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Gunasekaran K, Mghili B, De-la-Torre GE, Sompongchaiyakul P, Rangel-Buitrago N, Wang X, Charoenpong C. First record of plastiglomerates, pyroplastics and plasticrusts along the beaches of Tamilnadu, Southeast coast of India. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 205:116594. [PMID: 38875967 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116594] [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: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Plastic litter affects coastal and marine ecosystems globally. This study represents the first record of pyroplastics and plasticrust in the beaches of Tamil Nadu, India. All samples were FTIR spectroscopically examined to confirm the polymer composition of the suspected plastics. The 16 plastic formations were found in TamilNadu, including six plastiglomerates nine pyroplastics and one plasticrust. Five types of polymers (PET, PP, PVC, PA, and PE) were found on the plastic matrices. The study also revealed that pyroplastics and plasticrust formed by degradation of plastics through weathering in the coastal environment. The present study also found that four types of marine fouling organisms such as oyster larvae, bryozoan, barnacle and polychaete worm were encrusted on the two pyroplastics. The emergence of these new forms of plastic raises concerns about their interactions with the environment and biota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kannan Gunasekaran
- Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - 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
| | - Penjai Sompongchaiyakul
- Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
| | - Nelson Rangel-Buitrago
- Programade Fisica, Facultad de Ciencias Basicas, Universidad del Atlantico, Barranquilla, Atlantico, Colombia
| | - Xianfeng Wang
- Asian School of the Environment, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Chawalit Charoenpong
- Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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2
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Jang M, Lee M, Chung S, Park SA, Park H, Jeon H, Jegal J, Park SB, Oh DX, Shin G, Kim HJ. Ecotoxicity assessment of additives in commercial biodegradable plastic products: Implications for sustainability and environmental risk. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 931:172903. [PMID: 38697526 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172903] [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: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Biodegradable plastics have gained popularity as environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional petroleum-based plastics, which face recycling and degradation challenges. Although the biodegradability of these plastics has been established, research on their ecotoxicity remains limited. Biodegradable plastics may still contain conventional additives, including toxic and non-degradable substances, to maintain their functionality during production and processing. Despite degrading the polymer matrix, these additives can persist in the environment and potentially harm ecosystems and humans. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the potential ecotoxicity of biodegradable plastics by analyzing the phthalate esters (PAEs) leaching out from biodegradable plastics through soil leachate. Sixteen commercial biodegradable plastic products were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to determine the types and amounts of PAE used in the products and evaluate their ecotoxicity. Among the various PAEs analyzed, non-regulated dioctyl isophthalate (DOIP) was the most frequently detected (ranging from 40 to 212 μg g-1). Although the DOIP is considered one of PAE alternatives, the detected amount of it revealed evident ecotoxicity, especially in the aquatic environment. Other additives, including antioxidants, lubricants, surfactants, slip agents, and adhesives, were also qualitatively detected in commercial products. This is the first study to quantify the amounts of PAEs leached from biodegradable plastics through water mimicking PAE leaching out from biodegradable plastics to soil leachate when landfilled and evaluate their potential ecotoxicity. Despite their potential toxicity, commercial biodegradable plastics are currently marketed and promoted as environmentally friendly materials, which could lead to indiscriminate public consumption. Therefore, in addition to improving biodegradable plastics, developing eco-friendly additives is significant. Future studies should investigate the leaching kinetics in soil leachate over time and toxicity of biodegradable plastics after landfill disposal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Jang
- Research Center for Bio-Based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan 44429, Republic of Korea
| | - Minkyung Lee
- Research Center for Bio-Based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan 44429, Republic of Korea
| | - Seonghyn Chung
- Research Center for Bio-Based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan 44429, Republic of Korea; Division of Environmental Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Seul-A Park
- Research Center for Bio-Based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan 44429, Republic of Korea
| | - Huijeong Park
- Research Center for Bio-Based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan 44429, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeonyeol Jeon
- Research Center for Bio-Based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan 44429, Republic of Korea; Advanced Materials and Chemical Engineering, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Jonggeon Jegal
- Research Center for Bio-Based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan 44429, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Bae Park
- Research Center for Bio-Based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan 44429, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongyeop X Oh
- Research Center for Bio-Based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan 44429, Republic of Korea; Department of Polymer Science and Engineering and Program in Environmental and Polymer Engineering, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Giyoung Shin
- Research Center for Bio-Based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan 44429, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo Jeong Kim
- Research Center for Bio-Based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan 44429, Republic of Korea.
