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Astorayme MA, Vázquez-Rowe I, Kahhat R. The use of artificial intelligence algorithms to detect macroplastics in aquatic environments: A critical review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 945:173843. [PMID: 38871326 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
The presence of macroplastic (MP) is having serious consequences on natural ecosystems, directly affecting biota and human wellbeing. Given this scenario, estimating MPs' abundance is crucial for assessing the issue and formulating effective waste management strategies. In this context, the main objective of this critical review is to analyze the use of machine learning (ML) techniques, with a particular interest in deep learning (DL) approaches, to detect, classify and quantify MPs in aquatic environments, supported by datasets such as satellite or aerial images and video recordings taken by unmanned aerial vehicles. This article provides a concise overview of artificial intelligence concepts, followed by a bibliometric analysis and a critical review. The search methodology aimed to categorize the scientific contributions through temporal and spatial criteria for bibliometric analysis, whereas the critical review was based on generating homogeneous groups according to the complexity of ML and DL methods, as well as the type of dataset. In light of the review carried out, classical ML techniques, such as random forest or support vector machines, showed robustness in MPs detection. However, it seems that achieving optimal efficiencies in multiclass classification is a limitation for these methods. Consequently, more advanced techniques such as DL approaches are taking the lead for the detection and multiclass classification of MPs. A series of architectures based on convolutional neural networks, and the use of complex pre-trained models through the transfer learning, are currently being explored (e.g., VGG16 and YOLO models), although currently the computational expense is high due to the need for processing large volumes of data. Additionally, there seems to be a trend towards detecting smaller plastic, which need higher resolution images. Finally, it is important to stress that since 2020 there has been a significant increase in scientific research focusing on transformer-based architectures for object detection. Although this can be considered the current state of the art, no studies have been identified that utilize these architectures for MP detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Angel Astorayme
- Peruvian Life Cycle Assessment & Industrial Ecology Network (PELCAN), Department of Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, Av. Universitaria 1801, San Miguel 15074, Lima, Peru; Dept. of Fluid Mechanics Engineering, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Av. Universitaria/Av. Germán Amézaga s/n., Lima 1508, Lima, Peru..
| | - Ian Vázquez-Rowe
- Peruvian Life Cycle Assessment & Industrial Ecology Network (PELCAN), Department of Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, Av. Universitaria 1801, San Miguel 15074, Lima, Peru
| | - Ramzy Kahhat
- Peruvian Life Cycle Assessment & Industrial Ecology Network (PELCAN), Department of Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, Av. Universitaria 1801, San Miguel 15074, Lima, Peru
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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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Bernieri EM, Medeiros LS, Lopes UH, Vilas Boas FG, Santos SMD, Marques OKDL, Macêdo GRD, Lustosa R, Franke CR. Patterns and spatial distribution of sea turtle strandings in Alagoas, Brazil. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 201:116127. [PMID: 38412794 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116127] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
This study makes a descriptive analysis of necropsied sea turtles registered in the Biota Conservation Institute database between May 2018 and May 2022 on the coast of Alagoas, Brazil. During this period, 79 animals of four species were necropsied: 87.4 % (69) Chelonia mydas, 6.3 % (5) Caretta caretta, 3.8 % (3) Lepidochelys olivacea and 2.5 % (2) Eretmochelys imbricata. C. mydas was the most frequent species, mainly juvenile females. In 29.1 % (23/79) evidence of anthropogenic interactions was found (e.g., fishing net marks, plastic waste in the digestive tract, trauma from collisions with boats). Cutaneous tumors suggestive of fibropapillomatosis in 35.4 % (28/79), in C. mydas and E. imbricata, half were in an area of high eutrophication, close to the capital. Endoparasites were found in 46.8 % (37/79) individuals. Information on strandings in the region is essential for understanding the use of the area and the impacts to which these animals are exposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliane Macedo Bernieri
- Federal University of Bahia - UFBA, Av. Milton Santos, 500, Ondina, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, CEP: 40170-110; Biota Institute of Conservation, Rua Padre Odilon Lôbo, n° 5900 Guaxuma, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil, CEP 57038-770.
| | - Luciana Santos Medeiros
- Biota Institute of Conservation, Rua Padre Odilon Lôbo, n° 5900 Guaxuma, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil, CEP 57038-770
| | - Uylla Hipper Lopes
- Biota Institute of Conservation, Rua Padre Odilon Lôbo, n° 5900 Guaxuma, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil, CEP 57038-770
| | - Francielly Gomes Vilas Boas
- Biota Institute of Conservation, Rua Padre Odilon Lôbo, n° 5900 Guaxuma, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil, CEP 57038-770
| | | | | | | | - Ricardo Lustosa
- Federal University of Western Bahia, Barra Multidisciplinary Center, Av. 23 de Agosto, SN, Assunção, Barra, Bahia, Brazil, CEP: 47100-000
| | - Carlos Roberto Franke
- Federal University of Bahia - UFBA, Av. Milton Santos, 500, Ondina, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, CEP: 40170-110
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Stagnitti M, Musumeci RE. Model-based estimation of seasonal transport of macro-plastics in a marine protected area. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 201:116191. [PMID: 38428048 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116191] [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: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Management of plastic litter in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) is expensive but crucial to avoid harms to critical environments. In the present work, an open-source numerical modelling chain is proposed to estimate the seasonal pathways and fates of macro-plastics, and hence support the effective planning and implementation of sea and beach cleaning operations. The proposed approach is applied to the nearshore region that includes the MPA of Capo Milazzo (Italy). A sensitivity analysis on the influence of tides, wind, waves and river floods over the year indicates that seasonality only slightly affects the location and extension of the macro-plastic accumulation zones, and that beach cleaning operations should be performed in autumn. Instead, the influence of rivers on plastic litter distribution is crucial for the optimal planning of cleaning interventions in the coastal area.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Stagnitti
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Catania, via S. Sofia 64, 95123 Catania, CT, Italy.
| | - R E Musumeci
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Catania, via S. Sofia 64, 95123 Catania, CT, Italy.
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Sciutteri V, Costa V, Malara D, Figurella F, Campbell I, Deery E, Romeo T, Andaloro F, Consoli P. Citizen science through a recreational underwater diving project supports the collection of large-scale marine litter data: The Oceania case study. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 200:116133. [PMID: 38335633 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116133] [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: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, a growing body of literature on seafloor macro-litter has been produced worldwide. However, the spatial coverage of these studies is still limited and highly unbalanced, resulting in considerable knowledge gaps in some regions. To address this lack of information in Oceania, we extracted data from the Citizen Science project Dive Against Debris® to characterize marine debris collected by volunteer scuba divers on the coastal seafloor. Overall, the average litter density was 58.22 items/100m2, with plastics accounting for approximately 50 % of the total abundance and Single Use Plastics accounting for nearly 17 %. Notably, 36 % of the total litter abundance consisted of lost Fishing Gear including fishing lines, sinkers, baits and hooks as the most abundant debris items. To reduce lost fishing gear, clean-up initiatives by divers along with management actions such as education programs for fishermen, gear restrictions and the identification of designated fishing sites are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Sciutteri
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Sicily Marine Centre, Messina, Italy
| | - V Costa
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Calabria Marine Centre, Amendolara, Italy
| | - D Malara
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Calabria Marine Centre, Amendolara, Italy
| | | | - I Campbell
- PADI AWARE Foundation, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - E Deery
- PADI AWARE Foundation, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - T Romeo
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Sicily Marine Centre, Messina, Italy
| | - F Andaloro
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Sicily Marine Centre, Palermo, Italy
| | - P Consoli
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Sicily Marine Centre, Messina, Italy.
