1
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Nanayakkara CJ, Senadheera V, Anuththara V, Rathnaweera P, Nishshanka P, Piyatissa P, Munasingha H, Dushyantha N, Kuruppu GN. The collateral effects of COVID-19 on marine pollution. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 205:116595. [PMID: 38880035 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has gained significant attention to the intersection of public health crises and environmental challenges, particularly in the context of marine pollution. This paper examines the various impacts of the pandemic on marine environments, focusing on the pollution attributed to single-use plastics (SUPs) and personal protective equipment (PPE). Drawing on a comprehensive analysis of literature and case studies, the paper highlights the detrimental effects of increased plastic waste on marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and human health. Statistical data and graphical representations reveal the scale of plastic pollution during the pandemic, emphasizing the urgent need for mitigation strategies. The study evaluates innovative monitoring techniques and future recommendations, emphasizing stakeholder collaboration in sustainable waste management. By broadening geographic examples and comparative analyses, it provides a global perspective on the pandemic's impact, highlighting the importance of international cooperation for safeguarding marine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chamila Jinendra Nanayakkara
- Department of Earth Resources Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Moratuwa 10400, Sri Lanka
| | - Venuri Senadheera
- Department of Applied Earth Sciences, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Uva Wellassa University, Passaara Road, Badulla 90000, Sri Lanka
| | - Veenavee Anuththara
- Department of Applied Earth Sciences, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Uva Wellassa University, Passaara Road, Badulla 90000, Sri Lanka
| | - Pinsara Rathnaweera
- Department of Applied Earth Sciences, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Uva Wellassa University, Passaara Road, Badulla 90000, Sri Lanka
| | - Primalsha Nishshanka
- Department of Applied Earth Sciences, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Uva Wellassa University, Passaara Road, Badulla 90000, Sri Lanka
| | - Piyumi Piyatissa
- Department of Applied Earth Sciences, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Uva Wellassa University, Passaara Road, Badulla 90000, Sri Lanka
| | - Harshani Munasingha
- Department of Applied Earth Sciences, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Uva Wellassa University, Passaara Road, Badulla 90000, Sri Lanka
| | - Nimila Dushyantha
- Department of Applied Earth Sciences, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Uva Wellassa University, Passaara Road, Badulla 90000, Sri Lanka.
| | - Gayithri Niluka Kuruppu
- Department of Industrial Management, Faculty of Business, University of Moratuwa, Moratuwa 10400, Sri Lanka
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2
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Stagnitti M, Musumeci RE. Model-based estimation of seasonal transport of macro-plastics in a marine protected area. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 201:116191. [PMID: 38428048 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Management of plastic litter in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) is expensive but crucial to avoid harms to critical environments. In the present work, an open-source numerical modelling chain is proposed to estimate the seasonal pathways and fates of macro-plastics, and hence support the effective planning and implementation of sea and beach cleaning operations. The proposed approach is applied to the nearshore region that includes the MPA of Capo Milazzo (Italy). A sensitivity analysis on the influence of tides, wind, waves and river floods over the year indicates that seasonality only slightly affects the location and extension of the macro-plastic accumulation zones, and that beach cleaning operations should be performed in autumn. Instead, the influence of rivers on plastic litter distribution is crucial for the optimal planning of cleaning interventions in the coastal area.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Stagnitti
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Catania, via S. Sofia 64, 95123 Catania, CT, Italy.
| | - R E Musumeci
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Catania, via S. Sofia 64, 95123 Catania, CT, Italy.
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3
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Jędruchniewicz K, Bogusz A, Chańko M, Bank MS, Alessi DS, Ok YS, Oleszczuk P. Extractability and phytotoxicity of heavy metals and essential elements from plastics in soil solutions and root exudates. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 905:166100. [PMID: 37558061 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Plastic waste is increasing and is a serious environmental problem. Among the threats associated with plastics is the release of contaminants into the environment. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of metals release from plastics (low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polypropylene (PP)) as affected by different soil solution types, artificial root exudates, and distilled water. The extent of metal release varied depending on the type of solution and plastic used. Metals were leached most effectively from plastics in soil solutions, followed by root exudates, and least effectively by distilled water. LDPE released the highest concentrations of Cu and Na into solution, PP released the greatest amount of Fe, and PET released the most Cr. The efficiencies of Mg and Zn release from the plastics (PP and PET) varied by solution type. Among the plastics studied, LDPE exhibited the strongest ability to adsorb metals, such as Fe, Cr, Mg, and Zn from soil solutions. The amount of metal released from the plastics was also dependent on pH, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations, and the electrical conductivity (EC) of the solutions. Moreover, plastic extracts were found to have negative effects on germination and growth in Lepidium sativum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Jędruchniewicz
- Department of Radiochemistry and Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Maria Curie-Sklodowska Sq. 3, 20-031 Lublin, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Bogusz
- 2Department of Ecotoxicology, Institute of Environmental Protection - National Research Institute, ul. Krucza 5/11D, 00-548 Warszawa, Poland
| | - Marcin Chańko
- Department of Radiochemistry and Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Maria Curie-Sklodowska Sq. 3, 20-031 Lublin, Poland
| | - Michael S Bank
- Institute of Marine Research, Bergen 5005, Norway; University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Daniel S Alessi
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E3, Canada
| | - Yong Sik Ok
- Korea Biochar Research Center, APRU Sustainable Waste Management Program, Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, South Korea
| | - Patryk Oleszczuk
- Department of Radiochemistry and Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Maria Curie-Sklodowska Sq. 3, 20-031 Lublin, Poland.
