9421 litter items weighing 137 kg were collected. One location (Talisei North) contributed 50% of all collected litter items. Plastic litter always dominated with 96-99%. Litter was unevenly distributed across investigated areas reaching from the upper beach (3.6-30.1 items/m2) to the reef slope (0-0.03 items/m2). Litter composition and daily accumulation showed spatial-temporal dynamics, with upper beach areas displaying the overall highest accumulation rates. Reef micro-habitats were differently affected, with the reef moat and reef flat showing the highest litter concentrations, although litter amounts were much lower compared to the corresponding beaches. Branching corals, especially Porites cylindrica, were most affected by litter entanglement. Field experiments with P. cylindrica showed that attached plastic induced bleaching, necrosis, and algal overgrowth within five months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin S Mueller
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM) at the University of Oldenburg, Schleusenstraße 1, 26382 Wilhelmshaven, Germany
| | - Nicolas Bill
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM) at the University of Oldenburg, Schleusenstraße 1, 26382 Wilhelmshaven, Germany
| | - Marco S Reinach
- Coral Eye Resort and Research Outpost, 95375 Bangka Island, North Sulawesi, Indonesia
| | - Markus T Lasut
- Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science at the Sam Ratulangi University (UNSRAT), Jalan Kampus Unsrat Bahu, 95115 Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia
| | - Holger Freund
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM) at the University of Oldenburg, Schleusenstraße 1, 26382 Wilhelmshaven, Germany
| | - Peter J Schupp
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM) at the University of Oldenburg, Schleusenstraße 1, 26382 Wilhelmshaven, Germany; Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity (HIFMB) at the University of Oldenburg, Ammerländer Heerstrasse 231, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany.
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24
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Pedà C, Longo F, Berti C, Laface F, De Domenico F, Consoli P, Battaglia P, Greco S, Romeo T. The waste collector: information from a pilot study on the interaction between the common octopus (Octopus vulgaris, Cuvier, 1797) and marine litter in bottom traps fishing and first evidence of plastic ingestion. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 174:113185. [PMID: 34861606 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Few studies focused on behaviour adaptations of organisms to marine litter (ML) pollution in Mediterranean Sea. This research, investigates on some behavior traits of Octopus vulgaris, focusing on the interaction with ML during the artisanal fishing activities by the bottom traps in a small coastal area of the southern Tyrrhenian Sea. For the first time, this pilot study uses an integrated approach based on the Fishermen Ecological Knowledge as well as the analysis of ML found in the traps. First assessment of plastic ingestion in this species are also reported. Plastic and metal were the predominant ML categories observed into the bottom traps. A total of 62 plastics, mainly small microplastics and fibres shaped, were ingested. The ML finding in the bottom traps suggests an interesting behavior of the common octopus regarding its interaction with ML, in fact, it seems to bring ML inside its dens, as a collector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Pedà
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn - National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Sicily Marine Centre, Villa Pace - Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy.
| | - Francesco Longo
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn - National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Sicily Marine Centre, Villa Pace - Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy
| | - Claudio Berti
- Department of Research Infrastructures for Marine Biological Resources (RIMAR), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Calabria Marine Centre (Researches Centre and Marine Advanced Infrastructures, CRIMAC), C.da Torre Spaccata, 87071 Amendolara, CS, Italy.
| | - Federica Laface
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn - National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Sicily Marine Centre, Villa Pace - Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy; Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Francesca De Domenico
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn - National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Sicily Marine Centre, Villa Pace - Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy
| | - Pierpaolo Consoli
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn - National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Sicily Marine Centre, Villa Pace - Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy
| | - Pietro Battaglia
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn - National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Sicily Marine Centre, Villa Pace - Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy
| | - Silvestro Greco
- Department of Research Infrastructures for Marine Biological Resources (RIMAR), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Calabria Marine Centre (Researches Centre and Marine Advanced Infrastructures, CRIMAC), C.da Torre Spaccata, 87071 Amendolara, CS, Italy; Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Rome, Italy
| | - Teresa Romeo
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn - National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Sicily Marine Centre, Villa Pace - Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy; Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, ISPRA, Via dei Mille 56, 98057 Milazzo, ME, Italy
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25
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Westlake EL, Lawrence E, Travaglione N, Barnes P, Thomson DP. Low quantities of marine debris at the northern Ningaloo Marine Park, Western Australia, influenced by visitation and accessibility. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 174:113294. [PMID: 35090279 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113294] [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: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Marine debris (MD) is a serious environmental concern globally. Yet, few studies have reported on MD in sanctuary zones of the Indian Ocean. Consequently, coastal transects were conducted to determine MD quantity, composition and distribution at northern Ningaloo Marine Park, Western Australia. Debris density ranged between 0.004 and 0.02 items m-2 with the greatest density near Exmouth township. Composition was predominantly plastic (61%) with fishing-related items (25.5%) and plastic fragments/remnants (16%) the most numerous overall. Land-based and general sourced MD accounted for 88% of all debris. Debris levels were significantly lower at sites with higher visitation and increased distance from access points. There was no significant difference between sanctuary and non-sanctuary zones. Although not immune to MD, this study suggests its remote location, environmental awareness and management strategies implemented at Ningaloo Marine Park may be key to its low MD levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma L Westlake
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Oceans and Atmosphere, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia.