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Baes L, Santiago CD, Roman L, Dos Santos Costa PC, Pugliesi É, Reigada C. Beached seabirds as plastic biomonitors in Brazil from the Beach Monitoring Project of the Santos Basin (PMP-BS). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 199:115847. [PMID: 38181467 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115847] [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: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Bioindicator species are useful to monitor wildlife exposure to plastic pollution, and responses to plastic leakage and policy interventions. Here we explore the biomonitoring potential of different seabird and shorebirds species across six years of monitoring in Brazil. Using the necropsy stranding database of the Beach Monitoring Project of the Santos Basin (PMP-BS), we evaluated i) the frequency of birds-plastic interactions in Brazil; ii) whether plastic interactions have changed through time and in different coastal regions; and iii) potential bioindicators for monitoring the exposure of seabirds to plastic in the nearshore South Atlantic Ocean. We found 37 species that had ingested plastic, including ten new records, found that the rates of tube-nosed seabirds increased through time, and suggested two potential species. We discuss the potential for biomonitoring marine pollution in the South Atlantic Ocean using PMP-BS, providing a scheme for a better plastic pollution monitoring in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Baes
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ecologia e Recursos Naturais, Universidade Federal de São Carlos - UFSCar, Washington Luiz, s/n - Monjolinho, São Carlos, SP 13565-905, Brazil; Instituto de Pesquisas Cananéia, Av. Nina, 523 - Bairro Retiro das Caravelas, Cananéia, SP 11990-000, Brazil; Laboratório de Ecologia de Interações, Departamento de Ecologia e Biologia Evolutiva, Universidade Federal de São Carlos - UFSCar, Rod. Washington Luiz, s/n - Monjolinho, São Carlos, SP 13565-905, Brazil.
| | - Cristine Diniz Santiago
- Departamento de Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Federal de São Carlos - UFSCar, Washington Luiz, s/n - Monjolinho, São Carlos, SP 13565-905, Brazil
| | - Lauren Roman
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Battery Point, Hobart, Tasmania 7004, Australia; CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere, 3-4 Castray Esp, Battery Point, Hobart, Tasmania 7004, Australia
| | - Priscilla Carla Dos Santos Costa
- Instituto de Pesquisas Cananéia, Av. Nina, 523 - Bairro Retiro das Caravelas, Cananéia, SP 11990-000, Brazil; Laboratório de Patologia Comparada de Animais Silvestres FMVZ/USP, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, Cidade Universitária "Armando Salles de Oliveira", São Paulo, SP 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Érica Pugliesi
- Departamento de Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Federal de São Carlos - UFSCar, Washington Luiz, s/n - Monjolinho, São Carlos, SP 13565-905, Brazil
| | - Carolina Reigada
- Laboratório de Ecologia de Interações, Departamento de Ecologia e Biologia Evolutiva, Universidade Federal de São Carlos - UFSCar, Rod. Washington Luiz, s/n - Monjolinho, São Carlos, SP 13565-905, Brazil
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Mghili B, De-la-Torre GE, Aksissou M. Assessing the potential for the introduction and spread of alien species with marine litter. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 191:114913. [PMID: 37068344 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The introduction and transport of marine invasive species into new environments are a great threat to biodiversity and ecosystem services with potential economic repercussions. There are several routes and mechanisms by which alien species are transported and dispersed in the marine environment (shipping, waterways, and aquaculture). Each year, millions of tons of plastic enter the ocean. The presence of floating marine litter in marine environments provides a substrate for marine organisms and may increase the potential for the transport of alien species. Research on the role of marine litter in the introduction of alien marine species has grown exponentially in recent years. In this study, studies examining the transport and dispersal of alien species by marine litter are reviewed. In this review, we identified 67 alien species associated with marine litter. The most recurrent alien phyla found on marine litter are Arthropoda (29 %), Mollusca (23 %), Bryozoa (19 %), Annelida (7 %) and Cnidaria (5 %). Plastic appears to be more efficient in transporting alien species than by natural means. Their characteristics (buoyancy and persistence) allow them to be widely dispersed throughout all ocean compartments. Thus, plastics may act as a primary vector, carrying organisms to remote areas but can also facilitate the secondary spread of alien species between points of invasion. Despite the growing number of studies on this subject, much work remains to be done to understand the roles of plastics in the introduction of alien species and to develop solutions to mitigate the issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilal Mghili
- LESCB, URL-CNRST N 18, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Faculty of Sciences, Tetouan, Morocco.
| | - Gabriel Enrique De-la-Torre
- Grupo de Investigación de Biodiversidad, Medio Ambiente y Sociedad, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, Peru
| | - Mustapha Aksissou
- LESCB, URL-CNRST N 18, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Faculty of Sciences, Tetouan, Morocco
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Pasqualini V, Garrido M, Cecchi P, Connès C, Couté A, El Rakwe M, Henry M, Hervio-Heath D, Quilichini Y, Simonnet J, Rinnert E, Vitré T, Galgani F. Harmful algae and pathogens on plastics in three mediterranean coastal lagoons. Heliyon 2023; 9:e13654. [PMID: 36895393 PMCID: PMC9988496 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e13654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Plastic is now a pervasive pollutant in all marine ecosystems. The microplastics and macroplastic debris were studied in three French Mediterranean coastal lagoons (Prevost, Biguglia and Diana lagoons), displaying different environmental characteristics. In addition, biofilm samples were analyzed over the seasons to quantify and identify microalgae communities colonizing macroplastics, and determine potentially harmful microorganisms. Results indicate low but highly variable concentrations of microplastics, in relation to the period and location of sampling. Micro-Raman spectroscopy analyses revealed that the majority of macroplastic debris corresponded to polyethylene (PE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and to a far lesser extent to polypropylene (PP). The observations by Scanning Electron Microscopy of microalgae communities colonizing macroplastic debris demonstrated differences depending on the seasons, with higher amounts in spring and summer, but without any variation between lagoons and polymers. Among the Diatomophyceae, the most dominant genera were Amphora spp., Cocconeis spp., and Navicula spp.. Cyanobacteria and Dinophyceae such as Prorocentrum cordatum, a potentially toxic species, were also found sporadically. The use of Primer specific DNA amplification tools enabled us to detect potentially harmful microorganisms colonizing plastics, such as Alexandrium minutum or Vibrio spp. An additional in situ experiment performed over one year revealed an increase in the diversity of colonizing microalgae in relation to the duration of immersion for the three tested polymers PE, LDPE and polyethylene terephthalates (PET). Vibrio settled durably after two weeks of immersion, whatever the polymer. This study confirms that Mediterranean coastal lagoons are vulnerable to the presence of macroplastic debris that may passively host and transport various species, including some potentially harmful algal and bacterial microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanina Pasqualini
- UMR SPE CNRS - UMS Stella Mare CNRS, University of Corsica, BP 52, 20250, Corte, France
| | - Marie Garrido
- Environmental Agency of Corsica, 7 Avenue Jean Nicoli, 20250, Corte, France
| | - Philippe Cecchi
- UMR MARBEC, IRD CNRS IFREMER, University of Montpellier, CC093, 34095, Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - Coralie Connès
- IFREMER, Laboratoire Environnement Ressources Provence-Azur-Corse (LER/PAC), Station de Bastia, Zone Industrielle de Furiani, 20600, Bastia, France
| | - Alain Couté
- Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Département RDDM, FRE 3206, USM 505, 57 rue Cuvier, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Maria El Rakwe