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4
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Seyyedi SR, Kowsari E, Ramakrishna S, Gheibi M, Chinnappan A. Marine plastics, circular economy, and artificial intelligence: A comprehensive review of challenges, solutions, and policies. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 345:118591. [PMID: 37423188 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118591] [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: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Global plastic production is rapidly increasing, resulting in significant amounts of plastic entering the marine environment. This makes marine litter one of the most critical environmental concerns. Determining the effects of this waste on marine animals, particularly endangered organisms, and the health of the oceans is now one of the top environmental priorities. This article reviews the sources of plastic production, its entry into the oceans and the food chain, the potential threat to aquatic animals and humans, the challenges of plastic waste in the oceans, the existing laws and regulations in this field, and strategies. Using conceptual models, this study looks at a circular economy framework for energy recovery from ocean plastic wastes. It does this by drawing on debates about AI-based systems for smart management. In the last sections of the present research, a novel soft sensor is designed for the prediction of accumulated ocean plastic waste based on social development features and the application of machine learning computations. Plus, the best scenario of ocean plastic waste management with a concentration on both energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions is discussed using USEPA-WARM modeling. Finally, a circular economy concept and ocean plastic waste management policies are modeled based on the strategies of different countries. We deal with green chemistry and the replacement of plastics derived from fossil sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Reza Seyyedi
- Department of Chemistry, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Hafez St., Tehran 15875-4413, Iran
| | - Elaheh Kowsari
- Department of Chemistry, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Hafez St., Tehran 15875-4413, Iran.
| | - Seeram Ramakrishna
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Center for Nanofibers and Nanotechnology, National University of Singapore, 119260, Singapore.
| | - Mohammad Gheibi
- Department of Civil Engineering, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amutha Chinnappan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Center for Nanofibers and Nanotechnology, National University of Singapore, 119260, Singapore
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5
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Hasan M, Islam ARMT, Jion MMMF, Rahman MN, Peu SD, Das A, Bari ABMM, Islam MS, Pal SC, Islam A, Choudhury TR, Rakib MRJ, Idris AM, Malafaia G. Personal protective equipment-derived pollution during Covid-19 era: A critical review of ecotoxicology impacts, intervention strategies, and future challenges. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 887:164164. [PMID: 37187394 PMCID: PMC10182863 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, people used personal protective equipment (PPE) to lessen the spread of the virus. The release of microplastics (MPs) from discarded PPE is a new threat to the long-term health of the environment and poses challenges that are not yet clear. PPE-derived MPs have been found in multi-environmental compartments, e.g., water, sediments, air, and soil across the Bay of Bengal (BoB). As COVID-19 spreads, healthcare facilities use more plastic PPE, polluting aquatic ecosystems. Excessive PPE use releases MPs into the ecosystem, which aquatic organisms ingest, distressing the food chain and possibly causing ongoing health problems in humans. Thus, post-COVID-19 sustainability depends on proper intervention strategies for PPE waste, which have received scholarly interest. Although many studies have investigated PPE-induced MPs pollution in the BoB countries (e.g., India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar), the ecotoxicity impacts, intervention strategies, and future challenges of PPE-derived waste have largely gone unnoticed. Our study presents a critical literature review covering the ecotoxicity impacts, intervention strategies, and future challenges across the BoB countries (e.g., India (162,034.45 tons), Bangladesh (67,996 tons), Sri Lanka (35,707.95 tons), and Myanmar (22,593.5 tons). The ecotoxicity impacts of PPE-derived MPs on human health and other environmental compartments are critically addressed. The review's findings infer a gap in the 5R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Redesign, and Restructure) Strategy's implementation in the BoB coastal regions, hindering the achievement of UN SDG-12. Despite widespread research advancements in the BoB, many questions about PPE-derived MPs pollution from the perspective of the COVID-19 era still need to be answered. In response to the post-COVID-19 environmental remediation concerns, this study highlights the present research gaps and suggests new research directions considering the current MPs' research advancements on COVID-related PPE waste. Finally, the review suggests a framework for proper intervention strategies for reducing and monitoring PPE-derived MPs pollution in the BoB countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehedi Hasan
- Department of Disaster Management, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur 5400, Bangladesh
| | - Abu Reza Md Towfiqul Islam
- Department of Disaster Management, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur 5400, Bangladesh; Department of Development Studies, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1216, Bangladesh.
| | | | - Md Naimur Rahman
- Department of Geography and Environmental Science, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur 5400, Bangladesh
| | - Susmita Datta Peu
- Department of Agriculture, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur 5200, Bangladesh
| | - Arnob Das
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology, 6 Rajshahi 6204, Bangladesh
| | - A B M Mainul Bari
- Department of Industrial and Production Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Md Saiful Islam
- Department of Soil Science, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Dumki, Patuakhali 8602, Bangladesh
| | - Subodh Chandra Pal
- Department of Geography, The University of Burdwan, Bardhaman 713104, West Bengal, India
| | - Aznarul Islam
- Department of Geography, Aliah University, 17 Gorachand Road, Kolkata 700 014, West Bengal, India.
| | - Tasrina Rabia Choudhury
- Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, Chemistry Division, Atomic Energy Centre Dhaka (AECD), Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Md Refat Jahan Rakib
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Abubakr M Idris
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 62529, Saudi Arabia; Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Guilherme Malafaia
- Post-Graduation Program in Conservation of Cerrado Natural Resources, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Ecology, Conservation, and Biodiversity, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Biotechnology and Biodiversity, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil.