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3
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Cyvin JB, Nixon FC. Plastic litter affected by heat or pressure: A review of current research on remoulded plastic litter. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 924:171498. [PMID: 38458458 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Pyroplastic, plastiglomerates, anthropogenic rocks, plasticrusts, pebble clasts, plastitar, plastisoil and anthropoquinas are examples of terms that have been used to describe the secondary products of plastic litter that have been melted, moulded, pressed, or cemented together with other plastic litter and/or minerogenic sediments or organic matter, either naturally or anthropogenically. Such processes may also favor the formation of new geological features containing plastics, such as coastal landforms or sedimentary rocks. Further research and classification of this secondary plastic litter is critical for understanding the implications of this emerging contaminant as well as to create well-targeted measures to reduce it. The literature review as presented includes 32 peer-reviewed articles published between 1997 and June 2023, all of which describe various burnt or otherwise remoulded plastic litter from around the world. Based on our review we propose a new umbrella term for the different forms of secondary plastic litter that have been modified by heat or pressure: Remoulded Plastic Litter (RPL). If accepted by the research community, important steps for future research and policy will be to implement RPL into the OSPAR protocol for monitoring and assessment of marine litter and thereby fill knowledge gaps of the geographic distribution of RPLs and their potential toxicities to nature and humans. It is clear that the distribution of RPL research spans the globe, however, studies in Africa, Oceania, large tracts of the polar regions, and terrestrial areas in general, are scarce to absent, as are ecotoxicological studies and recommendations for policy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Bonnevie Cyvin
- Department of Geography, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Francis Chantel Nixon
- Department of Geography, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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4
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Sempere-Valverde J, Saenz-Arias P, Martynova A, Benzarti O, Bouhlel R, de la Cuadra CMLF, Guerra-García JM, Chebaane S. Plasticlusters: A marine litter microhabitat in a marina of Tunisia, N Africa. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 202:116389. [PMID: 38677103 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116389] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Plastic debris is a significant and rapidly developing ecological issue in coastal marine ecosystems, especially in areas where it accumulates. This study introduces "plasticlusters", a new form of floating debris agglomeration found in the Yasmine Hammamet marina (Tunisia, North-Africa), loosely attached to pontoon ropes around the water surface level. The analysis of two samples revealed that they were formed primarily by average 2.11 mm polystyrene fragments, 3.43 mm fibers, 104 mm polypropylene and polyethylene sheets, and 122 mm decomposing seagrass leaves. They were inhabited by several taxa, including at least 2 cryptogenic and 5 non-indigenous species (NIS). Unlike other plastic formations, plasticlusters provide a novel and potentially temporal microhabitat to fouling assemblages due to their loose and unconsolidated structure which, combined with marinas being NIS hubs, could enhance NIS dispersion. The results of this study raise concerns about the combined ecological effects of debris accumulation and biocontamination inside marinas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Sempere-Valverde
- Laboratorio de Biología Marina, Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Avda Reina Mercedes 6, 41012 Sevilla, Spain; Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia; Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Saudi Arabia.
