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Sousa-Guedes D, Bessa F, Queiruga A, Teixeira L, Reis V, Gonçalves JA, Marco A, Sillero N. Lost and found: Patterns of marine litter accumulation on the remote Island of Santa Luzia, Cabo Verde. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 344:123338. [PMID: 38218543 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123338] [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: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Santa Luzia, an uninhabited island in the archipelago of Cabo Verde, serves as a natural laboratory and important nesting site for loggerhead turtles Carettacaretta. The island constitutes an Integral Natural Reserve and a Marine Protected Area. We assessed marine litter accumulation on sandy beaches of the island and analysed their spatial patterns using two sampling methods: at a fine scale, sand samples from 1 × 1 m squares were collected, identifying debris larger than 1 mm; at a coarse scale, drone surveys were conducted to identify visible marine debris (>25 mm) in aerial images. We sampled six points on three beaches of the island: Achados (three points), Francisca (two points) and Palmo Tostão (one point). Then, we modelled the abundance of marine debris using topographical variables as explanatory factors, derived from digital surface models (DSM). Our findings reveal that the island is a significant repository for marine litter (>84% composed of plastics), with up to 917 plastic items per m2 in the sand samples and a maximum of 38 macro-debris items per m2 in the drone surveys. Plastic fragments dominate, followed by plastic pellets (at the fine-scale approach) and fishing materials (at the coarse-scale approach). We observed that north-facing, higher-elevation beaches accumulate more large marine litter, while slope and elevation affect their spatial distribution within the beach. Achados Beach faces severe marine debris pollution challenges, and the upcoming climate changes could exacerbate this problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Sousa-Guedes
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências Geo-Espaciais (CICGE), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, Alameda do Monte da Virgem, 4430-146 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal; University of Coimbra, MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre/ ARNET Aquatic Research Network, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal; Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, C/ Américo Vespucio, s/n, 41092 Sevilla, Spain; BIOS.CV - Conservation of the Environment and Sustainable Development, CP 52111, Sal Rei, Boa Vista Island, Cabo Verde.
| | - Filipa Bessa
- University of Coimbra, MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre/ ARNET Aquatic Research Network, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | | | | | - Vitória Reis
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências Geo-Espaciais (CICGE), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, Alameda do Monte da Virgem, 4430-146 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal.
| | - José Alberto Gonçalves
- Departamento de Geociências, Ambiente e Ordenamento do Território (DGAOT), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, Portugal; CIIMAR Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Terminal de Cruzeiros de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal.
| | - Adolfo Marco
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, C/ Américo Vespucio, s/n, 41092 Sevilla, Spain; BIOS.CV - Conservation of the Environment and Sustainable Development, CP 52111, Sal Rei, Boa Vista Island, Cabo Verde.
| | - Neftalí Sillero
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências Geo-Espaciais (CICGE), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, Alameda do Monte da Virgem, 4430-146 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal.
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2
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Murphy EL, Gerber LR, Rochman CM, Polidoro B. A macroplastic vulnerability index for marine mammals, seabirds, and sea turtles in Hawai'i. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 908:168247. [PMID: 37918749 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168247] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is having devastating consequences for marine organisms across the planet. However, the population level effects of macroplastic pollution remain difficult and costly to quantify. As a result, there is a need for alternative approaches to evaluate species risk to plastic pollution and inform management needs. We apply a trait-based framework for macroplastic pollution to develop a relative vulnerability index-informed by three dimensions: likelihood of exposure, species' sensitivity, and population resilience-for marine mammals, seabirds, and sea turtles found in Hawai'i. This index ranks 63 study species based on their population level vulnerability to macroplastic pollution, with the highest scoring species being the most vulnerable. Our results indicate that ducks, waders, and noddies with large populations were the least vulnerable to macroplastics, while the most vulnerable were the Hawaiian monk seal, sea turtles, baleen whales, and some albatross and petrel species. This index can inform species in need of population monitoring in Hawai'i, and direct other management priorities (e.g., locations for clean-ups or booms). More broadly, this work exemplifies the value of qualitative risk assessment approaches for better understanding the population level effects of macroplastic pollution and showcases how vulnerability indices can be used to inform management priorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin L Murphy
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe Campus, Life Sciences Center A Wing 451 E Tyler Mall, Room 209, Tempe, AZ 85281, United States of America; Center for Biodiversity Outcomes, Arizona State University, Tempe Camus, Life Sciences Center A Wing 451 E Tyler Mall, Room 351, Tempe, AZ 85281, United States of America; Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, 25 Wilcocks St, Earth Sciences, Room 3054, Toronto, ON M5S3B2, Canada.