| | - Emma Lawrence
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Data61, 41 Boggo Rd, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia
| | | | - Peter Barnes
- Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, 20 Nimitz St, Exmouth, WA 6707, Australia
| | - Damian P Thomson
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Oceans and Atmosphere, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
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26
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Blettler MCM, Mitchell C. Dangerous traps: Macroplastic encounters affecting freshwater and terrestrial wildlife. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 798:149317. [PMID: 34340071 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Encounters (or interactions) between plastic debris and wildlife can cause great harm to individuals and populations. The most common encounters are ingestion, entanglement and plastic usage (plastic as nesting material, vector for biota transport and refuge/shelter). Hundreds of plastic-encounters have been reported for marine species. However, there is a lack of studies reporting encounters in other ecosystems, such as freshwater and terrestrial ones. Based on a citizen science approach, we documented and analyzed 90 different cases of macroplastic-fauna encounters for 44 freshwater and terrestrial species. Herein, we provided evidence (photographically documented) of the negative consequences of macroplastic debris discarded in freshwater and terrestrial environments. Birds were by far the taxon most frequently reported in encounters (72.2% of the encounters, 30 different species). The dominant type of plastic-fauna encounter was the use of plastic as nesting material (42% of the total cases) and the second one was entanglement (33%). Most of the entanglements had lethal consequences for the organisms involved (almost 60%). Entanglement in ghost fishing gear and bottle (security) rings were particularly dangerous and comparatively frequent in this study. Some invasive species could benefit from the encounters to the detriment of the environment's health, using plastics as settlement substrata. Finally, we lay the foundation for creating worldwide lists of non-marine species impacted by encounters with plastic debris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martín C M Blettler
- The National Institute of Limnology (INALI; CONICET-UNL), Ciudad Universitaria, 3000 Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Clara Mitchell
- Faculty of Exact Sciences, Engineering and Surveying National University of Rosario (FCEIA, UNR), Rosario, Argentina
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27
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Angiolillo M, Gérigny O, Valente T, Fabri MC, Tambute E, Rouanet E, Claro F, Tunesi L, Vissio A, Daniel B, Galgani F. Distribution of seafloor litter and its interaction with benthic organisms in deep waters of the Ligurian Sea (Northwestern Mediterranean). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 788:147745. [PMID: 34134397 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The Mediterranean Sea is one of the most polluted marine basins and currently serves as a hotspot for marine litter. The seafloor represents the ultimate sink for most litter worldwide. Nevertheless, the knowledge about litter distribution and its interactions with benthic organisms in deep water is poorly understood. In 2018, we investigated spatial patterns of macro- and micro-litter distribution, and their effects on benthic communities in the Ligurian Sea. An oceanographic survey was carried out with a remotely operated vehicle and a multibeam echosounder on seven seamounts and canyons, at depths ranging from 350 to 2200 m. High litter accumulations were discovered at the mouth of the Monaco canyon, where estimated densities of up to 3.8 × 104 items km-2 were found at 2200 m depth. The highest abundance of urban litter items was found on the soft substrate, at the bottom of the deeper parts of the submarine canyons, which seem to act as conduits carrying litter from the shelf towards deeper areas. In contrast, fishing-related items were most abundant in the upper layer of the seamounts (300-600 m depths). Furthermore, more than 10% of the observed deep gorgonian colonies were entangled by lost longlines, indicating the detrimental effects of this fishing gear on benthic habitats. The discovery of new litter hotspots and the evaluation of how deep-sea species interact with litter contribute to increasing the knowledge about litter distribution and its effects on the deep ecosystem of the Mediterranean basin. All the observations recorded in this study showed substantial and irreversible changes in the deep and remote areas of marine environments, and these changes were found to be caused by humans. Our findings further stress the need for urgent and specific measures for the management of deep-sea pollution and the reduction of litter inputs in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Angiolillo
- Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), Via Vitaliano Brancati, 60, 00144 Rome, Italy.
| | - Olivia Gérigny
- Institut Français de Recherche pour l'Exploitation de la MER (Ifremer), Centre Méditerranée, Z.P. de Brégaillon, 83507, La Seyne-sur-Mer and Bastia, France
| | - Tommaso Valente
- Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), Via Vitaliano Brancati, 60, 00144 Rome, Italy; Sapienza University of Rome, Department of Environmental Biology, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Marie-Claire Fabri
- Institut Français de Recherche pour l'Exploitation de la MER (Ifremer), Centre Méditerranée, Z.P. de Brégaillon, 83507, La Seyne-sur-Mer and Bastia, France
| | - Eric Tambute
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Avenue Saint Martin, 98000 Monaco, Monaco
| | - Elodie Rouanet
- GIS Posidonie, Aix-Marseille University, OSU Pytheas, campus universitaire de Luminy, case 901, 13288 Marseille cedex 09, France
| | - Francoise Claro
- Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle-UMS PATRINAT, CP41, 57 rue Cuvier, 75231 Paris, France
| | - Leonardo Tunesi
- Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), Via Vitaliano Brancati, 60, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Anne Vissio
- Secrétaire exécutif RAMOGE, Av. de l'Annonciade, 98000 Monaco, Monaco
| | - Boris Daniel
- Agence française pour la biodiversité, rue de la République 26, Marseille, France
| | - François Galgani
- Institut Français de Recherche pour l'Exploitation de la MER (Ifremer), Centre Méditerranée, Z.P. de Brégaillon, 83507, La Seyne-sur-Mer and Bastia, France
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28
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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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29
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Sridharan S, Kumar M, Bolan NS, Singh L, Kumar S, Kumar R, You S. Are microplastics destabilizing the global network of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem services? ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 198:111243. [PMID: 33933493 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Plastic has created a new man-made ecosystem called plastisphere. The plastic pieces including microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) have emerged as a global concern due to their omnipresence in ecosystems and their ability to interact with the biological systems. Nevertheless, the long-term impacts of MPs on biotic and abiotic resources are not completely understood, and existing evidence suggests that MPs are hazardous to various keystones species of the global biomes. MP-contaminated ecosystems show reduced floral and faunal biomass, productivity, nitrogen cycling, oxygen-generation and carbon sequestration, suggesting that MPs have already started affecting ecological biomes. However, not much is known about the influence of MPs towards the ecosystem services (ESs) cascade and its correlation with the biodiversity loss. MPs are perceived as a menace to the global ecosystems, but their possible impacts on the provisional, regulatory, and socio-economic ESs have not been extensively studied. This review investigates not only the potentiality of MPs to perturb the functioning of terrestrial and aquatic biomes, but also the associated social, ecological and economic repercussions. The possible long-term fluxes in the ES network of terrestrial and aquatic niches are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srinidhi Sridharan
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India; CSIR National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur, 440020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Manish Kumar
- CSIR National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur, 440020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Nanthi S Bolan
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for High Performance Soils, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Lal Singh
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India; CSIR National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur, 440020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sunil Kumar
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India; CSIR National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur, 440020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Rakesh Kumar
- CSIR National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur, 440020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Siming You
- James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK.
