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Luna Á, Moreno E, Pinzolas JA, Oliver S, Meyer S, Brodermann O, Merino C, Karaardıç H, da Silva LP, Chatton C, Laesser J, Meier CM, Gutiérrez JS, Masero JA, Pérez J, Kullberg C, Pérez-Gómez Á, Mateos-González F, Tigges U, Toledo B, Rausell-Moreno A. Anthropogenic debris as nest material in three swift species: New insights into the interactions of atmospheric pollution with wildlife. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 949:175171. [PMID: 39094648 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Plastic pollution has become a global concern, affecting many species around the world. While well-documented for marine ecosystems, the impact of plastic pollution on terrestrial ecosystems is comparatively limited. In fact, only recently have some studies begun to explore the occurrence, pathways, and impacts of plastic in the atmosphere and on terrestrial species. Here, we assess the presence of synthetic material in nests of three swift species breeding in the Western Palearctic: the common swift (Apus apus), the pallid swift (Apus pallidus), and the alpine swift (Tachymarptis melba). Using data from 487 nests spanning 25 colonies and seven European countries, we show that 36.5 % of the examined nests contained anthropogenic materials, mainly plastic debris. Notably, Pallid swifts' nests, with 85 % of the total nests examined with plastic, rank among birds with the highest plastic content in nests. We also demonstrate that the probability of finding plastic in the nest increased substantially with the human footprint of the landscape. Last, we recorded four cases of swifts entangled in their own nest, a low proportion compared to other species studied previously. Our study provides compelling evidence that plastic pollution may also be considered a concern for other terrestrial species, particularly for birds with highly aerial lifestyles, such as other swifts. The correlation with the human footprint suggests that areas with higher human activity contribute more significantly. Moreover, the entanglement cases, although low, indicate a threat to bird health and welfare. To our knowledge, our study is the first to report a direct interaction between floating plastic debris in the atmosphere and any species. Understanding this interaction is key, not only due to the lack of research on the topic, but also because it highlights that plastic pollution is a multifaceted environmental issue affecting various ecosystem categories, and the broader implications of atmospheric plastic circulation on wildlife and ecosystems health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Álvaro Luna
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Elena Moreno
- Ecourbe, Association for the Protection of Urban Environment, Seville, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Carlos Merino
- Departamento de Zoología, Universidad de Sevilla, Spain
| | - Hakan Karaardıç
- Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, Education Faculty, Department of Math and Science Education, Alanya, Antalya, Türkiye
| | - Luis P da Silva
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Campus de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal; BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
| | - Caroline Chatton
- Musée d'histoire naturelle Fribourg MHNF, Chemin du Musée 6, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland.
| | - Jacques Laesser
- Swiss Ornithological Institute, Seerose 1, CH-6204 Sempach, Switzerland.
| | - Christoph M Meier
- Swiss Ornithological Institute, Seerose 1, CH-6204 Sempach, Switzerland.
| | - Jorge S Gutiérrez
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain; Ecology in the Anthropocene, Associated Unit CSIC-UEX, Faculty of Sciences, University of Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain.
| | - José A Masero
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain; Ecology in the Anthropocene, Associated Unit CSIC-UEX, Faculty of Sciences, University of Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain
| | | | - Cecilia Kullberg
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Álvaro Pérez-Gómez
- Universidad de Cádiz, Departamento de Biología (Área de Botánica), Campus Río San Pedro, 11510 Puerto Real, Spain.
| | | | | | - Bernardo Toledo
- Departamento de Ecología Integrativa, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Armand Rausell-Moreno
- Department of Biogeography and Global Change, National Museum of Natural Sciences (MNCN-CSIC), Madrid, Spain.
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Meza-Chuquizuta C, Zavalaga CB, Lozano-Sanllehi S, Gonzales-DelCarpio DD. Prevalence of plastic debris in nests of two cormorant species in Peru. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 205:116601. [PMID: 38905737 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116601] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
The guanay cormorant (Leucocarbo bougainvilliorum) and red-legged cormorant (Poikilocarbo gaimardi) are known for their prolific nest-building behavior, utilizing a diverse array of materials, including anthropogenic debris, thereby serving as valuable indicators of ocean plastic pollution. To elucidate inter-specific variations in nest plastic occurrence between these two cormorant species, we conducted a comprehensive examination of nests at 12 colonies along the Peruvian coast in 2018-2019. Our findings revealed a significantly higher occurrence of plastic in red-legged cormorant nests (mean 50 ± 27 %, N = 100 nests in 7 colonies) compared to guanay cormorant nests (mean 10 ± 20 %, 3497 nests in 8 colonies). Furthermore, the prevalence of plastic waste varied across colonies within both species. Off-white/clear plastic bags were the predominant color and type of debris found in both cormorant nests. This study is a baseline of plastic marine pollution occurrence along the Peruvian coast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Meza-Chuquizuta
- Unidad de Investigación de Ecosistemas Marinos - Grupo Aves Marinas, Universidad Científica del Sur, Car. Antigua Panamericana Sur Km. 19, Villa El Salvador, Lima, Peru; Facultad de Ciencias Ambientales, Universidad Científica del Sur, Car. Antigua Panamericana Sur Km. 19, Villa El Salvador, Lima, Peru
| | - Carlos B Zavalaga
- Unidad de Investigación de Ecosistemas Marinos - Grupo Aves Marinas, Universidad Científica del Sur, Car. Antigua Panamericana Sur Km. 19, Villa El Salvador, Lima, Peru.
| | - Sebastián Lozano-Sanllehi
- Unidad de Investigación de Ecosistemas Marinos - Grupo Aves Marinas, Universidad Científica del Sur, Car. Antigua Panamericana Sur Km. 19, Villa El Salvador, Lima, Peru
| | - Diego D Gonzales-DelCarpio
- Unidad de Investigación de Ecosistemas Marinos - Grupo Aves Marinas, Universidad Científica del Sur, Car. Antigua Panamericana Sur Km. 19, Villa El Salvador, Lima, Peru
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Tarricone S, Colonna MA, Freschi P, Cosentino C, La Gioia G, Carbonara C, Ragni M. The Presence of Microplastics in the Gastrointestinal Tracts of Song Thrushes ( Turdus philomelos) Wintering in Apulia (Southern Italy)-Preliminary Results. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:2050. [PMID: 39061512 PMCID: PMC11273484 DOI: 10.3390/ani14142050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The term microplastics (MPs) describes a heterogeneous mixture of particles that can vary in size, color, and shape. Once released into the environment, MPs have various toxicological and physical effects on wildlife. The Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos) is a migratory species, staying in Italy in late autumn and winter. The aim of this study is to assess, quantify, and characterize the presence of microplastics in Song Thrushes hunted in the Apulia region of Italy. The birds (n = 360) were hunted in the Bari countryside and donated for research purposes by hunters. MPs were classified in relation to their shape in fibers, films, fragments, and pellets; then, they were divided according to their color and the length of the particles was measured. Nikon image analysis software was applied to the litter size measurements. Of the total of 360 birds, MPs were detected in the stomachs of 129 birds shot in December and 128 birds shot in January. The majority of ingested MPs were fibers that were observed in all contaminated birds. Film fragments were observed in every contaminated specimen. Among all the MPs found, 31.75% were red, 30.13% were black, and 25.91% were blue, while the other colors were less represented. This study provides the first analysis of MPs bioaccumulation in Song Thrushes wintering in the Apulia region, and the high contamination of thrushes confirmed the ubiquity of MPs in terrestrial ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Tarricone
- Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, 70126 Bari, Italy; (S.T.); (M.A.C.); (M.R.)
| | - Maria Antonietta Colonna
- Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, 70126 Bari, Italy; (S.T.); (M.A.C.); (M.R.)
| | - Pierangelo Freschi
- School of Agricultural, Forestry, Food and Environmental Sciences (SAFE), University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (P.F.); (C.C.)
| | - Carlo Cosentino
- School of Agricultural, Forestry, Food and Environmental Sciences (SAFE), University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (P.F.); (C.C.)
| | | | - Claudia Carbonara
- Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, 70126 Bari, Italy; (S.T.); (M.A.C.); (M.R.)
| | - Marco Ragni
- Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, 70126 Bari, Italy; (S.T.); (M.A.C.); (M.R.)
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Salinas CX, Palacios E, Pozo K, Torres M, Rebolledo L, Gómez V, Rondón R, de la Maza I, Galbán C. Marine litter pollution in a subantarctic beach of the Strait of Magellan, Punta Arenas, Chile. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 202:116313. [PMID: 38593713 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116313] [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: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
This study assessed the presence of marine litter along the beach of the city of Punta Arenas, Chile. The sampling period coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 239 plastic waste items were identified out of a total of 638 litter items. The Clean Coast Index reported within this study ranged from Clean (CCI 2-5) to Extremely dirty (CCI >20), especially near the port. The majority of litter items has been classified as originating from varied origins, as it is not possible to pinpoint a precise origin in most items. The results indicate that the predominant plastic litter in Punta Arenas is PVC. The results are discussed in relation to the sources and composition of the residues, the morpho dynamics of the coast, and the CCI is compared with other locations around the globe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Ximena Salinas
- Instituto Antártico Chileno, Plaza Benjamín Muñoz Gamero 1055, Punta Arenas, Chile; Universidad de Magallanes, Facultad de Ciencias, Presidente. Manuel Bulnes 01855, Punta Arenas, Chile.
| | - Elaine Palacios
- Universidad de Magallanes, Facultad de Ciencias, Presidente. Manuel Bulnes 01855, Punta Arenas, Chile
| | - Karla Pozo
- Universidad San Sebastián, Facultad de Ingeniería, Arquitectura y Diseño, Lientur 1457, Concepción, Chile; Masaryk University, Faculty of Science (RECETOX), Kotlarska 2, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Mariett Torres
- Universidad San Sebastián, Facultad de Ingeniería, Arquitectura y Diseño, Lientur 1457, Concepción, Chile
| | - Lorena Rebolledo
- Instituto Antártico Chileno, Plaza Benjamín Muñoz Gamero 1055, Punta Arenas, Chile
| | - Victoria Gómez
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Science (RECETOX), Kotlarska 2, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Rodolfo Rondón
- Instituto Antártico Chileno, Plaza Benjamín Muñoz Gamero 1055, Punta Arenas, Chile
| | - Ignacia de la Maza
- Universidad San Sebastián, Facultad de Ingeniería, Arquitectura y Diseño, Lientur 1457, Concepción, Chile
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5
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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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Gallagher KL, Cimino MA, Dinniman MS, Lynch HJ. Quantifying potential marine debris sources and potential threats to penguins on the West Antarctic Peninsula. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 347:123714. [PMID: 38452836 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123714] [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: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Marine pollution is becoming ubiquitous in the environment. Observations of pollution on beaches, in the coastal ocean, and in organisms in the Antarctic are becoming distressingly common. Increasing human activity, growing tourism, and an expanding krill fishing industry along the West Antarctic Peninsula all represent potential sources of plastic pollution and other debris (collectively referred to as debris) to the region. However, the sources of these pollutants from point (pollutants released from discrete sources) versus non-point (pollutants from a large area rather than a specific source) sources are poorly understood. We used buoyant simulated particles released in a high-resolution physical ocean model to quantify pollutant loads throughout the region. We considered non-point sources of debris from the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, Bellingshausen Sea, Weddell Sea, and point source pollution from human activities including tourism, research, and fishing. We also determined possible origins for observed debris based on data from the Southern Ocean Observing System and Palmer Long-Term Ecological Research program. Our results indicate that point source pollution released in the coastal Antarctic is more likely to serve as a source for observed debris than non-point sources, and that the dominant source of pollution is region-specific. Penguin colonies in the South Shetland and Elephant Islands had the greatest debris load from point sources whereas loads from non-point sources were greatest around the southernmost colonies. Penguin colonies at Cornwallis Island and Fort Point were exposed to the highest theoretical debris loads. While these results do not include physical processes such as windage and Stokes Drift that are known to impact debris distributions and transport in the coastal ocean, these results provide critical insights to building an effective stratified sampling and monitoring effort to better understand debris distributions, concentrations, and origins throughout the West Antarctic Peninsula.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine L Gallagher
- Institute for Advanced Computational Sciences, Stony Brook University, 100 Nicols Road, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA; School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook University, 100 Nicols Road, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA.