- IFREMER, Laboratoire Détection, Capteurs et Mesures (LDCM), Centre Bretagne, ZI de la Pointe du Diable, CS 10070, 29280, Plouzané, France
| | - Maryvonne Henry
- IFREMER, Laboratoire Environnement Ressources Provence-Azur-Corse (LER/PAC), Station de Toulon, Zone Portuaire de Brégaillon, CS 20330, 83507, La Seyne sur Mer, France
| | - Dominique Hervio-Heath
- IFREMER, Laboratoire Adaptation, Reproduction et Nutrition des Poissons (LARN), Centre Bretagne, ZI de la Pointe du Diable, CS 10070, 29280, Plouzané, France
| | - Yann Quilichini
- UMR SPE CNRS - UMS Stella Mare CNRS, University of Corsica, BP 52, 20250, Corte, France
| | - Jérémy Simonnet
- IFREMER, Laboratoire Santé, Environnement et Microbiologie (LSEM), Centre Bretagne, ZI de la Pointe du Diable, CS 10070, 29280, Plouzané, France
| | - Emmanuel Rinnert
- IFREMER, Laboratoire Cycle Géochimique et Ressources (LCG), Centre Bretagne, ZI de la Pointe du Diable, CS 10070, 29280, Plouzané, France
| | - Thomas Vitré
- IFREMER, Laboratoire Adaptation, Reproduction et Nutrition des Poissons (LARN), Centre Bretagne, ZI de la Pointe du Diable, CS 10070, 29280, Plouzané, France
| | - François Galgani
- IFREMER, Laboratoire Environnement Ressources Provence-Azur-Corse (LER/PAC), Station de Bastia, Zone Industrielle de Furiani, 20600, Bastia, France
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Mghili B, De-la-Torre GE, Analla M, Aksissou M. Marine macroinvertebrates fouled in marine anthropogenic litter in the Moroccan Mediterranean. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 185:114266. [PMID: 36330936 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The existence of floating marine litter in marine environments enhances the potential for the transport of fouling organisms using these substrates as vectors. In this study, we examined the fouling organisms on different types of litter stranded on two beaches of the Moroccan Mediterranean. The study revealed 13 fouling species belonging to 8 phyla (Arthropoda, Bryozoa, Annelida, Mollusca, Cnidaria, Echinodermata, Chlorophyta, and Ochrophyta) on marine litter. Rafting vectors were almost exclusively made up of plastics and could mainly be attributed to land-based sources. The most common fouling species were the crustacean Lepas pectinata, Lepas anatifera, Perforatus perforatus, and bryozoan species. More taxa were found on large litter than on small litter. Relative substratum coverage was highest for bryozoan sp. (31.0 %), green algae (29.0 %), Lepas anatifera (21.42 %), Lepas pectinata (17.8 %), and Perforatus perforatus (17.46 %). Our results suggest that the growing generation of plastic litter may enhance the probability of the introduction of non-native species into the Moroccan Mediterranean. Therefore, monitoring efforts are needed to identify vectors and the arrival of novel invasive species in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilal Mghili
- LESCB, URL-CNRST N° 18, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Faculty of Sciences, Tetouan, Morocco.
| | - Gabriel Erique De-la-Torre
- Grupo de Investigación de Biodiversidad, Medio Ambiente y Sociedad, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, Peru
| | - Mohamed Analla
- LESCB, URL-CNRST N° 18, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Faculty of Sciences, Tetouan, Morocco
| | - Mustapha Aksissou
- LESCB, URL-CNRST N° 18, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Faculty of Sciences, Tetouan, Morocco
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Solomando A, Pujol F, Sureda A, Pinya S. Evaluating the Presence of Marine Litter in Cetaceans Stranded in the Balearic Islands (Western Mediterranean Sea). BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11101468. [PMID: 36290372 PMCID: PMC9598389 DOI: 10.3390/biology11101468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The global distribution and presence of plastic, at all levels of the water column, has made plastic debris one of today's greatest environmental challenges. The ingestion and entanglement of plastic-containing marine debris has been documented in more than 60% of all cetacean species. In light of the increasing pressure on cetaceans, and the diversity of factors that they face, the aim of this work is to provide evidence of the impact of plastic debris on stranded cetaceans, in terms of ingestion and entanglement, in the Balearic Islands for the first-time. Detailed examinations, necropsies, and plastic debris analysis were performed on 30 of the 108 cetaceans stranded between 2019 and 2022. Specimens belonging to five different species, Stenella coeruleoalba, Tursiops truncatus, Grampus griseus, Balaenoptera physalus, and Physeter macrocephalus, were evaluated. Ten percent of the cetaceans (N = 3) presented plastic debris in their stomach, with one case of obstruction and perforation. Fishery gear fragments (ropes and nets) were found in two adults of T. truncatus, whereas packaging debris (plastic bag, packing straps, and plastic sheets) were found in a juvenile P. macrocephalus. Plastic items analysed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) reported three polymer types: polypropylene, polyamide, and high-density polypropylene. A total of seven cases of entanglement were recorded during the study, affecting four different species (S. coeruleoalba, T. truncatus, P. macrocephalus, and Megaptera novaeangliae). Only two individuals were freed from the nets, although one died after a week, whereas the rest were already found dead. In conclusion, data collected in the present study provided evidence of plastic ingestion and entanglement in cetaceans of the Balearic Islands for the first-time, thus highlighting the need for the regular examination of stranded cetaceans (as they are top predators) in future research to better understand the effects of these pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antònia Solomando
- Research Group in Community Nutrition and Oxidative Stress, University of Balearic Islands, E-07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
- Interdisciplinary Ecology Group, Department of Biology, University of the Balearic Islands, E-07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Francisca Pujol
- Palma Aquarium Foundation, Carrer Manuela de los Herreros i Sorà 21, E-07610 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Antoni Sureda
- Research Group in Community Nutrition and Oxidative Stress, University of Balearic Islands, E-07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
- Health Research Institute of Balearic Islands (IdISBa), E-07120 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), E-28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-971172820
| | - Samuel Pinya
- Interdisciplinary Ecology Group, Department of Biology, University of the Balearic Islands, E-07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
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11
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Dool T, Bosker T. Predicted microplastic uptake through trophic transfer by the short-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) and common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 180:113745. [PMID: 35653906 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113745] [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: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Marine mammals can serve as an indicator of ecosystem health, and are likely exposed to significant amounts of microplastics (MPs). In this study we estimated the MP uptake of two odontocetes, the short-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) and the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), in the Mediterranean Sea and the Northeast Atlantic. These two species are expected to primarily ingest MPs through trophic transfer. To this end, data was collected on their diet, which was subsequently linked to MP occurrence and abundance in prey families. We estimated that D. delphis ingests 76 MPs/day in the Northeast Atlantic and 164 MPs/day in the Mediterranean, and T. truncatus ingests 36 MPs/day in the Northeast Atlantic and 179 MPs/day in the Mediterranean. This study provides important new predictions on MP exposure in two odontocetes, and opens up new research opportunities on the effect of this exposure on the health of organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa Dool
- Leiden University College, Leiden University, P.O. Box 13228, 2501 EE The Hague, the Netherlands
| | - Thijs Bosker
- Leiden University College, Leiden University, P.O. Box 13228, 2501 EE The Hague, the Netherlands; Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, P.O Box 9518, 2300 RA Leiden, the Netherlands.
