1
|
Smith CE, Gilby BL, van de Merwe J, Jones J, Tait H, Townsend KA. Predictive modelling reveals Australian continental risk hotspots for marine debris interactions with key threatened species. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2024; 30:e17313. [PMID: 38837834 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.17313] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Anthropogenic debris is a global threat that impacts threatened species through various lethal and sub-lethal consequences, as well as overall ecosystem health. This study used a database of over 24,000 beach surveys of marine debris collated by the Australian Marine Debris Initiative from 2012 to 2021, with two key objectives: (1) identify variables that most influence the occurrence of debris hotspots on a continental scale and (2) use these findings to identify likely hotspots of interaction between threatened species and marine debris. The number of particles found in each beach survey was modelled alongside fifteen biological, social, and physical spatial variables including land use, physical oceanography, population, rainfall, distance to waste facilities, ports, and mangroves to identify the significant drivers of debris deposition. The model of best fit for predicting debris particle abundance was calculated using a generalized additive model. Overall, debris was more abundant at sites near catchments with high annual rainfall (mm), intensive land use (km2), and that were nearer to ports (km) and mangroves (km). These results support previous studies which state that mangroves are a significant sink for marine debris, and that large ports and urbanized catchments are significant sources for marine debris. We illustrate the applicability of these models by quantifying significant overlap between debris hotspots and the distributions for four internationally listed threatened species that exhibit debris interactions; green turtle (26,868 km2), dugong (16,164 km2), Australian sea lion (2903 km2) and Flesh-footed Shearwater (2413 km2). This equates to less than 1% (Flesh-footed Shearwater, Australian sea lion), over 2% (green sea turtle) and over 5% (dugong) of their habitat being identified as areas of high risk for marine debris interactions. The results of this study hold practical value, informing decision-making processes, managing debris pollution at continental scales, as well as identifying gaps in species monitoring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin E Smith
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Hervey Bay, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ben L Gilby
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Petrie, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jason van de Merwe
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jodi Jones
- Tangaroa Blue Foundation, Australian Marine Debris Initiative Database, Dunsborough, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Heidi Tait
- Tangaroa Blue Foundation, Australian Marine Debris Initiative Database, Dunsborough, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Kathy A Townsend
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Hervey Bay, Queensland, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jayapala HPS, Jayasiri HB, Ranatunga RRMK, Perera IJJUN, Bellanthudawa BKA. Ecological ramifications of marine debris in mangrove ecosystems: Estimation of substrate coverage and physical effects of marine debris on mangrove ecosystem in Negombo Lagoon, Sri Lanka. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 201:116184. [PMID: 38412797 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116184] [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: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
The adverse environmental impacts on mangrove ecosystems due to anthropogenic marine debris contamination have attracted public attention not only in Sri Lanka but worldwide. Therefore, quantification of marine debris in sensitive ecosystems like mangroves is critical to assess the impacts on ecosystem vitality and services. We conducted this study to assess the abundance and density of marine debris in Negombo lagoon, Western Province, Sri Lanka. We selected two sites (n = 2) using the purposive sampling technique. Marine debris cover and concentration were calculated to explore the extent of pollution from marine debris. The findings revealed that 9.83 ± 1.05 % of the substrate of the mangrove ecosystem is covered by debris. Nine types of marine debris were recorded, and a higher abundance belonged to single-use plastic items. A significantly higher debris cover was found in Kadolkele (18.80 ± 1.74 %, n = 120) than in Molekadolwetiya (0.85 ± 0.03 %, n = 120) (One-way ANOVA, p < 0.05). The study indicated that the mangroves in lagoon are highly polluted with marine debris and act as "litter catchers." Correlation coefficient analysis was used to find the impact of debris cover on physical damage to roots, seedlings, and undergrowth vegetation. Correlation analysis revealed that physical damage to seedlings and branches/barks have a positive correlation with debris cover. To conserve these valuable coastal habitats in Negombo lagoon, it is recommended to take remedial measures to reduce arriving debris loads and to remove the debris present in mangroves.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - H B Jayasiri