| | - Megan A Cimino
- Institute of Marine Science, University of California Santa Cruz, 1156 High St, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Michael S Dinniman
- Department of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Old Dominion University, 5115 Hampton Blvd, Norfolk, VA, 23529, USA
| | - Heather J Lynch
- Institute for Advanced Computational Sciences, Stony Brook University, 100 Nicols Road, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA; Department of Ecology & Evolution, Stony Brook University, 100 Nicols Road, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
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7
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Goldberg DW, Sardinha C, Oliveira DE, Castilho PV, Vieira JV, Ikeda J, Marques CA, Neves TS, Canani G. Fatal interactions of albatrosses with weather radiosondes/balloons on the Southern and Southeastern coasts of Brazil. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 201:116267. [PMID: 38522334 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116267] [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: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Weather radiosondes play a crucial role in gathering atmospheric data for weather modeling and forecasting. However, their impact on marine wildlife, particularly seabirds, has raised concerns regarding the potential threats posed by these instruments. This study aims to assess the adverse effects of weather balloons on albatrosses, with a focus on the Southwest Atlantic region. The research reveals seven cases of entanglement of radiosonde equipment, leading to severe injuries and mortality along the Southern and Southeastern coasts of Brazil. Recommendations for mitigating the environmental impact of weather balloons include the adoption of biodegradable materials in their design and the implementation of improved retrieval protocols. Furthermore, the study stresses the importance of continued monitoring and research to address the interaction of weather radiosondes with marine animals. This approach is vital for ensuring the sustainable collection of scientific data while minimizing harm to marine life and ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- D W Goldberg
- Projeto Albatroz, Av. Wilson Mendes, s/n - Porto do Carro, Cabo Frio, RJ 28922-000, Brazil.
| | - C Sardinha
- Ambipar Response Fauna e Flora Ltda, Rua Primeira de Araruama, 526, Praia Seca, Araruama, RJ 28970-000, Brazil
| | - D E Oliveira
- Ambipar Response Fauna e Flora Ltda, Rua Primeira de Araruama, 526, Praia Seca, Araruama, RJ 28970-000, Brazil
| | - P V Castilho
- Laboratório de Zoologia, Departamento de Engenharia de Pesca e Ciências Biológicas, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Rua Cel. Fernandes Martins 270, Laguna, Santa Catarina 88790-000, Brazil
| | - J V Vieira
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação de Tetrápodes Marinhos/Unidade de Estabilização de Animais Marinhos, Universidade da Região de Joinville - UNIVILLE, Rod. Duque de Caxias 6.365, São Francisco do Sul, Santa Catarina 89240-000, Brazil
| | - J Ikeda
- Ambipar Response Fauna e Flora Ltda, Rua Primeira de Araruama, 526, Praia Seca, Araruama, RJ 28970-000, Brazil
| | - C A Marques
- Projeto Albatroz, Av. Wilson Mendes, s/n - Porto do Carro, Cabo Frio, RJ 28922-000, Brazil
| | - T S Neves
- Projeto Albatroz, Av. Wilson Mendes, s/n - Porto do Carro, Cabo Frio, RJ 28922-000, Brazil
| | - G Canani
- Projeto Albatroz, Av. Wilson Mendes, s/n - Porto do Carro, Cabo Frio, RJ 28922-000, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Oceanografia Biológica (PPGOB), Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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Reichert J, Tirpitz V, Plaza K, Wörner E, Bösser L, Kühn S, Primpke S, Schubert P, Ziegler M, Wilke T. Common types of microdebris affect the physiology of reef-building corals. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169276. [PMID: 38086480 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Marine debris, particularly microdebris (< 1 mm) poses a potential threat to marine life, including reef-building corals. While previous research has mainly focused on the impact of single polymer microplastics, the effects of natural microdebris, composed of a mixture of materials, have not been explored. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effects of different microdebris, originating from major sources of pollution, on reef-building corals. For this, we exposed two scleractinian coral species, Pocillopora verrucosa and Stylophora pistillata, known to frequently ingest microplastics, to four types of microdebris in an 8-week laboratory experiment: fragmented environmental plastic debris, artificial fibers from clothing, residues from the automobile sector consisting of tire wear, brake abrasion, and varnish flakes, a single polymer microplastic treatment consisting of polyethylene particles, and a microdebris-free control treatment. Specifically, we (I) compared the effects of the different microdebris on coral growth, necrosis, and photosynthesis, (II) investigated the difference between the microdebris mixtures and the exposure to the single polymer treatment, and (III) identified potential mechanisms causing species-specific effects by contrasting the feeding responses of the two coral species on microdebris and natural food. We show that the fibers and tire wear had the strongest effects on coral physiology, with P. verrucosa being more affected than S. pistillata. Both species showed increased volume growth in response to the microdebris treatments, accompanied by decreased calcification in P. verrucosa. Photosynthetic efficiency of the symbionts was enhanced in both species. The species-specific physiological responses might be attributed to feeding reactions, with P. verrucosa responding significantly more often to microdebris than S. pistillata. These findings highlight the effect of different microdebris on coral physiology and the need for future studies to use particle mixtures to better mimic naturally occurring microdebris and assess its effect on corals in more detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Reichert
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany; Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, HI, Kāne'ohe, USA.
| | - Vanessa Tirpitz
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Katherine Plaza
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Wörner
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany; Department of Geoscience, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Luisa Bösser
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Susanne Kühn
- Wageningen Marine Research, Den Helder, the Netherlands
| | - Sebastian Primpke
- Alfred-Wegener-Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Biologische Anstalt Helgoland, Helgoland, Germany
| | - Patrick Schubert
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Maren Ziegler
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Thomas Wilke
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
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Zhu X, Hoffman MJ, Rochman CM. A City-Wide Emissions Inventory of Plastic Pollution. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 38301607 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c04348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
A global agreement on plastic should have quantitative reduction targets for the emissions of plastic pollution and regular measurements to track success. Here, we present a framework for measuring plastic emissions, akin to greenhouse gas emissions, and demonstrate its utility by calculating a baseline measurement for the City of Toronto in Ontario, Canada. We identify relevant sources of plastic pollution in the city, calculate emissions for each source by multiplying activity data by emission factors for each source, and sum the emissions to obtain the total annual emissions of plastic pollution generated. Using Monte Carlo simulations, we estimate that 3,531 to 3,852 tonnes (T) of plastic pollution were emitted from Toronto in 2020. Littering is the largest source overall (3,099 T), and artificial turf is the largest source of microplastic (237 T). Quantifying source emissions can inform the most effective mitigation strategies to achieve reduction targets. We recommend this framework be scaled up and replicated in cities, states, provinces, and countries around the world to inform global reduction targets and measure progress toward reducing plastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Zhu
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, 1265 Military Trail, Scarborough, Ontario M1C 1A4, Canada
| | - Matthew J Hoffman
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Rochester Institute of Technology, 85 Lomb Memorial Dr., Rochester, New York 14623, United States
| | - Chelsea M Rochman
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, 25 Willcocks St, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3B2, Canada
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Saavedra F, Mego M, Ticona S, Thiel M, Baeza J, Espinosa A. Sea of plastic: representations of the sea and pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors regarding marine plastic pollution in Peru and Chile. Front Psychol 2024; 14:1308796. [PMID: 38303778 PMCID: PMC10832806 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1308796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Marine plastic pollution remains one of the greatest problems worldwide. Hence, this study explores the attitudes and pro-environmental behaviors of Peruvian and Chilean citizens regarding marine pollution, with an emphasis on plastic pollution. For this, forty-four semi-structured interviews were conducted with Peruvian (n = 24) and Chilean (n = 20) citizens, of which, through thematic analysis, semantic patterns were identified. Results show that the participants' representation of the sea is positive and related to the connection they report having with this environment. Additionally, it was found that the sea fulfills recreational and economic purposes, reflecting an anthropocentric perspective, since it is associated with leisure and resource extraction, respectively. Both purposes are related to the causes of plastic pollution, although with differentiated effects. Anthropocentrism is also reflected in the direction that environmental concern takes towards the impact of this type of pollution predominately on individuals and society. Regarding pro-environmental behaviors, most of the initiatives proposed by the participants in response to marine plastic pollution correspond to individual actions, which could be due to the fact that they perceive a low commitment level from authorities to address the problem. In particular, the Chilean participants attributed a greater role to their authorities in dealing with plastic pollution, which would indicate a more institutional perspective of the problem. Thus, it is proposed that to address marine plastic pollution it is necessary to articulate individual actions with public policies carried out by social stakeholders such as governments, companies and non-governmental organizations, in order to build a more efficient culture of marine protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Saavedra
- Grupo de Psicología Política y Social de la Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, Departamento de Psicología, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, Lima, Peru
| | - Marisol Mego
- Grupo de Psicología Política y Social de la Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, Departamento de Psicología, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, Lima, Peru
| | - Sofia Ticona
- Grupo de Psicología Política y Social de la Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, Departamento de Psicología, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, Lima, Peru
| | - Martin Thiel
- MarineGEO Program, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Edgewater, MD, United States
- Facultad Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile
- Center of Ecology and Sustainable Management of Oceanic Island (ESMOI), Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Jostein Baeza
- Facultad Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Agustín Espinosa
- Grupo de Psicología Política y Social de la Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, Departamento de Psicología, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, Lima, Peru
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11
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Hughes KA, Boyle CP, Morley-Hurst K, Gerrish L, Colwell SR, Convey P. Loss of research and operational equipment in Antarctica: Balancing scientific advances with environmental impact. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 348:119200. [PMID: 37832295 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119200] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Antarctica has been subject to widespread, long-term and on-going human activity since the establishment of permanent research stations became common in the 1950s. Equipment may become intentionally or inadvertently lost in Antarctic marine and terrestrial environments as a result of scientific research and associated support activities, but this has been poorly quantified to date. Here we report the quantity and nature of equipment lost by the UK's national operator in Antarctica, the British Antarctic Survey (BAS). Over the 15-year study period (2005-2019), 125 incidents of loss were reported, with c. 23 tonnes of equipment lost of which 18% by mass was considered hazardous. The geographical distribution of lost equipment was widespread across the BAS operational footprint. However, impacts are considered low compared to those associated with research station infrastructure establishment and operation. To reduce environmental impact overall, we recommend that, where possible, better use is made of existing research station capacity to facilitate field research, thereby reducing the need for construction of new infrastructure and the generation of associated impacts. Furthermore, to facilitate reporting on the state of the Antarctic environment, we recommend that national Antarctic programmes reinvigorate efforts to comply with Antarctic Treaty System requirements to actively record the locations of past activities and make available details of lost equipment. In a wider context, analogous reporting is also encouraged in other pristine areas subject to new research activities, including in other remote Earth environments and on extra-terrestrial bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin A Hughes
- British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ET, UK.
| | - Claire P Boyle
- British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ET, UK
| | - Kate Morley-Hurst
- British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ET, UK
| | - Laura Gerrish
- British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ET, UK
| | - Steve R Colwell
- British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ET, UK
| | - Peter Convey
- British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ET, UK; Department of Zoology, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park 2006, South Africa; Millennium Institute Biodiversity of Antarctic and Sub-Antarctic Ecosystems (BASE), Santiago, Chile
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12
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Rodríguez B, López-Suárez P, Varo-Cruz N, Dack E, Rendall A, Siverio F, Siverio M, Rodríguez A. Use of marine debris as nest material by ospreys. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 194:115422. [PMID: 37632982 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
The use of anthropogenic debris as nest-building materials may affect nest function. We study ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) on an island with scarce vegetation and high availability of beached marine debris. We describe the anthropogenic debris in osprey nests, evaluate the factors affecting its prevalence and abundance, and test its potential effects on breeding parameters. We also quantify plastic entanglements among adults and nestlings. Of the 36 studied nests, 92 % included non-natural items, with plastic being the most frequent material (88.9 %). Nests that were bigger and closer to the coast had more anthropogenic items. The abundance of anthropogenic items in nests did not correlate with osprey breeding parameters. We recorded two live entangled adult females, which represent 3.9 % of the adult population. Monitoring the abundance of anthropogenic debris and its effects on wildlife is necessary to guarantee long-term viability of coastal wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beneharo Rodríguez
- Canary Islands' Ornithology and Natural History Group (GOHNIC), Buenavista del Norte, Canary Islands, Spain.