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30
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Macieira RM, Oliveira LAS, Cardozo-Ferreira GC, Pimentel CR, Andrades R, Gasparini JL, Sarti F, Chelazzi D, Cincinelli A, Gomes LC, Giarrizzo T. Microplastic and artificial cellulose microfibers ingestion by reef fishes in the Guarapari Islands, southwestern Atlantic. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 167:112371. [PMID: 33962257 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the ingestion of microplastics and artificial cellulose particles by 103 specimens belonging to 21 reef fish species from the southwestern Atlantic. Specimens of six species had ingested microplastics and artificial cellulose particles, while those of another three species had ingested only one type of material. In our samples, man-made cellulose fibers were more common than microplastics. The tomtate grunt, Haemulon aurolineatum, ingested more particles than any of the other species. Overall, transparent particles were predominant, and polyamide was the most common plastic material. Household sewage, fishery activity, and navigation appear to be the principal sources of the artificial particles ingested by the reef fishes. Our results provide an important database on oceanic contamination by microplastics and artificial cellulose particles. Understanding this impact on tropical reef fish will contribute to the development of strategies to mitigate pollution by anthropogenic debris in reef systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael M Macieira
- Laboratório de Ictiologia, Departamento de Oceanografia e Ecologia, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Goiabeiras, Vitória, Espírito Santo 29.075-910, Brazil.
| | - Leticia Aparecida Silva Oliveira
- Complexo Biopráticas, Universidade Vila Velha, Rua Comissário José Dantas de Melo 21, Boa Vista, Vila Velha, Espírito Santo 29.102-770, Brazil
| | - Gabriel C Cardozo-Ferreira
- Laboratório de Ictiologia, Departamento de Oceanografia e Ecologia, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Goiabeiras, Vitória, Espírito Santo 29.075-910, Brazil
| | - Caio Ribeiro Pimentel
- Laboratório de Ictiologia, Departamento de Oceanografia e Ecologia, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Goiabeiras, Vitória, Espírito Santo 29.075-910, Brazil
| | - Ryan Andrades
- Laboratório de Ictiologia, Departamento de Oceanografia e Ecologia, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Goiabeiras, Vitória, Espírito Santo 29.075-910, Brazil
| | - João Luiz Gasparini
- Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade (NUPEM), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Macaé, Rio de Janeiro 27.910-970, Brazil
| | - Francesco Sarti
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia, 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - David Chelazzi
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia, 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandra Cincinelli
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia, 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Levy Carvalho Gomes
- Complexo Biopráticas, Universidade Vila Velha, Rua Comissário José Dantas de Melo 21, Boa Vista, Vila Velha, Espírito Santo 29.102-770, Brazil
| | - Tommaso Giarrizzo
- Núcleo de Ecologia Aquática e Pesca da Amazônia (NEAP), Universidade Federal do Pará, Av. Perimetral 2651, Terra Firme, Belém, Pará 66.077-830, Brazil
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31
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Vázquez OA, Rahman MS. An ecotoxicological approach to microplastics on terrestrial and aquatic organisms: A systematic review in assessment, monitoring and biological impact. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2021; 84:103615. [PMID: 33607259 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2021.103615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Marine and land plastic debris biodegrades at micro- and nanoscales through progressive fragmentation. Oceanographic model studies confirm the presence of up to ∼2.41 million tons of microplastics across the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian subtropical gyres. Microplastics distribute from primary (e.g., exfoliating cleansers) and secondary (e.g., chemical deterioration) sources in the environment. This anthropogenic phenomenon poses a threat to the flora and fauna of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems as ingestion and entanglement cases increase over time. This review focuses on the impact of microplastics across taxa at suggested environmentally relevant concentrations, and advances the groundwork for future ecotoxicological-based research on microplastics including the main points: (i) adhesion of chemical pollutants (e.g., PCBs); (ii) biological effects (e.g., bioaccumulation, biomagnification, biotransportation) in terrestrial and aquatic organisms; (iii) physico-chemical properties (e.g., polybrominated diphenyl ethers) and biodegradation pathways in the environment (e.g., chemical stress, heat stress); and (iv) an ecotoxicological prospect for optimized impact assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar A Vázquez
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX, USA
| | - Md Saydur Rahman
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX, USA; School of Earth, Environmental, and Marine Sciences, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX, USA.