- Ocean University of Sri Lanka, Colombo 15, Sri Lanka
| | - R R M K Ranatunga
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | - I J J U N Perera
- Department of Agricultural Engineering and Environmental Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Matara 81100, Sri Lanka
| | - B K A Bellanthudawa
- Department of Agricultural Engineering and Environmental Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Matara 81100, Sri Lanka.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Abd Rahim NH, Cannicci S, Ibrahim YS, Not C, Idris I, Mohd Jani J, Dahdouh-Guebas F, Satyanarayana B. Commercially important mangrove crabs are more susceptible to microplastic contamination than other brachyuran species. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 903:166271. [PMID: 37586534 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Brachyuran crabs are ecologically and economically important macrofauna in mangrove habitats. However, they are exposed to various contaminants, including plastics, which bioaccumulate in relation to their feeding modes. Setiu Wetlands is a unique place on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia where different ecosystems such as mangroves, lagoon, beaches, etc., are duly connected and influencing each other. In recent years, the shifted river mouth has threatened these wetlands, causing severe hydrodynamic changes in the lagoon, especially in the core mangrove zone. The present study tested microplastics (MPs) contamination in the mangroves through brachyuran crabs as indicators. Three sampling sites, namely Pulau Layat, Kampung Pengkalan Gelap, and Pulau Sutung were chosen. The four abundant crab species Parasesarma eumolpe, Metaplax elegans, Austruca annulipes, and Scylla olivacea, which display different feeding behaviours were collected from all sites covering the dry (Feb-Mar 2021) and the wet (Dec 2021-Jan 2022) seasonal periods. There were significant differences in the seasonal abundance of MPs among crab species. The highest accumulation of MPs in the crab stomachs in the dry season could be linked to subdued water circulation and poor material dispersion. Besides the lower MPs in the wet period due to improved water exchange conditions, its significant presence in the stomachs of S. olivacea indicates the role of its feeding behaviour as a carnivore. In addition, the micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (micro-FTIR) revealed the widespread occurrence of polymers such as rayon and polyester in all species across the sites. Given the fact that crabs like S. olivacea are commercially important and the ones contaminated with MPs can cause detrimental effects on the local community's health, further managerial actions are needed to assure sustainable management of the Setiu Wetlands.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nur Hannah Abd Rahim
- Mangrove Research Unit (MARU), Institute of Oceanography and Environment (INOS), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), Kuala Nerus 21300, Malaysia.
| | - Stefano Cannicci
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, 50019 Florence, Italy; Swire Institute for Marine Science, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Mangrove Specialist Group (MSG), Species Survival Commission (SSC), International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), c/o Zoological Society of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yusof Shuaib Ibrahim
- Mangrove Research Unit (MARU), Institute of Oceanography and Environment (INOS), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), Kuala Nerus 21300, Malaysia; Microplastic Research Interest Group (MRIG), Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), Kuala Nerus 21300, Malaysia
| | - Christelle Not
- Environmental Geochemistry & Oceanography Research Group, Department of Earth Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Izwandy Idris
- Mangrove Research Unit (MARU), Institute of Oceanography and Environment (INOS), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), Kuala Nerus 21300, Malaysia; South China Sea Repository and Reference Centre, Institute of Oceanography and Environment (INOS), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), Kuala Nerus 21300, Malaysia
| | - Jarina Mohd Jani
- Mangrove Research Unit (MARU), Institute of Oceanography and Environment (INOS), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), Kuala Nerus 21300, Malaysia; Biodiversity Conservation and Management Program, Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), Kuala Nerus 21300, Malaysia
| | - Farid Dahdouh-Guebas
- Mangrove Specialist Group (MSG), Species Survival Commission (SSC), International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), c/o Zoological Society of London, London, United Kingdom; Systems Ecology and Resource Management Research Unit (SERM), Université Libre de Bruxelles-ULB, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; Ecology & Biodiversity Research Unit, Department of Biology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel-VUB, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Behara Satyanarayana