| | - Leah R Gerber
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe Campus, Life Sciences Center A Wing 451 E Tyler Mall, Room 209, Tempe, AZ 85281, United States of America; Center for Biodiversity Outcomes, Arizona State University, Tempe Camus, Life Sciences Center A Wing 451 E Tyler Mall, Room 351, Tempe, AZ 85281, United States of America
| | - Chelsea M Rochman
- Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, 25 Wilcocks St, Earth Sciences, Room 3054, Toronto, ON M5S3B2, Canada
| | - Beth Polidoro
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe Campus, Life Sciences Center A Wing 451 E Tyler Mall, Room 209, Tempe, AZ 85281, United States of America; Center for Biodiversity Outcomes, Arizona State University, Tempe Camus, Life Sciences Center A Wing 451 E Tyler Mall, Room 351, Tempe, AZ 85281, United States of America; School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University, West Campus, PO Box 37100, Phoenix, AZ 85069-2352, United States of America
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3
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Sousa-Guedes D, Cunha SC, Fernandes JO, Semedo D, Sillero N, Marco A, Bessa F. Can plastic pollution contaminate loggerhead turtle nests? Evaluation of flame retardants (PBDEs) levels in the sand. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 195:115550. [PMID: 37722265 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is a global environmental issue affecting multiple ecosystems, namely sea turtle nesting grounds. We analysed the potential chemical contamination caused by plastic debris in loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) nests, focusing on polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs, a class of flame retardants). For that, we conducted a field experiment in a turtle hatchery (Cabo Verde) by placing plastic fragments in the nests at two depths: surface and ~20 cm. We evaluated the nests' success and quantified the levels of PBDEs in the sand using GC-MS/MS. Our results suggest that plastics on the nests' surface can leak contaminants, infiltrating the sand up to 20 cm. Buried plastics showed no relevant leakage of chemicals. While hatching and emergence success was unaffected, we found a relationship between leucistic embryos and contamination levels. Our study highlights the threats of plastic accumulation on beaches, which can potentially leak chemicals and contaminate turtle nests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Sousa-Guedes
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências Geo-Espaciais (CICGE), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, Alameda do Monte da Virgem, 4430-146 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal; BIOS.CV - Conservation of the Environment and Sustainable Development, CP 52111 Sal Rei, Boa Vista Island, Cabo Verde; Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, C/ Américo Vespucio, s/n, 41092 Sevilla, Spain; University of Coimbra, MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Sara C Cunha
- LAQV/Requimte, Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - José O Fernandes
- LAQV/Requimte, Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Diana Semedo
- BIOS.CV - Conservation of the Environment and Sustainable Development, CP 52111 Sal Rei, Boa Vista Island, Cabo Verde
| | - Neftalí Sillero
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências Geo-Espaciais (CICGE), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, Alameda do Monte da Virgem, 4430-146 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal.
| | - Adolfo Marco
- BIOS.CV - Conservation of the Environment and Sustainable Development, CP 52111 Sal Rei, Boa Vista Island, Cabo Verde; Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, C/ Américo Vespucio, s/n, 41092 Sevilla, Spain.
| | - Filipa Bessa
- University of Coimbra, MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal.
