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Murano C, Balestrieri R, Minichino A, Campioni L, Casotti R. Macro-and micro-plastics detected in razorbill Alca torda in the western Mediterranean Sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 206:116814. [PMID: 39116756 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116814] [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: 06/21/2024] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
The Mediterranean Sea is a hotspot for plastic pollution and, consequently, an area at high risk of plastic exposure for oceanic seabirds. In this work we retrieved plastic items from different tissues/organs of razorbills Alca torda. This is a piscivorous species of the Alcidae family usually thriving along the North Atlantic coasts. In the winter 2022-2023, some individuals were observed in the Mediterranean area up to the Italian tyrrhenian coasts. Among the five carcasses examined, three contained plastic debris, mainly in the digestive system, in the form of fragments and fibers. The latter were also found in the pectoral muscles and, in one individual, in the liver. Polyethylene was the most represented polymer (55.2 %), followed by polypropylene (24.1 %) and cellulose (10.4 %). Previous reports hypothesized that North Atlantic razorbills are less exposed to plastic pollution because of their feeding strategy. Our results contradict this hypothesis, highlighting their susceptibility to plastic contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carola Murano
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Piazza Marina 61, 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Rosario Balestrieri
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Calabria Marine Centre, Amendolara, Italy.
| | - Adriano Minichino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Federico II University of Naples, 80134 Naples, Italy
| | - Letizia Campioni
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre/ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Ispa - Instituto Universitário de Ciências Psicológicas, Sociais e da Vida, Lisboa 1149-041, Portugal
| | - Raffaella Casotti
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy.
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2
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Kibria G. Contamination of coastal and marine bird species with plastics: Global analysis and synthesis. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 206:116687. [PMID: 39024909 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116687] [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: 06/10/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
This review article provides an account of coastal and marine bird species contaminated with plastics in light of ingestion, taxonomy, feeding clusters, types, shapes, colours and lethal and sublethal effects. Bird species were found contaminated with plastics in 39 locations/countries across the seven continents. Global analysis shows that low, medium and high plastic ingestion occurred in bird species across the globe. Fulmars, shearwaters, petrels, albatrosses, gulls, and kittiwakes (all marine/seabirds) were found contaminated with plastics in several locations in the world. Bird species belonging to the Procellariidae, Laridae, Diomedeidae (by taxonomy), piscivorous, molluscivorous, and cancrivorous (by feeding habits) were most contaminated with plastics. Microplastic, mesoplastic and macroplastic (by sizes), PP, PE, PS, PET, PAN and PVC (by types), fragments, pellets, fibres, foams, sheets, threads, fishing lines and films (by shapes) and white, blue, green, black, clear, red and yellow (by colours) were the most common plastics ingested by birds. Several bird species contaminated with plastics fall within the critically endangered, endangered and vulnerable categories. The ingestion of plastics can cause direct harm to birds resulting in death. In addition, plastic-derived toxic chemical additives and plastic-adsorbed toxic chemicals would be an additional stressor causing both lethal and sublethal effects that can cause greater harm to the health of birds. Several measures are suggested to reduce plastic pollution in the environment to safeguard birds and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Golam Kibria
- School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia; Global Artificial Mussel Pollution Watch Program, Australia.