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32
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Scotti G, Esposito V, D'Alessandro M, Panti C, Vivona P, Consoli P, Figurella F, Romeo T. Seafloor litter along the Italian coastal zone: An integrated approach to identify sources of marine litter. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2021; 124:203-212. [PMID: 33631445 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2021.01.034] [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: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
A heterogeneous amount of waste of different origins is continuously generated along Italian coasts in the Mediterranean Sea. In this paper, using information regarding the quantities and the different types of marine litter based on Project AWARE's "Dive Against Debris" data, we try to identify the main sources of this waste. In particular, the methodological approach used associates the origin of marine litter sources with the dataset of geo-localised state-owned maritime concessions, which are loaded by the granting bodies (regions, municipalities, port authorities) on the State Property Information System (Sid). The sources of marine litter were evaluated using the matrix scoring technique (MST). Then, to assess the weight of each source in each station, the community-level weighted mean (CWM) was calculated. Single-use plastic accounted for the highest percentage (19.13%), followed by glass beverage bottles (10.90%), shopping bags (9.03%), aluminium beverage cans (4.91%), and cigarette butts (4.61%). Tourism and beach users contributed to 42.3% of the litter found, followed by fishing (15.7%) and yachting (11.3%). The overlapping of the data collected by scuba divers with the state concessions of activities from offshore and mainland areas was used to distinguish the anthropic pressures that impact the coast. Policy makers and the local administrator may use these results to define new methods of collection and reuse of anthropic waste through a more harmonised approach in the management of marine waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianfranco Scotti
- Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, ISPRA Via dei Mille 46, 98057 Milazzo, ME, Italy
| | - Valentina Esposito
- National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics (OGS), Via Auguste Piccard 54, 34151 Trieste, Italy
| | - Michela D'Alessandro
- Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, ISPRA Via dei Mille 46, 98057 Milazzo, ME, Italy.
| | - Cristina Panti
- Department of Physical Sciences, Earth and Environment, University of Siena, Via P. A. Mattioli, 4, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Pietro Vivona
- Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, ISPRA Via dei Mille 46, 98057 Milazzo, ME, Italy
| | - Pierpaolo Consoli
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Dipartimento Ecologia Marina Integrata, Sede Interdipartimentale della Sicilia, Via dei Mille 46, 98057 Milazzo, ME, Italy
| | | | - Teresa Romeo
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Dipartimento Ecologia Marina Integrata, Sede Interdipartimentale della Sicilia, Via dei Mille 46, 98057 Milazzo, ME, Italy; Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, ISPRA Via dei Mille 46, 98057 Milazzo, ME, Italy
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33
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Huang W, Chen M, Song B, Deng J, Shen M, Chen Q, Zeng G, Liang J. Microplastics in the coral reefs and their potential impacts on corals: A mini-review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 762:143112. [PMID: 33172634 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Plastic debris exists worldwide and research on microplastic pollution has gradually spread from the oceans to freshwater and terrestrial systems. Coral reefs not only serve as one of the most charismatic and biodiverse ecosystems on our planet, but also maintain the human harvesting of natural resources and livelihoods of hundreds of millions of people. However, the abundance and distribution characteristics of microplastics in coral reef systems receive little scientific attention. Meanwhile, the impacts of microplastics and nanoplastics on coral health and its potential mechanisms remain further studied. Herein, this review first summarized the current status of microplastics pollution in global coral reefs, especially included (i) abundance and distribution characteristics of microplastics in different media (e.g., seawater, sediment, corals), and (ii) possible sources of microplastics in reef regions. Furthermore, the main interaction mechanisms between microplastics and corals are highlighted. Following this, the direct or indirect impacts of microplastics on coral species are discussed. With the rapid increase of plastic consumption and background of pervasive global coral bleaching, research on marine microplastics must focus on the critical coral reef regions and include a comprehensive knowledge about the distribution, fate, and potential risks from an ecosystem perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Huang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Ming Chen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Biao Song
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Jiaqin Deng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Maocai Shen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Qiang Chen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Guangming Zeng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China.
| | - Jie Liang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China.
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Figueroa-Pico J, Tortosa FS, Carpio AJ. Natural and anthropogenic-induced stressors affecting the composition of fish communities on the rocky reefs of Ecuador. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 164:112018. [PMID: 33515829 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112018] [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: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Natural and human-induced stressors have threatened the sustainability of the fish communities of coral-rocky reefs worldwide in the last decades. The composition of the fish communities on the reefs of Ecuador and the factors affecting spatiotemporal changes are unknown. We studied the influence of the descriptors of structural complexity, the current status of coral and human-induced variables over fish communities. A video transect method was used to assess fish communities in three zones (slope, crest, and bottom) of two reefs during two seasons (rainy and dry). The structure of fish communities was highly influenced by the zones and season; rugosity and live coral affected the fish composition on the crest and slope zones. The fractured coral and derelict fishing gear on coral produced an adverse effect on fish composition over the crest. A multifactorial process causing loss of structural complexity and affecting fish composition was identified, however, periodical assessment is required for a greater understanding of this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Figueroa-Pico
- Departamento Central de Investigación (DCI), Ecuadorian Aquatic Ecotoxicology Group (ECUACTOX), Universidad Laica Eloy Alfaro de Manabí (ULEAM), Manta, Ecuador.
| | - Francisco S Tortosa
- Department of Zoology, University of Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Antonio J Carpio
- Department of Zoology, University of Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, 14071 Córdoba, Spain; Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC (UCLM-CSIC-JCCM), Ronda Toledo 12, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
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Mueller JS, Schupp PJ. Shading by marine litter impairs the health of the two Indo-Pacific scleractinian corals Porites rus and Pavona cactus. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 158:111429. [PMID: 32753213 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111429] [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: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Marine litter is recognized as one factor affecting coral health. It causes shading, bleaching, physical damage, necrosis, and mortality. This study provides the first evidence that direct contact by plastic and cotton affects coral health within 60 days. In a controlled aquarium experiment, two common Indo-Pacific scleractinian corals, Porites rus and Pavona cactus, were shaded for 60 days by transparent plastic (polypropylene, PP), dark plastic (PP) and cotton. Cotton disintegrated completely after 30 to 42 days, allowing the corals to recover. Transparent plastic became opaque over time due to microfouling, resulting in bleaching of the affected coral parts. Dark plastic had the strongest effect, including bleaching, necrosis and reduced growth within 60 days. Moreover, the two coral species responded differently to the treatments. This is the first report demonstrating that plastic and cotton litter can affect coral health and even cause partial mortality within 60 days.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin S Mueller
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Schleusenstraße 1, 26382 Wilhelmshaven, Germany
| | - Peter J Schupp
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Schleusenstraße 1, 26382 Wilhelmshaven, Germany; Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity at the University of Oldenburg (HIFMB), Ammerländer Heerstrasse 231, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany.