| | | | - Nuria Varo-Cruz
- Cetaceans and Marine Research Institute of the Canary Islands (CEAMAR), San Bartolomé, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Ena Dack
- Bios.CV, Sal Rei, Boa Vista, Cabo Verde
| | - Aline Rendall
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação e Desenvolvimento Agrário (INIDA), São Jorge dos Órgãos, Santiago, Cabo Verde; Universidade de Cabo Verde (UniCV), Praia, Santiago, Cabo Verde
| | - Felipe Siverio
- Canary Islands' Ornithology and Natural History Group (GOHNIC), Buenavista del Norte, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Manuel Siverio
- Canary Islands' Ornithology and Natural History Group (GOHNIC), Buenavista del Norte, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Airam Rodríguez
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
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13
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Lee J, Hong S, Lim S, Lee J, Jung R, Choi S. A lesser known but emerging issue, recreational fishing debris and the anglers' opinions in South Korea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 194:115229. [PMID: 37453287 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115229] [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: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
The abundance and characteristics of marine debris originating from recreational fishing were examined across 55 sites in four different regions in Korea. The result shows that the average abundance of debris was 4.3 ± 4.2 (n/m2) in terms of the number and 13.4 ± 18.1 (g/m2) in terms of the weight, and the most often found item was fishing lines (<1 m). Detrimental fishing debris such as fishing lines, hooks and weights comprised 50.9 % of the total debris, suggesting significant impacts on wildlife. A questionnaire survey was conducted with 374 anglers across all four regions to understand their behaviors, perceptions, and preferences regarding government policies. Most of the respondents were aware of the adverse impacts of recreational fishing debris on the environment, and >50 % agreed with the introduction of recreational fishing licenses. This study highlights the urgent need to raise awareness and address the undervalued problem of recreational fishing debris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jongsu Lee
- Korea Marine Litter Institute, Our Sea of East Asia Network #404, 55-9 Juklim 5ro, Tongyeong, Gyeongnam, Republic of Korea; Department of Marine System Engineering, Gyeongsang National University, Tongyeonghaean-ro 2, Tongyeong, Gyeongnam 53064, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sunwook Hong
- Korea Marine Litter Institute, Our Sea of East Asia Network #404, 55-9 Juklim 5ro, Tongyeong, Gyeongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Sehan Lim
- Department of Oceanography, Faculty of Science, Republic of Korea Naval Academy, Jungwon-ro 1, Changwon-si, Gyeongnam 51704, Republic of Korea
| | - Jongmyoung Lee
- Korea Marine Litter Institute, Our Sea of East Asia Network #404, 55-9 Juklim 5ro, Tongyeong, Gyeongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Raehyuk Jung
- Korea Marine Litter Institute, Our Sea of East Asia Network #404, 55-9 Juklim 5ro, Tongyeong, Gyeongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Sanghyun Choi
- Korea Marine Litter Institute, Our Sea of East Asia Network #404, 55-9 Juklim 5ro, Tongyeong, Gyeongnam, Republic of Korea
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14
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Omeyer LCM, Duncan EM, Abreo NAS, Acebes JMV, AngSinco-Jimenez LA, Anuar ST, Aragones LV, Araujo G, Carrasco LR, Chua MAH, Cordova MR, Dewanti LP, Espiritu EQ, Garay JB, Germanov ES, Getliff J, Horcajo-Berna E, Ibrahim YS, Jaafar Z, Janairo JIB, Gyi TK, Kreb D, Lim CL, Lyons Y, Mustika PLK, Neo ML, Ng SZH, Pasaribu B, Pariatamby A, Peter C, Porter L, Purba NP, Santa Cruz ET, Shams S, Thompson KF, Torres DS, Westerlaken R, Wongtawan T, Godley BJ. Interactions between marine megafauna and plastic pollution in Southeast Asia. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 874:162502. [PMID: 36868274 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Southeast (SE) Asia is a highly biodiverse region, yet it is also estimated to cumulatively contribute a third of the total global marine plastic pollution. This threat is known to have adverse impacts on marine megafauna, however, understanding of its impacts has recently been highlighted as a priority for research in the region. To address this knowledge gap, a structured literature review was conducted for species of cartilaginous fishes, marine mammals, marine reptiles, and seabirds present in SE Asia, collating cases on a global scale to allow for comparison, coupled with a regional expert elicitation to gather additional published and grey literature cases which would have been omitted during the structured literature review. Of the 380 marine megafauna species present in SE Asia, but also studied elsewhere, we found that 9.1 % and 4.5 % of all publications documenting plastic entanglement (n = 55) and ingestion (n = 291) were conducted in SE Asian countries. At the species level, published cases of entanglement from SE Asian countries were available for 10 % or less of species within each taxonomic group. Additionally, published ingestion cases were available primarily for marine mammals and were lacking entirely for seabirds in the region. The regional expert elicitation led to entanglement and ingestion cases from SE Asian countries being documented in 10 and 15 additional species respectively, highlighting the utility of a broader approach to data synthesis. While the scale of the plastic pollution in SE Asia is of particular concern for marine ecosystems, knowledge of its interactions and impacts on marine megafauna lags behind other areas of the world, even after the inclusion of a regional expert elicitation. Additional funding to help collate baseline data are critically needed to inform policy and solutions towards limiting the interactions of marine megafauna and plastic pollution in SE Asia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy C M Omeyer
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, United Kingdom
| | - Emily M Duncan
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, United Kingdom; Institute of Marine Sciences-Okeanos, University of the Azores, Rua Professor Doutor Frederico Machado 4, 9901-862 Horta, Portugal.
| | - Neil Angelo S Abreo
- AI and Robotics Laboratory-Environmental Studies, University of the Philippines, Mindanao, Philippines
| | - Jo Marie V Acebes
- BALYENA.ORG, Jagna, Bohol, Philippines; Zoology Division, The National Museum of the Philippines, Padre Burgos Avenue, Manila, Philippines
| | - Lea A AngSinco-Jimenez
- Regional Integrated Coastal Resource Management Center (RIC-XI), hosted by Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU), City of Mati, Davao Oriental, Philippines
| | - Sabiqah T Anuar
- Microplastic Research Interest Group (MRIG), Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Lemnuel V Aragones
- Marine Mammal Research & Conservation Laboratory, Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Gonzalo Araujo
- Marine Research and Conservation Foundation, Lydeard St Lawrence, Somerset, United Kingdom; Environmental Science Program, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Luis R Carrasco
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, 117543, Singapore
| | - Marcus A H Chua
- Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, National University of Singapore, 2 Conservatory Drive, Singapore 117377, Singapore
| | - Muhammad R Cordova
- Research Centre for Oceanography, The Indonesian National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), BRIN Kawasan Jakarta Ancol Jalan Pasir Putih 1, Ancol Timur, Jakarta 14430, Indonesia
| | - Lantun P Dewanti
- Fishery Department, Faculty of Fishery and Marine Science, Universitas Padjadjaran, 40600 Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Emilyn Q Espiritu
- Department of Environmental Science, Ateneo de Manila University, Loyola Heights, 1108 Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Jovanie B Garay
- Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU), San Isidro Extension Campus, San Isidro, Davao Oriental, Philippines
| | - Elitza S Germanov
- Marine Megafauna Foundation, West Palm Beach, FL, United States of America; Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystems, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Environmental and Conservation Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jade Getliff
- Roctopus ecoTrust, Roctopus Dive, Sairee Beach, Koh Tao 84360, Thailand
| | | | - Yusof S Ibrahim
- Microplastic Research Interest Group (MRIG), Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Zeehan Jaafar
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, 117543, Singapore; Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 18 Kent Ridge Road, 119227, Singapore
| | - Jose Isagani B Janairo
- Department of Biology, De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, 0922 Manila, Philippines
| | - Thanda Ko Gyi
- Myanmar Ocean Project, 24 Myaing Hay Wun Housing, Yangon 11061, Myanmar
| | - Danielle Kreb
- Yayasan Konservasi RASI/Laboratory of Hydro-Oceanography, Faculty of Fisheries, Mulawarman University, Samarinda, Indonesia
| | - Cheng Ling Lim
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, 117543, Singapore
| | - Youna Lyons
- Centre for International Law, National University of Singapore, Bukit Timah Campus, 259770, Singapore
| | - Putu L K Mustika
- College of Business, Law and Governance, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia; Cetacean Sirenian Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia; Whale Stranding Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Mei Lin Neo
- Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 18 Kent Ridge Road, 119227, Singapore
| | - Sirius Z H Ng
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, 117543, Singapore
| | - Buntora Pasaribu
- Marine Science Department, Faculty of Fishery and Marine Science, Universitas Padjadjaran, 40600 Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Agamuthu Pariatamby
- Jeffrey Sachs Centre on Sustainable Development, Sunway University, Selangor Darul Ehsan 47500, Malaysia
| | - Cindy Peter
- Institute of Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, 94300 Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Lindsay Porter
- The Institute of Marine Ecology and Conservation (IMEC), National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Noir P Purba
- Marine Science Department, Faculty of Fishery and Marine Science, Universitas Padjadjaran, 40600 Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Ernesto T Santa Cruz
- Consultant on Environmental Affairs, Independent Researcher, Davao City, Philippines
| | - Shahriar Shams
- Civil Engineering Programme Area, Universiti Teknologi Brunei, Jalan Tungku Link, Gadong, BE 1410, Brunei Darussalam
| | - Kirsten F Thompson
- Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel S Torres
- Independent Marine Megafauna Researcher, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Rodney Westerlaken
- Westerlaken Foundation, Yayasan Bali Bersih, Indonesia; Hotel Management School, NHL Stenden University, Leeuwarden, the Netherlands; Faculty of Environmental Science, Udayana University, Indonesia
| | - Tuempong Wongtawan
- Marine Animal Research and Rescue Centre, Akkhraratchakumari Veterinary College, Walailak University, Thai Buri, Tha Sala, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand; Centre for One Health, Akkhraratchakumari Veterinary College, Walailak University, Thai Buri, Tha Sala, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand; Centre of Excellence for Coastal Resource Management with Communal Participation, Walailak University, Thai Buri, Tha Sala, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
| | - Brendan J Godley
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, United Kingdom
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15
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Yu Y, Astner AF, Zahid TM, Chowdhury I, Hayes DG, Flury M. Aggregation kinetics and stability of biodegradable nanoplastics in aquatic environments: Effects of UV-weathering and proteins. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 239:120018. [PMID: 37201372 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution caused by conventional plastics has promoted the development and use of biodegradable plastics. However, biodegradable plastics do not degrade readily in water; instead, they can generate micro- and nanoplastics. Compared to microplastics, nanoplastics are more likely to cause negative impacts to the aquatic environment due to their smaller size. The impacts of biodegradable nanoplastics highly depend on their aggregation behavior and colloidal stability, which still remain unknown. Here, we studied the aggregation kinetics of biodegradable nanoplastics made of polybutylene adipate co-terephthalate (PBAT) in NaCl and CaCl2 solutions as well as in natural waters before and after weathering. We further studied the effect of proteins on aggregation kinetics with both negative-charged bovine serum albumin (BSA) and positive-charged lysozyme (LSZ). For pristine PBAT nanoplastics (before weathering), Ca2+ destabilized nanoplastic suspensions more aggressively than Na+, with the critical coagulation concentration being 20 mM in CaCl2 vs 325 mM in NaCl. Both BSA and LSZ promoted the aggregation of pristine PBAT nanoplastics, and LSZ showed a more pronounced effect. However, no aggregation was observed for weathered PBAT nanoplastics under most experimental conditions. Further stability tests demonstrated that pristine PBAT nanoplastics aggregated substantially in seawater, but not in freshwater, and only slightly in soil pore water; while weathered PBAT nanoplastics remained stable in all natural waters. These results suggest that biodegradable nanoplastics, especially weathered biodegradable nanoplastics, are highly stable in the aquatic environment, even in the marine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingxue Yu
- Department of Crop & Soil Sciences, Washington State University, Puyallup and Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Anton F Astner
- Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Tahsin Md Zahid
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Indranil Chowdhury
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Douglas G Hayes
- Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Markus Flury
- Department of Crop & Soil Sciences, Washington State University, Puyallup and Pullman, WA, USA.