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12
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Bruno C, Blasi MF, Mattei D, Martellone L, Brancaleone E, Savoca S, Favero G. Polymer composition analysis of plastic debris ingested by loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) in Southern Tyrrhenian Sea through ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 179:105676. [PMID: 35803050 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2022.105676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The ingestion of anthropogenic plastic debris by marine wildlife is widespread in the Mediterranean Sea. The endangered status (in the IUCN Red List) of Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta, Linnaeus, 1758) is a consequence of its vulnerability. In this study, macro-/meso-plastics (5-170 mm) collected from faeces of twelve loggerhead turtles rescued (live) in the Aeolian Archipelago (Southern Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy) were analyzed by size, weight, shape, color and polymer type through Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). The defecation rate during hospitalization (7-14 days) varied among turtles (from 0.08 to 0.58). The mean number of plastic expulsions (2.7 ± 1.8 items for turtle) was higher during the 5th day of hospitalization (Kruskal-Wallis test, P = 0.01). However, the mean number of plastic-like items defecated during the common days of hospitalization did not vary among turtles (Kruskal-Wallis test, P > 0.05). All turtles were found to have ingested plastic. A total of 114 debris items were recovered from their faeces, 113 of which were identified as plastic. Their color was mostly white-transparent (64.9%) and light (19.3%). Shape was mainly fragments (52.6%), sheets (38.6%), followed by nylon, net-fragments, elastic plastic, foamed plastic and industrial granules (8.8%). Meso-plastics (5-25 mm) represented 72% of the total number of debris and were found more frequently in turtle with Curved Carapace Length (CCL) ≤ 60 cm (CCL = 30-60 cm, n = 5) than those with CCL >60 cm (CCL = 60-71 cm, n = 7). Plastic items were composed mainly of polyethylene (48.2%) and polypropylene (34.2%). Polypropylene (R2 = 0.95, P < 0.001) and polyisoprene (R2 = 0.45, P = 0.017) were more common in meso-plastics while polyethylene (R2 = 0.44, P < 0.01) in macro-plastics. Finally, high-density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyamide and polyurethane were also found in some turtles. This study reveals high spreads of plastic contamination in faeces of both turtles with CCL ≤60 cm and CCL >60 cm, particularly vulnerable to the increasing quantity of floating plastic into their foraging sites highlighting the need of further research to associate debris ingestion with turtle diet and their size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Bruno
- Filicudi Wildlife Conservation, Località Stimpagnato Filicudi, 98050, Lipari, ME, Italy
| | - Monica Francesca Blasi
- Filicudi Wildlife Conservation, Località Stimpagnato Filicudi, 98050, Lipari, ME, Italy; Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Roma "La Sapienza", Roma, RM, Italy; Dipartimento Ambiente e Salute, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma, RM, Italy.
| | - Daniela Mattei
- Dipartimento Ambiente e Salute, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma, RM, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Martellone
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Roma "La Sapienza", Roma, RM, Italy; Dipartimento Ambiente e Salute, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma, RM, Italy
| | - Eleonora Brancaleone
- Dipartimento Ambiente e Salute, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma, RM, Italy; Dipartimento di Biologia Ambientale, Università degli Studi di Roma "La Sapienza", Roma, RM, Italy
| | - Serena Savoca
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Biologiche, Farmaceutiche e Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Messina, Italy
| | - Gabriele Favero
- Dipartimento di Biologia Ambientale, Università degli Studi di Roma "La Sapienza", Roma, RM, Italy
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13
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Rodríguez Y, Vandeperre F, Santos MR, Herrera L, Parra H, Deshpande A, Bjorndal KA, Pham CK. Litter ingestion and entanglement in green turtles: An analysis of two decades of stranding events in the NE Atlantic. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 298:118796. [PMID: 35026323 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.118796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Survivorship of early life stages is key for the well-being of sea turtle populations, yet studies on animals that distribute around oceanic areas are very challenging. So far, the information on green turtles (Chelonia mydas) that use the open NE Atlantic as feeding grounds is scarce. Strandings occurring in oceanic archipelagos can provide relevant information about the biology, ecology and current anthropogenic pressures for megafauna inhabiting the open ocean. In this study, we analysed stranding events of green turtles found in the Azores archipelago to investigate interactions with marine litter. In addition, we quantified and characterized litter items stranded on beaches to provide a direct comparison between the ingested items with the debris found in the environment. A total of 21 juvenile green turtles were found stranded in the region between 2000 and 2020 (size range: 12-49 cm, CCL). Overall, 14% of the animals were entangled in marine litter and 86% of the turtles necropsied had ingested plastic. The mean abundance of items ingested was 27.86 ± 23.40 and 98% were white/transparent. Hard plastic fragments between 1 and 25 mm were the most common shape recovered in the turtles, similarly to what was found on the coastline. All of the litter items analysed with pyrolysis GC-MS revealed to be polyethylene (PE). This study provides the first baseline assessment of interactions of plastic litter with juvenile green turtles found at the east edge of the North Atlantic Subtropical Gyre. The combination of these results supports the hypothesis that migratory megafauna that use remote oceanic islands as a feeding ground are exposed to anthropogenic litter contamination dominated by plastics, even when these regions are located far away from big industrial centers or populated cities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmina Rodríguez
- Instituto de Investigação em Ciências do Mar - OKEANOS, Universidade dos Açores, 9900-138, HORTA, Portugal.