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Ramilo-Henry M, Umbelina B, Matilde E, Duncan EM. Plastic pollution on remote islands: A baseline study of Príncipe, Gulf of Guinea. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 191:106181. [PMID: 37738737 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Plastic is the most abundant marine anthropogenic debris in the ocean and is of serious global environmental concern. Projects aimed at monitoring plastic pollution quantities are key in evaluating the success of reduction. This study provides baseline information on the quantities of marine debris found on the island of Príncipe in the Gulf of Guinea in the Atlantic coast of Central Africa. A total of 13,196 items were collected with 64.5% of these items being plastic. Plastic pieces the size of 2.5-50 cm made up 20.8% of all plastic items, followed by plastic bags (13.3%) and fishing material (11.39%). The density of mesoplastic items (<25 and >5mm) ranged between 0 and 6.78 items m-2. Beach location, community presence, and beach level (for turtle-nesting beaches) were important factors in explaining differences in plastic abundance and density around the island. Our results highlight the significance of high plastic pollution accumulation on remote islands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maguiña Ramilo-Henry
- Fundação Príncipe, a Registered Charity in São Tomé and Príncipe, Rua Horta Cana, Santo António, Príncipe, Island, São Tomé and Príncipe, South Africa.
| | - Belzamiel Umbelina
- Fundação Príncipe, a Registered Charity in São Tomé and Príncipe, Rua Horta Cana, Santo António, Príncipe, Island, São Tomé and Príncipe, South Africa
| | - Estrela Matilde
- Fundação Príncipe, a Registered Charity in São Tomé and Príncipe, Rua Horta Cana, Santo António, Príncipe, Island, São Tomé and Príncipe, South Africa
| | - Emily M Duncan
- Fundação Príncipe, a Registered Charity in São Tomé and Príncipe, Rua Horta Cana, Santo António, Príncipe, Island, São Tomé and Príncipe, South Africa; Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9EZ, United Kingdom
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5
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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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6
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Sousa‐Guedes D, Sillero N, Bessa F, Marco A. Plastic pollution can affect the emergence patterns of the loggerhead turtle hatchlings. Anim Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- D. Sousa‐Guedes
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências Geo‐Espaciais (CICGE) Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto Vila Nova de Gaia Portugal
- Department of Life Sciences University of Coimbra, MARE ‐ Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre/ ARNET – Aquatic Research Network Coimbra Portugal
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, C/ Américo Vespucio Sevilla Spain
- BIOS.CV ‐ Conservation of the Environment and Sustainable Development Sal Rei Cabo Verde
| | - N. Sillero
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências Geo‐Espaciais (CICGE) Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto Vila Nova de Gaia Portugal
| | - F. Bessa
- Department of Life Sciences University of Coimbra, MARE ‐ Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre/ ARNET – Aquatic Research Network Coimbra Portugal
| | - A. Marco
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, C/ Américo Vespucio Sevilla Spain
- BIOS.CV ‐ Conservation of the Environment and Sustainable Development Sal Rei Cabo Verde
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7
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Lincoln S, Andrews B, Birchenough SNR, Chowdhury P, Engelhard GH, Harrod O, Pinnegar JK, Townhill BL. Marine litter and climate change: Inextricably connected threats to the world's oceans. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 837:155709. [PMID: 35525371 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The global issues of climate change and marine litter are interlinked and understanding these connections is key to managing their combined risks to marine biodiversity and ultimately society. For example, fossil fuel-based plastics cause direct emissions of greenhouse gases and therefore are an important contributing factor to climate change, while other impacts of plastics can manifest as alterations in key species and habitats in coastal and marine environments. Marine litter is acknowledged as a threat multiplier that acts with other stressors such as climate change to cause far greater damage than if they occurred in isolation. On the other hand, while climate change can lead to increased inputs of litter into the marine environment, the presence of marine litter can also undermine the climate resilience of marine ecosystems. There is increasing evidence that that climate change and marine litter are inextricably linked, although these interactions and the resulting effects vary widely across oceanic regions and depend on the particular characteristics of specific marine environments. Ecosystem resilience approaches, that integrate climate change with other local stressors, offer a suitable framework to incorporate the consideration of marine litter where that is deemed to be a risk, and to steer, coordinate and prioritise research and monitoring, as well as management, policy, planning and action to effectively tackle the combined risks and impacts from climate change and marine litter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Lincoln
- International Marine Climate Change Centre (iMC3), The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences (Cefas), Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, United Kingdom.