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Tan F, Yang H, Xu X, Fang Z, Xu H, Shi Q, Zhang X, Wang G, Lin L, Zhou S, Huang L, Li H. Microplastic pollution around remote uninhabited coral reefs of Nansha Islands, South China Sea. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 725:138383. [PMID: 32283309 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution is a growing environmental problem in the global oceans. However, there is relatively little evidence of the extent of MP pollution around remote islands, such as coral reefs, in the open ocean. In this study, we conducted a large-scale investigation of MP pollution in the surface waters around the remote uninhabited coral reefs of Nansha Islands in South China Sea. Microplastics were widespread in the surface waters with an average abundance of 0.0556 ± 0.0355 items/m3, although this varied among the coral reefs. The MPs were predominantly composed of polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE), and > 70% of them were <3 mm in size. Fragments and fibers comprised the most common MP types. The similarity between macro plastic and MP compositions provided evidence for the tracing of MP sources in the study area. The main pollutants (transparent PP fibers and PE fibers) around these remote coral reefs may originate from fishing gear abrasions. The plastic waste released from nearby residential islands and high-intensity fishing activities around Nansha Islands likely represented important local sources. Overall, the abundance of MPs found in the surface waters surrounding these remote coral reefs in the South China Sea was relatively low; however, these levels of MP pollution should not be disregarded given the importance of coral reef ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Tan
- Key Laboratory of Ocean and Marginal Sea Geology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hongqiang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Ocean and Marginal Sea Geology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; Nansha Marine Ecological and Environmental Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sansha 573199, China.
| | - Xiangrong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China
| | - Zhou Fang
- Key Laboratory of Ocean and Marginal Sea Geology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Huilong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Ocean and Marginal Sea Geology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China
| | - Qi Shi
- Key Laboratory of Ocean and Marginal Sea Geology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China
| | - Xiyang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Ocean and Marginal Sea Geology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China
| | - Guan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Ocean and Marginal Sea Geology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China
| | - Lang Lin
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shengnan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Ocean and Marginal Sea Geology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lei Huang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Mineral Resources, Ministry of Natural Resources, Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey, Guangzhou 510760, China
| | - Hengxiang Li
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China.
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Brentano R, de Brum AC, Montone RC, Petry MV. Incidence of anthropogenic material in Sula leucogaster nests in a distant archipelago of Brazil. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 151:110815. [PMID: 32056608 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.110815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic debris has been affecting fauna in different ways. We investigate the frequency of anthropogenic material in nests of a brown booby (Sula leucogaster) colony in the Saint Peter and Saint Paul Archipelago (SPSPA), Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil in February 2015 and November 2016. The items were classified according to type (threadlike plastic, sheet plastics, hard fragments, foamed synthetics and miscellaneous) and color. In 2015, a total of 30 anthropogenic items were found in 20.4% of the nests. In nests containing debris, miscellaneous items were found in 73.6% of nests. White/clear was the most common color, 52.6% of nests containing debris had items of this color. In 2016, 45 anthropogenic items were observed in 13.3% of the nests. Threadlike plastic was found in 59.2% of nests. Blue/purple was the most common color (55.5%). Even far from the Brazilian coast, the S. leucogaster colony has been affected by marine pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Brentano
- Laboratório de Ornitologia e Animais Marinhos, Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos - UNISINOS, Avenida Unisinos, 950, São Leopoldo 93.022-750, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Antônio Coimbra de Brum
- Laboratório de Ornitologia e Animais Marinhos, Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos - UNISINOS, Avenida Unisinos, 950, São Leopoldo 93.022-750, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Rosalinda Carmela Montone
- Instituto Oceanográfico, Laboratório de Química Orgânica Marinha, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Maria Virginia Petry
- Laboratório de Ornitologia e Animais Marinhos, Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos - UNISINOS, Avenida Unisinos, 950, São Leopoldo 93.022-750, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
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Kühn S, van Franeker JA. Quantitative overview of marine debris ingested by marine megafauna. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 151:110858. [PMID: 32056640 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.110858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
This review quantifies plastic interaction in marine biota. Firstly, entanglement and ingestion records for all marine birds, mammals, turtles, fish, and invertebrate species, are summarized from 747 studies. Marine debris affected 914 species through entanglement and/or ingestion. Ingestion was recorded for 701 species, entanglement was documented for 354 species. Secondly, the frequency of occurrence of ingestion per species (Sp-%FO) was extracted for marine birds, mammals and turtles. Thirdly, for seabird species, average numbers of plastics ingested per individual were determined. Highest Sp-%FO and average number of plastics were found in tubenosed seabirds with 41% of all birds analysed having plastics, on average 9.9 particles per bird. The Sp-%FO and average number of ingested particles is lower for most other species. However, for certain species, ingestion rates of litter are reason for serious concern. Standardized methods are crucial for future studies, to generate datasets that allow higher level ecosystem analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Kühn
- Wageningen Marine Research, Ankerpark 27, 1781 AG Den Helder, the Netherlands.