| | - Pablo Saenz-Arias
- Laboratorio de Biología Marina, Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Avda Reina Mercedes 6, 41012 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Anastasiia Martynova
- Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia; Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Saudi Arabia; Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Saudi Arabia
| | - Ons Benzarti
- Research Laboratory LR14ES06 "Bioresources: Integrative Biology and Valorization", Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Monastir, Avenue Tahar Hadded, BP 74, 5000 Monastir, Tunisia; Association Notre Grand Bleu (NGB, NGO), Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Ramla Bouhlel
- Research Laboratory LR14ES06 "Bioresources: Integrative Biology and Valorization", Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Monastir, Avenue Tahar Hadded, BP 74, 5000 Monastir, Tunisia; Association Notre Grand Bleu (NGB, NGO), Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Carlos María López Fe de la Cuadra
- Laboratorio de Biología Marina, Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Avda Reina Mercedes 6, 41012 Sevilla, Spain
| | - José Manuel Guerra-García
- Laboratorio de Biología Marina, Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Avda Reina Mercedes 6, 41012 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Sahar Chebaane
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre/ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Regional Agency for the Development of Research, Technology and Innovation (ARDITI), Funchal, Portugal; Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande Ed. C1, 1700 Lisboa, Portugal
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5
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Barbe V, Jacquin J, Bouzon M, Wolinski A, Derippe G, Cheng J, Cruaud C, Roche D, Fouteau S, Petit JL, Conan P, Pujo-Pay M, Bruzaud S, Ghiglione JF. Bioplastic degradation and assimilation processes by a novel bacterium isolated from the marine plastisphere. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 466:133573. [PMID: 38306834 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133573] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Biosourced and biodegradable plastics offer a promising solution to reduce environmental impacts of plastics for specific applications. Here, we report a novel bacterium named Alteromonas plasticoclasticus MED1 isolated from the marine plastisphere that forms biofilms on foils of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV). Experiments of degradation halo, plastic matrix weight loss, bacterial oxygen consumption and heterotrophic biosynthetic activity showed that the bacterial isolate MED1 is able to degrade PHBV and to use it as carbon and energy source. The likely entire metabolic pathway specifically expressed by this bacterium grown on PHBV matrices was shown by further genomic and transcriptomic analysis. In addition to a gene coding for a probable secreted depolymerase, a gene cluster was located that encodes characteristic enzymes involved in the complete depolymerization of PHBV, the transport of oligomers, and in the conversion of the monomers into intermediates of central carbon metabolism. The transcriptomic experiments showed the activation of the glyoxylate shunt during PHBV degradation, setting the isocitrate dehydrogenase activity as regulated branching point of the carbon flow entering the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Our study also shows the potential of exploring the natural plastisphere to discover new bacteria with promising metabolic capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie Barbe
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, Evry, France
| | - Justine Jacquin
- CNRS, Sorbonne Université, UMR 7621, Laboratoire d'Océanographie Microbienne, Observatoire Océanologique de Banyuls, France
| | - Madeleine Bouzon
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, Evry, France
| | - Adèle Wolinski
- CNRS, Sorbonne Université, UMR 7621, Laboratoire d'Océanographie Microbienne, Observatoire Océanologique de Banyuls, France
| | - Gabrielle Derippe
- CNRS, Sorbonne Université, UMR 7621, Laboratoire d'Océanographie Microbienne, Observatoire Océanologique de Banyuls, France; Institut de Recherche Dupuy de Lôme (IRDL), Université de Bretagne-Sud, UMR CNRS 6027, Rue Saint Maudé, Lorient, France
| | - Jingguang Cheng
- CNRS, Sorbonne Université, UMR 7621, Laboratoire d'Océanographie Microbienne, Observatoire Océanologique de Banyuls, France
| | - Corinne Cruaud
- Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, Evry, France
| | - David Roche
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, Evry, France
| | - Stéphanie Fouteau
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, Evry, France
| | - Jean-Louis Petit
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, Evry, France
| | - Pascal Conan
- CNRS, Sorbonne Université, UMR 7621, Laboratoire d'Océanographie Microbienne, Observatoire Océanologique de Banyuls, France
| | - Mireille Pujo-Pay
- CNRS, Sorbonne Université, UMR 7621, Laboratoire d'Océanographie Microbienne, Observatoire Océanologique de Banyuls, France
| | - Stéphane Bruzaud
- Institut de Recherche Dupuy de Lôme (IRDL), Université de Bretagne-Sud, UMR CNRS 6027, Rue Saint Maudé, Lorient, France
| | - Jean-François Ghiglione
- CNRS, Sorbonne Université, UMR 7621, Laboratoire d'Océanographie Microbienne, Observatoire Océanologique de Banyuls, France.