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6
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Requena-Sanchez NP, Carbonel D, Demel L, Moonsammy S, Richter A, Mahmud TS, Ng KTW. A multi-jurisdictional study on the quantification of COVID-19 household plastic waste in six Latin American countries. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:93295-93306. [PMID: 37505388 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28949-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
This study examines urban plastic waste generation using a citizen science approach in six Latin American countries during a global pandemic. The objectives are to quantify generation rates of masks, gloves, face shields, and plastic bags in urban households using online survey and perform a systematic cross-jurisdiction comparisons in these Latin American countries. The per capita total mask generation rates ranged from 0.179 to 0.915 mask cap-1 day-1. A negative correlation between the use of gloves and masks is observed. Using the average values, the approximate proportion of masks, gloves, shields, and single-use plastic bags was 34:5:1:84. We found that most studies overestimated face mask disposal rate in Latin America due to the simplifying assumptions on the number of masks discarded per person, masking prevalence rate, and average mask weight. Unlike other studies, end-of-life PPE quantities were directly counted and reported by the survey participants. Both of the conventional weight-based estimates and the proposed participatory survey are recommended in quantifying COVID waste. Participant' perception based on the Likert scale is generally consistent with the waste amount generated. Waste policy and regulation appear to be important in daily waste generation rate. The results highlight the importance of using measured data in waste estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norvin Plumieer Requena-Sanchez
- Integrated Waste Management for Sustainable Development (GIRDS), Faculty of Environmental Engineering, National University of Engineering, Av. Túpac Amaru 210, Rímac, 15333, Lima, Peru
| | - Dalia Carbonel
- Integrated Waste Management for Sustainable Development (GIRDS), Faculty of Environmental Engineering, National University of Engineering, Av. Túpac Amaru 210, Rímac, 15333, Lima, Peru
| | - Larissa Demel
- United Nations Development Program, Apartado, 0816-1914, Panama, Panama
| | - Stephan Moonsammy
- Department of Environmental Studies, Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Guyana, RV6J+XV8, Turkeyen Campus, Georgetown, Guyana
| | - Amy Richter
- Environmental Systems Engineering, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4S 0A2, Canada
| | - Tanvir Shahrier Mahmud
- Environmental Systems Engineering, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4S 0A2, Canada
| | - Kelvin Tsun Wai Ng
- Environmental Systems Engineering, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4S 0A2, Canada.
- Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4S 0A2, Canada.
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7
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Botero CM, Palacios MA, Souza Filho JR, Milanes CB. Beach litter in three South American countries: A baseline for restarting monitoring and cleaning after COVID-19 closure. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 191:114915. [PMID: 37084613 PMCID: PMC10099211 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused that most countries established the closure of many beaches, affecting the scientific monitoring of thousands of coastal sectors. This article shows the status of beach litter in South America before and after COVID-19 closure. The data were obtained during the years 2019, 2020 and 2022 on 25 beaches using a technique BLAT-QQ. The results show that cigarette butts were the most frequent type of litter, meanwhile Brazil should improve cleanliness of general gross litter and gross polystyrene. Colombia gross vegetation litter and small vegetation litter, and Ecuador organic litter from animals. The results shown in qualitative and quantitative manner facilitate their understanding for managers, scholars and activists interested on beach litter monitoring. This baseline is useful to analyse regional and worldwide marine litter trends with the purpose to start or restart monitoring of tourist beaches from a science-based method.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Botero
- Coastal Systems Research Group, Playas Corporación Ltd., Santa Marta, Colombia; Faculty of Management, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - M A Palacios
- Marine and Environmental Faculty, Universidad Del Pacífico, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - J R Souza Filho
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia Baiano - IFBAIANO, Bahia, Brazil
| | - C B Milanes
- GeMarc and GESSA Research Groups, Civil and Environmental Department, Universidad de la Costa, Barranquilla, Colombia; Coiba Scientific Station (Coiba AIP), Panama City, Panama.
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8
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Rejeb A, Rejeb K, Appolloni A, Treiblmaier H, Iranmanesh M. Circular Economy Research in the COVID-19 Era: a Review and the Road Ahead. CIRCULAR ECONOMY AND SUSTAINABILITY 2023:1-31. [PMID: 37360377 PMCID: PMC10042431 DOI: 10.1007/s43615-023-00265-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
The onset of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in a major crisis that has severely impacted numerous economic, environmental, and social aspects of human life. During the pandemic, the potential of the circular economy (CE) has gained increasing attention as a prospective remedy for numerous sustainability problems. This systematic literature review charts CE research in the COVID-19 era. To this end, 160 journal articles were selected from the Scopus database. The performance indicators of the literature were determined and described through a bibliometric analysis. Moreover, the conceptual structure of CE research was identified via a keyword co-occurrence network. Based on bibliographic coupling, the focus of CE research in the COVID-19 era revolves mainly around five thematic areas, including: (1) waste management; (2) digitalization and sustainable supply chain management; (3) the impact of COVID-19 on food systems; (4) sustainable development goals, smart cities, and bioeconomy; and (5) closed-loop supply chains. Overall, this review contributes to enriching the literature by determining the main thematic areas and future research directions that can help to advance the transition to the CE and reduce the impact of COVID-19 and similar disasters in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abderahman Rejeb
- Department of Management and Law, Faculty of Economics, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Columbia, 2, Rome, 00133 Italy
| | - Karim Rejeb
- Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, Zarzouna, Bizerte 7021 Tunisia
| | - Andrea Appolloni
- Department of Management and Law, Faculty of Economics, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Columbia, 2, Rome, 00133 Italy
- School of Management, Cranfield University, MK43 0AL Cranfield, Bedford, UK
| | - Horst Treiblmaier
- School of International Management, Modul University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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9
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Samadhiya K, Ghosh A, Bhatnagar A, Bala K. Effect of acute vs chronic stress on Polyhydroxybutyrate production by indigenous cyanobacterium. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 227:416-423. [PMID: 36563801 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.12.177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Fossil-based plastic has become a global-threat due to its high stability and transformation into more lethal forms such as micro plastics with time. An alternative should be found to combat this global enemy. Polyhydroxybutyrate or PHB can be such an alternative to plastic. Present study explores the synthesis of PHB in Neowollea manoromense, using two different cultivation-approaches: acute and chronic stress. This study has used 6 carbon sources and 3 different level of phosphate to study the accumulation of PHB along with lipid, carbohydrate, and proteins. Highest PHB in chronic-stress was achieved under glucose supplementation without phosphate at 21st day (156.5 ± 22.5 μg/mg), whereas in acute-stress, it was achieved under acetate without phosphate (91.0 ± 2.7 μg/mg). Despite higher accumulation in chronic-stress, high PHB productivity was achieved in acute-stress. Principal Component Analysis suggests that all the variables were positively correlated with each other. Here we first report PHB accumulation in Neowollea manoromense. This study highlights that acute-stress can be a powerful tool in establishment of a sustainable cyanobacteria based bio refinery for PHB production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanchan Samadhiya
- Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, 453552, India
| | - Atreyee Ghosh
- Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, 453552, India
| | - Amit Bhatnagar
- Department of Separation Science, LUT School of Engineering Science, LUT University, Finland
| | - Kiran Bala
- Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, 453552, India.