| | - Barnaby Andrews
- International Marine Climate Change Centre (iMC3), The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences (Cefas), Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, United Kingdom
| | - Silvana N R Birchenough
- International Marine Climate Change Centre (iMC3), The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences (Cefas), Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, United Kingdom
| | - Piyali Chowdhury
- International Marine Climate Change Centre (iMC3), The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences (Cefas), Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, United Kingdom
| | - Georg H Engelhard
- International Marine Climate Change Centre (iMC3), The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences (Cefas), Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, United Kingdom
| | - Olivia Harrod
- International Marine Climate Change Centre (iMC3), The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences (Cefas), Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, United Kingdom
| | - John K Pinnegar
- International Marine Climate Change Centre (iMC3), The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences (Cefas), Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, United Kingdom
| | - Bryony L Townhill
- International Marine Climate Change Centre (iMC3), The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences (Cefas), Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, United Kingdom
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8
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Hoare V, Atchison Balmond N, Hays GC, Jones R, Koldewey H, Laloë JO, Levy E, Llewellyn F, Morrall H, Esteban N. Spatial variation of plastic debris on important turtle nesting beaches of the remote Chagos Archipelago, Indian Ocean. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 181:113868. [PMID: 35835050 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113868] [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: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
We report Anthropogenic Marine Debris (AMD) in Chagos Archipelago in the Indian Ocean, globally amongst the most isolated island groups. AMD on 14 island beaches in five atolls were surveyed in 2019 using two techniques: Marine Debris Tracker (MDT) along littoral vegetation and photoquadrats in open beach. Over 60 % of AMD in both beach zones was composed of plastics, especially bottles and fragments (mean = 44.9 %, 27.2 %, range = 16.5-73.2 %, 4.8-55.9 % respectively in vegetation; mean = 28.7 %, 31.5 %, range = 17.7-40.7 %, 11.6-60.0 % respectively in open beach). The density of plastic debris in littoral vegetation (MDT data: 1995 bottles, 3328 fragments per 100 m2) was 10-fold greater than in open beach (photoquadrat data: 184 bottles, 106 fragments per 100 m2). Significant latitudinal variation in vegetation AMD occurred (8-fold greater in southern atolls, p = 0.006). AMD varied within island zones: most debris observed on oceanside beaches (oceanside vs lagoon, W = 365, p < 0.001; ocean vs island tip, W = 107, p = 0.034). Standardisation of surveys using the open-source MDT App is recommended. Debris accumulation hotspots overlapped with sea turtle nesting habitat, guiding future beach clean-up prioritisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Hoare
- Swansea University, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea SA2 8PP, Wales, UK; Imperial College London, Centre for Environmental Policy, London SW7 1NE, UK
| | - N Atchison Balmond
- British Indian Ocean Territory, King Charles Street, London SW1A 2AH, UK
| | - G C Hays
- Deakin University, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Geelong, Victoria 3216, Australia
| | - R Jones
- Zoological Society of London, Regents Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - H Koldewey
- Zoological Society of London, Regents Park, London NW1 4RY, UK; Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, UK
| | - J-O Laloë
- Deakin University, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Geelong, Victoria 3216, Australia
| | - E Levy
- Zoological Society of London, Regents Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - F Llewellyn
- Zoological Society of London, Regents Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - H Morrall
- Natural England, Foss House, Kings Pool, 1-2 Peasholme Green, York YO1 7PX, UK
| | - N Esteban
- Swansea University, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea SA2 8PP, Wales, UK.