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6
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Saliu F, Compa M, Becchi A, Lasagni M, Collina E, Liconti A, Suma E, Deudero S, Grech D, Suaria G. Plastitar in the Mediterranean Sea: New records and the first geochemical characterization of these novel formations. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 196:115583. [PMID: 37769405 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115583] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
A new geological formation consisting of plastic debris admixed to petroleum oil residue, termed "plastitar", has been recently described in the Canary Islands. Here, we report its widespread occurrence across the Mediterranean coast and new insights into its biogeochemical composition. Specifically, we found marked differences in the diagenetic stable indicator profiles, suggesting a heterogeneous seeps provenance. Moreover, the 801 plastic particles found in the 1372 g of tar surveyed, with a maximum concentration of 2.0 items/g, showed interesting patterns in the tar mat, with nurdles predominantly layered in the external of the tar mat and lines in the inner core. Overall, the collected observation suggests that tar entraps plastics through a stepwise process and is a sink for them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Saliu
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy.
| | - Montserrat Compa
- Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares, (IEO, CSIC), Muelle de Poniente s/n, 07015 Mallorca, Spain
| | - Alessandro Becchi
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Marina Lasagni
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Elena Collina
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Arianna Liconti
- OutBe SRL, Genova, Italy; MBA, The Marine Biological Association, The Laboratory, Citadel Hill, Plymouth PL1 2PB, United Kingdom
| | | | - Salud Deudero
- Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares, (IEO, CSIC), Muelle de Poniente s/n, 07015 Mallorca, Spain
| | - Daniele Grech
- IMC - International Marine Centre, Loc. Sa Mardini, 09170, Torregrande, Oristano, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Suaria
- CNR-ISMAR, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Scienze Marine, Pozzuolo di Lerici, 19032 La Spezia, Italy
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7
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Ellrich JA, Ehlers SM, Furukuma S, Pogoda B, Koop JHE. Characterization of three plastic forms: Plasticoncrete, plastimetal and plastisessiles. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 895:165073. [PMID: 37355116 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Plastic forms, including plastiglomerate, pyroplastic, plasticrusts, anthropoquinas, plastistone and plastitar, were recorded worldwide. These plastic forms derive from geochemical or geophysical interactions such as heat-induced plastic fusion with rock in campfires, incomplete plastic combustion, water motion-driven plastic abrasion in the rocky intertidal zone, plastic deposition in hardened sediments and plastic bonding with tar. Thereby, these interactions can profoundly influence the fate of plastics in the environment. This study characterized three novel plastic forms (plasticoncrete, plastimetal and plastisessiles) discovered on Helgoland island (North Sea). Plasticoncrete consisted of common polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) fibers hardened in concrete. Plastimetal included PE fibers rusted with metal. Plastisessiles consisted of PE fibers attached to benthic substrates by sessile invertebrates (oysters and polychaetes). Plasticoncrete and plastimetal are the first plastic forms composed of two man-made materials. Plastisessiles show that plastic forms not only result from human- or environment-mediated interactions but also from biological interactions between invertebrates and plastic. All plastic forms (bulk density ≥ 1.4 g/cm3) sunk during floating tests and hardly changed their positions during a 13-day field experiment and 153- to 306-day field monitorings, indicating their local formation, limited mobility and longevity. Still, experimentally detached plastic fibers floated, confirming that the formation of these plastic forms influences the fate of plastic fibers in the environment. Furthermore, the experiment showed that plasticoncrete got deposited in beach sand under wavy and windy conditions, indicating that coastal waves and onshore winds drive plasticoncrete deposition in coastal sediments. We also provide first records of plasticoncrete on Mallorca island (Mediterranean Sea) and plastimetal on Hikoshima island (Sea of Japan), respectively, which show that these plastic forms are no local phenomena. Thereby, our study contributes to the growing fundamental knowledge of plastic forms that is essential to understand the role and fate of these pollutants in coastal habitats worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julius A Ellrich
- Shelf Sea System Ecology, Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, 27498 Helgoland, Germany
| | - Sonja M Ehlers
- Department of Animal Ecology, Federal Institute of Hydrology, 56068 Koblenz, Germany.