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10
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Praet E, Baeza-Álvarez J, De Veer D, Holtmann-Ahumada G, Jones JS, Langford S, Dearte JM, Schofield J, Thiel M, Wyles KJ. Bottle with a message: The role of story writing as an engagement tool to explore children's perceptions of marine plastic litter. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 186:114457. [PMID: 36525759 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114457] [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: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
As human behaviors play a crucial role in addressing the global threat of plastic pollution, it is vital to understand perceptions about marine plastic litter (MPL) and to develop interventions encouraging pro-environmental behaviors (PEBs). This study evaluates story writing as a window to explore perceptions and as an engagement activity to boost PEBs. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, schoolchildren from the East Pacific coast participated in this activity, each creating a story and answering a pre-post survey. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of 81 stories and 79 surveys show awareness of sources and impacts. Participants identified land and local pollution as significant contributors to MPL and emphasized bio-ecological impacts, reflecting concern for landscape and wildlife. While the stories presented a diversity of solutions, recycling dominated the surveys. As participants reported an increase in self-assessed knowledge and improved PEBs after this activity, it can be seen as an engagement tool to encourage behavior change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estelle Praet
- Department of Archaeology, University of York, York, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
| | - Jostein Baeza-Álvarez
- Facultad Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Diamela De Veer
- Facultad Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile
| | | | - Jen S Jones
- Galapagos Conservation Trust, London, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Sarah Langford
- Galapagos Conservation Trust, London, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | | | - John Schofield
- Department of Archaeology, University of York, York, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Martin Thiel
- Facultad Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile; Millennium Nucleus Ecology and Sustainable Management of Oceanic Island (ESMOI), Coquimbo, Chile; Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Áridas (CEAZA), Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Kayleigh J Wyles
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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11
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Kouvara K, Papatheodorou G, Kosmopoulou A, Giovos I, Charitou A, Filippides A, Kaberi H, Kalaitzi L, Kyrkitsos F, Koundouri P, Triantafyllou C, Gletsos M, Fakiris E, Geraga M. COVID-19-related litter pollution on Greek beaches and nearshore shallow water environments. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 185:114250. [PMID: 36274560 PMCID: PMC9561433 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114250] [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: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in certain types of litter, many of which are expected to end up in the marine environment. The present study aimed to monitor the pandemic-related litter pollution along the Greek coastal environment. Overall, 59 beach and 83 underwater clean-ups were conducted. Litter was categorized as: PPE (face masks and gloves), COVID-19-related, single-use plastic (SUP) and takeaway items. PPE, dominated by face masks (86.21 %), accounted for 0.29 % of all litter. The average PPE density was 3.1 × 10-3 items m-2 and 2.59 items/ 100 m. COVID-19-related items represented 1.04 % of the total. Wet wipes showed higher densities (0.67 % of all litter) than in the pre-COVID era, while no increase in SUP and takeaway items was observed. Benthic PPE, dominated by gloves (83.95 %), represented 0.26 % of the total. The mean PPE density was 2.5 × 10-3 items m-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantina Kouvara
- Laboratory of Marine Geology and Physical Oceanography, Department of Geology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - George Papatheodorou
- Laboratory of Marine Geology and Physical Oceanography, Department of Geology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece.