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3
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Nono Almeida F, Leray C, Souc C, Scotto S, Selmi S, Hammouda A, Ramos R, Ter Halle A, McCoy KD, Vittecoq M. Among-colony variation in plastic ingestion by Yellow-legged gulls (Larus michahellis) across the western Mediterranean basin. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 204:116508. [PMID: 38824707 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
The Mediterranean region is both a hotspot for biodiversity and for the accumulation of plastic pollution. Many species are exposed to this pollution while feeding, including a wide diversity of seabirds. Our objective was to investigate spatial variation in the quantity and types of plastic ingested by Yellow-legged gulls using information obtained from regurgitated pellets collected in 11 colonies. Anthropogenic debris, and particularly plastic, was found in pellets from all colonies, but the amount varied considerably. This among-colony difference was stable over the two years of study. The presence of marine prey and the proportion of agricultural area around the colonies significantly influenced the number of ingested plastics. As landfills close and garbage management improves, the availability of anthropogenic waste should decline. Following the response of gulls to these changes will be particularly useful for monitoring plastic pollution and for understanding the response of opportunistic wildlife to environmental modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carole Leray
- Tour du Valat, Research Institute for the Conservation of Mediterranean Wetlands, Arles, France
| | - Charly Souc
- MIVEGEC, University of Montpellier CNRS IRD, Centre IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Sara Scotto
- Tour du Valat, Research Institute for the Conservation of Mediterranean Wetlands, Arles, France
| | - Slaheddine Selmi
- Ecology & Environment Laboratory (LR24ES17), Faculty of Sciences, Gabès University, Gabès, Tunisia
| | - Abdessalem Hammouda
- Ecology & Environment Laboratory (LR24ES17), Faculty of Sciences, Gabès University, Gabès, Tunisia
| | - Raül Ramos
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alexandra Ter Halle
- Softmat, UMR 5623 CNRS - University of Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Karen D McCoy
- MIVEGEC, University of Montpellier CNRS IRD, Centre IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Marion Vittecoq
- Tour du Valat, Research Institute for the Conservation of Mediterranean Wetlands, Arles, France
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4
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Porras-Parra LC, Zavalaga CB, Rios A. The COVID-19 pandemic "anthropause" decreased plastic ingestion in neotropic cormorants Nannopterum brasilianus in Lima, Peru. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17407. [PMID: 38827310 PMCID: PMC11144399 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The anthropause during the recent COVID-19 pandemic provided a unique opportunity to examine the impact of human activity on seabirds. Lockdowns in Peru prevented people from visiting coastal areas, thereby reducing garbage disposal on beaches and the movement of microplastics into the ocean. This cessation of activities likely led to a temporary decrease in plastic pollution in coastal regions. We aimed to investigate this phenomenon in inshore-feeding neotropic cormorants (Nannopterum brasilianus) along the Circuito de Playas Costa Verde (CPCV), situated on the coastal strip of Lima, Peru (∼ 11 million people). Methods We collected and analyzed fresh pellets along the CPCV before (over 11 months) and during the pandemic lockdowns (over 8 months). Results Our findings revealed a significant reduction in the occurrence of plastic in pellets during the pandemic period (% Oc = 2.47, n = 647 pellets) compared to pre-pandemic conditions (% Oc = 7.13, n = 800 pellets). The most common plastic debris item found in the pellets was threadlike microplastic. Additionally, our study highlights the direct correlation between human presence on beaches and the quantity of microplastics (mainly threadlike) found in cormorant pellets. We suggest that the reintroduction of these materials into the sea, previously accumulated on the coast, is likely facilitated by the movement and activity of beachgoers toward the ocean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Catalina Porras-Parra
- Unidad de Investigación de Ecosistemas Marinos-Grupo Aves Marinas. Carrera de Biología Marina, Universidad Cientifica del Sur, Lima, Peru
| | - Carlos B. Zavalaga
- Unidad de Investigación de Ecosistemas Marinos-Grupo Aves Marinas, Universidad Cientifica del Sur, Lima, Perú
| | - Alvaro Rios
- Unidad de Investigación de Ecosistemas Marinos-Grupo Aves Marinas. Carrera de Biología Marina, Universidad Cientifica del Sur, Lima, Peru
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Garrard SL, Clark JR, Martin N, Nelms SE, Botterell ZLR, Cole M, Coppock RL, Galloway TS, Green DS, Jones M, Lindeque PK, Tillin HM, Beaumont NJ. Identifying potential high-risk zones for land-derived plastic litter to marine megafauna and key habitats within the North Atlantic. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 922:171282. [PMID: 38412875 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