| | - Frederic Vandeperre
- Instituto de Investigação em Ciências do Mar - OKEANOS, Universidade dos Açores, 9900-138, HORTA, Portugal
| | - Marco R Santos
- Direção de Serviços de Biodiversidade e Política do Mar, Direção Regional dos Assuntos do Mar, Secretaria Regional do Mar e das Pescas, Colónia Alemã, Apartado 9, 9900-014, Horta, Faial, Portugal
| | - Laura Herrera
- Instituto de Investigação em Ciências do Mar - OKEANOS, Universidade dos Açores, 9900-138, HORTA, Portugal
| | - Hugo Parra
- Instituto de Investigação em Ciências do Mar - OKEANOS, Universidade dos Açores, 9900-138, HORTA, Portugal
| | - Ashok Deshpande
- NOAA Fisheries, Northeast Fisheries Science Center, James J. Howard Marine Sciences Laboratory at Sandy Hook, NJ, USA
| | - Karen A Bjorndal
- Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research and Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Christopher K Pham
- Instituto de Investigação em Ciências do Mar - OKEANOS, Universidade dos Açores, 9900-138, HORTA, Portugal
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14
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McIntosh RR, Sorrell KJ, Thalmann S, Mitchell A, Gray R, Schinagl H, Arnould JPY, Dann P, Kirkwood R. Sustained reduction in numbers of Australian fur seal pups: Implications for future population monitoring. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0265610. [PMID: 35303037 PMCID: PMC8932563 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Fur seal populations in the Southern Hemisphere were plundered in the late 1700s and early 1800s to provide fur for a clothing industry. Millions of seals were killed resulting in potentially major ecosystem changes across the Southern Hemisphere, the consequences of which are unknown today. Following more than a century of population suppression, partly through on-going harvesting, many of the fur seal populations started to recover in the late 1900s. Australian fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus), one of the most geographically constrained fur seal species, followed this trend. From the 1940s to 1986, pup production remained at approximately 10,000 per year, then significant growth commenced. By 2007, live pup abundance had recovered to approximately 21,400 per year and recovery was expected to continue However, a species-wide survey in 2013 recorded a 20% decline, to approximately 16,500 live pups. It was not known if this decline was due to 2013 being a poor breeding year or a true population reduction. Here we report the results of a population-wide survey conducted in 2017 and annual monitoring at the most productive colony, Seal Rocks, Victoria that recorded a large decline in live pup abundance (-28%). Sustained lower pup numbers at Seal Rocks from annual counts between 2012–2017 (mean = 2908 ± 372 SD), as well as the population-wide estimate of 16,903 live pups in 2017, suggest that the pup numbers for the total population have remained at the lower level observed in 2013 and that the 5-yearly census results are not anomalies or representative of poor breeding seasons. Potential reasons for the decline, which did not occur range-wide but predominantly in the most populated and long-standing breeding sites, are discussed. To enhance adaptive management of this species, methods for future monitoring of the population are also presented. Australian fur seals occupy several distinct regions influenced by different currents and upwellings: range-wide pup abundance monitoring enables comparisons of ecosystem status across these regions. Forces driving change in Australian fur seal pup numbers are likely to play across other marine ecosystems, particularly in the Southern Hemisphere where most fur seals live.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca R. McIntosh
- Conservation Department, Phillip Island Nature Parks, Cowes, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Karina J. Sorrell
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sam Thalmann
- Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Anthony Mitchell
- Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Orbost, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rachael Gray
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Harley Schinagl
- Conservation Department, Phillip Island Nature Parks, Cowes, Victoria, Australia
| | - John P. Y. Arnould
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter Dann
- Conservation Department, Phillip Island Nature Parks, Cowes, Victoria, Australia
| | - Roger Kirkwood
- South Australian Research and Development Institute—Aquatic Sciences, West Beach, South Australia, Australia
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15
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Gregorietti M, Atzori F, Carosso L, Frau F, Pellegrino G, Sarà G, Arcangeli A. Cetacean presence and distribution in the central Mediterranean Sea and potential risks deriving from plastic pollution. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 173:112943. [PMID: 34562663 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112943] [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: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The Sardinian and Sicilian Channels are considered hotspots of biodiversity and key ecological passages between Mediterranean sub-basins, but with significant knowledge gaps about marine mammal presence and potential threats they face. Using data collected between 2013 and 2019 along fixed transects, inter and intra-annual cetacean index of abundance was assessed. Habitat suitability, seasonal hot spots, and risk exposure for plastic were performed using the Kernel analysis and the Biomod2 R-package. 661 sightings of 8 cetacean species were recorded, with bottlenose and striped dolphins as the most sighted species. The north-eastern pelagic sector, the coastal waters and areas near ridges resulted the most suitable habitats for these species. The risk analysis identified the Tunis, Palermo, and Castellammare gulfs and the Egadi Island as areas of particular risk of plastic exposure. The study represents a great improvement for cetacean knowledge in this region and contributes to the development of effective conservation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Gregorietti
- Laboratorio di Ecologia, Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra e del Mare, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy; Accademia del Leviatano, Via dell'Ospedaletto 53/55, Roma, Italy.
| | - F Atzori
- Area Marina Protetta Capo Carbonara, via Roma 60, Villasimius, Italy
| | - L Carosso
- Area Marina Protetta Capo Carbonara, via Roma 60, Villasimius, Italy
| | - F Frau
- Area Marina Protetta Capo Carbonara, via Roma 60, Villasimius, Italy
| | - G Pellegrino
- Accademia del Leviatano, Via dell'Ospedaletto 53/55, Roma, Italy
| | - G Sarà
- Laboratorio di Ecologia, Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra e del Mare, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - A Arcangeli
- ISPRA Bio Dep., via Brancati 60, 00144 Roma, Italy
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16
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Vital SA, Cardoso C, Avio C, Pittura L, Regoli F, Bebianno MJ. Do microplastic contaminated seafood consumption pose a potential risk to human health? MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 171:112769. [PMID: 34358788 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are present in all parts of the ocean and can have deleterious effects on marine resources. The aim of this work was to map the presence of microplastics in commercial marine species such as bivalves (mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis and clams Scrobicularia plana), crabs (Carcinus maenas) as well as fish (Mullus surmuletus) to relate microplastics levels to pollution sources, assess possible impact on marine food chains and on human health. These species were collected from several sites of the Ria Formosa lagoon and along the south coast of Portugal. A quantitative assessment (number, size and color) and typology of microplastics were made in these species. Only one green fragment of polypropylene was detected in the gills of the crabs, while a blue polyethylene fragment was detected in the hepatopancreas of the mullets. Moreover, no microplastics were present in S. plana nor in the crabs whole soft tissues. Among mussels, 86% of microplastics were present from all sites and the number, size and color were site specific. Mussels from the west side of the coast (Sites 1-3) had the highest levels of MPs per mussel and per weight compared to the other sites, probably related to the impact of touristic activity, fishing gears, fresh water and sewage effluents along with the hydrodynamics of the area.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Vital
- CIMA, Centre for Marine and Environmental Research, University of Algarve, Campus Gambelas, 8005-135 Faro, Portugal
| | - C Cardoso
- CIMA, Centre for Marine and Environmental Research, University of Algarve, Campus Gambelas, 8005-135 Faro, Portugal
| | - C Avio
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - L Pittura
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - F Regoli
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - M J Bebianno
- CIMA, Centre for Marine and Environmental Research, University of Algarve, Campus Gambelas, 8005-135 Faro, Portugal.
