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Renault D, Wiegand C, Balzani P, Richard CMC, Haubrock PJ, Colinet H, Davranche M, Pierson-Wickmann AC, Derocles SAP. The Plasticene era: Current uncertainties in estimates of the hazards posed by tiny plastic particles on soils and terrestrial invertebrates. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 927:172252. [PMID: 38599414 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172252] [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: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Plastics are ubiquitous in our daily life. Large quantities of plastics leak in the environment where they weather and fragment into micro- and nanoparticles. This potentially releases additives, but rarely leads to a complete mineralization, thus constitutes an environmental hazard. Plastic pollution in agricultural soils currently represents a major challenge: quantitative data of nanoplastics in soils as well as their effects on biodiversity and ecosystem functions need more attention. Plastic accumulation interferes with soil functions, including water dynamics, aeration, microbial activities, and nutrient cycling processes, thus impairing agricultural crop yield. Plastic debris directly affects living organisms but also acts as contaminant vectors in the soils, increasing the effects and the threats on biodiversity. Finally, the effects of plastics on terrestrial invertebrates, representing major taxa in abundance and diversity in the soil compartment, need urgently more investigation from the infra-individual to the ecosystem scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Renault
- UMR CNRS 6553 ECOBIO [(Ecosystèmes, biodiversité, évolution)], Université Rennes, Avenue du Général Leclerc, 35042 Rennes cedex, France.
| | - Claudia Wiegand
- UMR CNRS 6553 ECOBIO [(Ecosystèmes, biodiversité, évolution)], Université Rennes, Avenue du Général Leclerc, 35042 Rennes cedex, France
| | - Paride Balzani
- University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Zátiší 728/II, 389 25 Vodňany, Czech Republic
| | - Chloé M C Richard
- UMR CNRS 6553 ECOBIO [(Ecosystèmes, biodiversité, évolution)], Université Rennes, Avenue du Général Leclerc, 35042 Rennes cedex, France
| | - Phillip J Haubrock
- University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Zátiší 728/II, 389 25 Vodňany, Czech Republic; Department of River Ecology and Conservation, Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt, 63571 Gelnhausen, Germany; CAMB, Center for Applied Mathematics and Bioinformatics, Gulf University for Science and Technology, Kuwait
| | - Hervé Colinet
- UMR CNRS 6553 ECOBIO [(Ecosystèmes, biodiversité, évolution)], Université Rennes, Avenue du Général Leclerc, 35042 Rennes cedex, France
| | - Mélanie Davranche
- UMR CNRS 6118 GEOSCIENCES Rennes, Université Rennes, Avenue Général Leclerc, 35042 Rennes cedex, France
| | | | - Stéphane A P Derocles
- UMR CNRS 6553 ECOBIO [(Ecosystèmes, biodiversité, évolution)], Université Rennes, Avenue du Général Leclerc, 35042 Rennes cedex, France
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2
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Galli M, Baini M, Panti C, Tepsich P, Rosso M, Giannini F, Galgani F, Fossi MC. Paraffin waxes in the North-Western Mediterranean Sea: A comprehensive assessment in the Pelagos Sanctuary, a Specially Protected Area of Mediterranean Importance. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 467:133677. [PMID: 38340565 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Paraffin waxes are widely recognized as emerging marine pollutants, even their classification by the recent monitoring programs and the knowledge of their occurrence, and sources of contamination in marine ecosystems are poorly defined and reported. Wax presence and distribution have been evaluated in different environmental compartments in the Pelagos Sanctuary (Mediterranean Sea) floating on the sea surface and stranded on beaches, focussing on their characterization, accumulation areas and pollution inputs. More than 2500 yellow paraffin residues were detected and analysed in the study area showing a prevailing dimension smaller than 5 mm. The Genoa Canyon and the waters facing Gorgona Island resulted in the more polluted areas representing two distinct hotspots of wax accumulation potentially related to the high density of tanker vessels sailing to and from the harbour of Genova and Livorno. Higher concentrations of beached particles were found along the Tuscan coast (11 items/100 m) and on Pianosa Island (110 items/m2). This study gives valuable insights into paraffin wax pollution in the Pelagos Sanctuary, emphasizing the need for harmonized monitoring and detection methods to elucidate the potential impacts on marine organisms. Moreover, mitigating actions are crucial to prevent and curb the waxes pollution of marine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Galli
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Italy
| | - M Baini
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy.