The pervasive use of plastic in modern society has led to plastic litter becoming ubiquitous within the ocean. Land-based sources of plastic litter are thought to account for the majority of plastic pollution in the marine environment, with plastic bags, bottles, wrappers, food containers and cutlery among the most common items found. In the marine environment, plastic is a transboundary pollutant, with the potential to cause damage far beyond the political borders from where it originated, making the management of this global pollutant particularly complex. In this study, the risks of land-derived plastic litter (LDPL) to major groups of marine megafauna - seabirds, cetaceans, pinnipeds, elasmobranchs, turtles, sirenians, tuna and billfish - and a selection of productive and biodiverse biogenic habitats - coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass, saltmarsh and kelp beds - were analysed using a Spatial Risk Assessment approach. The approach combines metrics for vulnerability (mechanism of harm for megafauna group or habitat), hazard (plastic abundance) and exposure (distribution of group or habitat). Several potential high-risk zones (HRZs) across the North Atlantic were highlighted, including the Azores, the UK, the French and US Atlantic coasts, and the US Gulf of Mexico. Whilst much of the modelled LDPL driving risk in the UK originated from domestic sources, in other HRZs, such as the Azores archipelago and the US Gulf of Mexico, plastic originated almost exclusively from external (non-domestic) sources. LDPL from Caribbean islands - some of the largest generators of marine plastic pollution in the dataset of river plastic emissions used in the study - was noted as a significant input to HRZs across both sides of the Atlantic. These findings highlight the potential of Spatial Risk Assessment analyses to determine the location of HRZs and understand where plastic debris monitoring and management should be prioritised, enabling more efficient deployment of interventions and mitigation measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha L Garrard
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom.
| | - James R Clark
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola Martin
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah E Nelms
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, TR10 9FE, United Kingdom
| | - Zara L R Botterell
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, TR10 9FE, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Cole
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel L Coppock
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom
| | - Tamara S Galloway
- Biosciences, Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, United Kingdom
| | - Dannielle S Green
- Applied Ecology Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge CB1 1PT, United Kingdom
| | - Megan Jones
- Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, The Laboratory, Citadel Hill, Plymouth, PL1 2PB, United Kingdom
| | - Pennie K Lindeque
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom
| | - Heidi M Tillin
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola J Beaumont
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom
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Benjaminsen SC, Dehnhard N, Herzke D, Johnsen A, Anker-Nilssen T, Bourgeon S, Collard F, Langset M, Christensen-Dalsgaard S, Gabrielsen GW. The challenges of opportunistic sampling when comparing prevalence of plastics in diving seabirds: A multi-species example from Norway. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 199:116037. [PMID: 38242067 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116037] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
There is a need for baseline information about how much plastics are ingested by wildlife and potential negative consequences thereof. We analysed the frequency of occurrence (FO) of plastics >1 mm in the stomachs of five pursuit-diving seabird species collected opportunistically. Atlantic puffins (Fratercula arctica) found emaciated on beaches in SW Norway had the highest FO of plastics (58.8 %), followed by emaciated common guillemots (Uria aalge; 9.1 %) also found beached in either SW or SE Norway. No plastics were detected in razorbills (Alca torda), great cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo), and European shags (Gulosus aristotelis) taken as bycatch in northern Norway. This is the first study to report on plastic ingestion of these five species in northern Europe, and it highlights both the usefulness and limitations of opportunistic sampling. Small sample sizes, as well as an unbalanced sample design, complicated the interpretation of the results.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nina Dehnhard
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Høgskoleringen 9, 7034 Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Dorte Herzke
- The Climate and Environmental Research Institute NILU, Fram Centre, Hjalmar Johansens Gate 14, 9296 Tromsø, Norway; Norwegian Institute for Public Health, Lovisenberggt. 8, Oslo, Norway
| | - Arild Johnsen
- Natural History Museum University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1172 Blindern, 0318 Oslo, Norway
| | - Tycho Anker-Nilssen
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Høgskoleringen 9, 7034 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Sophie Bourgeon
- UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, Hansine Hansens veg 18, 9019 Tromsø, Norway
| | - France Collard
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Hjalmar Johansens Gate 14, 9296 Tromsø, Norway; Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Fram Centre, Hjalmar Johansens Gate 14, 9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Magdalene Langset
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Høgskoleringen 9, 7034 Trondheim, Norway
| | | | - Geir Wing Gabrielsen