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17
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Angiolillo M, Gérigny O, Valente T, Fabri MC, Tambute E, Rouanet E, Claro F, Tunesi L, Vissio A, Daniel B, Galgani F. Distribution of seafloor litter and its interaction with benthic organisms in deep waters of the Ligurian Sea (Northwestern Mediterranean). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 788:147745. [PMID: 34134397 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The Mediterranean Sea is one of the most polluted marine basins and currently serves as a hotspot for marine litter. The seafloor represents the ultimate sink for most litter worldwide. Nevertheless, the knowledge about litter distribution and its interactions with benthic organisms in deep water is poorly understood. In 2018, we investigated spatial patterns of macro- and micro-litter distribution, and their effects on benthic communities in the Ligurian Sea. An oceanographic survey was carried out with a remotely operated vehicle and a multibeam echosounder on seven seamounts and canyons, at depths ranging from 350 to 2200 m. High litter accumulations were discovered at the mouth of the Monaco canyon, where estimated densities of up to 3.8 × 104 items km-2 were found at 2200 m depth. The highest abundance of urban litter items was found on the soft substrate, at the bottom of the deeper parts of the submarine canyons, which seem to act as conduits carrying litter from the shelf towards deeper areas. In contrast, fishing-related items were most abundant in the upper layer of the seamounts (300-600 m depths). Furthermore, more than 10% of the observed deep gorgonian colonies were entangled by lost longlines, indicating the detrimental effects of this fishing gear on benthic habitats. The discovery of new litter hotspots and the evaluation of how deep-sea species interact with litter contribute to increasing the knowledge about litter distribution and its effects on the deep ecosystem of the Mediterranean basin. All the observations recorded in this study showed substantial and irreversible changes in the deep and remote areas of marine environments, and these changes were found to be caused by humans. Our findings further stress the need for urgent and specific measures for the management of deep-sea pollution and the reduction of litter inputs in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Angiolillo
- Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), Via Vitaliano Brancati, 60, 00144 Rome, Italy.
| | - Olivia Gérigny
- Institut Français de Recherche pour l'Exploitation de la MER (Ifremer), Centre Méditerranée, Z.P. de Brégaillon, 83507, La Seyne-sur-Mer and Bastia, France
| | - Tommaso Valente
- Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), Via Vitaliano Brancati, 60, 00144 Rome, Italy; Sapienza University of Rome, Department of Environmental Biology, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Marie-Claire Fabri
- Institut Français de Recherche pour l'Exploitation de la MER (Ifremer), Centre Méditerranée, Z.P. de Brégaillon, 83507, La Seyne-sur-Mer and Bastia, France
| | - Eric Tambute
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Avenue Saint Martin, 98000 Monaco, Monaco
| | - Elodie Rouanet
- GIS Posidonie, Aix-Marseille University, OSU Pytheas, campus universitaire de Luminy, case 901, 13288 Marseille cedex 09, France
| | - Francoise Claro
- Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle-UMS PATRINAT, CP41, 57 rue Cuvier, 75231 Paris, France
| | - Leonardo Tunesi
- Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), Via Vitaliano Brancati, 60, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Anne Vissio
- Secrétaire exécutif RAMOGE, Av. de l'Annonciade, 98000 Monaco, Monaco
| | - Boris Daniel
- Agence française pour la biodiversité, rue de la République 26, Marseille, France
| | - François Galgani
- Institut Français de Recherche pour l'Exploitation de la MER (Ifremer), Centre Méditerranée, Z.P. de Brégaillon, 83507, La Seyne-sur-Mer and Bastia, France
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18
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Pelamatti T, Rios-Mendoza LM, Hoyos-Padilla EM, Galván-Magaña F, De Camillis R, Marmolejo-Rodríguez AJ, González-Armas R. Contamination knows no borders: Toxic organic compounds pollute plastics in the biodiversity hotspot of Revillagigedo Archipelago National Park, Mexico. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 170:112623. [PMID: 34146855 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112623] [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: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is ubiquitous and not even remote protected islands are safe from it. Floating debris can adsorb toxic compounds that concentrate on their surface, being available to the animals that ingest them. For this reason, a baseline study of plastic pollution was conducted in the remote Revillagigedo Archipelago, in the Mexican Pacific Ocean. In 47 manta net samples an average of 4.8 plastics/1000m2 was found, 73% of the pieces being <5 mm. Polyethylene and polypropylene were the most common polymers found. The chemical analysis of organic pollutants revealed that organochlorine pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and polychlorinated biphenyls are adsorbed on the plastics collected in the area. Filter feeding megafauna such as humpback whales, manta rays and whale sharks could ingest contaminated micro and macroplastics. Plastics were found also on the beach, where they are available to the ingestion by terrestrial animals, including endemic species endangered to extinction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Pelamatti
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas (CICIMAR-IPN), Av. IPN s/n, Colonia Playa Palo de Santa Rita, C.P. 23096 La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico; Pelagios Kakunja A.C., Sinaloa 1540, Las Garzas, 23070 La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
| | - Lorena M Rios-Mendoza
- University of Wisconsin-Superior, Department of Natural Sciences, Chemistry Program, Belknap and Catlin, PO Box 2000, Superior, WI 54880, USA
| | - Edgar M Hoyos-Padilla
- Pelagios Kakunja A.C., Sinaloa 1540, Las Garzas, 23070 La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico; Fins Attached Marine Research and Conservation, Colorado Springs 80908, USA
| | - Felipe Galván-Magaña
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas (CICIMAR-IPN), Av. IPN s/n, Colonia Playa Palo de Santa Rita, C.P. 23096 La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico
| | - Roberto De Camillis
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas (CICIMAR-IPN), Av. IPN s/n, Colonia Playa Palo de Santa Rita, C.P. 23096 La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico
| | - Ana J Marmolejo-Rodríguez
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas (CICIMAR-IPN), Av. IPN s/n, Colonia Playa Palo de Santa Rita, C.P. 23096 La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico
| | - Rogelio González-Armas
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas (CICIMAR-IPN), Av. IPN s/n, Colonia Playa Palo de Santa Rita, C.P. 23096 La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico
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19
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Hieb EE, Eniang EA, Keith‐Diagne LW, Carmichael RH. In‐Water Bridge Construction Effects on Manatees with Implications for Marine Megafauna Speci
e
s. J Wildl Manage 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.22030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth E. Hieb
- Dauphin Island Sea Lab 101 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island AL 36528 USA
| | - Edem A. Eniang
- Biodiversity Preservation Center, Grace of God Villa, Afaha Idoro Idoro Road 520103 Uyo Nigeria
| | | | - Ruth H. Carmichael
- Dauphin Island Sea Lab 101 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island AL 36528 USA
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20
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Zantis LJ, Carroll EL, Nelms SE, Bosker T. Marine mammals and microplastics: A systematic review and call for standardisation. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 269:116142. [PMID: 33288297 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.116142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics receive significant societal and scientific attention due to increasing concerns about their impact on the environment and human health. Marine mammals are considered indicators for marine ecosystem health and many species are of conservation concern due to a multitude of anthropogenic stressors. Marine mammals may be vulnerable to microplastic exposure from the environment, via direct ingestion from sea water, and indirect uptake from their prey. Here we present the first systematic review of literature on microplastics and marine mammals, composing of 30 studies in total. The majority of studies examined the gastrointestinal tracts of beached, bycaught or hunted cetaceans and pinnipeds, and found that microplastics were present in all but one study, and the abundance varied between 0 and 88 particles per animal. Additionally, microplastics in pinniped scats (faeces) were detected in eight out of ten studies, with incidences ranging from 0% of animals to 100%. Our review highlights considerable methodological and reporting deficiencies and differences among papers, making comparisons and extrapolation across studies difficult. We suggest best practices to avoid these issues in future studies. In addition to empirical studies that quantified microplastics in animals and scat, ten studies out of 30 (all focussing on cetaceans) tried to estimate the risk of exposure using two main approaches; i) overlaying microplastic in the environment (water or prey) with cetacean habitat or ii) proposing biological or chemical biomarkers of exposure. We discuss advice and best practices on research into the exposure and impact of microplastics in marine mammals. This work on marine ecosystem health indicator species will provide valuable and comparable information in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura J Zantis
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Emma L Carroll
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Sarah E Nelms
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall, TR10 9EZ, United Kingdom; Centre for Circular Economy, University of Exeter, Cornwall, TR10 9EZ, United Kingdom.
| | - Thijs Bosker
- Leiden University College, Leiden University, The Hague, the Netherlands; Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands.