| | - C Panti
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
| | - P Tepsich
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy; CIMA Research Foundation, 17100 Savona, Italy
| | - M Rosso
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy; CIMA Research Foundation, 17100 Savona, Italy
| | - F Giannini
- National Park of the Tuscan Archipelago, 57037 Portoferraio, Italy
| | - F Galgani
- IFREMER, Unit RMPF, Vairao, Tahiti, French Polynesia
| | - M C Fossi
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
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3
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Curl LF, Hurst SA, Pomory CM, Lamont MM, Janosik AM. Assessing microplastics contamination in unviable loggerhead sea turtle eggs. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169434. [PMID: 38104820 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Sea turtles, in comparison with marine mammals, sea birds, and fishes, are the most affected by microplastics in terms of number of individuals impacted and concentration within each organism. The ubiquitous nature and persistence of microplastics in the environment further compromises sea turtles as many species are currently vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered. The objective of this study was to quantify microplastic contamination in unviable loggerhead sea turtle eggs (Caretta caretta). Eggs were collected from seven locations along the northwest coast of Florida. A total of 70 nests and 350 eggs were examined. Microplastics (n = 510) were found in undeveloped loggerhead sea turtle eggs across all seven sites, suggesting that maternal transference and/or exchange between the internal and external environment were possible. The frequency found was 7.29 ± 1.83 microplastic pieces per nest and 1.46 ± 0.01 per egg. Microplastics were categorized based on color, shape, size, and type of polymer. The predominant color of microplastics were blue/green (n = 236), shape was fibers (n = 369), and length was 10-300 μm (n = 191). Identified fragments, films, beads and one foam (n = 187) had the most common area of 1-10 μm2 (n = 45). Micro-Fourier Transform Infrared (μ-FTIR) spectroscopy analysis demonstrated that polyethylene (11 %) and polystyrene (7 %) were the main polymer types. For the first time microplastics were found in unviable, undeveloped loggerhead sea turtle eggs collected in northwest Florida. This work provides insight into the distribution patterns of microplastic pollutants in loggerhead sea turtle eggs and may extend to other species worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Margaret M Lamont
- United States Geological Survey, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
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4
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da Costa ID, Costa LL, Zalmon IR. Are fishes selecting the trash they eat? Influence of feeding mode and habitat on microplastic uptake in an artificial reef complex (ARC). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:166788. [PMID: 37666344 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Every year, coastal countries generate ∼275 million tons of plastic, and the oceans receive from 4.8 to 12.7 million tons3. Pollution by synthetic polymers is even more problematic for the environment when this material is fragmented into small portions, forming microplastics (MPs). In the present study, we analyze the selection of MPs by the ichthyofauna based on the availability of the morphotypes and polymeric composition of microplastic in the environment and compare the amount of MP in surface water, water column, sediments and fish in different organs, trophic categories, habitats and areas with and without artificial reefs. In order to achieve this goal, the shape, color, abundance and chemical composition of MPs in the digestive tract and gills of 18 fish species in artificial reefs area and control area, were evaluated. A total of 216 fish were analyzed, and 149 (60 %) had MPs in at least one organ and showed a mean concentration of 1.55 ± 3.31 MPs/g. Of the 18 fish species collected in the reef complex area, 17 (94 %) included individuals with at least one MP in digestive tract or gills. Four species showed the higher selectivity of MP types, colors, and polymers. More MPs were found in the fish, surface water, water column and sediment in the artificial reef area compared to the control areas. This is the first evidence of MP selection by commercially important fish species in artificial marine structures worldwide. These results provide useful information on MP pollution in RAs and highlight yet another issue that must be considered in the management of fisheries resources in the region and in other reef complexes around the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor David da Costa