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Zhang L, Zhang S, Wang Y, Yu K, Li R. The spatial distribution of microplastic in the sands of a coral reef island in the South China Sea: Comparisons of the fringing reef and atoll. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 688:780-786. [PMID: 31255816 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.06.178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution of coral reef ecosystems has received increasing attention since the discovery that several typical coral types have the ability to ingest (micro-) plastics. However, data on the distribution of microplastics in coral reef ecosystems are still very limited. The study reported here selected sands/sediments from coral reef islands located in the South China Sea as a representative study site. The abundance of microplastics was found to reach 90 ± 5 items/kg and 530 ± 7 items/kg at the Weizhou Island and Sanya Lu Hui Tou (LHT) sites (fringing reef), respectively. Each of these qualities are lower than the quantity of microplastics collected from the Xisha Islands (atoll) (60 ± 3 to 610 ± 11 items/kg), which experiences less human activity and pollution. Moreover, further investigation demonstrated that the differences in the microplastics in the sands of these atolls and fringing reefs were determined not only by their sources, but were also dependent on their water exchange rates. The primary type and color of the microplastics found in these four sampling zones was red polypropylene and there was a greater proportion of smaller size particles (<1 mm) in the remote atolls of the Nansha and Xisha islands than in the other fringing reef sites. Additionally, there were no obvious differences found in the abundance of microplastics and the compositions/structures of coral sand in the Weizhou Island and Sanya LHT sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Zhang
- School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, PR China; Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, PR China; Coral Reef Research Center of China, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, PR China
| | - Shuaipeng Zhang
- School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, PR China; Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, PR China; Coral Reef Research Center of China, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, PR China
| | - Yinghui Wang
- School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, PR China; Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, PR China; Coral Reef Research Center of China, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, PR China.
| | - Kefu Yu
- School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, PR China; Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, PR China; Coral Reef Research Center of China, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, PR China.
| | - Ruilong Li
- School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, PR China; Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, PR China; Coral Reef Research Center of China, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, PR China.
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Critchell K, Hamann M, Wildermann N, Grech A. Predicting the exposure of coastal species to plastic pollution in a complex island archipelago. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 252:982-991. [PMID: 31252137 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.06.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/08/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution in the marine environment is a pervasive and increasing threat to global biodiversity. Prioritising management actions that target marine plastic pollution require spatial information on the dispersal and settlement of plastics from both local and external sources. However, there is a mismatch between the scale of most plastic dispersal studies (regional, national and global) and the scale relevant to management action (local). We use a fine-resolution hydrodynamic model to predict the potential exposure of coastal habitats and species (mangroves, coral reefs and marine turtles) to plastic pollution at the local scale of a management region (the 1,700 km2 Whitsunday Islands, Queensland, Australia). We assessed the potential exposure of mangroves, coral reefs and marine turtles to plastics during the two dominant wind conditions of the region; the trade wind and monsoon wind seasons. We found that in the trade wind season (April to September) all habitats and species had lower exposure than during the monsoon wind season (October to March). In both wind seasons we found a small proportion of coral reef habitat and large area of turtle habitat were in high potential exposure categories. Unlike coral reefs or marine turtles, mangroves had consistent hotspots of high exposure across wind seasons. Local scale management requires data at fine resolution to capture the variability that occurs at this scale. The outputs of our study can inform the development of conservation resources and local scale management action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kay Critchell
- College of Science and Engineering and TropWATER, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia; Marine Spatial Ecology Lab, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Mark Hamann
- College of Science and Engineering and TropWATER, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - Natalie Wildermann
- College of Science and Engineering and TropWATER, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - Alana Grech
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
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Consoli P, Romeo T, Angiolillo M, Canese S, Esposito V, Salvati E, Scotti G, Andaloro F, Tunesi L. Marine litter from fishery activities in the Western Mediterranean sea: The impact of entanglement on marine animal forests. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 249:472-481. [PMID: 30928519 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.03.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The anthropogenic marine debris, especially abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded Fishing Gear (ALDFG), represents a rising concern, because of its potential harmful impact on the marine animal forests. We carried out 13 km of video recordings, by means of a remotely operated vehicle, from 10 to 210 m depth, in an anthropised area of the Tyrrhenian Sea (Mediterranean Sea). This site, for its high ecological importance and biodiversity value, has been identified for the establishment of a new marine protected area (MPA). The aim of this paper was to assess marine litter abundance and its effects on the benthic fauna. The debris density, in the study area, ranged from 0.24 to 8.01 items/100 m2, with an average of 3.49 (±0.59) items/100 m2. The derelict fishing gear, mainly fishing lines, were the main source of marine debris, contributing 77.9% to the overall litter. The impacts of debris on the benthic fauna were frequently recorded, with 28.5% of the litter entangling corals and impacting habitats of conservation concern. These impacts were exclusively caused by the derelict fishing gear (91.2% by longlines), and the highest percentage (49.1%) of ALDFG causing impacts was observed from 41 to 80 m depth, in the coralligenous biocenosis. The results of the present study will help the fulfilment of "harm" monitoring, as recommended by the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) and the UN Environment/MAP Regional Plan on the marine litter management in the Mediterranean Sea. Regarding the actions to reduce the derelict fishing gear, preventive measures are usually preferred instead of the extensive removals based on cost-effectiveness and sustainability. The establishment of a new MPA in the area could be a good solution to reduce ALDFG, resulting in the improvement of the ecological status of this coastal area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierpaolo Consoli
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Centro Interdipartimentale della Sicilia, Via dei Mille 46, 98057, Milazzo (ME), Italy.