| | | | - Ioannis Giovos
- iSea, Environmental Organization for the Preservation of the Aquatic Ecosystems, 54645 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Anastasia Charitou
- iSea, Environmental Organization for the Preservation of the Aquatic Ecosystems, 54645 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Helen Kaberi
- Institute of Oceanography, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), 19013 Anavyssos, Greece
| | | | - Filippos Kyrkitsos
- Ecological Recycling Society, Νon-profit Οrganization, 10432 Athens, Greece
| | - Phoebe Koundouri
- Department of International and European Economic Studies, Athens University of Economics and Business, 10434, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Miltos Gletsos
- Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (HSPN), 10557 Athens, Greece
| | - Elias Fakiris
- Laboratory of Marine Geology and Physical Oceanography, Department of Geology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Maria Geraga
- Laboratory of Marine Geology and Physical Oceanography, Department of Geology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
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12
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Wang X, Liu Z, Yan R, Wang H, Zhang M. Quantitative analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on ship visiting behaviors to ports- A framework and a case study. OCEAN & COASTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 230:106377. [PMID: 36212805 PMCID: PMC9527221 DOI: 10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2022.106377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak leads to a significant downturn in the global economy and supply chain. In the maritime sector, trade volume slumped by 3.8% in 2020 compared with 2019. To explore the impacts of COVID-19 on ship visiting behaviors, a framework is proposed to analyze the impact of COVID-19 on port traffic using Automatic Identification System (AIS) data. Firstly, a ship travel behavior-based model is proposed to identify the vessel anchoring and berthing. Then, the diversity in vessel anchoring and berthing time are analyzed, reflecting the impact of COVID-19. The port congestion caused by COVID-19 is quantified by accounting for the number of visiting ships and their residence time. Finally, a case study is carried out on vessels in the Beibu Gulf, China, operating from 2019 to 2020. The results show that the average anchoring time and berthing time increase by 62% and 11% for cargo ships and by 112% and 63% for oil tankers after the outbreak of COVID-19 compared with that before COVID-19. And the density of ships increases in the port area in 2020. Accordingly, the relevant improvements and countermeasures are proposed to reduce the adverse impact of the epidemic on the port navigation system. The paper has the potential to provide a reference for port management and improving port navigation efficiency in the post-pandemic era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Inland Shipping Technology, School of Navigation, Wuhan University of Technology, Hubei, China
| | - Zhao Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Inland Shipping Technology, School of Navigation, Wuhan University of Technology, Hubei, China
| | - Ran Yan
- Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Mingyang Zhang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Marine Technology Group, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
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13
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Prevalence of Covid-19 personal protective equipment in aquatic systems and impact on associated fauna. ENVIRONMENT SYSTEMS AND DECISIONS 2022; 42:328-337. [PMID: 35342685 PMCID: PMC8941298 DOI: 10.1007/s10669-022-09851-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The use and undesignated disposal of COVID-19 related personal protective equipments (PPEs) has resulted in a spike in the global mismanagement of plastic waste. Moreover, the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has not only affected the socio-economic state of the world but is contributing significantly to the already existing aquatic pollution dilemma. Consequently, PPE litter is an emerging pollutant in aquatic ecosystems that warrants significant attention. This review endeavoured to present a synopsis of the global mismanagement of PPE waste and highlight the devastating ramifications of the ensuing environment. The paper reveals that PPE litter is indeed negatively impacting environmental systems on varying levels around the globe. Furthermore, peak plastic loads are transported by Asian rivers and are deposited into the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Beaches and seabed are the major sinks of COVID-19 PPE litter making benthic organisms to be the most vulnerable. More studies need to be undertaken to monitor aquatic resources to get a detailed overview of COVID-19 PPE litter in the environment.
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14
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Zhang H, Wang Q, Chen J, Rangel-Buitrago N, Shu Y. Cruise tourism in the context of COVID-19: Dilemmas and solutions. OCEAN & COASTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 228:106321. [PMID: 35990780 PMCID: PMC9376310 DOI: 10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2022.106321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 cases on international cruise ships have attracted extensive attention from the international community as well as the world's tourism and shipping industry. This virus highlighted the plight that must be faced by cruise ships in complicated times and situations such as pandemics. The comparative method is adopted to analyze the management measures taken by the "Diamond Princess", "Costa Serena", "Westerdam" and "Grand Princess" cruises in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and then to summarize the common dilemmas faced by these cruise ships, including defects of their internal environment, unclear health-care obligations during an epidemic, weak collaboration between the parties involved and their limited performance, and widespread infodemic and unfavorable public opinion. Given these dilemmas, measures are suggested to deal with the "cruise dilemma", including establishing and defining isolation standards on boards, enhancing the capacity of international organizations, the international community's joint response to the pandemic, promoting cooperation between countries, building an effective mechanism for the broad participation of the whole society, and standardizing the release of information and reasonably guiding public social opinion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hu Zhang
- School of International Law, East China University of Political Science and Law, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiuwen Wang
- School of International Law, East China University of Political Science and Law, Shanghai, China
| | - Jihong Chen
- College of Management, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen International Maritime Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Nelson Rangel-Buitrago
- Programas de Fisica y Biologia, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad del, Atlántico, Barranquilla, Atlántico, Colombia
| | - Yaqing Shu
- School of Navigation, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, China
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15