- Departamento de Ciências Exatas, Biológicas e da Terra, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Santo Antônio de Pádua 28470-000, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Mestrado Profissional em Gestão e Regulação de Recursos Hídricos, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, 76900-726 Rondônia, Brazil; Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes 28013-602, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Leonardo Lopes Costa
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes 28013-602, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ilana Rosental Zalmon
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes 28013-602, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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5
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Abdel Ghani SA, Shobier AH, El-Sayed AAM, Shreadah MA, Shabaka S. Quantifying microplastics pollution in the Red Sea and Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba: Insights from chemical analysis and pollution load assessment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 901:166031. [PMID: 37541508 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) constitute the majority of marine plastic litter. The pollution caused by MPs has been categorized as a gradual and persistent crisis, but little is known about its extent along the shores of the Red Sea, particularly on the Egyptian side. The Red Sea is a rapidly developing region and home to critical ecosystems with high levels of endemism. This study represents the first comprehensive survey investigating the extent of MP pollution along the Egyptian shores of the Red Sea, including the Gulf of Suez and Aqaba. Mean concentrations ranged from 23.3 ± 15.28 to 930.0 ± 181.9 MPs/kg DW. Out of 17 beaches surveyed, 12 had mean concentrations of <200 items/kg, indicating a low occurrence of MPs compared to the shores of the Mediterranean Coast of Egypt. The pollution load index varied from low to medium levels in most locations. Ras Mohamed, a marine protected area, showed high vulnerability to MP pollution. All the investigated particles were fragments of secondary MPs. The sources of pollution mainly come from maritime activities, including cargo shipping and intense recreational activities. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy identified four plastic polymers, with polyethylene and polypropylene being the most common. The surface morphology of plastic particles was examined using scanning electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. All the particles exhibited signs of degradation, which could generate countless plastic pieces with possible deleterious impacts. This work has highlighted the importance of conducting region-specific assessments of mismanaged plastic waste, focusing on the role of tourism and recreational navigation as contributors to plastic litter, to estimate plastic waste inputs into the waters of the Red Sea Coast of Egypt. Efforts are needed to develop strategic plans to reduce the disposal of plastic waste in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aida H Shobier
- National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Niof, Egypt
| | | | - M A Shreadah
- National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Niof, Egypt
| | - Soha Shabaka
- National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Niof, Egypt.
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6
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Abdelhady AA, Samy-Kamal M, Abdel-Raheem KHM, Ahmed MS, Khalil MM. Historical changes in fish landings indicate a significant shift in fish catch composition and biodiversity loss in the Nile-Delta lakes. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 194:115368. [PMID: 37572433 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
To monitor the changes in fish biodiversity and to elucidate the factors responsible for these changes, the landings composition (LC) over the past 30 years in the Nile-Delta lakes was quantitatively analyzed. The LC data indicates a shift in target species towards demersal opportunistic species. A significant difference (P < 0.001) between two main intervals highlighted in both PERMANOVA and PCA plot; the first interval (1991-2002) is dominated by Tilapia and rare species, while the second interval (2003-2020) is dominated by the opportunistic catfish and mullet species. Noticeable declines in species richness and landings of rare species were observed, where rare taxa either have been overexploited or they may be positively affected by increasing pollution levels than do other dominated species such as Tilapia. In contrast, opportunistic fish species such as catfish and mullet, have flourished in such polluted water due to their ability to tolerate seasonal pollution-related hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed A Abdelhady
- Geology Department, Faculty of Science, Minia University, 61519 El-Minia, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed Samy-Kamal
- Departamento de Ciencias del Mar y Biología Aplicada, Universidad de Alicante, Edificio Ciencias V, Campus de San Vicente del Raspeig, PO Box 99, 03080 Alicante, Spain