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16
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Cohen-Sánchez A, Solomando A, Pinya S, Tejada S, Valencia JM, Box A, Sureda A. Microplastic Presence in the Digestive Tract of Pearly Razorfish Xyrichtys novacula Causes Oxidative Stress in Liver Tissue. TOXICS 2023; 11:365. [PMID: 37112592 PMCID: PMC10143270 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11040365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution in the oceans is a growing problem, with negative effects on exposed species and ecosystems. Xyrichtys novacula L. is a very important fish species both culturally and economically in the Balearic Islands. The aim of the present study was to detect and categorise the presence of microplastics (MPs) in the digestive tract of X. novacula, as well as the existence of oxidative stress in the liver. For this purpose, the fish were categorised into two groups based on the number of MPs observed in the digestive tracts: a group with no or low presence of MPs (0-3 items) and a group with a higher presence of MPs (4-28 items). MPs were found in 89% of the specimens analysed, with a dominance of fibre type and blue colour. Regarding the type of polymer, polycarbonate was the most abundant, followed by polypropylene and polyethylene. For the group with a greater presence of MPs, the activities of the antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase, as well as the phase II detoxification enzyme glutathione s-transferase, were higher than the activities observed in fish with little to no presence of MPs. The activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase and the levels of malondialdehyde did not show significant differences between both groups. In conclusion, these results demonstrate the presence of MPs in the digestive tract of X. novacula and the existence of an antioxidant and detoxification response, mainly based on the glutathione-based enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Cohen-Sánchez
- Research Group in Community Nutrition and Oxidative Stress (NUCOX), University of Balearic Islands, 07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Antònia Solomando
- Research Group in Community Nutrition and Oxidative Stress (NUCOX), University of Balearic Islands, 07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
- Interdisciplinary Ecology Group, Department of Biology, University of the Balearic Islands, 07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Samuel Pinya
- Interdisciplinary Ecology Group, Department of Biology, University of the Balearic Islands, 07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
- Health Research Institute of Balearic Islands (IdISBa), 07120 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Silvia Tejada
- Health Research Institute of Balearic Islands (IdISBa), 07120 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, University of the Balearic Islands, 07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - José María Valencia
- LIMIA-Laboratori d’Investigacions Marines i Aqüicultura, 07157 Port d’Andratx, Spain
| | - Antonio Box
- Department of Agricultura, Ramaderia, Pesca, Caça i Cooperació Municipal, Consell Insular d’Eivissa, 07800 Eivissa, Spain
| | - Antoni Sureda
- Research Group in Community Nutrition and Oxidative Stress (NUCOX), University of Balearic Islands, 07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
- Health Research Institute of Balearic Islands (IdISBa), 07120 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
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17
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Aguilera MA, Castro A, Thiel M. Fast accumulation of anthropogenic litter on upgraded breakwaters: A persistent and hidden threat to coastal habitats. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 188:114731. [PMID: 36860020 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114731] [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: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Breakwater construction is common on different coasts, and by means of their structural complexity these built infrastructures can trap anthropogenic litter. We investigated the temporal persistence of anthropogenic litter in breakwaters, and how fast litter accumulates on them. We sampled anthropogenic litter in old (>10 years since construction) breakwaters and in a recently upgraded one (5 months) and on rocky shores located in a coastal conurbation, in central Chile (33°S). We found breakwaters had much higher litter densities than rocky habitats, and this pattern was persistent through time (~5 years). Also, a recently upgraded breakwater had similar composition and densities of litter items as older breakwaters. Therefore, litter accumulation on breakwaters is a very fast process related to their topographic structure and to the willingness of people to dispose of anthropogenic litter in the infrastructure. Redesigning the breakwater structure is required to reduce litter accumulation on the coast and their impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moisés A Aguilera
- Departamento de Ciencias, Facultad de Artes Liberales, Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, Diagonal Las Torres, 2640, Peñalolén, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Andrés Castro
- Escuela de Biología Marina, Facultad de Ciencias y de Recursos Naturales, Universidad de Valparaíso, Av. Borgoño 16344, Reñaca, Viña del Mar, Chile
| | - Martin Thiel
- Departamento de Biología Marina, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile; Center for Ecology and Sustainable Management of Oceanic Islands (ESMOI), Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile; Center for Advanced Studies in Arid Systems (CEAZA), Coquimbo, Chile
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18
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Aguilera MA, Rojas A, Bulleri F, Thiel M. Breakwaters as habitats for synanthropes: Spatial associations of vertebrates and vegetation with anthropogenic litter. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 862:160753. [PMID: 36513231 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160753] [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: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Urban infrastructures can provide 'novel' habitats for marine and terrestrial animals and plants, enhancing their ability to adapt to urban environments. In particular, coastal infrastructures characterized by a complex three-dimensional morphology, such as breakwaters, could provide species refuges and food. We investigated the role of breakwaters in providing habitat for vertebrates and plants, and the influence of anthropogenic litter in regulating the value of these structures as habitat. We sampled vertebrate and plant species and quantified the amount of anthropogenic litter on breakwaters and adjacent rocky habitats at several sites in three different countries (Italy, Spain and Chile). We found breakwaters to accumulate more litter items (e.g. especially plastics) than adjacent rocky habitats by means of their large-scale (i.e., 1 m) structural complexity. Birds, which used the artificial infrastructure as transitory habitat, reached similar abundances in breakwaters compared with adjacent rocky platforms. In contrast, synanthropic mammal species, such as Rattus norvegicus and feral cats, were slightly more frequent on breakwaters and appeared to use them as permanent habitat. Plants were frequent in the upper zone of breakwaters and, even though many macrophyte species can trap litter, their cover correlated negatively with anthropogenic litter density. Therefore, breakwaters provide either transitory or permanent habitats for different species, despite functioning as a sink for anthropogenic litter. Thus, new infrastructure should be designed with lower structural complexity in their supralittoral zone limiting the proliferation of synanthropic species. In addition, restricting public access to sensitive areas and enforcing littering fines could enhance the ecological value of these novel habitats by reducing the benefits to pest species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moisés A Aguilera
- Departamento de Ciencias, Facultad de Artes Liberales, Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, Diagonal Las Torres, 2640 Peñalolén, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Ariel Rojas
- Departamento de Calidad y Laboratorio, Empresa AQUADEUS S.L. Crta. El ballestero, Km. 2, 02340 Robledo, Albacete, Spain
| | - Fabio Bulleri
- Dipartimento di Biologia, University of Pisa, CoNISMa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Martin Thiel
- Departamento de Biología Marina, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo, 1281 Coquimbo, Chile; Center for Ecology and Sustainable Management of Oceanic Islands, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile; Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Áridas (CEAZA), Coquimbo, Chile
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19
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Salvia R, Rico LG, Bradford JA, Ward MD, Olszowy MW, Martínez C, Madrid-Aris ÁD, Grífols JR, Ancochea Á, Gomez-Muñoz L, Vives-Pi M, Martínez-Cáceres E, Fernández MA, Sorigue M, Petriz J. Fast-screening flow cytometry method for detecting nanoplastics in human peripheral blood. MethodsX 2023; 10:102057. [PMID: 36851978 PMCID: PMC9958479 DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2023.102057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Plastic pollution is a global problem. Animals and humans can ingest and inhale plastic particles, with uncertain health consequences. Nanoplastics (NPs) are particles ranging from 1 nm to 1000 nm that result from the erosion or breakage of larger plastic debris, and can be highly polydisperse in physical properties and heterogeneous in composition. Potential effects of NPs exposure may be associated with alterations in the xenobiotic metabolism, nutrients absorption, energy metabolism, cytotoxicity, and behavior. In humans, no data on NPs absorptions has been reported previously. Given that their detection relies significantly on environmental exposure, we have prospectively studied the presence of NPs in human peripheral blood (PB). Specifically, we have used fluorescence techniques and nanocytometry, together with the staining of the lipophilic dye Nile Red (NR), to demonstrate that NPs can be accurately detected using flow cytometry.•Potential effects of nanoplastics exposure.•Fluorescence techniques and nanocytometry.•Accurate detection using flow cytometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roser Salvia
- Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), ICO-Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Badalona, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura G Rico
- Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), ICO-Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Michael W Olszowy
- Sartorius Stedim North America, inc., Arvada, Colorado, United States
| | - Cristina Martínez
- Lleida Biomedical Research Institute's Dr. Pifarré Foundation (IRBLleida), Lleida, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Laia Gomez-Muñoz
- Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), ICO-Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Badalona, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Vives-Pi
- Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), ICO-Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Badalona, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eva Martínez-Cáceres
- Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), ICO-Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Badalona, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marco A Fernández
- Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), ICO-Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marc Sorigue
- Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), ICO-Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Petriz
- Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), ICO-Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
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20
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Canti S, González P, Suárez N, Yorio P, Marinao C. Interactions between breeding gulls and monofilament lines at one of the main recreational fishing sites in Argentina. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 188:114720. [PMID: 36860016 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Monofilament fishing lines lost or discarded during recreational fishing activities often result in negative impacts on marine organisms. We assessed the interactions between Kelp and Olrog's gulls (Larus dominicanus and L. atlanticus, respectively) and recreational fishing at Bahía San Blas, Argentina. Monofilament lines constituted 61 and 29 % of total debris items recorded along beaches in the low and high fishing seasons, respectively. A total of 61 balls of tangled lines were also found within Kelp and Olrog's gull colonies. No Olrog's Gulls but nine Kelp Gulls were found tangled with monofilament lines within colony boundaries, seven of which were caught in vegetation. No Kelp or Olrog's gulls foraging in recreational fishing areas were observed tangled with lines. Monofilament lines did not negatively affect gull populations during the study period, but actions are needed to correctly manage their disposal given the relevance of Bahía San Blas as a recreational fishing area in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Canti
- Olazábal 2590, Piso 4, Departamento A (C1428DHU), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Paola González
- General Hornos 2422 (B1640AOS), Martínez, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nicolás Suárez
- Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos, CONICET, Boulevard Brown 2915 (U9120ACV), Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina
| | - Pablo Yorio
- Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos, CONICET, Boulevard Brown 2915 (U9120ACV), Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina; Wildlife Conservation Society Argentina, Amenábar 1595, Piso 2, Of. 19 (C1426AKC), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Cristian Marinao
- Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos, CONICET, Boulevard Brown 2915 (U9120ACV), Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina
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21
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Krelling AP, Antunes CV, Broadhurst MK. Investigating variability among fisheries litter accumulation on beaches in Paraná, Brazil. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 187:114607. [PMID: 36657340 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Fishing activities strongly influence coastal and marine environments and are responsible for generating marine litter. In southern Brazil, there are several artisanal (small-scale) fisher settlements that potentially contribute towards regional marine litter. The present study sought to address the deficit in available information by investigating the in situ contribution of artisanal fishing communities to marine litter on adjacent beaches. During one month in the 2019 austral winter, 200-m stretches of beach were investigated at four locations (three artisanal fishing and one control community) in Paraná state. In total, 2196 items were collected; among which only 104 (<5 %) were fisheries related and these remained partially independent of the presence of the three fishing communities across both small and large spatial scales (i.e., from m to km). Rather than the presence of fishing communities, fisheries-related litter appears to primarily originate from external sources and may regionally accumulate via natural vectors such as oceanic currents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allan Paul Krelling
- Postgraduate Program in Science, Technology and Society, Federal Institute of Paraná, Paranaguá, Paraná, Brazil.
| | - Celso Valerio Antunes
- Postgraduate Program in Science, Technology and Society, Federal Institute of Paraná, Paranaguá, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Matt K Broadhurst
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Fisheries Conservation Technology Unit, National Marine Science Centre, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450, Australia; Marine and Estuarine Ecology Unit, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
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22
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Qaiser N, Sidra S, Javid A, Iqbal A, Amjad M, Azmat H, Arooj F, Farooq K, Nimra A, Ali Z. Microplastics abundance in abiotic and biotic components along aquatic food chain in two freshwater ecosystems of Pakistan. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 313:137177. [PMID: 36372336 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137177] [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: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Contaminants of global concern, microplastics (MPs) have been lately reported to be found almost everywhere. Yet there is limited evidence to suggest if these tiny particles can bioaccumulate and biomagnify along the food chain. The current study was conducted to quantify MPs load in two fresh water bodies i.e. River Ravi (Pakistan) and a fish rearing pond fed with ground water to trace MPs along the food chain including biotic and abiotic components. Samples were taken from air, water, sediments, planktons, fish and avian specimen from both water bodies. Higher MPs were found in all samples taken from river Ravi ranging from 3.0 ± 1.58 MPs items in water to 15.20 ± 3.35 MP items in air as compared to 2.8 ± 1.79 MPs in water to 11.20 ± 1.89 air-borne MP items in fish rearing ponds respectively. The mean value of MP items in the GIT of all species was higher (5.05 ± 2.25) as compared to the respiratory tract (1.57 ± 1.3) suggesting ingestion as main mode of exposure. However, this mode of exposure needs to be further investigated along with other exposure routes. Presence of MPs at all trophic levels under investigation indicates some degree of bioaccumulation of these pollutants in the ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namra Qaiser
- Department of Wildlife and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, 54600, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Safdar Sidra
- Department of Wildlife and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, 54600, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Arshad Javid
- Department of Wildlife and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, 54600, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Asia Iqbal
- Department of Wildlife and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, 54600, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Maria Amjad
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Hamda Azmat
- Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, 54600, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Fariha Arooj
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, 54600, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Komal Farooq
- Department of Wildlife and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, 54600, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Afzal Nimra
- Faculty of Sciences, University of Central Punjab, Pakistan.
| | - Zulfiqar Ali
- Environmental Health and Wildlife, Institute of Zoology, University of the Punjab, 54600, Lahore, Pakistan.