| | - Teresa Romeo
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Centro Interdipartimentale della Sicilia, Via dei Mille 46, 98057, Milazzo (ME), Italy; Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), BIO-DIR, Via Vitaliano Brancati 48, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Angiolillo
- Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), BIO-DIR, Via Vitaliano Brancati 48, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Simonepietro Canese
- Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), BIO-DIR, Via Vitaliano Brancati 48, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Esposito
- Istituto di Oceanografia e di Geofisica Sperimentale, OCE, via Auguste Piccard 54, 34151, Trieste, Italy
| | - Eva Salvati
- Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), BIO-DIR, Via Vitaliano Brancati 48, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Scotti
- Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), BIO-CIT, Via dei Mille 46, 98057, Milazzo (ME), Italy
| | - Franco Andaloro
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Centro Interdipartimentale della Sicilia, Via dei Mille 46, 98057, Milazzo (ME), Italy
| | - Leonardo Tunesi
- Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), BIO-DIR, Via Vitaliano Brancati 48, 00144, Rome, Italy
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Garnier Y, Jacob H, Guerra AS, Bertucci F, Lecchini D. Evaluation of microplastic ingestion by tropical fish from Moorea Island, French Polynesia. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2019; 140:165-170. [PMID: 30803630 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.01.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are ubiquitous throughout the oceans, yet few studies have documented their occurrence in marine organisms associated with coral reefs. Four genera of adult fish were sampled (Myripristis spp., Siganus spp., Epinephelus merra and Cheilopogon simus) from different trophic guilds around the tropical island of Moorea, French Polynesia. Digestive tracts from 133 adult fish were surveyed and microplastics were found in 28 tracts (21%). Abundance of ingested microplastic pieces per individual fish varied from 1 to 3 pieces, with an average of 1.25 ± 0.13 ingested microplastic pieces. Microplastics size ranged from 0.031 to 2.44 mm and 70% of microplastics did not exceed 0.3 mm in size. Overall, this study shows that the number and size of microplastic ingested per trophic groups are independent of trophic guild. Additional studies are needed to sample in other tropical regions in order to have a better assessment of microplastic occurrence in coral reefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoann Garnier
- PSL Research University, EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR3278 CRIOBE, 98729 Papetoai, Moorea, French Polynesia.
| | - Hugo Jacob
- PSL Research University, EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR3278 CRIOBE, 98729 Papetoai, Moorea, French Polynesia; International Atomic Energy Agency, Environment Laboratories, 4a, Quai Antoine 1er, Principality of Monaco, Monaco
| | - Ana Sofia Guerra
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Frédéric Bertucci
- PSL Research University, EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR3278 CRIOBE, 98729 Papetoai, Moorea, French Polynesia; Functional and Evolutionary Morphology Lab, University of Liège, Belgium
| | - David Lecchini
- PSL Research University, EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR3278 CRIOBE, 98729 Papetoai, Moorea, French Polynesia; Laboratoire d'Excellence "CORAIL", Paris, France
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Rangel-Buitrago N, Gracia C A, Vélez-Mendoza A, Mantilla-Barbosa E, Arana VA, Trilleras J, Arroyo-Olarte H. Abundance and distribution of beach litter along the Atlantico Department, Caribbean coast of Colombia. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2018; 136:435-447. [PMID: 30509827 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.09.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2018] [Revised: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
A total of 5993 litter items divided into 13 categories were found at 25 beaches located along the Atlantico Department coastline, Caribbean of Colombia, with an average litter abundance of 7 items/m. Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering (AHC), Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) and Principal Components Analysis (PCA) were applied with the objective of highlighting similarities and contrasts between litter categories and abundances. Results indicated two specific groups of beaches in terms of amounts of litter. The first group is composed of 17 "dirty beaches" (urban, resort and village) while the second group includes 8 "clean beaches" (village and resort). This division was confirmed by means of the EA/NALG (2000) grading system, which highlighted that 68% of beaches belonging to the Atlantico Department coastline are in an unacceptable condition of cleanness. Current patterns of litter abundance and accumulation are related to sources as well as beach characteristics such as degree of exposition and morphodynamic state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelson Rangel-Buitrago
- Programa de Física, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad del Atlántico, Puerto Colombia, Atlántico, Colombia; Programa de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad del Atlántico, Puerto Colombia, Atlántico, Colombia.