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Hjalmar Johansens Gate 14, 9296 Tromsø, Norway
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7
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Diaz-Santibañez I, Clark BL, Zavalaga CB. Guanay cormorant (Leucocarbo bougainvilliorum) pellets as an indicator of marine plastic pollution along the Peruvian coast. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 192:115104. [PMID: 37301006 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution affects many taxa worldwide, and monitoring is crucial for understanding its impacts, particularly where plastic reaches threatened species or those destined for human consumption. This study evaluates plastic ingestion in Near Threatened guanay cormorants (Leucocarbo bougainvilliorum), which catch prey that are also targeted by fisheries, through pellet analysis at ten locations in Peru. Plastic occurred in 162 (7.08 %) of 2286 pellets, consisting of mainly user plastics, including 5 % between mega or macro (>20 mm), 23 % meso (5-20 mm), 67 % micro (1-5 mm) plastics and 5 % ultrafine (1 μm-1 mm). We found significantly higher percentages occurrence of plastic for colonies close to more river mouths. Our results show that seabird pellet sampling is a useful tool for monitoring marine plastic pollution in Peru.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Diaz-Santibañez
- Unidad de Investigación de Ecosistemas Marinos - Grupo de Aves Marinas, Universidad Científica del Sur, Car. Antigua Panamericana Sur Km. 19, Villa El Salvador, Lima, Peru; Facultad de Ciencias Ambientales, Car. Antigua Panamericana Sur Km. 19, Villa El Salvador, Lima, Peru; Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Bethany L Clark
- BirdLife International, Cambridge, UK; University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall, UK
| | - Carlos B Zavalaga
- Unidad de Investigación de Ecosistemas Marinos - Grupo de Aves Marinas, Universidad Científica del Sur, Car. Antigua Panamericana Sur Km. 19, Villa El Salvador, Lima, Peru.
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8
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Nono Almeida F, Leray C, Boutry J, Ter Halle A, Vittecoq M, Provencher JF, McCoy KD. Changes in plastic ingestion by yellow-legged gulls (Larus michahellis) over the breeding season. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 187:114483. [PMID: 36608475 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Gulls can be particularly vulnerable to ingesting plastics when using anthropogenic food sources, with potential consequences for survival and reproductive success. Although birds are known to switch foraging habitats over the breeding season to provide higher quality food for chick provisioning, it is unclear what this means regarding the ingestion of plastics. Here, we tested whether breeding gulls decrease the amount of plastic ingested during reproduction by collecting pellets from a series of monitored nests at a large yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis) colony in southern France. We found at least one plastic item in 83.9 % of the analyzed pellets, with the most abundant plastic type being polyethylene-based sheet plastic. As predicted, we found a slight decrease in the number of plastic items in pellets at chick hatching. These results suggest that gulls, like other birds, may adjust foraging habits to provide more digestible, less risky, food to chicks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carole Leray
- Tour du Valat, Research Institute for the Conservation of Mediterranean Wetlands, Arles, France
| | - Justine Boutry
- MIVEGEC, University of Montpellier CNRS IRD, Centre IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Alexandra Ter Halle
- IMRCP, UMR 5623 CNRS University of Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Marion Vittecoq
- Tour du Valat, Research Institute for the Conservation of Mediterranean Wetlands, Arles, France
| | - Jennifer F Provencher
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Karen D McCoy
- MIVEGEC, University of Montpellier CNRS IRD, Centre IRD, Montpellier, France
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9
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Navarro A, Luzardo OP, Gómez M, Acosta-Dacal A, Martínez I, Felipe de la Rosa J, Macías-Montes A, Suárez-Pérez A, Herrera A. Microplastics ingestion and chemical pollutants in seabirds of Gran Canaria (Canary Islands, Spain). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 186:114434. [PMID: 36495613 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution constitutes an environmental problem in the Canary Islands nowadays. Nevertheless, studies evaluating the impact of plastics on its avifauna are still scarce. Gastrointestinal tracts of 88 birds belonging to 14 species were studied for the presence of plastics. Moreover, their livers were analyzed for the determination of bromodiphenyl ethers (BDEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). Among Cory's shearwaters (n = 45), the frequency of occurrence of plastic ingestion was considerably high (88.89 %). This species had the highest mean value of items (7.22 ± 5.66) and most of them were compatible with lines derived from fishing gear. PCBs and PAHs were detected in all of the samples and OCPs in the great majority of them (98.86 %). Our results highlight the problems that plastic debris (mainly for seabirds) and organic pollutants pose to these species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Navarro
- Marine Ecophysiology Group (EOMAR), IU-ECOAQUA, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain.