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23
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Luo Y, Naidu R, Fang C. Accelerated transformation of plastic furniture into microplastics and nanoplastics by fire. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 317:120737. [PMID: 36436658 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Numerous plastic items are known to gradually degrade and release microplastics and nanoplastics under certain conditions, which can be significantly accelerated by fire combustion. Unfortunately there is a limited knowledge about this burning process because the characterisation on microplastics and nanoplastics is still a challenge. In this study, an outdoor plastic chair is subjected to a combustion process, the change in the surface functional groups (due to different degree of burning) and the release of microplastics and nanoplastics are investigated. During the combustion process, the plastic is molten, burned and deposited on solid surfaces including concrete, stone and glass. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results show that the peeling off the deposited plastic generates a large number of fragments. Through Raman imaging, these fragments are characterised as polypropylene (PP) microplastics and nanoplastics due to appearance of characteristic peaks. To further increase the sensitivity, several algorithms are tested and optimised, including logic-based, non-supervised principal component analysis (PCA)-based, algebra-based and their hybrids (to intentionally correct the non-supervised PCA) to enable the effective extraction of the key information towards plastics characterisation, particularly by distinguishing the signal from the background noise towards the visualisation of the different degrees of burning. Based on the findings from Raman imaging and SEM, it is estimated that tens of microplastics and nanoplastics are created per μm2. Overall Raman imaging can be a suitable approach to characterise the microplastics and nanoplastics in a complex background, such as the fire-burned plastic items.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunlong Luo
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW, 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Ravi Naidu
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW, 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Cheng Fang
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW, 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW, 2308, Australia.
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24
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Zheng X, Wu X, Zheng Q, Mai BX, Qiu R. Transfer of Microplastics in Terrestrial and Aquatic Food Webs: The Impact of E-Waste Debris and Ecological Traits. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 57:1300-1308. [PMID: 36577390 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c06473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Factors affecting the trophic transfer of microplastics (MPs) in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems remain to be clarified. Here, we determined the abundances of MPs in multiple terrestrial and aquatic species, including insects, snails, crustaceans, fishes, snakes, birds, and voles, from an abandoned e-waste recycling site. Approximately 80% of MPs were within the size range 20-50 μm. In wildlife, the MP abundances per individual and per body weight were found to be positively and negatively correlated with body weight, respectively. Herein, terrestrial vertebrates, primarily birds, exhibited more complex compositions of polymer types than other organisms owing to the wide foraging areas and diverse food sources. However, according to the MPs modeled and the observed results in bird food chains, MPs do not appear to be preferentially retained in the bird gastrointestinal tract. The species-specific polymer types identified indicate the influences of habitat on MP pollution in organisms, which is further supported by significant correlations between the abundance of MPs and δ13C in the terrestrial food web (p < 0.05). In the analyzed bird species, the low MP abundance detected in birds compared with the amount of food ingested indicates that MPs constitute a negligible factor in the bioaccumulation of chemical pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobo Zheng
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou510642, China
| | - Xiaodan Wu
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou510642, China
| | - Qian Zheng
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou510642, China
| | - Bi-Xian Mai
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou510640, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Deep Earth Science, Guangzhou510640, China
| | - Rongliang Qiu
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou510642, China
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25
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Yang MS, Yun S, Hong MJ, Moon YM, Yoo JC, Lee WS. Marine litter pollution of breeding colony and habitat use patterns of Black-tailed gulls in South Korea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 185:114363. [PMID: 36427374 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114363] [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: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Marine litter can affect the survival of the breeding population in seabird colonies. In this study, five 5 m × 5 m quadrats were installed at a Black-tailed gull (Larus crassirostris) breeding colony on Nan Island to collect marine litter and regurgitated pellets, from which the types, sizes, and quantities of marine litter were identified. Global positioning system (GPS) devices were attached to five adult gulls to investigate their major foraging habitats during the breeding period. Eighty-two pieces of marine litter were found, of which 74.4 % were related to fishing; all pellets contained fishing-related marine litter. Over half of the foraging habitats included fishing areas (ports and fish farms). This study is the first to quantitatively demonstrate the exposure of breeding colonies of Black-tailed gulls, the most dominant Korean seabird, to marine litter pollution during the breeding period; the birds forage predominantly in fishing areas close to their breeding colonies during this period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Seung Yang
- Korea Institute of Ornithology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; Department of Biology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Seongho Yun
- Korea Institute of Ornithology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Jin Hong
- Korea Institute of Ornithology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; Department of Biology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Min Moon
- Republic of Korea Air Force Aviation Safety Agency, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Chil Yoo
- Korea Institute of Ornithology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; Department of Biology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Who-Seung Lee
- Korea Environment Institute, Sejong 30147, Republic of Korea.
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26
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Ammendolia J, Saturno J, Bond AL, O'Hanlon NJ, Masden EA, James NA, Jacobs S. Tracking the impacts of COVID-19 pandemic-related debris on wildlife using digital platforms. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 848:157614. [PMID: 35901900 PMCID: PMC9310380 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157614] [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: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Since the start of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19) pandemic in December 2019, there have been global surges of single-use plastic use. Due to the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE) and sanitation items in protecting against virus transmission and from testing, facemasks, respirators, disposable gloves and disposable wet wipes have become global staples in households and institutions. Widespread use and insufficient infrastructure, combined with improper waste management have resulted in an emerging category of litter. With widespread presence in the environment, such items pose a direct threat to wildlife as animals can interact with them in a series of ways. We examined the scope of COVID-19 pandemic-related debris, including PPE and sanitation items, on wildlife from April 2020 to December 2021. We document the geographic occurrence of incidents, debris types, and consequences of incidents that were obtained from social media searches, unpublished reports from colleagues, and reports available from the citizen science database "Birds and Debris". There were 114 unique sightings of wildlife interactions with pandemic-related debris (38 from 2020 and 76 from 2021). Within the context of this dataset, most incidents involved birds (83.3 %), while fewer affected mammals (10.5 %), invertebrates (3.5 %), fish (1.8 %), and sea turtles (0.9 %). Sightings originated in 23 countries, and consisted mostly of entanglements (42.1 %) and nest incorporations (40.4 %). We verified sightings by contacting the original observers and were able to identify replicated sightings and increase the resolution of the data collected compared with previously published results. Due to the complexities associated with global use and accessibility of digital platforms, we likely underestimate the number of animals harmed by debris. Overall, the global scope of this study demonstrates that online and social media platforms are a valuable way to collect biologically relevant citizen science data and track rapidly emerging environmental challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Ammendolia
- Faculty of Graduate Studies, Interdisciplinary Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax B3H 4R2, Canada.
| | - Jacquelyn Saturno
- School for Resources and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Alexander L Bond
- Bird Group, The Natural History Museum, Akeman Street, Tring, Hertfordshire HP23 6AP, UK
| | - Nina J O'Hanlon
- Centre for Energy and the Environment, Environmental Research Institute, North Highland College - University of the Highlands and Islands, Ormlie Road, Thurso, Caithness KW14 7EE, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth A Masden
- Centre for Energy and the Environment, Environmental Research Institute, North Highland College - University of the Highlands and Islands, Ormlie Road, Thurso, Caithness KW14 7EE, United Kingdom
| | - Neil A James
- Centre for Energy and the Environment, Environmental Research Institute, North Highland College - University of the Highlands and Islands, Ormlie Road, Thurso, Caithness KW14 7EE, United Kingdom
| | - Shoshanah Jacobs
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
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27
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Roman L, Hardesty BD, Schuyler Q. A systematic review and risk matrix of plastic litter impacts on aquatic wildlife: A case study of the Mekong and Ganges River Basins. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 843:156858. [PMID: 35772547 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156858] [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: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Plastic litter is a pollutant of aquatic environments worldwide, with some of the world's highest litter densities occurring in freshwater ecosystems. Little information about the risk that plastic litter poses to aquatic wildlife is available across the world's most polluted waterways. To help assess the risk to aquatic species where empirical data is lacking, our review presents i) a risk assessment methodology for predicting plastic litter impacts on aquatic wildlife in data poor environments, ii) a case study demonstrating this risk assessment methodology for wildlife across two heavily polluted river basins in Asia, the Mekong and Ganges River Basins; and iii) a broad review summarising common trends in litter interactions and risk to freshwater fish, aquatic birds, cetaceans and raptors. This risk analysis unites a systematic review approach with risk matrices following International Standards Organization's risk assessment criteria, evaluating the risk of plastic entanglement and ingestion and the potential for harm to the animal. In the Mekong and Ganges River Basins, we found that the risk of litter entanglement is higher than litter ingestion. Four species were forecast to be at high risk of entanglement: Ganges River dolphin, Gharial, Mekong giant catfish and Irrawaddy dolphin. The eastern imperial eagle and greater spotted eagle were noted to be at moderate risk of entanglement. Both the Ganges River dolphin and Irrawaddy dolphin were predicted to have a moderate risk of plastic ingestion. Interestingly, cranes, waterfowl and wading birds were deemed at low or negligible risk from plastic litter. This risk matrix methodology can be applied to other waterways and taxa to assess the risk posed by plastic. It can also be readily updated as more information becomes available. This review enables decision makers to bridge a data gap by providing a tool for conservation and management before comprehensive empirical data is available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Roman
- CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
| | - Britta Denise Hardesty
- CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia; Centre for Marine Socioecology, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Qamar Schuyler
- CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
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28
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Shim WJ, Kim SK, Lee J, Eo S, Kim JS, Sun C. Toward a long-term monitoring program for seawater plastic pollution in the north Pacific Ocean: Review and global comparison. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 311:119911. [PMID: 35987287 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119911] [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: 04/09/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Through a literature survey and meta-data analysis, monitoring methods and contamination levels of marine micro- and macroplastics in seawater were compared between the North Pacific and the world's other ocean basins. The minimum cut-off size in sampling and/or analysis of microplastics was crucial to the comparison of monitoring data. The North Pacific was most actively monitored for microplastics and showed comparatively high levels in the global context, while the Mediterranean Sea was most frequently monitored for macroplastics. Of the 65 extracted mean abundances of microplastics in seawater from the North Pacific, two (3.1%) exceeded the lowest predicted no-effect concentration (PNEC) proposed thus far. However, in the context of business-as-usual conditions, the PNEC exceedance probability may be expected to reach 27.7% in the North Pacific in 2100. The abundance of marine plastics in seawater, which reflects the current pollution status and marine organisms' waterborne exposure levels, is a useful indicator for marine plastic pollution. For regional and global assessments of pollution status across space and time, as well as assessment of ecological risk, two microplastic monitoring approaches are recommended along with their key aspects. Although microplastic pollution is closely linked with macroplastics, the monitoring data available for floating macroplastics and more extent to mesoplastics in most ocean basins are limited. A more specific framework for visual macroplastic survey (e.g. fixed minimum cut-off size, along with survey transect width and length according to survey vessel class) is required to facilitate data comparison. With the implementation of standardised methods, increased efforts are required to gather monitoring data for microplastics and-more importantly-floating macroplastics in seawater worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won Joon Shim
- Risk Analysis Research Center, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea; Department of Ocean Science, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea.