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Yaghmour F, Al Bousi M, Al Naqbi H, Whittington-Jones B, Rodríguez-Zarate CJ. Junk food: Interspecific and intraspecific distinctions in marine debris ingestion by marine turtles. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 173:113009. [PMID: 34607128 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The pervasiveness of marine debris is now considered one of the most persistent changes in marine environments. This study reports marine debris ingested by green sea turtles Chelonia mydas and loggerhead sea turtles Caretta caretta that stranded along the eastern coast of the Sharjah Emirate in the United Arab Emirates. We observed that both green and loggerhead sea turtles frequently ingest (Frequency of Occurrence: 75.0% and 57.1% respectively) high quantities of marine debris, particularly plastics. The results suggest that green sea turtles are more likely to ingest soft items such as threads and sheets while loggerheads are more likely to ingest hard items. When considering the quantity, frequency and nature of ingested marine debris as well as the physiology of specific species and age classes, green sea turtles, particularly younger specimens, ingest the greatest amount of marine debris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fadi Yaghmour
- Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre (Scientific Research Department), Environment and Protected Areas Authority, Kalba, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Marwa Al Bousi
- EPAA Kalba Office (Scientific Research Department), Environment and Protected Areas Authority, Kalba, United Arab Emirates
| | - Halima Al Naqbi
- EPAA Kalba Office (Scientific Research Department), Environment and Protected Areas Authority, Kalba, United Arab Emirates
| | - Brendan Whittington-Jones
- Sharjah Desert Park Office (Scientific Research Department), Environment and Protected Areas Authority, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Clara Jimena Rodríguez-Zarate
- Sharjah Desert Park Office (Scientific Research Department), Environment and Protected Areas Authority, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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10
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Patrício Silva AL, Prata JC, Mouneyrac C, Barcelò D, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos T. Risks of Covid-19 face masks to wildlife: Present and future research needs. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 792:148505. [PMID: 34465061 PMCID: PMC8217904 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The use of disposable face masks became essential to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in an unprecedented rise in their production and, unfortunately, to a new form of environmental contamination due to improper disposal. Recent publications reported the abundance of COVID-19-related litter in several environments, wildlife interaction with such items, and the contaminants that can be released from such protective equipment that has the potential to induce ecotoxicological effects. This paper provides a critical review of COVID-19 face mask occurrence in diverse environments and their adverse physiological and ecotoxicological effects on wildlife. It also outlines potential remediation strategies to mitigate the environmental challenge impose by COVID-19-related litter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana L Patrício Silva
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Joana C Prata
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Catherine Mouneyrac
- Mer Molécules Sante (MMS), Université Catholique de l'Ouest, 3 place André Leroy, BP10808, 49008 Angers CEDEX 01, France
| | - Damià Barcelò
- Catalan Institute for Water research (ICRA-CERCA), H2O Building, Scientific and Technological Park of the University of Girona, Emili Grahit 101,17003 Girona, Spain; Water and Soil Quality Research Group, Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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11
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Prata JC, da Costa JP, Lopes I, Andrady AL, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos T. A One Health perspective of the impacts of microplastics on animal, human and environmental health. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 777:146094. [PMID: 33677304 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics contamination is widespread in the environment leading to the exposure of both humans and other biota. While most studies overemphasize direct toxicity of microplastics, particle concentrations, characteristics and exposure conditions being used in these assays needs to be taken into consideration. For instance, toxicity assays that use concentrations over 100,000 times higher than those expected in the environment have limited practical relevance. Thus, adverse effects on animal and human health of current environmental concentrations are identified as a knowledge gap. Conversely, this does not suggest the lack of any significant effects of microplastics on a global scale. The One Health approach provides a novel perspective focused on the intersection of different areas, namely animal, human, and environmental health. This review provides a One Health transdisciplinary approach to microplastics, addressing indirect effects beyond simple toxicological effects. Microplastics can, theoretically, change the abiotic properties of matrices (e.g., soil permeability) and interfere with essential ecosystem functions affecting ecosystem services (e.g., biogeochemical processes) that can in turn impact human health. The gathered information suggests that more research is needed to clarify direct and indirect effects of microplastics on One Health under environmentally relevant conditions, presenting detailed knowledge gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana C Prata