| | - Shunji Furukuma
- Independent Researcher, 409-24 Kiwanami, Ube City, Yamaguchi 7590207, Japan
| | - Bernadette Pogoda
- Shelf Sea System Ecology, Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, 27498 Helgoland, Germany
| | - Jochen H E Koop
- Department of Animal Ecology, Federal Institute of Hydrology, 56068 Koblenz, Germany; Institute for Integrated Natural Sciences, University of Koblenz, 56070 Koblenz, Germany
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8
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Utami DA, Reuning L, Schwark L, Friedrichs G, Dittmer L, Nurhidayati AU, Al Fauzan A, Cahyarini SY. Plastiglomerates from uncontrolled burning of plastic waste on Indonesian beaches contain high contents of organic pollutants. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10383. [PMID: 37369801 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37594-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This study reports on plastiglomerate and other new forms of plastic pollution in the tropical marine continent of Indonesia. Twenty-five samples were collected from an island beach in the Java Sea where plastiglomerate, plasticrusts, and pyroplastic were formed by the uncontrolled burning of plastic waste. The most common plastic types were polyethylene and polypropylene (PE/PP), as shown by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. However, acrylates/polyurethane/varnish (PU) and a copolymer of styrene and acrylonitrile were found as well. This suggests that plastiglomerates can form from a wider variety of plastic polymers than previously reported. FTIR analysis also indicates thermo-oxidative weathering, making the charred plastic more brittle and susceptible to microplastic formation. A subset of the samples was analyzed for associated chemical contaminants. One plastiglomerate with a PU matrix showed high concentrations of phthalates. All samples had high concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), likely due to the burning of the plastic in open fires. The burning leads to a change in the physical and chemical properties of the plastics contained in the plastiglomerates. Plastiglomerate and plastic waste of similar origin are therefore often more weathered and contaminated with organic pollutants than their parent polymers. The highest PAH concentration was found in a plastitar sample. Plastitar is defined as an agglomerate of tar and plastics that adheres to coastal rocks. In contrast, our study documents a more mobile, clastic plastitar type. This clastic plastitar could pose an additional ecological risk because of its mobility. These new types of plastic pollution could be an important vector for chemical contamination of nearby coastal habitats such as coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and mangroves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dwi Amanda Utami
- Research Center for Climate and Atmosphere, National Research and Innovation Agency Republic of Indonesia, Jl. Cisitu Sangkuriang, Bandung, 40135, Indonesia.
- Institute of Geosciences, Kiel University, Ludewig-Meyn-Str. 10, 24118, Kiel, Germany.
| | - Lars Reuning
- Institute of Geosciences, Kiel University, Ludewig-Meyn-Str. 10, 24118, Kiel, Germany
| | - Lorenz Schwark
- Institute of Geosciences, Kiel University, Ludewig-Meyn-Str. 10, 24118, Kiel, Germany
| | - Gernot Friedrichs
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Kiel University, Max-Eyth-Str. 1, 24118, Kiel, Germany
| | - Ludwig Dittmer
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Kiel University, Max-Eyth-Str. 1, 24118, Kiel, Germany
| | - Ayu Utami Nurhidayati
- Research Center for Climate and Atmosphere, National Research and Innovation Agency Republic of Indonesia, Jl. Cisitu Sangkuriang, Bandung, 40135, Indonesia
| | - Ahmad Al Fauzan
- Research Center for Climate and Atmosphere, National Research and Innovation Agency Republic of Indonesia, Jl. Cisitu Sangkuriang, Bandung, 40135, Indonesia
- Oceanography Study Program, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Jl. Ganesha No. 10, Bandung, 40132, Indonesia
| | - Sri Yudawati Cahyarini
- Research Center for Climate and Atmosphere, National Research and Innovation Agency Republic of Indonesia, Jl. Cisitu Sangkuriang, Bandung, 40135, Indonesia
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9
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Ellrich JA, Furukuma S, Ehlers SM. Plasticrust generation and degeneration in rocky intertidal habitats contribute to microplastic pollution. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 876:162787. [PMID: 36914124 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Plasticrusts are a plastic form that consists of plastic encrusting intertidal rocks. To date, plasticrusts have been reported on Madeira island (Atlantic Ocean), Giglio island (Mediterranean Sea) and in Peru (Pacific Ocean) but information on plasticrust sources, generation, degeneration and fate is largely missing. To address these knowledge gaps, we combined plasticrust field surveys, experiments and monitorings along the Yamaguchi Prefecture (Honshu, Japan) coastline (Sea of Japan) with macro-, micro- and spectroscopic analyses in Koblenz, Germany. Our surveys detected polyethylene (PE) plasticrusts that derived from very common PE containers and polyester (PEST) plasticrusts that resulted from PEST-based paint. We also confirmed that plasticrust abundance, cover and distribution were positively related to wave exposure and tidal amplitude. Our experiments showed that plasticrusts are generated by cobbles scratching across plastic containers, plastic containers being dragged across cobbles during beach clean-ups, and waves abrading plastic containers on intertidal rocks. Our monitorings found that plasticrust abundance and cover decreased over time and the macro- and microscopic examinations indicated that detached plasticrusts contribute to microplastic pollution. The monitorings also suggested that hydrodynamics (wave occurrence, tidal height) and precipitation drive plasticrust degeneration. Finally, floating tests revealed that low density (PE) plasticrusts float whereas high density (PEST) plasticrusts sink suggesting that polymer type floatability influences the fate of plasticrusts. By tracking the entire lifespan of plasticrusts for the first time, our study contributes fundamental knowledge of plasticrust generation and degeneration in the rocky intertidal zone and identified plasticrusts as novel microplastic sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julius A Ellrich
- Shelf Sea System Ecology, Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, 27498 Helgoland, Germany
| | | | - Sonja M Ehlers
- Department of Animal Ecology, Federal Institute of Hydrology, 56068 Koblenz, Germany.