| | - Seung-Kyu Kim
- Department of Marine Science, College of Natural Sciences, Incheon National University, 119 Academy-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea; Yellow Sea Institute, Incheon National University, Academy-ro 119, Yeounsu-gu, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea
| | - Jongsu Lee
- Korea Marine Litter Institute, Our Sea of East Asia Network, Tongyeong 53013, Republic of Korea
| | - Soeun Eo
- Risk Analysis Research Center, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea; Department of Ocean Science, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Su Kim
- Department of Marine Science, College of Natural Sciences, Incheon National University, 119 Academy-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea
| | - Chengjun Sun
- Key Laboratory of Marine Eco-environmental Science and Technology, Marine Bioresource and Environment Research Center, First Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), Qingdao 266061, China; Laboratory of Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266071, China
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Thrift E, Porter A, Galloway TS, Coomber FG, Mathews F. Ingestion of plastics by terrestrial small mammals. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 842:156679. [PMID: 35710017 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The exposure of wildlife to waste plastic is widely recognised as an issue for aquatic ecosystems but very little is known about terrestrial systems. Here, we addressed the hypothesis that UK small mammals are ingesting plastics by examining faecal samples for the presence of plastic using micro Fourier Transform infrared microscopy. Plastic polymers were detected in four out of the seven species examined (European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus), wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus); field vole (Microtus agrestis); brown rat (Rattus norvegicus)). Ingestion occurred across species of differing dietary habits (herbivorous, insectivorous and omnivorous) and locations (urban versus non-urban). Densities excreted were comparable with those reported in human studies. The prevalence of confirmed plastics in the 261 faecal samples was 16.5 % (95 % CI 13 %, 22 %). Most (70 %) of the 60 plastic fragments were <1 mm (microplastics). Polyester, likely to be derived from textiles, accounted for 27 % of the fragments and was found in all plastic-positive species except for the wood mouse. The high prevalence of polyester in terrestrial ecosystems was unexpected and suggests that evaluation is needed of practices likely to transfer this plastic into the environment (such as sewage sludge application to farmland). Polynorbornene, which is likely to be derived from tyre wear, and polyethylene were also commonly detected polymers. 'Biodegradable' plastics formed 27 % (n = 12) of the particles found in wild mammal faeces, warranting further research to assess their persistence in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Thrift
- University of Sussex, John Maynard Smith Building, BN1 9QG, UK; Mammal Society, Black Horse Cottage, Milton Abbas, Blandford Forum, DT11 0BL, UK.
| | - Adam Porter
- University of Exeter, Peter Chalk Building, Stocker Rd, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK.
| | - Tamara S Galloway
- University of Exeter, Peter Chalk Building, Stocker Rd, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK.
| | - Frazer G Coomber
- University of Exeter, Peter Chalk Building, Stocker Rd, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK; Mammal Society, Black Horse Cottage, Milton Abbas, Blandford Forum, DT11 0BL, UK.
| | - Fiona Mathews
- Mammal Society, Black Horse Cottage, Milton Abbas, Blandford Forum, DT11 0BL, UK; School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, John Maynard Smith Building, BN1 9QG, UK.
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Thomas FL, Forys EA. The Role of Fishing Piers in Brown Pelican ( Pelecanus occidentalis) Entanglement. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12182352. [PMID: 36139212 PMCID: PMC9495162 DOI: 10.3390/ani12182352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Throughout their range, Brown Pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis) are one of the most common species to become entangled in fishing gear. We surveyed four piers every other week for one year (6/2019−5/2020) in the Tampa Bay region, FL, USA, to determine frequency of pelican entanglement associated with fishing piers, and explored factors that might influence the rate of entanglement. We conducted a generalized linear model (GLM) to determine the influence that pier, pier closure due to COVID-19, time of day and season, number of anglers, and presence of human behaviors that might attract pelicans to the pier had on the number of entangled pelicans. We conducted 144 surveys and counted 3766 pelicans of which 254 (7%) were entangled. The variables significantly associated (p < 0.05) with entanglement were the pier, time of day, and pier closure status, while the number and behavior of anglers were not significant. The two piers that most significantly influenced the number of entanglements both had extensive perches within 10 m of the fishing pier. The management action most likely to reduce the number of entangled pelicans appears to be deterring pelicans from perching near piers or decreasing fishing near perching structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fairl L. Thomas
- Environmental Studies Discipline, Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, FL 33711, USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Forys
- Environmental Studies and Biology Disciplines, Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, FL 33711, USA
- Correspondence:
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Cohen-Sánchez A, Solomando A, Pinya S, Tejada S, Valencia JM, Box A, Sureda A. First detection of microplastics in Xyrichtys novacula (Linnaeus 1758) digestive tract from Eivissa Island (Western Mediterranean). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:65077-65087. [PMID: 35484455 PMCID: PMC9481491 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-20298-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Plastic waste and its ubiquity in the oceans represent a growing problem for marine life worldwide. Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous in the sea and easily enter food webs. Xyrichtys novacula L. is one of the main target species of recreational fishing in the Balearic Islands, Spain. In the present study, the quantity of MPs in gastrointestinal tracts of X. novacula from two different areas (a marine protected area (MPA) and a non-protected area) of Eivissa Island (in the Balearic archipelago) has been assessed, as well as MPs evaluation within the sediment of both areas. The results showed that over 80% of sampled individuals had MPs in their gut with an average of 3.9 ± 4.3 plastic items/individual. Eighty percent of these plastics were fibres, while the rest were fragments. Although the sediment of the non-protected area had a significant higher presence of MPs, no significant differences in the number of MPs were observed in X. novacula from both areas. The µ-FT-IR analysis showed that the main polymers in the sediments were polycarbonate (PC) and polypropylene (PP), whereas in the digestive tract of fish PC, PP, polyethylene, polystyrene and polyester. In conclusion, practically all X. novacula specimens presented MPs in their digestive tract regardless if the capture zone was in a MPAs or not. These results highlight the ubiquity of MPs in coastal marine areas, and further studies might be necessary to evaluate further implications of MP presence in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Cohen-Sánchez
- Research Group in Community Nutrition and Oxidative Stress (NUCOX), University of Balearic Islands, 07122 Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands Spain
| | - Antònia Solomando
- Research Group in Community Nutrition and Oxidative Stress (NUCOX), University of Balearic Islands, 07122 Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands Spain
- Interdisciplinary Ecology Group, Department of Biology, University of the Balearic Islands, 07122 Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands Spain
| | - Samuel Pinya
- Interdisciplinary Ecology Group, Department of Biology, University of the Balearic Islands, 07122 Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands Spain
| | - Silvia Tejada
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, University of the Balearic Islands, 07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Health Research Institute of Balearic Islands (IdISBa), 07120 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - José María Valencia
- LIMIA, Laboratori d’Investigacions Marines i Aqüicultura, 07157 Port d’Andratx, Spain
| | - Antonio Box
- Department of Agricultura, Ramaderia, Pesca, Caça i Cooperació Municipal, Consell Insular d’Eivissa, 07800 Eivissa, Spain
| | - Antoni Sureda
- Research Group in Community Nutrition and Oxidative Stress (NUCOX), University of Balearic Islands, 07122 Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Health Research Institute of Balearic Islands (IdISBa), 07120 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
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Ogilvy C, Constantine R, Bury SJ, Carroll EL. Diet variation in a critically endangered marine predator revealed with stable isotope analysis. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2022; 9:220470. [PMID: 35991335 PMCID: PMC9382206 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.220470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the foraging ecology of animals gives insights into their trophic relationships and habitat use. We used stable isotope analysis to understand the foraging ecology of a critically endangered marine predator, the Māui dolphin. We analysed carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios of skin samples (n = 101) collected from 1993 to 2021 to investigate temporal changes in diet and niche space. Genetic monitoring associated each sample with a DNA profile which allowed us to assess individual and population level changes in diet. Potential prey and trophic level indicator samples were also collected (n = 166; 15 species) and incorporated in Bayesian mixing models to estimate importance of prey types to Māui dolphin diet. We found isotopic niche space had decreased over time, particularly since the 2008 implementation of a Marine Mammal Sanctuary. We observed a decreasing trend in ∂13C and ∂15N values, but this was not linear and several fluctuations in isotope values occurred over time. The largest variation in isotope values occurred during an El Niño event, suggesting that prey is influenced by climate-driven oceanographic variables. Mixing models indicated relative importance of prey remained constant since 2008. The isotopic variability observed here is not consistent with individual specialization, rather it occurs at the population level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Ogilvy
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Rochelle Constantine
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
- Institute of Marine Science, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Sarah J. Bury
- National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, Greta Point, Wellington 6021, New Zealand
| | - Emma L. Carroll
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
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Kanhai LDK, Asmath H, Gobin JF. The status of marine debris/litter and plastic pollution in the Caribbean Large Marine Ecosystem (CLME): 1980-2020. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 300:118919. [PMID: 35114304 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.118919] [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: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is one of several anthropogenic stressors putting pressure on ecosystems of the Caribbean Large Marine Ecosystem (CLME). A 'Clean Ocean' is one of the ambitious goals of the United Nations (UN) Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. If this is to be realized, it is imperative to build upon the work of the previous decades (1980-2020). The objectives of the present study were to assess the state of knowledge about: (i) the distribution, quantification, sources, transport and fate of marine debris/litter and microplastics in the coastal/marine environment of the CLME and, (ii) the effects of plastics on biodiversity. Snapshots, i.e., peer-reviewed studies and multi-year (1991-2020) marine debris data from International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) events, indicated that plastic debris was a persistent issue in multiple ecosystems and environmental compartments of the CLME. Collectively, a suite of approaches (debris categorization, remote sensing, particle tracking) indicated that plastic debris originated from a combination of land and marine-based sources, with the former more significant than the latter. Rivers were identified as an important means of transporting mismanaged land-based waste to the marine environment. Oceanic currents were important to the transport of plastic debris into, within and out of the region. Plastic debris posed a threat to the biodiversity of the CLME, with specific biological, physical, ecological and chemical effects being identified. Existing data can be used to inform interventions to mitigate the leakage of plastic waste to the marine environment. Given the persistent and transboundary nature of the issue, further elucidation of the problem, its causes and effects must be prioritized, while simultaneously harmonizing regional and international approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- La Daana K Kanhai
- Department of Life Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago.