| | - Octavio Pérez Luzardo
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - May Gómez
- Marine Ecophysiology Group (EOMAR), IU-ECOAQUA, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Andrea Acosta-Dacal
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Ico Martínez
- Marine Ecophysiology Group (EOMAR), IU-ECOAQUA, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Jorge Felipe de la Rosa
- Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Ana Macías-Montes
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | | | - Alicia Herrera
- Marine Ecophysiology Group (EOMAR), IU-ECOAQUA, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
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10
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Solomando A, Pujol F, Sureda A, Pinya S. Ingestion and characterization of plastic debris by loggerhead sea turtle, Caretta caretta, in the Balearic Islands. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 826:154159. [PMID: 35231507 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Plastic waste has become ubiquitous pollutants in seas and oceans and can affect a wide range of species. For some marine species, plastic debris could pose a considerable threat through entanglement, ingestion, and habitat degradation and loss. Sea turtles are one of the most sensitive species, as their migratory behaviour and multifaceted life cycles make these reptiles especially vulnerable to the negative effects of plastic debris. The present study aimed to assess the amount and composition of plastic debris ingested by loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta, Linnaeus, 1758) in the Balearic Islands Sea, thusly providing new information to complete the knowledge for this topic. In this work, 45 stranded dead C. caretta specimens were necropsied, and their digestive tract content analysed for the presence of plastic debris. Plastic objects were observed in 27 individuals (60.0%), with an average of 12.7 ± 4.7 plastic items per turtle. Litter in the faecal pellet was also monitored in 67 living individuals, observing plastic elements in 46 (68.7%) of the specimens, reporting an average of 9.7 ± 3.3 plastic elements per individual. Overall, 785 plastic items were found, measured, weighed and categorized according to size, colour, shape, and type of polymer. The main elements ingested were plastic sheets that were found in 65.3% of the turtles analysed, being white (42.7%) and transparent (29.2%) the most predominant colours. Most elements were macroplastics (59.3%), while microplastics were not found. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (FT-IR) analysis showed that high-density polyethylene and polypropylene were the main polymer plastics, representing 42.3% and 33.8% of the total, respectively. In conclusion, the high occurrence of plastic debris determined in the present study evidenced for the first time plastic ingestion in loggerhead turtles in the Balearic Islands, and highlights C. caretta as a bioindicator organism for marine pollution.
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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, Balearic Islands, Spain; Interdisciplinary Ecology Group, Department of Biology, University of the Balearic Islands, E-07122 Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain.
| | - Francisca Pujol
- Palma Aquarium Foundation, Carrer Manuela de los Herreros i Sorà 21, 07610 Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain
| | - Antoni Sureda
- Research Group in Community Nutrition and Oxidative Stress, University of Balearic Islands, E-07122 Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain; CIBEROBN (Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition), University of the Balearic Islands, E-07122 Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain.
| | - Samuel Pinya
- Interdisciplinary Ecology Group, Department of Biology, University of the Balearic Islands, E-07122 Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain.