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Vieira IRS, de Carvalho APAD, Conte-Junior CA. Recent advances in biobased and biodegradable polymer nanocomposites, nanoparticles, and natural antioxidants for antibacterial and antioxidant food packaging applications. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf 2022; 21:3673-3716. [PMID: 35713102 DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.12990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) and natural antioxidant compounds are an emerging trend in the food industry. Incorporating these substances in biobased and biodegradable matrices as polysaccharides (e.g., starch, cellulose, and chitosan) and proteins has highlighted the potential in active food packaging applications due to more significant antimicrobial, antioxidant, UV blocking, oxygen scavenging, water vapor permeability effects, and low environmental impact. In recent years, the migration of metal NPs and metal oxides in food contact packaging and their toxicological potential have raised concerns about the safety of the nanomaterials. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the main biobased and biodegradable polymer nanocomposites, inorganic NPs, natural antioxidants, and their potential use in active food packaging. The intrinsic properties of NPs and natural antioxidant actives in packaging materials are evaluated to extend shelf-life, safety, and food quality. Toxicological and safety aspects of inorganic NPs are highlighted to understand the current controversy on applying some nanomaterials in food packaging. The synergism of inorganic NPs and plant-derived natural antioxidant actives (e.g., vitamins, polyphenols, and carotenoids) and essential oils (EOs) potentiated the antibacterial and antioxidant properties of biodegradable nanocomposite films. Biodegradable packaging films based on green NPs-this is biosynthesized from plant extracts-showed suitable mechanical and barrier properties and had a lower environmental impact and offered efficient food protection. Furthermore, AgNPs and TiO2 NPs released metal ions from packaging into contents insufficiently to cause harm to human cells, which could be helpful to understanding critical gaps and provide progress in the packaging field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Italo Rennan Sousa Vieira
- Analytical and Molecular Laboratorial Center (CLAn), Institute of Chemistry (IQ), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Center for Food Analysis (NAL), Technological Development Support Laboratory (LADETEC), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Laboratory of Advanced Analysis in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (LAABBM), Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Food Science (PPGCAL), Institute of Chemistry (IQ), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Chemistry (PGQu), Institute of Chemistry (IQ), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Anna Paula Azevedo de de Carvalho
- Analytical and Molecular Laboratorial Center (CLAn), Institute of Chemistry (IQ), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Center for Food Analysis (NAL), Technological Development Support Laboratory (LADETEC), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Laboratory of Advanced Analysis in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (LAABBM), Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Food Science (PPGCAL), Institute of Chemistry (IQ), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Chemistry (PGQu), Institute of Chemistry (IQ), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Carlos Adam Conte-Junior
- Analytical and Molecular Laboratorial Center (CLAn), Institute of Chemistry (IQ), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Center for Food Analysis (NAL), Technological Development Support Laboratory (LADETEC), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Laboratory of Advanced Analysis in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (LAABBM), Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Food Science (PPGCAL), Institute of Chemistry (IQ), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Chemistry (PGQu), Institute of Chemistry (IQ), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Veterinary Hygiene (PPGHV), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Vital Brazil Filho, Niterói, RJ, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Sanitary Surveillance (PPGVS), National Institute of Health Quality Control (INCQS), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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16
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Hatami T, Rakib MRJ, Madadi R, De-la-Torre GE, Idris AM. Personal protective equipment (PPE) pollution in the Caspian Sea, the largest enclosed inland water body in the world. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 824:153771. [PMID: 35182619 PMCID: PMC8848538 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a still ongoing international health and sanity crisis. In the current scenario, the actions taken by the national authorities and the public prioritized measures to control the transmission of the virus, such as social distancing, and face mask-wearing. Unfortunately, due to the debilitated waste management systems and incorrect disposal of single-use face masks and other types of personal protective equipment (PPE), the occurrence of these types of items has led to the exacerbation of marine plastic pollution. Although various studies have focused on surveying marine coasts for PPE pollution, studies on inland water are largely lacking. In order to fill this knowledge gap, the present study assessed PPE pollution in the Iranian coast of the Caspian Sea, the largest enclosed inland water body in the world by following standard monitoring procedures. The results concerning the density (1.02 × 10-4 PPE/m2) composition (face masks represented 95.3% of all PPE) of PPE are comparable to previous studies in marine waters. However, a notable decrease in the occurrence of PPE was observed, probably to behavioral and seasonality reasons. The possible consequences of PPE pollution were discussed, although much more research is needed regarding the ecotoxicological aspects of secondary PPE contaminants, such as microplastics and chemical additives. It is expected that face mask mandates will be eventually halted, and PPE will stop being emitted to the environment. However, based on the lessons learned from the COVID-19 scenario, several recommendations for coastal solid waste management are provided. These are proposed to serve during and after the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Hatami
- School of Environment, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Md Refat Jahan Rakib
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh.
| | - Reyhane Madadi
- Environmental Research Laboratory, School of Civil Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gabriel E De-la-Torre
- Grupo de Investigación de Biodiversidad, Medio Ambiente y Sociedad, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, Peru.
| | - Abubakr M Idris
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia; Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
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17
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Aragaw TA, De-la-Torre GE, Teshager AA. Personal protective equipment (PPE) pollution driven by the COVID-19 pandemic along the shoreline of Lake Tana, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 820:153261. [PMID: 35065109 PMCID: PMC8787314 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Personal protective equipment (PPE) pollution has become one of the most pending environmental challenges resulting from the pandemic. While various studies investigated PPE pollution in the marine environment, freshwater bodies have been largely overlooked. In the present study, PPE monitoring was carried out in the vicinity of Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia. PPE density, types, and chemical composition (FTIR spectroscopy) were reported. A total of 221 PPEs were identified with a density ranging from 1.22 × 10-5 PPE m-2 (control site S1) to 2.88× 10-4 PPE m-2 with a mean density of 1.54 × 10-4 ± 2.58 × 10-5 PPE m-2. Mismanaged PPE waste was found in all the sampling sites, mostly consisting of surgical face masks (93.7%). Statistical analyzes revealed significantly higher PPE densities in sites where several recreational, touristic, and commercial activities take place, thus, revealing the main sources of PPE pollution. Furthermore, polypropylene and polyester fabrics were identified as the main components of surgical and reusable cloth masks, respectively. Given the hazard that PPEs represent to aquatic biota (e.g., entanglement, ingestion) and their ability to release microplastics (MPs), it is necessary to implement sufficient solid waste management plans and infrastructure where lake activities take place. Additionally, local authorities must promote and ensure sustainable tourism in order to maintain the ecosystems in Lake Tana. Prospective research priorities regarding the colonization and degradation of PPE, as well as the release of toxic chemicals, were identified and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadele Assefa Aragaw
- Faculty of Chemical and Food Engineering, Bahir Dar Institute of Technology, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.