| | - Hamish Asmath
- The Institute of Marine Affairs, Hilltop Lane, Chaguaramas, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - Judith F Gobin
- Department of Life Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
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34
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Renner KO, Foster HA, Routledge EJ, Scrimshaw MD. A Comparison of Different Approaches for Characterizing Microplastics in Selected Personal Care Products. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2022; 41:880-887. [PMID: 33818803 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Any uncertainty in determining numbers of microplastics in the environment may be a barrier to assessing their impact and may stem from various aspects of methodologies used to quantify them. We undertook a comparison of approaches to quantify and characterize microplastics in 4 personal care products. The aim was not only to determine how many particles were present but to assess any differences due to the methods used. Counting of extracted microplastics was undertaken using particle size analysis, light microscopy, and imaging flow cytometry. Micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (µ-FTIR) was used to characterize the particles in each product. The mean size distribution of microplastics differed depending on the method employed, and it was apparent that imaging flow cytometry was affected by high background noise that may require staining of plastics to overcome. The application of µ-FTIR confirmed polyethylene as the microplastic in each product. Methodological challenges encountered in the study and the literature have highlighted the need for standardization of methods for determining microplastics. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:880-887. © 2021 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kofi O Renner
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, United Kingdom
| | - Helen A Foster
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Edwin J Routledge
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, United Kingdom
| | - Mark D Scrimshaw
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
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35
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Winkler AC, Butler EC, Attwood CG, Mann BQ, Potts WM. The emergence of marine recreational drone fishing: Regional trends and emerging concerns. AMBIO 2022; 51:638-651. [PMID: 34145559 PMCID: PMC8800965 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-021-01578-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Online evidence suggests that there has been an increase in interest of using unmanned aerial vehicles or drones during land-based marine recreational fishing. In the absence of reliable monitoring programs, this study used unconventional publicly available online monitoring methodologies to estimate the growing interest, global extent, catch composition and governance of this practice. Results indicated a 357% spike in interest during 2016 primarily in New Zealand, South Africa and Australia. From an ecological perspective, many species targeted by drone fishers are vulnerable to overexploitation, while released fishes may experience heightened stress and mortality. From a social perspective, the ethics of drone fishing are being increasingly questioned by many recreational anglers and we forecast the potential for increased conflict with other beach users. In terms of governance, no resource use legislation specifically directed at recreational drone fishing was found. These findings suggest that drone fishing warrants prioritised research and management consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander C. Winkler
- Centro de Ciências do Mar (CCMAR), University of the Algarve, Faro, Portugal
- Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, Rhodes University, Makhanda, South Africa
| | - Edward C. Butler
- Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, Rhodes University, Makhanda, South Africa
| | - Colin G. Attwood
- Biological Sciences Department, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Bruce Q. Mann
- South African Association for Marine Biological Research, Durban, South Africa
| | - Warren M. Potts
- Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, Rhodes University, Makhanda, South Africa
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36
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Yorio P, Suárez N, Ibarra C, Gonzalez P, Canti S, Kasinsky T, Marinao C. Anthropogenic debris in Kelp Gull and other seabird nests in northern Patagonia, Argentina. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 175:113404. [PMID: 35151076 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113404] [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: 08/01/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic debris is used as nesting material by many seabirds and may result in negative impacts. We assessed the frequency of occurrence of debris (>5 mm) in Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus) nests at six locations along 2400 km of the Argentine coast, at different distances from urban centres, and in nests of other seven seabird species nesting syntopically. Frequencies in Kelp Gull nests were in general relatively low, ranging between 3.3 and 37.5%, and differed significantly among colonies. No relationship was found between frequency and distance to urban centres. Debris were recorded with frequencies of less than 19.2% in nests of Olrog's Gulls (L. atlanticus), Dolphin Gulls (L. scoresbii), Imperial Cormorants (Leucocarbo atriceps) and Magellanic Penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus), but not in nests of Neotropical Cormorants (Nannopterum brasilianus), Rock Shags (Leucocarbo magellanicus) and Southern Skuas (Catharacta antarctica). This information obtained along a wide coastal sector provides a baseline for future monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Yorio
- Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos, CONICET, Boulevard Brown 2915 (U9120ACV), Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina; Wildlife Conservation Society Argentina, Amenábar 1595, Piso 2, Of. 19 (C1426AKC), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Nicolás Suárez
- Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos, CONICET, Boulevard Brown 2915 (U9120ACV), Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina
| | - Cynthia Ibarra
- Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos, CONICET, Boulevard Brown 2915 (U9120ACV), Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina
| | - Paola Gonzalez
- General Hornos 2422 (B1640AOS), Martínez, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Santiago Canti
- Olazábal 2590, Piso 4, Departamento A (C1428DHU), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Tatiana Kasinsky
- Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos, CONICET, Boulevard Brown 2915 (U9120ACV), Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina
| | - Cristian Marinao
- Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos, CONICET, Boulevard Brown 2915 (U9120ACV), Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina
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37
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Serena M, Williams GA. Factors affecting the frequency and outcome of platypus entanglement by human rubbish. AUSTRALIAN MAMMALOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1071/am21004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The platypus’s tapered shape and benthic foraging habits predispose it to becoming entangled in encircling rings or loops of plastic, rubber or metal rubbish. Based on 54 cases of litter entanglement recorded in Victorian live-trapping surveys, items may encircle the neck (68%), torso (8%), jaw (2%) or be wrapped bandolier-fashion from in front of a shoulder to behind the opposite foreleg (22%). Entanglement frequency was eight times higher in the greater Melbourne region than in regional Victoria, and was significantly greater in first-year juveniles than in older animals and also in adult/subadult females compared with adult/subadult males. Items recovered from carcasses or from rescued animals that were unlikely to have survived without human intervention included elastic hair-ties, fishing line, a hospital identification wristband, an engine gasket and a plastic ring seal from a food jar; all of these items had cut through skin and (in most cases) deeply into underlying tissue. Up to 1.5% of the platypus residing in the greater Melbourne area and 0.5% of those living in regional Victoria are estimated to be at risk of entanglement-related injuries or death at any point in time.
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38
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Jardine AM, Provencher JF, Pratte I, Holland ER, Baak JE, Robertson GJ, Mallory ML. Annual plastic ingestion and isotopic niche patterns of two sympatric gull species at Newfoundland, Canada. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 173:112991. [PMID: 34571381 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112991] [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: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Ingestion of plastic pollution by pelagic seabirds is well-documented globally, but increasingly, researchers are investigating plastic ingestion in generalist predators and scavengers like gulls. We studied the gut contents of two sympatric gull species, American herring gulls (Larus smithsoniansus) and great black-backed gulls (L. marinus), collected year-round as part of "kill-to-scare" measures at the regional sanitary landfill in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, to compare ingested anthropogenic debris, trophic position and diet breadth through the year. Although great black-backed gulls fed at a higher trophic level, frequency of occurrence of plastic ingestion was similar to American herring gulls, and varied little through the year. Diet breadth (isotopic niche size) was similar between species, but American herring gulls fed at a lower trophic level during winter, perhaps indicating a change in their reliance on anthropogenic food subsidies throughout their annual cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander M Jardine
- Biology, Acadia University, 15 University Avenue, Wolfville, Nova Scotia B4N 3J2, Canada
| | - Jennifer F Provencher
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Raven Road, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H3, Canada
| | - Isabeau Pratte
- Canadian Wildlife Service, 45 Alderney Drive, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B2Y 4N6, Canada
| | - Erika R Holland
- Biology, Acadia University, 15 University Avenue, Wolfville, Nova Scotia B4N 3J2, Canada
| | - Julia E Baak
- Biology, Acadia University, 15 University Avenue, Wolfville, Nova Scotia B4N 3J2, Canada
| | - Gregory J Robertson
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 6 Bruce Street, Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and Labrador A1N 4T3, Canada
| | - Mark L Mallory
- Biology, Acadia University, 15 University Avenue, Wolfville, Nova Scotia B4N 3J2, Canada.
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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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Suteja Y, Atmadipoera AS, Riani E, Nurjaya IW, Nugroho D, Purwiyanto AIS. Stranded marine debris on the touristic beaches in the south of Bali Island, Indonesia: The spatiotemporal abundance and characteristic. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 173:113026. [PMID: 34628344 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Stranded marine debris (MD) has become a hot topic on Bali Island because it threatens coastal tourism sustainability. This study aims to investigate the spatiotemporal abundance and characteristics of MD on 14 touristic beaches in Bali Island. Sampling is carried out twice every season by adapting methods from NOAA's MD program. We found that the average MD abundance and weight were 0.356 ± 0.366 items/m2 and 4.057 ± 3.892 g/m2, respectively. Plastic dominated the MD based on abundance (86.9%) and weight (40.1%). Plastic bags, straws, and plastic cups are the most common items among plastics. The MD is originated from Indonesia and is dominated by land-based sources. The beaches are categorized as dirty in the rainy seasons and clean in the dry seasons. Statistically, the MD based on abundance, weight, category, source, and level of cleanliness varied significantly between seasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulianto Suteja
- Marine Science Department, Faculty of Marine and Fisheries, Udayana University Indonesia, Jl. Raya Kampus Universitas Udayana, Bukit Jimbaran, Bali, Indonesia; Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Bogor Agricultural University, IPB Darmaga Campus, Bogor 16680, West Java, Indonesia.
| | - Agus Saleh Atmadipoera
- Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Bogor Agricultural University, IPB Darmaga Campus, Bogor 16680, West Java, Indonesia.
| | - Etty Riani
- Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Bogor Agricultural University, IPB Darmaga Campus, Bogor 16680, West Java, Indonesia.
| | - I Wayan Nurjaya
- Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Bogor Agricultural University, IPB Darmaga Campus, Bogor 16680, West Java, Indonesia.
| | - Dwiyoga Nugroho
- Agency of Research and Development for Marine and Fisheries, Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Jakarta, Indonesia.
| | - Anna Ida Sunaryo Purwiyanto
- Marine Science Department, Mathematics and Natural Science Faculty, Sriwijaya University, Palembang, Indonesia.
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Int-Veen I, Nogueira P, Isigkeit J, Hanel R, Kammann U. Positively buoyant but sinking: Polymer identification and composition of marine litter at the seafloor of the North Sea and Baltic Sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 172:112876. [PMID: 34450407 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Different litter types accumulate in all marine environments. Plastics are of special interest because of their high abundance and possible threats to marine organisms. Polymer type is crucial for their distribution and fate in marine environments. Seafloor litter abundance and composition in the Baltic and North Sea were analysed based on three sampling campaigns according to the protocol of ICES International Bottom Trawl Survey. Polymers were identified via attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. General litter abundances differed significantly between the Baltic and North Sea with 9.6 items/km2 and 70.7 items/km2, respectively. Plastic built the dominating litter group in both seas (62.2% and 91.3%, respectively). Polymer identification revealed clear dominance of polyethylene, polypropylene and polyamide. Most polymers were positively buoyant in seawater (89.5%), thereby excluding polymer density as the main driver of vertical plastic litter transportation. Plastics at the seafloor basically reflected the entirety of polymers entering marine environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivo Int-Veen
- Thünen Institute of Fisheries Ecology, Herwigstraße 31, 27572 Bremerhaven, Germany.
| | - Pedro Nogueira
- Thünen Institute of Fisheries Ecology, Herwigstraße 31, 27572 Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Jason Isigkeit
- Thünen Institute of Fisheries Ecology, Herwigstraße 31, 27572 Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Reinhold Hanel
- Thünen Institute of Fisheries Ecology, Herwigstraße 31, 27572 Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Ulrike Kammann
- Thünen Institute of Fisheries Ecology, Herwigstraße 31, 27572 Bremerhaven, Germany
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Grant ML, O'Hanlon NJ, Lavers JL, Masden EA, James NA, Bond AL. A standardised method for estimating the level of visible debris in bird nests. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 172:112889. [PMID: 34454385 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112889] [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: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Unlike records of plastic ingestion and entanglement in seabirds which date back to the 1960s, the literature regarding debris in bird nests is comparatively limited. It is important to identify standardised methods early so that data are collected in a consistent manner, ensuring that future studies can be comparable. Here, we outline a method that can be applied to photographs for estimating the proportion of visible debris at the surface of a nest. This method uses ImageJ software to superimpose a grid onto a photograph of a nest/s. The number of cells with and without debris are then counted. Our proposed method is repeatable, straightforward, and accessible. We optimised the method to estimate the level of visible debris in Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus) nests, however, with some modification (i.e., adjustment of grid cell size), it could be applied to other seabird species, and terrestrial birds, that incorporate debris within nests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan L Grant
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, School Road, Newnham, Tasmania 7248, Australia; Centre for Energy and the Environment, Environmental Research Institute, North Highland College - University of the Highlands and Islands, Ormlie Road, Thurso, Caithness KW14 7EE, United Kingdom.
| | - Nina J O'Hanlon
- Centre for Energy and the Environment, Environmental Research Institute, North Highland College - University of the Highlands and Islands, Ormlie Road, Thurso, Caithness KW14 7EE, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer L Lavers
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, Tasmania 7004, Australia
| | - Elizabeth A Masden
- Centre for Energy and the Environment, Environmental Research Institute, North Highland College - University of the Highlands and Islands, Ormlie Road, Thurso, Caithness KW14 7EE, United Kingdom
| | - Neil A James
- Centre for Energy and the Environment, Environmental Research Institute, North Highland College - University of the Highlands and Islands, Ormlie Road, Thurso, Caithness KW14 7EE, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander L Bond
- Centre for Energy and the Environment, Environmental Research Institute, North Highland College - University of the Highlands and Islands, Ormlie Road, Thurso, Caithness KW14 7EE, United Kingdom; Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, Tasmania 7004, Australia; Bird Group, Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, Akeman Street, Tring, Hertfordshire HP23 6AP, United Kingdom
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43
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Hiemstra AF, Gravendeel B, Schilthuizen M. Birds using artificial plants as nesting material. BEHAVIOUR 2021. [DOI: 10.1163/1568539x-bja10115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Here we present the first cases of birds using artificial plants as nest material. We report our findings for the common coot (Fulica atra) from Leiden, the Netherlands, in 2019. This is the first population of freshwater birds studied for its use of anthropogenic nest materials, and together with another report from the same year, the earliest case of an entire bird population with plastic in all nests. We also report the first artificial plants used as nesting material by birds, and discuss the implications of their usage as such.