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11
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Ruiz I, Burgoa I, Santos M, Basurko OC, García-Barón I, Louzao M, Beldarrain B, Kukul D, Valle C, Uriarte A, Rubio A. First assessment of floating marine litter abundance and distribution in the Bay of Biscay from an integrated ecosystem survey. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 174:113266. [PMID: 35090265 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113266] [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: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In the Bay of Biscay, regional monitoring programmes and data on abundance and distribution of floating marine litter are scarce, contrary to many other European marine regions. Here, a joint analysis of multiyear observations (2017-2019) of floating micro and macrolitter and oceanographic conditions was conducted for the Bay of Biscay by combining microlitter samplings with neuston nets and vessel-based macrolitter observations. Results show spatiotemporal abundance and distribution patterns. The density of floating microlitter increased from 26,056 items/km2 in 2017 to 1,802,4611 items/km2 in 2019; floating macrolitter densities barely varied amongst year (2.52 items/km2 in 2017 and 3.70 items/km2 in 2019). No significant correlation was found between densities of micro and macrolitter, neither for the oceanographic variables. We conclude that longer micro and macrolitter monitoring periods and standardized datasets based on the cross-border cooperation are needed to collect more comparable information, evaluate trends, and support decision making in the area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Ruiz
- AZTI, Marine Research, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Herrera Kaia, Portualdea z/g, 20110 Pasaia, Gipuzkoa, Spain.
| | - Iñaki Burgoa
- AZTI, Marine Research, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Herrera Kaia, Portualdea z/g, 20110 Pasaia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
| | - María Santos
- AZTI, Marine Research, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Herrera Kaia, Portualdea z/g, 20110 Pasaia, Gipuzkoa, Spain.
| | - Oihane C Basurko
- AZTI, Marine Research, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Herrera Kaia, Portualdea z/g, 20110 Pasaia, Gipuzkoa, Spain.
| | - Isabel García-Barón
- AZTI, Marine Research, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Herrera Kaia, Portualdea z/g, 20110 Pasaia, Gipuzkoa, Spain.
| | - Maite Louzao
- AZTI, Marine Research, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Herrera Kaia, Portualdea z/g, 20110 Pasaia, Gipuzkoa, Spain.
| | - Beatriz Beldarrain
- AZTI, Marine Research, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Herrera Kaia, Portualdea z/g, 20110 Pasaia, Gipuzkoa, Spain.
| | - Deniz Kukul
- AZTI, Marine Research, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Herrera Kaia, Portualdea z/g, 20110 Pasaia, Gipuzkoa, Spain.
| | - Claudia Valle
- AZTI, Marine Research, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Herrera Kaia, Portualdea z/g, 20110 Pasaia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
| | - Ainhize Uriarte
- AZTI, Marine Research, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Herrera Kaia, Portualdea z/g, 20110 Pasaia, Gipuzkoa, Spain.
| | - Anna Rubio
- AZTI, Marine Research, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Herrera Kaia, Portualdea z/g, 20110 Pasaia, Gipuzkoa, Spain.
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12
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Martín-Lara MA, Godoy V, Quesada L, Lozano EJ, Calero M. Environmental status of marine plastic pollution in Spain. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 170:112677. [PMID: 34186451 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The excessive use of plastic in our society is causing a massive accumulation, since it is a non-biodegradable product and with still poor recycling rates. This effect can be observed in the seas, which more and more plastic waste are accumulating. The present work is a critical review, based on all currently available literature, that reports environmental status of marine plastic pollution, especially microplastic pollution, in Spain. The three Spanish water areas with the highest presence of plastics are the Alboran Sea, the Gulf of Alicante and the vicinity of Barcelona probably related to fishing and industrial activities and high population densities. With regard to microplastic contamination on beaches in Spain, annual monitoring by the Spanish government shows contamination along the entire coast of the country, with particularly high concentrations in the Canary Islands (between 800 and 8800 particles/m2 in spring). Between 40 and 50% of the particles analyzed were pellets and the main factors postulated for the distribution of these particles are marine currents and the geomorphological characteristics. With regards to biota, ingestion of microplastics by fish has been intensely confirmed and, important differences were observed between the locations of the sampling, being bogues (Boops boops) one of the fish species more studied in Spain. Finally, the work includes a revision of European and Spanish legislation about plastics and marine pollution and some strategies to reduce this kind of contamination in Spain.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Martín-Lara
- Department of Chemical Engineering University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain.