| | - Gabriel E De-la-Torre
- Grupo de Investigación de Biodiversidad, Medio Ambiente y Sociedad, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, Peru
| | - Alebel A Teshager
- Faculty of Chemical and Food Engineering, Bahir Dar Institute of Technology, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
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18
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Eisfeld-Pierantonio SM, Pierantonio N, Simmonds MP. The impact of marine debris on cetaceans with consideration of plastics generated by the COVID-19 pandemic. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 300:118967. [PMID: 35134431 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.118967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The accumulation of human-derived debris in the oceans is a global concern and a serious threat to marine wildlife. There is a volume of evidence that points to deleterious effects of marine debris (MD) on cetaceans in terms of both entanglement and ingestion. This review suggests that about 68% of cetacean species are affected by interacting with MD with an increase in the number of species reported to have interacted with it over the past decades. Despite the growing body of evidence, there is an ongoing debate on the actual effects of plastics on cetaceans and, in particular, with reference to the ingestion of microplastics and their potential toxicological and pathogenic effects. Current knowledge suggests that the observed differences in the rate and nature of interactions with plastics are the result of substantial differences in species-specific diving and feeding strategies. Existing projections on the production, use and disposal of plastics suggest a further increase of marine plastic pollution. In this context, the contribution of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic to marine plastic pollution appears to be substantial, with potentially serious consequences for marine life including cetaceans. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic offers an opportunity to investigate the direct links between industry, human behaviours and the effects of MD on cetaceans. This could help inform management, prevention efforts, describe knowledge gaps and guide advancements in research efforts. This review highlights the lack of assessments of population-level effects related to MD and suggests that these could be rather immediate for small populations already under pressure from other anthropogenic activities. Finally, we suggest that MD is not only a pollution, economic and social issue, but also a welfare concern for the species and populations involved.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nino Pierantonio
- Tethys Research Institute, Viale G. B. Gadio 2, 20121, Milano, Italy.
| | - Mark P Simmonds
- Bristol Veterinary School Langford House, Langford, Bristol, BS40 5DU, UK; OceanCare, PO Box 372, 8820, Wadenswill, Switzerland.
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19
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Sojobi AO, Zayed T. Impact of sewer overflow on public health: A comprehensive scientometric analysis and systematic review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 203:111609. [PMID: 34216613 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Sewer overflow (SO), which has attracted global attention, poses serious threat to public health and ecosystem. SO impacts public health via consumption of contaminated drinking water, aerosolization of pathogens, food-chain transmission, and direct contact with fecally-polluted rivers and beach sediments during recreation. However, no study has attempted to map the linkage between SO and public health including Covid-19 using scientometric analysis and systematic review of literature. Results showed that only few countries were actively involved in SO research in relation to public health. Furthermore, there are renewed calls to scale up environmental surveillance to safeguard public health. To safeguard public health, it is important for public health authorities to optimize water and wastewater treatment plants and improve building ventilation and plumbing systems to minimize pathogen transmission within buildings and transportation systems. In addition, health authorities should formulate appropriate policies that can enhance environmental surveillance and facilitate real-time monitoring of sewer overflow. Increased public awareness on strict personal hygiene and point-of-use-water-treatment such as boiling drinking water will go a long way to safeguard public health. Ecotoxicological studies and health risk assessment of exposure to pathogens via different transmission routes is also required to appropriately inform the use of lockdowns, minimize their socio-economic impact and guide evidence-based welfare/social policy interventions. Soft infrastructures, optimized sewer maintenance and prescreening of sewer overflow are recommended to reduce stormwater burden on wastewater treatment plant, curtail pathogen transmission and marine plastic pollution. Comprehensive, integrated surveillance and global collaborative efforts are important to curtail on-going Covid-19 pandemic and improve resilience against future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tarek Zayed
- Department of Building and Real Estate, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
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20
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Li S, Ding J, Zheng X, Sui Y. Beach tourists behavior and beach management strategy under the ongoing prevention and control of the COVID-19 pandemic: A case study of Qingdao, China. OCEAN & COASTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 215:105974. [PMID: 34803244 PMCID: PMC8590499 DOI: 10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2021.105974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The sudden outbreak of COVID-19 has led beach tourism to a complete halt in January 2020, disrupting millions of livelihoods and businesses. Due to the economic importance of beach tourism, many governments reopened tourist beaches after the number of confirmed cases decreased. It is essential to open beaches orderly to meet the needs of tourists, maintain beach's health and restore coastal economy under the new reality. This paper selected Qingdao in China as a case study, drew on a questionnaire survey among beach tourists, summarized the effects of the COVID-19 on beach tourism industry and tourism enterprise, analyzed beach tourists' psychology and behavior, and developed beach management strategy under the ongoing prevention and control of COVID-19. The results showed that the COVID-19 pandemic caused severe damage to beach tourism which bases on travel and mobility, and this industry was temporarily suspended. With the changing epidemic situation, beach tourism witnessed a gradual recovery from stagnation to local tourism. Meanwhile, tourism enterprises were hit by the devastating impact of the COVID-19, causing problems such as business reduction, tense cash flow, high operating cost and unclear market prospect. Under the normalization of pandemic prevention, tourists did not have severe fear and anxiety about the pandemic, and placed great importance on the prevention and control measures, emergency measures and pandemic risk level of the beach destination. The pandemic also reshaped the perception and mode of beach tourism. Ecological tourism, travelling with family, and local tourism became the primary choices for tourists. Beach congestion, health status, and the quality of tourism services were the biggest concerns for tourists. Additionally, social media and short video APP became the new marketing channels. Finally, beach management strategies were proposed from the aspects of pandemic prevention and control, emergency management, information communication, tourist management, service management, and environmental management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujuan Li
- Management College, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, PR China
- Ocean Development Research Institute, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, PR China
| | - Jiaqi Ding
- Management College, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, PR China
| | - Xin Zheng
- Management College, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, PR China
| | - Yuzheng Sui
- College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266033, PR China
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21
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Face mask waste generation and management during the COVID-19 pandemic: An overview and the Peruvian case. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 786. [PMCID: PMC8105123 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has driven massive consumption of personal protective equipment (PPE) worldwide. Single-use face masks are one of the most used PPE to prevent the transmission of the virus. However, mismanagement of such materials threatens the environment with a new form of plastic pollution. Researchers argue that it is necessary to develop and implement innovative ways to manage and recycle PPE in order to reduce their impacts on the environment. In the present work, we have reviewed and discussed the recent development of sustainable face mask alternatives and recycling and repurposing routes under the COVID-19 pandemic context. Moreover, we have conducted estimations of the daily face mask waste generation in Peru, a developing country struggling with a poor solid waste management framework and infrastructure. Unlike previous studies, our equation incorporates the “economically active population” variable in order to provide more precise estimations, while evaluating single-use and reusable scenarios. The scenarios of incorporating reusable face masks significantly reduced the amount of solid waste generated in Peru. In situ evidence shows that face masks are polluting the streets and beaches of Peru, probably driven by mismanagement and poor environmental awareness.