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Affiliation(s)
- Auke-Florian Hiemstra
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Darwinweg 2, 2333 CR Leiden, The Netherlands
- RIBES Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- IBL Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
- De Grachtwacht, Lange mare 25, 2312 GP Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Barbara Gravendeel
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Darwinweg 2, 2333 CR Leiden, The Netherlands
- RIBES Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Menno Schilthuizen
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Darwinweg 2, 2333 CR Leiden, The Netherlands
- IBL Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
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Azevedo-Santos VM, Brito MFG, Manoel PS, Perroca JF, Rodrigues-Filho JL, Paschoal LRP, Gonçalves GRL, Wolf MR, Blettler MCM, Andrade MC, Nobile AB, Lima FP, Ruocco AMC, Silva CV, Perbiche-Neves G, Portinho JL, Giarrizzo T, Arcifa MS, Pelicice FM. Plastic pollution: A focus on freshwater biodiversity. AMBIO 2021; 50:1313-1324. [PMID: 33543362 PMCID: PMC8116388 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-020-01496-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Plastics are dominant pollutants in freshwater ecosystems worldwide. Scientific studies that investigated the interaction between plastics and freshwater biodiversity are incipient, especially if compared to the marine realm. In this review, we provide a brief overview of plastic pollution in freshwater ecosystems around the world. We found evidence of plastic ingestion by 206 freshwater species, from invertebrates to mammals, in natural or semi-natural ecosystems. In addition, we reported other consequences of synthetic polymers in freshwater ecosystems-including, for instance, the entanglement of animals of different groups (e.g., birds). The problem of plastic pollution is complex and will need coordinated actions, such as recycling programs, correct disposal, stringent legislation, regular inspection, replacement of synthetic polymers with other materials, and ecological restoration. Current information indicates that the situation in freshwater ecosystems may be as detrimental as the pollution found in the ocean, although highly underappreciated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marcelo F G Brito
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ecologia E Conservação, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil
| | - Pedro S Manoel
- Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Júlia F Perroca
- Laboratório de Biologia de Camarões Marinhos E de Água Doce (LABCAM), Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Bauru, SP, Brazil
- Laboratório de Ecologia, Universidade Do Estado de Santa Catarina, Laguna, SC, Brazil
| | - Jorge Luiz Rodrigues-Filho
- Laboratório de Ecologia, Universidade Do Estado de Santa Catarina, Laguna, SC, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Planejamento Territorial e Desenvolvimento Socioambiental, Universidade Do Estado de Santa Catarina, Laguna, SC, Brazil
| | - Lucas R P Paschoal
- Faculdade de Tecnologia Nilo de Stéfani (FATEC), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Milena R Wolf
- Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Marcelo C Andrade
- Núcleo de Ecologia Aquática E Pesca da Amazônia and Laboratório de Biologia Pesqueira E Manejo Dos Recursos Aquáticos, Grupo de Ecologia Aquática, Universidade Federal Do Pará, 2651 Avenida Perimetral, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - André B Nobile
- Ictiológica Consultoria Ambiental ME/LTDA, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Felipe P Lima
- Ictiológica Consultoria Ambiental ME/LTDA, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana M C Ruocco
- Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Gilmar Perbiche-Neves
- Laboratório de Plâncton, Departamento de Hidrobiologia, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Jorge L Portinho
- Departamento de Ecologia, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Rio Claro, SP, Brazil
| | - Tommaso Giarrizzo
- Núcleo de Ecologia Aquática E Pesca da Amazônia and Laboratório de Biologia Pesqueira E Manejo Dos Recursos Aquáticos, Grupo de Ecologia Aquática, Universidade Federal Do Pará, 2651 Avenida Perimetral, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Marlene S Arcifa
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernando M Pelicice
- Núcleo de Estudos Ambientais, Universidade Federal Do Tocantins, Porto Nacional, TO, Brazil
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Andrades R, Trindade PAA, Giarrizzo T. A novel facet of the impact of plastic pollution on fish: Silver croaker (Plagioscion squamosissimus) suffocated by a plastic bag in the Amazon estuary, Brazil. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 166:112197. [PMID: 33684705 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112197] [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: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
On December 23rd, 2020 in the Marajó Bay, Amazon estuary, we found a specimen of Plagioscion squamosissimus floating dead and choked and suffocated by a plastic bag. Here, we presented images of record and discuss the rarity and factors that may be involved in this to date unreported plastic-animal interaction for bony fishes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Andrades
- Grupo de Ecologia Aquática e Pesca, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil.
| | | | - Tommaso Giarrizzo
- Grupo de Ecologia Aquática e Pesca, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil; Instituto Bicho D'água - Conservação Socioambiental. End. Travessa B, 183, COHAB, Gleba 2, Marambaia, Belém, PA, Brazil
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Animal Harms and Food Production: Informing Ethical Choices. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11051225. [PMID: 33922738 PMCID: PMC8146968 DOI: 10.3390/ani11051225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Consideration of animal welfare in food choices has become an influential contemporary theme. Traditional animal welfare views about food have been largely restricted to direct and intentional harms to livestock in intensive animal agriculture settings. However, many harms to animals arising from diverse food production practices in the world are exerted indirectly and unintentionally and often affect wildlife. Here we apply a qualitative analysis of food production by considering the breadth of harms caused by different food production systems to wild as well as domestic animals. Production systems are identified that produce relatively few and relatively many harms. The ethical implications of these findings are discussed for consumers concerned with the broad animal welfare impacts of their food choices. Abstract Ethical food choices have become an important societal theme in post-industrial countries. Many consumers are particularly interested in the animal welfare implications of the various foods they may choose to consume. However, concepts in animal welfare are rapidly evolving towards consideration of all animals (including wildlife) in contemporary approaches such as “One Welfare”. This approach requires recognition that negative impacts (harms) may be intentional and obvious (e.g., slaughter of livestock) but also include the under-appreciated indirect or unintentional harms that often impact wildlife (e.g., land clearing). This is especially true in the Anthropocene, where impacts on non-human life are almost ubiquitous across all human activities. We applied the “harms” model of animal welfare assessment to several common food production systems and provide a framework for assessing the breadth (not intensity) of harms imposed. We considered all harms caused to wild as well as domestic animals, both direct effects and indirect effects. We described 21 forms of harm and considered how they applied to 16 forms of food production. Our analysis suggests that all food production systems harm animals to some degree and that the majority of these harms affect wildlife, not livestock. We conclude that the food production systems likely to impose the greatest overall breadth of harms to animals are intensive animal agriculture industries (e.g., dairy) that rely on a secondary food production system (e.g., cropping), while harvesting of locally available wild plants, mushrooms or seaweed is likely to impose the least harms. We present this conceptual analysis as a resource for those who want to begin considering the complex animal welfare trade-offs involved in their food choices.
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Abstract
Abstract
The XXIst century might be called the Plastic Era. With the continually growing consumption and production, low recycling level, one observes the continuous transformation of the Blue Planet into the Ocean of Plastics. Among various problems related to the presence of synthetic materials in the environment, the ghost nets draw particular attention. They are present in the global ocean due to lost or abandoned fishing gear. Their impact on the environment is represented by the tones of animals caught. Moreover, they are an abundant source of secondary marine microplastic and release a considerable amount of toxic chemical compounds. To resolve this issue, an interdisciplinary approach is needed. Chemical research enables a better understanding of polymer behaviour and their weathering, whereas spectroscopy helps in qualitative analyses and proposes solutions. This paper aims to present the interdisciplinary study of this phenomenon and its broad context, including social awareness but underlines the crucial role of chemical research. One focuses on the basic studies of chemical and physical properties as this knowledge provides the first and essential step to tackle the problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Dąbrowska
- Faculty of Chemistry , University of Warsaw, Laboratory of Spectroscopy and Intermolecular Interactions , Pasteura 1 , 02-093 Warsaw , Poland
- Faculty of Chemistry , University of Warsaw, Chemistry Teaching Laboratory , Żwirki i Wigury 101 , 02-089 Warsaw , Poland
| | - Iwona Łopata
- Faculty of Chemistry , University of Warsaw, Laboratory of Spectroscopy and Intermolecular Interactions , Pasteura 1 , 02-093 Warsaw , Poland
| | - Magdalena Osial
- Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw , Żwirki i Wigury 101 , 02-089 Warsaw , Poland
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Linnebjerg JF, Baak JE, Barry T, Gavrilo MV, Mallory ML, Merkel FR, Price C, Strand J, Walker TR, Provencher JF. Review of plastic pollution policies of Arctic countries in relation to seabirds. Facets (Ott) 2021. [DOI: 10.1139/facets-2020-0052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Marine plastic is a ubiquitous environmental problem that can have an impact on a variety of marine biota, such as seabirds, making it an important concern for scientists and policy makers. Although research on plastic ingestion by seabirds is increasing, few studies have examined policies and long-term monitoring programs to reduce marine plastic in the Arctic. This paper provides a review of international, national, and regional policies and long-term monitoring programs that address marine plastic in relation to seabirds in the Arctic countries: Canada, the Kingdom of Denmark (Greenland and the Faroe Islands), Finland, Iceland, Norway, the Russian Federation, Sweden, and the United States of America. Results show that a broad range of international, national, regional and local policies address marine debris, specifically through waste management and the prevention of pollution from ships. However, few policies directly address seabirds and other marine biota. Further, policies are implemented inconsistently across regions, making it difficult to enforce and monitor the efficacy of these policies given the long-range transport of plastic pollution globally. To reduce marine plastic pollution in the Arctic environment, pan-Arctic and international collaboration is needed to implement standardized policies and long-term monitoring programs for marine plastic in the Arctic and worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jannie F. Linnebjerg
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Julia E. Baak
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
| | - Tom Barry
- CAFF International Secretariat, Borgir, Nordurslod, 600 Akureyri, Iceland
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, School of Engineering and Natural Sciences, University of Iceland, Sæmundargata 2, 102 Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Maria V. Gavrilo
- Association “Maritime Heritage: Explore & Sustain”, Icebreaker “Krassin”, The Lieutenant Schmidt emb, 23 Line, 199106 Saint-Petersburg, Russia
- BirdsRussia, 70, Nigegorodskaja str., building 1, Moscow, 109029, Russia
- Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute (AARI), Saint-Petersburg, 198397, Russia
| | - Mark L. Mallory
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
| | - Flemming R. Merkel
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
- Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, P.O. Box 570, 3900 Nuuk, Greenland
| | - Courtney Price
- CAFF International Secretariat, Borgir, Nordurslod, 600 Akureyri, Iceland
| | - Jakob Strand
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Tony R. Walker
- School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Jennifer F. Provencher
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, ON K0A 1H0, Canada
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Wang L, Nabi G, Yin L, Wang Y, Li S, Hao Z, Li D. Birds and plastic pollution: recent advances. AVIAN RESEARCH 2021; 12:59. [PMID: 34745642 PMCID: PMC8561682 DOI: 10.1186/s40657-021-00293-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Plastic waste and debris have caused substantial environmental pollution globally in the past decades, and they have been accumulated in hundreds of terrestrial and aquatic avian species. Birds are susceptible and vulnerable to external environments; therefore, they could be used to estimate the negative effects of environmental pollution. In this review, we summarize the effects of macroplastics, microplastics, and plastic-derived additives and plastic-absorbed chemicals on birds. First, macroplastics and microplastics accumulate in different tissues of various aquatic and terrestrial birds, suggesting that birds could suffer from the macroplastics and microplastics-associated contaminants in the aquatic and terrestrial environments. Second, the detrimental effects of macroplastics and microplastics, and their derived additives and absorbed chemicals on the individual survival, growth and development, reproductive output, and physiology, are summarized in different birds, as well as the known toxicological mechanisms of plastics in laboratory model mammals. Finally, we identify that human commensal birds, long-life-span birds, and model bird species could be utilized to different research objectives to evaluate plastic pollution burden and toxicological effects of chronic plastic exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limin Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024 China
| | - Ghulam Nabi
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024 China
| | - Liyun Yin
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024 China
| | - Yanqin Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024 China
| | - Shuxin Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024 China
| | - Zhuang Hao
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024 China
| | - Dongming Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024 China
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Abstract
Plastic debris makes up the majority of marine debris around the world, and pollution is a serious threat to marine wildlife. Threats represent two types of biological interactions with plastic: entanglement and ingestion. This paper describes interactions of seabirds with plastic in Mirny and draw the attention of researchers to the existing problem. In 2012/2013 and 2015/2016, year-round observations of the author were carried out at Mirny station and Haswell Islands (area of about 12 km2), east Antarctica. One case of entanglement of a molting adult Adélie penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae) in a fishing line was been identified; in addition to one case of an adult emperor penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri) mistakenly ingesting plastic braided rope and subsequently feeding it as part of a food lump to the chick, and two cases of macroplastics found in pellets of south polar skuas (Catharacta maccormicki). Registrations of entanglement and ingestion of macroplastic by seabirds in Mirny are rare. They signal to us about problem that needs to be included in the monitoring for the health of terrestrial biota of the Haswell archipelago.
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