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21
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Roman L, Schuyler Q, Wilcox C, Hardesty BD. Plastic pollution is killing marine megafauna, but how do we prioritize policies to reduce mortality? Conserv Lett 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/conl.12781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Roman
- CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere Hobart Tasmania Australia
| | | | - Chris Wilcox
- CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere Hobart Tasmania Australia
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22
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Costa RA, Sá S, Pereira AT, Ângelo AR, Vaqueiro J, Ferreira M, Eira C. Prevalence of entanglements of seabirds in marine debris in the central Portuguese coast. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 161:111746. [PMID: 33068788 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution and the subsequent entanglement of marine animals is a global and increasing problem. In this study we present an analysis of the seabirds recorded as entangled by a rehabilitation centre and an associated marine animal stranding network, along the central coast of Portugal, between 2008 and 2018. Results show a high annual rate of entangled seabirds (average 6.9%) compared to other studies and fisheries related materials are a relevant cause of seabird entanglement (82%) compared to other debris. When comparing age classes, juveniles were more vulnerable to entanglement than other age classes in the species studied. Regarding the rehabilitation of entangled seabirds, the release rate was higher in non-fishing material entanglement cases. In conclusion, this study highlights the impact of fisheries related material on marine fauna and the need for reinforcement of the existing legislation for protecting seabirds and the implementation of mitigation measures associated with fishing activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Costa
- CESAM & Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - S Sá
- CESAM & Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Estação de Campo de Quiaios, 3081-101 Figueira da Foz, Portugal
| | - A T Pereira
- CESAM & Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Estação de Campo de Quiaios, 3081-101 Figueira da Foz, Portugal
| | - A R Ângelo
- CESAM & Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - J Vaqueiro
- CESAM & Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Estação de Campo de Quiaios, 3081-101 Figueira da Foz, Portugal
| | - M Ferreira
- Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Estação de Campo de Quiaios, 3081-101 Figueira da Foz, Portugal
| | - C Eira
- CESAM & Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Estação de Campo de Quiaios, 3081-101 Figueira da Foz, Portugal
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23
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Perspectives on Micro(Nano)Plastics in the Marine Environment: Biological and Societal Considerations. WATER 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/w12113208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Marine litter is a global problem which has been negatively affecting the environment. Plastic materials are the most commonly found marine debris, with potential biological (not only for aquatic organisms but also for humans) as well as socio-economic impacts. Considering that it is an anthropogenic problem, society could play an important role to minimize it. Although a considerable amount of research has addressed the biological effects of plastics (micro(nano)plastics) on biota, few studies have addressed how scientific information is being transmitted to the public and the potential role of citizen environmental education. The current paper discusses known effects, researched topics and how scientific knowledge is currently being transmitted to the public.
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24
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Lacombe A, Pintado E, O'Byrne A, Allepuz A, Pérez-Rodriguez L, Domingo M. Ingestion of foreign materials by odontocetes along the Catalan coast: causes and consequences. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2020; 142:23-31. [PMID: 33150872 DOI: 10.3354/dao03527] [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] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Ingestion of abnormal materials by cetaceans has been reported worldwide, but few studies have investigated the causes of foreign material ingestion. We retrospectively analysed necropsies performed between 2012 and 2019 on 88 cetaceans stranded along the coast of Catalonia, Spain, and evaluated the association of abnormal ingested materials with 2 risk factors, namely disease of the central nervous system (CNS) and maternal separation. Abnormal materials were found in the digestive tract in 19 of 88 (21.6%) cetaceans; of these, 13 (60%) had lesions in the CNS, such as morbilliviral encephalitis, neurobrucellosis or encephalomalacia, and 3 were diagnosed as having experienced maternal separation. In a logistic regression model, CNS lesions and maternal separation were identified as risk factors for ingestion of foreign material, but with wide confidence intervals, probably due to the small sample size. In contrast, abnormal ingestion was not identified in any of the 25 (28%) cetaceans whose cause of death was attributed to interaction with humans. Abnormal ingestion should be interpreted with caution, and efforts should be made at necropsy to exclude CNS diseases through pathologic and microbiologic investigations. If disease of the CNS is a significant risk factor for ingestion of marine debris by small odontocetes, results of monitoring programmes may be biased by the prevalence of CNS disease in a specific area or population.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Lacombe
- Facultat de Veterinària de Barcelona, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Bellaterra, Catalunya, Spain
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25
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Battaglia FM, Beckingham BA, McFee WE. First report from North America of microplastics in the gastrointestinal tract of stranded bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 160:111677. [PMID: 33181950 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics' (MPs) abundance, small size, and global distribution render them bioavailable to a variety of organisms directly or by trophic transfer, yet examinations in marine apex predators are currently limited. The present study investigated the occurrence of MPs sized 125 μm-5 mm in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) stranded in South Carolina, USA from 2017 to 2018. MPs, mostly fibers, were detected in all GITs (n = 7) of stranded bottlenose dolphins. Total suspected MPs ranged between 123 and 422 particles/individual, a high range among international studies. Comparison to other studies likely reflects differences in both methods and location. This is the first study from North America to quantify MPs in a small coastal cetacean outside Arctic waters and the first specifically in bottlenose dolphins (southeastern United States). Findings and methodology from this investigation can aid future studies examining MP in marine apex predators.
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Affiliation(s)
- F M Battaglia
- College of Charleston, Graduate Program in Marine Biology, Grice Marine Lab, 205 Fort Johnson Rd., Charleston, SC 29412, USA.
| | - B A Beckingham
- College of Charleston, Department of Geology and Environmental Geosciences, 66 George St., Charleston, SC 29424, USA
| | - W E McFee
- National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 219 Fort Johnson Rd., Charleston, SC 29412, USA
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26
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Small Environmental Actions Need of Problem-Solving Approach: Applying Project Management Tools to Beach Litter Clean-Ups. ENVIRONMENTS 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/environments7100087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Clean-ups can be considered real conservation actions since beach litter may impact many ecosystem components. However, although these actions are quite easy to carry out, we think that they need to follow specific criteria and clear planning. Contrariwise, an unplanned clean-up could lead to counter-productive—or even harmful—consequences to the fragile dune ecosystem; e.g., excessive trampling and/or extreme sand removal. Here, we defined a road map for implementing beach clean-ups according to the logic of problem solving and project management, also adding a flow chart. More particularly, we subdivided the clean-up project into different steps as follows: context analysis, input and planning, process, monitoring (outputs and outcomes) and adaptation.