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22
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Perillo GME, Botero CM, Milanes CB, Elliff CI, Cervantes O, Zielinski S, Bombana B, Glavovic BC. Integrated coastal zone management in the context of COVID-19. OCEAN & COASTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 210:105687. [PMID: 34007124 PMCID: PMC8118659 DOI: 10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2021.105687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
With the increasing need for and emergence of research on ocean and coastal issues in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ocean & Coastal Management journal presents this Special Issue with relevant articles within the scope of Coastal Management in times of COVID-19. This Special Issue received 43 tentative abstracts, 29 manuscripts were submitted, and finally, 12 articles were accepted. We provide a wide panorama of those twelve articles that integrate the special issue, covering a diverse range of topics regarding coastal management in the COVID-19 pandemic. Seven papers are studies that discuss environmental and social problems during this time in coastal zones, while the other five explore the use of technology to face COVID-19 on beaches. These twelve articles give some insights to improve coastal management, focused on tourist beaches, natural disasters, and fisheries. In sum, this special issue offers an organized compendium of high-level articles, as a contribution to evolve towards the better ocean and coastal management within the rapid emerging of publications about COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerardo M E Perillo
- Member of the Ibero-American Beach Management and Certification Network - PROPLAYAS, Colombia
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía, Camino a la Carrindanga km 7, B8000FWB, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
- Departamento de Geología, Universidad Nacional del Sur, Av Alem 1253, 2 Piso of 202, B8000CTX, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Camilo M Botero
- Member of the Ibero-American Beach Management and Certification Network - PROPLAYAS, Colombia
- School of Law, Sergio Arboleda University, Santa Marta, Colombia
| | - Celene B Milanes
- Member of the Ibero-American Beach Management and Certification Network - PROPLAYAS, Colombia
- Civil and Environmental Department, Universidad de la Costa, Barranquilla, Colombia
| | - Carla I Elliff
- Member of the Ibero-American Beach Management and Certification Network - PROPLAYAS, Colombia
- Oceanographic Institute, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Omar Cervantes
- Member of the Ibero-American Beach Management and Certification Network - PROPLAYAS, Colombia
- Faculty of Marine Sciences, University of Colima, Manzanillo, Mexico
| | - Seweryn Zielinski
- Member of the Ibero-American Beach Management and Certification Network - PROPLAYAS, Colombia
- Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Sejong University, 209 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, 05006, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Briana Bombana
- Member of the Ibero-American Beach Management and Certification Network - PROPLAYAS, Colombia
- Grup de Recerca SGR-Interfase, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Carrer de la Fortuna s/n, 08193, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Bruce C Glavovic
- School of People, Environment and Planning, Massey University, New Zealand
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Bates AE, Mangubhai S, Milanés CB, Rodgers K, Vergara V. The COVID-19 pandemic as a pivot point for biological conservation. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5176. [PMID: 34462442 PMCID: PMC8405658 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25399-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 lockdown reduced human mobility and led to immediate insights into how humans impact nature. Yet the strongest ecological impacts are likely to come. As we emerge from the pandemic, governments should avoid prioritizing short-term economic gains that compromise ecosystems and the services they provide humanity. Instead, the pandemic can be a pivot point for societal transformation to value longer term ecosystem and economic sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda E Bates
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.
| | | | - Celene B Milanés
- Civil and Environmental Department, Universidad de la Costa, Barranquilla, Atlántico, Colombia
| | - Ku'ulei Rodgers
- University of Hawai'i, Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, Coral Reef Ecology Laboratory, Kane'ohe, HI, USA
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Rakib MRJ, De-la-Torre GE, Pizarro-Ortega CI, Dioses-Salinas DC, Al-Nahian S. Personal protective equipment (PPE) pollution driven by the COVID-19 pandemic in Cox's Bazar, the longest natural beach in the world. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 169:112497. [PMID: 34022562 PMCID: PMC9751443 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The extensive use of personal protective equipment (PPE) driven by the COVID-19 pandemic has become an important contributor to marine plastic pollution. However, there are very few studies quantifying and characterizing this type of pollution in coastal areas. In the present study, we monitored the occurrence of PPE (face masks, bouffant caps, and gloves) discarded in 13 sites along Cox's Bazar beach, the longest naturally occurring beach in the world. The vast majority of the items were face masks (97.9%), and the mean PPE density across sites was 6.29 × 10-3 PPE m-2. The presence of illegal dumping sites was the main source of PPE, which was mainly located on touristic/recreational beaches. Fishing activity contributed to PPE pollution at a lower level. Poor solid waste management practices in Cox's Bazar demonstrated to be a major driver of PPE pollution. The potential solutions and sustainable alternatives were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Refat Jahan Rakib
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh.
| | | | | | | | - Sultan Al-Nahian
- Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute, Ramu, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh
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