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10
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Goswami P, Bhadury P. First record of an Anthropocene marker plastiglomerate in Andaman Island, India. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 190:114802. [PMID: 36948064 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114802] [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: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
One of the most significant environmental issues confronting our world is plastic trash, which is of particular concern to the marine environment. The sedimentary record of the planet may likely one day contain a horizon of plastic that can be potentially identified as an Anthropocene marker. Here we report the presence of 'plastiglomerate' from coastal habitats located in the Aves Island, Andaman Sea, India. This novel form of plastic pollution forms with the incineration of plastic litter in the environment and then mixing of organic/inorganic composite materials in the molten plastic matrix. The plastic pollutants were collected from the Aves Island beach during marine litter surveys. Micro-Raman (μ-Raman) spectroscopy was used to evaluate and confirm all putative plastic forms. Plastiglomerates were made of a polyethylene (PE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) matrix with inclusions of rock and sand. Therefore, our research offers new insight into the intricate process of plastiglomerates formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasun Goswami
- Integrative Taxonomy and Microbial Ecology Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur-741246, Nadia, West Bengal, India
| | - Punyasloke Bhadury
- Integrative Taxonomy and Microbial Ecology Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur-741246, Nadia, West Bengal, India; Centre for Excellence in Blue Economy, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur-741246, Nadia, West Bengal, India.
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11
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Daudt NW, Bugoni L, Nunes GT. Plastics and waterbirds in Brazil: A review of ingestion, nest materials and entanglement reveals substantial knowledge gaps and opportunities for research. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 316:120615. [PMID: 36356888 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is an increasing global problem, especially in aquatic environments. From invertebrates to vertebrates, many aquatic species have been affected by plastic pollution worldwide. Waterbirds also interact with plastics, mainly by ingesting them or using them as nest material. Brazil has one of the largest aquatic environment areas, including the most extensive wetland (the Pantanal) and biggest river (the Amazon), and a ∼7500 km long coastline, which hosts a remarkable waterbird diversity with more than 200 species from 28 bird families. Here, we synthesise published and grey literature to assess where, how, and which waterbirds (marine and continental) interact with plastics in Brazil. We found 96 documents reporting interaction between waterbirds and plastics. Only 32% of the occurring species in the country had at least one individual analysed. Plastic ingestion was reported in 67% of the studies, and seabirds were the study subject in 79% of them. We found no reports in continental aquatic environments, unveiling entire regions without any information regarding interactions. Consequently, this geographic bias drew a considerable taxonomic bias, with whole families and orders without information. Additionally, most studies did not aim to search for plastic interactions, which had a twofold effect. First, studies did not report their findings using the proposed standard metrics, hampering thus advances in understanding trends or defining robust baselines. Second, as it was not their main objective, plastics were not mentioned in titles, abstracts, and keywords, making it difficult to find these studies. We propose means for achieving a better understanding of waterbird-plastic interactions in space and time, and recommend searching for sentinel species and for allocating research grants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Winterle Daudt
- Waterbirds and Sea Turtles Laboratory, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil; Department of Marine Science, University of Otago, Dunedin, Aotearoa, New Zealand.
| | - Leandro Bugoni
- Waterbirds and Sea Turtles Laboratory, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Tavares Nunes
- Centro de Estudos Costeiros, Limnológicos e Marinhos, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Imbé, RS, Brazil
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