| | | | - Mohamed S Ahmed
- Geology and Geophysics Department, College of Science, King Saud University 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mahmoud M Khalil
- Geology Department, Faculty of Science, Minia University, 61519 El-Minia, Egypt
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7
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Galli M, Olavarrieta Garcia T, Baini M, Urbán R J, Ramírez-Macías D, Viloria-Gómora L, Panti C, Martellini T, Cincinelli A, Fossi MC. Microplastic occurrence and phthalate ester levels in neuston samples and skin biopsies of filter-feeding megafauna from La Paz Bay (Mexico). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 192:115086. [PMID: 37236093 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The impacts of microplastics on filter feeders megafauna have recently received increased attention. These organisms are potentially exposed to plastic ingestion and the release of added/sorbed contaminants during feeding activities. An assessment of microplastic abundance and the chemical impact of Phthalates esters (PAEs) were performed in neustonic samples and skin biopsies of Balaenoptera physalus and Rhincodon typus inhabiting the Gulf of California (Mexico). Sixty-eight percent of the net tows contained plastics with a maximum of 0.24 items/m3 mainly composed of polyethylene fragments. PAE levels were detected both in environmental and skin biopsy samples, with the highest values in the fin whale specimens (5291 ng/g d.w). Plasticizer fingerprint showed a similar distribution pattern between neustonic samples and filter-feeding species, with DEHP and MBP having the highest concentrations. The detection of PAE levels confirmed their potential role as plastic tracers and give preliminary information about the toxicological status of these species feeding in La Paz Bay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Galli
- Department of Physical Sciences, Earth and Environment, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Tabata Olavarrieta Garcia
- Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Autonomous University of Baja California Sur, La Paz, B.C.S., Mexico
| | - Matteo Baini
- Department of Physical Sciences, Earth and Environment, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy.
| | - Jorge Urbán R
- Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Autonomous University of Baja California Sur, La Paz, B.C.S., Mexico
| | - Deni Ramírez-Macías
- Tiburon Ballena Mexico proyecto de Conexiones Terramar AC, La Paz, BCS, Mexico
| | - Lorena Viloria-Gómora
- Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Autonomous University of Baja California Sur, La Paz, B.C.S., Mexico
| | - Cristina Panti
- Department of Physical Sciences, Earth and Environment, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Tania Martellini
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia, 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Firenze, Italy
| | - Alessandra Cincinelli
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia, 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Firenze, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Fossi
- Department of Physical Sciences, Earth and Environment, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy
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Sciutteri V, Pedà C, Longo F, Calogero R, Cangemi G, Pagano L, Battaglia P, Nannini M, Romeo T, Consoli P. Integrated approach for marine litter pollution assessment in the southern Tyrrhenian Sea: Information from bottom-trawl fishing and plastic ingestion in deep-sea fish. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 188:114661. [PMID: 36708618 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Marine litter pollution threatens marine ecosystems and biodiversity conservation, particularly on seafloors where all anthropogenic waste naturally sinks. In this study, we provide new information on the composition, density and origin of seafloor macrolitter as well as on plastic ingestion in deep-sea fish from bottom-trawling by-catch in the southern Tyrrhenian Sea. Plastic constituted the highest fraction of litter in terms of density (64 %) and weight (32 %) and was also retrieved in the gastrointestinal traits of Chlorophthalmus agassizi, Coelorhynchus coelorhynchus and Hoplosthethus mediterraneus. FT-IR spectroscopy analysis on the seafloor macrolitter and the ingested plastics revealed the presence of artificial polymers including PE, PET/polyester, PA widely used for food packaging, plastic bags and several common products, especially Single Use Plastic (SUP). These results underline how poor waste management schemes or their incorrect application strongly contribute to marine litter accumulation on seafloors and plastic ingestion in deep-sea fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Sciutteri
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Sicily Marine Centre, Villa Pace, Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy.