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - João P da Costa
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Isabel Lopes
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Anthony L Andrady
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
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Nichols EC, Lavers JL, Archer-Rand S, Bond AL. Assessing plastic size distribution and quantity on a remote island in the South Pacific. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 167:112366. [PMID: 33866204 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Plastics are an environmental threat; however, their fate once in the pelagic environment is poorly known. We compare results from assessments of floating plastics in the South Pacific Ocean with accumulated beach plastics from Henderson Island. We also compare accumulated plastic mass on Henderson during 2015 and 2019 and investigate the presence of nanoplastics. There were differences between the size classes of beach and pelagic plastics, and an increase in microplastics (0.33-5 mm) on the beach between 2015 and 2019. Micro- and nanoplastics were found at all sites (mean ± SE: 1960 ± 356 pieces/kg dw). Across the whole beach this translates to >4 billion plastic particles in the upper 5 cm. This is concerning, particularly given Henderson is uninhabited and distant from urban centres (~2350 km from Pape'ete, French Polynesia). The vast number of small particles on Henderson may make nearshore filter feeders susceptible to ingestion and subsequent detrimental impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma C Nichols
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, Tasmania 7004, Australia
| | - Jennifer L Lavers
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, Tasmania 7004, Australia.
| | - Simeon Archer-Rand
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, UK
| | - Alexander L Bond
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, Tasmania 7004, Australia; Bird Group, Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, Akeman Street, Tring, Hertfordshire HP23 6AP, UK
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13
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Özden Ö, Yıldırım S, Fuller WJ, Godley BJ. Anthropogenic marine litter on the north coast of Cyprus: Insights into marine pollution in the eastern Mediterranean. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 165:112167. [PMID: 33610112 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The eastern Mediterranean is a region that has been relatively understudied with regards to anthropogenic marine litter despite potential for environmental and social costs. Here, coastal marine litter accumulation was assessed at eight beach locations along the coast of Northern Cyprus. Monthly surveys were performed between January 2017 and January 2019. All items ≥ 2.5 cm in diameter within the same 250 m2 plot were collected and processed. A total of 59,556 separate items were collected with a total mass of 697 kg. At the worst affected site (Ronnas Bay) litter accumulation averaged 1114 items and 11.9 kg per month. Plastic and polystyrene litter accounted for 82% (622.71 kg) of all litter types by mass and 96% (57,231) by frequency. Plastic bags, plastic pieces, drinks containers, caps/lids were the four most abundant forms of plastic by mass and by frequency. This suggests dumping/poor domestic waste governance as the main driver of marine litter in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Özge Özden
- Near East University, Department of Landscape Architecture, Nicosia, Cyprus.
| | - Sinem Yıldırım
- Near East University, Department of Landscape Architecture, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Wayne J Fuller
- Near East University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Brendan J Godley
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn TR10 9FE, UK
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14
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Hayati Y, Adrianto L, Krisanti M, Pranowo WS, Kurniawan F. Magnitudes and tourist perception of marine debris on small tourism island: Assessment of Tidung Island, Jakarta, Indonesia. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 158:111393. [PMID: 32753179 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The sources of marine debris (MD) on a small island are largely dependent on the activities on and around the island, one of which is tourism. In this study, the magnitude and tourists' perceptions of MD on a small tourism island (Tidung Islands, Jakarta, Indonesia) were assessed. The results indicated that the tourism is one of the largest waste-generating sources. Plastic waste formed the major proportion of the solid waste, accounting for 83.86% of the total. The unmanaged tourism waste led to a clean-coastal index corresponding to the category "extremely dirty" and decreasing visitors' acceptance index. The resulting conditions will make the tourism unsustainable. In tourism, waste management should be focused on, including prevention and collaborative actions with residents and tourism actors. In addition, the tourist awareness campaigns must be conducted prior to tourist-visitation on the island.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusra Hayati
- Graduate School of Coastal and Marine Resources Management, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia; Bureau of Public Relations and Foreign Cooperation, Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Jakarta, Indonesia.