| | - V Godoy
- Department of Chemical Engineering University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain.
| | - L Quesada
- Department of Chemical Engineering University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain.
| | - E J Lozano
- Department of Chemical Engineering University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain.
| | - M Calero
- Department of Chemical Engineering University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain.
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13
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Nam KB, Kim M, Hong MJ, Kwon YS. Plastic debris ingestion by seabirds on the Korean Peninsula. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 166:112240. [PMID: 33752159 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112240] [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: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Plastic ingestion studies in seabirds that analyse the frequency of occurrence and the characteristics of the plastics ingested by each species provide valuable information for marine environmental assessments by quantifying the impacts of marine debris on seabirds. We investigated the frequency of plastic ingestion from a sample of 387 individuals of 11 seabird species on the Korean Peninsula. We found evidence of plastic ingestion in red-breasted mergansers (Mergus serrator) (33.3%), Pacific loons (Gavia pacifica) (10.0%), Swinhoe's storm petrels (Hydrobates monorhis) (93.7%), black-tailed gulls (Larus crassirostris) (12.9%) and ancient murrelets (Synthliboramphus antiquus) (0.9%). In particular, it was observed that Swinhoe's storm petrels had the highest frequency of plastic ingestion, both in terms of the number of affected individuals, and the accumulated mass of plastic debris ingested. The majority of seabirds examined in our study had ingested microplastics, comprised predominantly of user plastics. This is the first report quantifying plastic ingestion in seabirds on the Korean Peninsula and in the broader area of the East Asian Seas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ki-Baek Nam
- Korea Institute of Ornithology & Dep. of Biology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Miran Kim
- Seabirds Lab. of Korea, Wonju 26353, Republic of Korea.
| | - Mi-Jin Hong
- Seabirds Lab. of Korea, Wonju 26353, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Soo Kwon
- Korea National Park Research Institute, Wonju 26441, Republic of Korea
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14
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Winkler A, Nessi A, Antonioli D, Laus M, Santo N, Parolini M, Tremolada P. Occurrence of microplastics in pellets from the common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) along the Ticino River, North Italy. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:41731-41739. [PMID: 32696405 PMCID: PMC7593284 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-10163-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Previous research has reported avian plastic ingestion in marine bird species. Yet, while research attention on plastic pollution is shifting from marine to freshwater ecosystems, very few information on plastic ingestion is available for freshwater birds. Here, we examined the presence of microplastic in regurgitated pellets of the common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) collected along the Ticino River (North Italy). In total, 133 kingfisher's pellets were examined between March and October 2019 from 54 transects along the river. Plastic elements were detected and identified by visual inspection followed by μ-FTIR and SEM-EDS. Overall, we found 12 (micro)plastics from at least three different polymers in 7.5% of the pellets. This study provides the first report of plastic uptake of this bird species. It highlights the importance of spectroscopic techniques in plastic monitoring studies in order to avoid misidentification of items found. Documenting the presence of plastic ingestion by top carnivores such as fish-eating birds is necessary to understand the pervasiveness and impact of (micro)plastic pollution in food webs of freshwater ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Winkler
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Nessi
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Diego Antonioli
- University of Piemonte Orientale, DISIT, Via T. Michel 11, 15121, Alessandria, Italy
| | - Michele Laus
- University of Piemonte Orientale, DISIT, Via T. Michel 11, 15121, Alessandria, Italy
| | - Nadia Santo
- Unitech NOLIMITS, Imaging facility, University of Milan, Via Golgi 19, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Parolini
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Tremolada
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133, Milan, Italy
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15