| | - Cristina Pedà
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Sicily Marine Centre, Villa Pace, Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy.
| | - Francesco Longo
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Sicily Marine Centre, Villa Pace, Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy.
| | - Rosario Calogero
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Sicily Marine Centre, Villa Pace, Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Cangemi
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Sicily Marine Centre, Villa Pace, Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy; Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy.
| | - Luca Pagano
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Sicily Marine Centre, Villa Pace, Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy; Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy.
| | - Pietro Battaglia
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Sicily Marine Centre, Villa Pace, Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy.
| | - Matteo Nannini
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Ischia Marine Centre, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Punta San Pietro, 80077 Ischia, Naples, Italy.
| | - Teresa Romeo
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Sicily Marine Centre, Villa Pace, Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy.
| | - Pierpaolo Consoli
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Sicily Marine Centre, Villa Pace, Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy.
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Romano E, Bergamin L, Di Bella L, Baini M, Berto D, D'Ambrosi A, Di Fazio M, Galli M, Medeghini L, Panti C, Provenzani C, Rampazzo F, Fossi MC. First record of microplastic in the environmental matrices of a Mediterranean marine cave (Bue Marino, Sardinia, Italy). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 186:114452. [PMID: 36473244 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates for the first time the presence of microplastics in sediment, water, and benthic organisms (foraminifera) of a marine cave in the Gulf of Orosei (Sardinia, Italy). Microplastics were found in all water, and sediment samples with similar shapes, sizes, and compositions; identified items were mainly fragments and fibers constituted by PVC and polyethylene. Their provenance was supposed to be predominantly from the sea than from the seasonal freshwater supplies from the karst system. Foraminiferal assemblages were mainly constituted by calcareous hyaline taxa in the outer station, while in the inner ones, the agglutinated Eggerelloides advenus was dominant. FTIR analyses on agglutinated shells identified polyethylene. Microplastic items are collected by the foraminifers and sediment grains building the shell chambers. This is the first study providing evidence that marine caves may be collectors of microplastics and that, in these habitats, microplastics enter the biotic matrix at the protist's level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Romano
- ISPRA, Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Rome, Italy.
| | - Luisa Bergamin
- ISPRA, Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Rome, Italy
| | - Letizia Di Bella
- Sapienza, University of Rome, Department of Earth Science, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Baini
- University of Siena, Department of Environmental, Earth and Physical Sciences, Siena, Italy
| | - Daniela Berto
- ISPRA, Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Melania Di Fazio
- Sapienza, University of Rome, Department of Earth Science, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Galli
- University of Siena, Department of Environmental, Earth and Physical Sciences, Siena, Italy
| | - Laura Medeghini
- Sapienza, University of Rome, Department of Earth Science, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Panti
- University of Siena, Department of Environmental, Earth and Physical Sciences, Siena, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Federico Rampazzo
- ISPRA, Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Fossi
- University of Siena, Department of Environmental, Earth and Physical Sciences, Siena, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
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10
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Detection of Microplastics by Various Types of Whiteleg Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) in the Korean Sea. SEPARATIONS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/separations9110332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Microplastic pollution in the ocean has a major impact on marine organisms, including digestive system damage and reduced growth and fertility. This study investigated the amount, size, color, type, and presence of heads and intestines of microplastics by size in Litopenaeus vannamei, a type of marine organism. Microplastic analysis was performed using FTIR and digital microscopy. The number of microplastics by the size of the shrimp ranged from 1.73 to 3.8 MPs per 10 g, and the microplastic size of less than 100 μm was 77–92%, with blue showing the highest ratio. As for the type of plastic, PE and PP showed the highest ratio, and PET, PS, nylon, and PVC were found. Microplastics were found to be 11.83 MPs/10 g for heads and intestines and 3.16 MPs/10 g for samples without heads and intestines. This study adds to evidence for the presence of high levels of microplastics in the intestines and heads of shrimp. It also enhances our understanding of the need for efficient plastic waste management in the ocean and the impact of microplastics on marine biota.
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