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27
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Roman L, Hardesty BD, Leonard GH, Pragnell-Raasch H, Mallos N, Campbell I, Wilcox C. A global assessment of the relationship between anthropogenic debris on land and the seafloor. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 264:114663. [PMID: 32388297 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Pollution of coastal and marine environments by mismanaged anthropogenic debris is a global threat requiring complex, multilateral solutions and mitigation strategies. International efforts to catalogue and quantify the density, extent and nature of mismanaged waste have not yet assessed the heterogeneity of debris between nearby areas. Better understanding of how debris types and density can be used as a proxy between regions and between land and seafloor habitats at a global scale can aid in developing cost effective and representative debris monitoring systems. Using volunteer collected clean-up and survey data, we compared the proportion and density of both total debris and specific items across 19,428 coastal land and seafloor sites from International Coastal Cleanups and Dive Against Debris surveys, from 86 countries between 2011 and 2018. We show that although some items common on land are also common on the seafloor, there is an overall global mismatch between debris types and densities on land and the seafloor from nearby areas. Correlations in land/seafloor debris type/density occurred primarily for items which entangle and/or sink, including fishing line, plastic bags, glass and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles. Minimal similarity between land and seafloor surveys occurs for items which float or degrade. We suggest that to accurately evaluate local debris density, land and seafloor surveys are required to gain a holistic understanding. When detailed information on debris type, relative concentration, and likely source and transport are assessed, more cost effective and efficient policy interventions can be designed and implemented from local through to global scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Roman
- CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Chris Wilcox
- CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
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28
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Gouin T. Toward an Improved Understanding of the Ingestion and Trophic Transfer of Microplastic Particles: Critical Review and Implications for Future Research. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2020; 39:1119-1137. [PMID: 32223000 PMCID: PMC7383496 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic particles have been observed in the environment and routinely detected in the stomachs and intestines of aquatic organisms over the last 50 yr. In the present review, information on the ingestion of plastic debris of varying sizes is collated, including data for >800 species representing approximately 87 000 individual organisms, for which plastic debris and microplastic particles have been observed in approximately 17 500, or 20%. The average reported number of microplastic particles/individual across all studies is estimated to be 4, with studies typically reporting averages ranging from 0 to 10 particles/individual. A general observation is that although strong evidence exists for the biological ingestion of microplastic particles, they do not bioaccumulate and do not appear to be subject to biomagnification as a result of trophic transfer through food webs, with >99% of observations from field-based studies reporting that microplastic particles are located within the gastrointestinal tract. Overall, there is substantial heterogeneity in how samples are collected, processed, analyzed, and reported, causing significant challenges in attempting to assess temporal and spatial trends or helping to inform a mechanistic understanding. Nevertheless, several studies suggest that the characteristics of microplastic particles ingested by organisms are generally representative of plastic debris in the vicinity where individuals are collected. Monitoring of spatial and temporal trends of ingested microplastic particles could thus potentially be useful in assessing mitigation efforts aimed at reducing the emission of plastic and microplastic particles to the environment. The development and application of standardized analytical methods are urgently needed to better understand spatial and temporal trends. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:1119-1137. © 2020 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd Gouin
- TG Environmental Research, Sharnbrook, BedfordshireUnited Kingdom
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29
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Kühn S, van Franeker JA. Quantitative overview of marine debris ingested by marine megafauna. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 151:110858. [PMID: 32056640 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.110858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
This review quantifies plastic interaction in marine biota. Firstly, entanglement and ingestion records for all marine birds, mammals, turtles, fish, and invertebrate species, are summarized from 747 studies. Marine debris affected 914 species through entanglement and/or ingestion. Ingestion was recorded for 701 species, entanglement was documented for 354 species. Secondly, the frequency of occurrence of ingestion per species (Sp-%FO) was extracted for marine birds, mammals and turtles. Thirdly, for seabird species, average numbers of plastics ingested per individual were determined. Highest Sp-%FO and average number of plastics were found in tubenosed seabirds with 41% of all birds analysed having plastics, on average 9.9 particles per bird. The Sp-%FO and average number of ingested particles is lower for most other species. However, for certain species, ingestion rates of litter are reason for serious concern. Standardized methods are crucial for future studies, to generate datasets that allow higher level ecosystem analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Kühn
- Wageningen Marine Research, Ankerpark 27, 1781 AG Den Helder, the Netherlands.
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30
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Pelamatti T, Fonseca-Ponce IA, Rios-Mendoza LM, Stewart JD, Marín-Enríquez E, Marmolejo-Rodriguez AJ, Hoyos-Padilla EM, Galván-Magaña F, González-Armas R. Seasonal variation in the abundance of marine plastic debris in Banderas Bay, Mexico. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2019; 145:604-610. [PMID: 31590830 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.06.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
A floating plastic monitoring program was conducted for two years on a weekly basis in Banderas Bay, Mexico. A total of 94 samples were collected from May 2016 to April 2018 in the southern part of the bay. Half (57%) of them contained plastic debris; 79% of it being <5 mm in length. Polypropylene and Polyethylene were the most abundant polymers, accounting for 45% and 43% of the plastic pieces (pp), respectively. The highest abundance of plastic pieces was found in July 2016, with a maximum of 0.3 pp/m3 found in one sample. The amount of floating plastics was significantly higher in the hurricane season compared to the dry season (p < 0.001). This suggests that rainfall may play a significant role in the offload of plastics from land-based sources into the bay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Pelamatti
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas (CICIMAR-IPN), Av. IPN s/n, Colonia Playa Palo de Santa Rita, C.P. 23096 La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico; Pelagios Kakunjá A.C., Sinaloa 1540, Las Garzas, 23070 La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico
| | - Iliana A Fonseca-Ponce
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas (CICIMAR-IPN), Av. IPN s/n, Colonia Playa Palo de Santa Rita, C.P. 23096 La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico; Instituto Tecnológico de Bahía de Banderas, Crucero a Punta de Mita S/N, Bahía de Banderas 63734, Nayarit, Mexico
| | - Lorena M Rios-Mendoza
- University of Wisconsin-Superior, Department of Natural Sciences, Chemistry Program, Belknap and Catlin, PO Box 2000, Superior, WI 54880, USA
| | - Joshua D Stewart
- The Manta Trust, Catemwood House, Norwood Lane, Dorset DT2 0NT, UK
| | - Emigdio Marín-Enríquez
- CONACYT - Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Paseo Claussen s/n Col. Los Pinos, C.P. 82000 Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Ana J Marmolejo-Rodriguez
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas (CICIMAR-IPN), Av. IPN s/n, Colonia Playa Palo de Santa Rita, C.P. 23096 La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico
| | - Edgar M Hoyos-Padilla
- Pelagios Kakunjá A.C., Sinaloa 1540, Las Garzas, 23070 La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico
| | - Felipe Galván-Magaña
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas (CICIMAR-IPN), Av. IPN s/n, Colonia Playa Palo de Santa Rita, C.P. 23096 La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico
| | - Rogelio González-Armas
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas (CICIMAR-IPN), Av. IPN s/n, Colonia Playa Palo de Santa Rita, C.P. 23096 La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
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31
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Impact of Plastic Pollution on Marine Life in the Mediterranean Sea. THE HANDBOOK OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/698_2019_421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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