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Mearns AJ, Morrison AM, Arthur C, Rutherford N, Bissell M, Rempel-Hester MA. Effects of pollution on marine organisms. WATER ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH : A RESEARCH PUBLICATION OF THE WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION 2020; 92:1510-1532. [PMID: 32671886 DOI: 10.1002/wer.1400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This review covers selected 2019 articles on the biological effects of pollutants, including human physical disturbances, on marine and estuarine plants, animals, ecosystems, and habitats. The review, based largely on journal articles, covers field, and laboratory measurement activities (bioaccumulation of contaminants, field assessment surveys, toxicity testing, and biomarkers) as well as pollution issues of current interest including endocrine disrupters, emerging contaminants, wastewater discharges, marine debris, dredging, and disposal. Special emphasis is placed on effects of oil spills and marine debris due largely to the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil blowout in the Gulf of Mexico and proliferation of data on the assimilation and effects of marine debris microparticulates. Several topical areas reviewed in the past (e.g., mass mortalities ocean acidification) were dropped this year. The focus of this review is on effects, not on pollutant sources, chemistry, fate, or transport. There is considerable overlap across subject areas (e.g., some bioaccumulation data may be appeared in other topical categories such as effects of wastewater discharges, or biomarker studies appearing in oil toxicity literature). Therefore, we strongly urge readers to use keyword searching of the text and references to locate related but distributed information. Although nearly 400 papers are cited, these now represent a fraction of the literature on these subjects. Use this review mainly as a starting point. And please consult the original papers before citing them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan J Mearns
- Emergency Response Division, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Seattle, Washington
| | | | | | - Nicolle Rutherford
- Emergency Response Division, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Seattle, Washington
| | - Matt Bissell
- Emergency Response Division, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Seattle, Washington
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16
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Mendoza A, Osa JL, Basurko OC, Rubio A, Santos M, Gago J, Galgani F, Peña-Rodriguez C. Microplastics in the Bay of Biscay: An overview. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 153:110996. [PMID: 32275545 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.110996] [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: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are an environmental problem of growing concern, and several studies have defined the Bay of Biscay (BoB) as a marine litter accumulation area. To address the abundance of MPs in this region, a critical overview is presented compiling the research performed to date on the different water bodies, sediments and biota. The comparative assessment highlights high spatial and temporal variability in MP distribution. MPs appear in at least 50% of the samples in waters and sediments. Polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester and polystyrene are the most frequent polymers, with a significant predominance of fragments and fibres. The BoB can be considered a region with medium concentration of MPs. However, monitoring programmes are needed to compile data over time and thus evaluate the historical trends of MP pollution. The difficulty of comparing studies is highlighted, due to the use of different methodologies. Hence, the harmonisation of monitoring methods is urgently required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amaia Mendoza
- "Materials + Technologies" Research Group (GMT), Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Gipuzkoa, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Pza. Europa, 1, 20018 Donostia, Spain.
| | - Juan Luis Osa
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Otaola, 29, 20600 Eibar, Spain
| | - Oihane C Basurko
- AZTI Marine Research, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Herrera Kaia Portualdea z/g, 20110 Pasaia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
| | - Anna Rubio
- AZTI Marine Research, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Herrera Kaia Portualdea z/g, 20110 Pasaia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
| | - María Santos
- AZTI Marine Research, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Herrera Kaia Portualdea z/g, 20110 Pasaia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
| | - Jesús Gago
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo, Subida a Radio Faro, 50, 36390 Vigo, Spain
| | - François Galgani
- Institut Français de Recherche pour l'Exploitation de la Mer (IFREMER), ZI Furiani, 20600 Bastia, France
| | - Cristina Peña-Rodriguez
- "Materials + Technologies" Research Group (GMT), Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Gipuzkoa, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Pza. Europa, 1, 20018 Donostia, Spain.
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