| | - Luky Adrianto
- Department of Aquatic Resources Management, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia; Center for Coastal and Marine Resources Studies, IPB University (Bogor Agricultural University), Indonesia
| | - Majariana Krisanti
- Department of Aquatic Resources Management, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Widodo S Pranowo
- Marine and Coastal Data Laboratory, Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Jakarta, Indonesia; Department of Hydrography, Indonesia Naval Postgraduate School (STTAL), Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Fery Kurniawan
- Department of Aquatic Resources Management, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia; Center for Coastal and Marine Resources Studies, IPB University (Bogor Agricultural University), Indonesia
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15
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Lavers JL, Sharp PB, Stuckenbrock S, Bond AL. Entrapment in plastic debris endangers hermit crabs. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2020; 387:121703. [PMID: 31786024 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2019.121703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Significant quantities of plastic debris pollute nearly all the world's ecosystems, where it persists for decades and poses a considerable threat to flora and fauna. Much of the focus has been on the marine environment, with little information on the hazard posed by debris accumulating on beaches and adjacent vegetated areas. Here we investigate the potential for beach debris to disrupt terrestrial species and ecosystems on two remote islands. The significant quantities of debris on the beaches, and throughout the coastal vegetation, create a significant barrier which strawberry hermit crabs (Coenobita perlatus) encounter during their daily activities. Around 61,000 (2.447 crabs/m2) and 508,000 crabs (1.117 crabs/m2) are estimated to become entrapped in debris and die each year on Henderson Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, respectively. Globally, there is an urgent need to establish a clear link between debris interactions and population persistence, as loss of biodiversity contributes to ecosystem degradation. Our findings show accumulating debris on these islands has the potential to seriously impact hermit crab populations. This is important for countless other islands worldwide where crabs and debris overlap, as crabs play a crucial role in the maintenance of tropical ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Lavers
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Battery Point, Tasmania, Australia.
| | - Paul B Sharp
- Two Hands Project Inc, Narrabeen, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Alexander L Bond
- Bird Group, Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, Tring, Hertfordshire, UK
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16
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Garrison SR, Fuentes MMPB. Marine debris at nesting grounds used by the Northern Gulf of Mexico loggerhead recovery unit. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2019; 139:59-64. [PMID: 30686449 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic marine debris (AMD) can cause obstructions for nesting marine turtles and hatchlings, increase their exposure to toxicants, and potentially alter the incubating environment of clutches. Given the potential impacts of AMD on marine turtles, this study provides baseline information on the abundance and distribution of AMD at the ten highest density nesting beaches in Florida used by the Northern Gulf of Mexico Loggerhead Recovery Unit. Monitoring for AMD at nesting beaches was conducted in 2017 following protocols from the International Coastal Cleanup. AMD was present at all the nesting beaches, with the majority of AMD observed at the westernmost sites beginning with St. Joseph Peninsula State Park (363 AMD/km) with a gradual decrease of abundance to the easternmost site, Alligator Point (16 AMD/km). Plastic and foam items accounted for 92% (n = 13,566) of all AMD found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha R Garrison
- Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science, Florida State University, North Woodward Avenue, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4320, USA
| | - Mariana M P B Fuentes
- Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science, Florida State University, North Woodward Avenue, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4320, USA.
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