| | - Adriana Gracia C
- Programa de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad del Atlántico, Puerto Colombia, Atlántico, Colombia
| | - Anubis Vélez-Mendoza
- Programa de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad del Atlántico, Puerto Colombia, Atlántico, Colombia
| | - Egna Mantilla-Barbosa
- 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 Química, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad del Atlántico, Puerto Colombia, Atlántico, Colombia
| | - Jorge Trilleras
- Programa de Maestría en Ciencias Ambientales, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad del Atlántico, Puerto Colombia, Atlántico, Colombia; Programa de Química, 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
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44
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Heery EC, Hoeksema BW, Browne NK, Reimer JD, Ang PO, Huang D, Friess DA, Chou LM, Loke LHL, Saksena-Taylor P, Alsagoff N, Yeemin T, Sutthacheep M, Vo ST, Bos AR, Gumanao GS, Syed Hussein MA, Waheed Z, Lane DJW, Johan O, Kunzmann A, Jompa J, Taira D, Bauman AG, Todd PA. Urban coral reefs: Degradation and resilience of hard coral assemblages in coastal cities of East and Southeast Asia. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2018; 135:654-681. [PMID: 30301085 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.07.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2018] [Revised: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Given predicted increases in urbanization in tropical and subtropical regions, understanding the processes shaping urban coral reefs may be essential for anticipating future conservation challenges. We used a case study approach to identify unifying patterns of urban coral reefs and clarify the effects of urbanization on hard coral assemblages. Data were compiled from 11 cities throughout East and Southeast Asia, with particular focus on Singapore, Jakarta, Hong Kong, and Naha (Okinawa). Our review highlights several key characteristics of urban coral reefs, including "reef compression" (a decline in bathymetric range with increasing turbidity and decreasing water clarity over time and relative to shore), dominance by domed coral growth forms and low reef complexity, variable city-specific inshore-offshore gradients, early declines in coral cover with recent fluctuating periods of acute impacts and rapid recovery, and colonization of urban infrastructure by hard corals. We present hypotheses for urban reef community dynamics and discuss potential of ecological engineering for corals in urban areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliza C Heery
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117558, Singapore
| | - Bert W Hoeksema
- Taxonomy and Systematics Group, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, P.O. Box 9517, 2300 RA Leiden, the Netherlands; Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9505, 2300 RA Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Nicola K Browne
- Molecular and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Bentley Campus, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia; Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117558, Singapore
| | - James D Reimer
- Molecular Invertebrate Systematics and Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Chemistry and Marine Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa, Japan; Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Put O Ang
- Marine Science Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Danwei Huang
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117558, Singapore; Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119227, Singapore
| | - Daniel A Friess
- Department of Geography, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117570, Singapore; Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117558, Singapore
| | - Loke Ming Chou
- Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119227, Singapore
| | - Lynette H L Loke
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117558, Singapore
| | - Poonam Saksena-Taylor
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117558, Singapore
| | - Nadia Alsagoff
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117558, Singapore
| | - Thamasak Yeemin
- Marine Biodiversity Research Group, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ramkhamhaeng University, Huamark, Bangkok 10240, Thailand
| | - Makamas Sutthacheep
- Marine Biodiversity Research Group, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ramkhamhaeng University, Huamark, Bangkok 10240, Thailand
| | - Si Tuan Vo
- Institute of Oceanography, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 1 Cau Da, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa, Viet Nam
| | - Arthur R Bos
- Department of Biology, The American University in Cairo, P.O. Box 74, New Cairo 11835, Egypt; Taxonomy and Systematics Group, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, P.O. Box 9517, 2300 RA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Girley S Gumanao
- Marine Biology Department, Davao del Norte State College, New Visayas, 8105 Panabo City, the Philippines
| | - Muhammad Ali Syed Hussein
- Endangered Marine Species Research Unit, Borneo Marine Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Zarinah Waheed
- Endangered Marine Species Research Unit, Borneo Marine Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - David J W Lane
- Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 2 Conservatory Drive, Singapore 117377, Singapore
| | - Ofri Johan
- Research Institute for Ornamental Fish Culture, Jl. Perikanan No. 13, Pancoran Mas, Kota Depok, Jawa Barat 16436, Indonesia
| | - Andreas Kunzmann
- Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT), Fahrenheitstr. 6, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - Jamaluddin Jompa
- Department of Marine Science, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
| | - Daisuke Taira
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117558, Singapore
| | - Andrew G Bauman
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117558, Singapore
| | - Peter A Todd
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117558, Singapore.
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45
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Valderrama Ballesteros L, Matthews JL, Hoeksema BW. Pollution and coral damage caused by derelict fishing gear on coral reefs around Koh Tao, Gulf of Thailand. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2018; 135:1107-1116. [PMID: 30301009 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2018] [Revised: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Most lost fishing gear is made of non-biodegradable plastics that may sink to the sea floor or drift around in currents. It may remain unnoticed until it shows up on coral reefs, beaches and in other coastal habitats. Stony corals have fragile skeletons and soft tissues that can easily become damaged when they get in contact with lost fishing gear. During a dive survey around Koh Tao, a small island in the Gulf of Thailand, the impact of lost fishing gear (nets, ropes, cages, lines) was studied on corals representing six different growth forms: branching, encrusting, foliaceous, free-living, laminar, and massive. Most gear (>95%) contained plastic. Besides absence of damage (ND), three categories of coral damage were assessed: fresh tissue loss (FTL), tissue loss with algal growth (TLAG), and fragmentation (FR). The position of the corals in relation to the fishing gear was recorded as either growing underneath (Un) or on top (On), whereas corals adjacent to the gear (Ad) were used as controls. Nets formed the dominant type of lost gear, followed by ropes, lines and cages, respectively. Branching corals were most commonly found in contact with the gear and also around it. Tubastraea micranthus was the most commonly encountered coral species, either Un, On, or Ad. Corals underneath gear showed most damage, which predominantly consisted of tissue loss. Fragmentation was less common than expected, which may be related to the low fragility of T. micranthus as dominant branching species. Even if nets serve as substrate for corals, it is recommended to remove them from reefs, where they form a major component of the plastic pollution and cause damage to corals and other reef organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Bert W Hoeksema
- Taxonomy and Systematics Group, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, P.O. Box 9517, 2300 RA, Leiden, the Netherlands.; Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9505, 2300 RA, Leiden, the Netherlands.
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46
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Galgani F, Pham CK, Claro F, Consoli P. Marine animal forests as useful indicators of entanglement by marine litter. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2018; 135:735-738. [PMID: 30301092 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Revised: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Entanglement of marine fauna is one of the principal impacts of marine litter, with an incidence that can vary strongly according to regions, the type and the quantity of marine litter. On the seafloor, areas dominated by sessile suspension feeders, such as tropical coral reefs or deep-sea coral and sponge aggregations, have been termed "animal forests" and have a strong potential to monitor the temporal and spatial trends of entanglement by marine litter, especially fishing gears. Several characteristics of these organisms represent advantages while avoiding constraints and bias. Biological constraints and logistical aspects, including tools, are discussed to better define a strategy for supporting long-term evaluation of accumulation and entanglement of marine litter.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christopher K Pham
- IMAR & Okeanos, Department of Oceanography and Fisheries, University of the Azores, Horta, Portugal
| | | | - Pierpaolo Consoli
- Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), BIO-CIT, Milazzo, Italy; Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Napoli, Italy
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