- Mangrove Research Unit (MARU), Institute of Oceanography and Environment (INOS), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), Kuala Nerus 21300, Malaysia; Mangrove Specialist Group (MSG), Species Survival Commission (SSC), International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), c/o Zoological Society of London, London, United Kingdom; Systems Ecology and Resource Management Research Unit (SERM), Université Libre de Bruxelles-ULB, 1050 Brussels, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Fong J, Lee SHR, Sun Y, Lim CL, Tan YAJ, Tan YH, Neo ML. Litter traps: A comparison of four marine habitats as sinks for anthropogenic marine macro-litter in Singapore. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 196:115645. [PMID: 37862845 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115645] [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: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
The potential for marine litter being trapped in biodiverse marine habitats such as mangrove forests, seagrass meadows and coral reefs is poorly understood. This study presents the first comprehensive investigation on the status of macro-litter across four marine habitats in Singapore during the two monsoonal seasons. Overall, litter density did not vary considerably between the southwest and the northeast monsoon. The litter density in terms of count was generally lower in seagrass meadows and coral reefs compared to mangroves and beaches. Plastic was the major type of litter found across most habitat types. Notably, many fishing-related items were found on coral reefs, while drinking straws were abundant at the mangrove strandlines during the southwest monsoon. Foam fragments and cigarette butts were common at the beach strandlines. These results suggest that mangroves among other habitats examined here should be prioritised for clean-up efforts in order to restore these critical coastal habitats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Fong
- Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 18 Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119227, Singapore.
| | - Samuel Hsien Rong Lee
- Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 18 Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119227, Singapore
| | - Yuchen Sun
- Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 18 Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119227, Singapore
| | - Cheng Ling Lim
- Centre for International Law, National University of Singapore, 469A Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 259770, Singapore
| | - Yean Ai Jolin Tan
- Republic Polytechnic, 9 Woodlands Avenue 9, Singapore 738964, Singapore
| | - Yi Hong Tan
- Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 18 Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119227, Singapore
| | - Mei Lin Neo
- Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 18 Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119227, Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Riascos JM, Gomez N. A bioengineer in the city -the Darwinian fitness of fiddler crabs inhabiting plastic pollution hotspots. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 335:122254. [PMID: 37499967 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122254] [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: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Mangrove forests have been widely recognized as effective traps for plastic litter, which tends to accumulate in landward areas. In mangrove forests surrounding cities, plastic litter may increase up to two orders of magnitude. Therefore, crabs that process sediments for feeding and burrowing in landward areas are likely to be impacted by marine litter and other disturbances. As counterintuitive as it may seem, crabs are developing dense populations in urban mangroves from different countries, suggesting parallel adaptive processes related to the availability of anthropogenic food sources. To better understand this, we compared the loads of macroplastics within and between mangroves along an urban-rural-wild forest gradient in the Urabá Gulf, Colombian Caribbean. We then assessed if there is directional selection on crab phenotypes likely associated with human-provided food sources in urbanized forests. Finally, we evaluated the hypothesis that crabs in urban areas exhibit increased fecundity and survival - components of the Darwinian fitness - of female crabs in urban (versus wild) populations through three spawning seasons. Crabs in urban areas were larger (males), showed a healthier body condition (both sexes), and females had a larger reproductive lifespan than crabs in wild areas, strongly suggesting responses to the availability of predictable anthropogenic food subsidies in urban forests. Despite this, higher female fecundity was observed only during a spawning season. However, this short-lived increase in fecundity was offset by reduced survival among female crabs in urban forests, likely due to increased predation by birds, which appear to be emerging as dominant consumers in urban mangroves.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José M Riascos
- Corporación Académica Ambiental, Universidad de Antioquia-Sede Ciencias del Mar, Turbo, Antioquia, Colombia; Corporation Center of Excellence in Marine Sciences - CEMarin, Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - Nicolás Gomez
- Programa de Ecología de Zonas Costeras, Universidad de Antioquia-Sede Ciencias del Mar, Turbo, Colombia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Vorsatz LD, So MWK, Not C, Cannicci S. Anthropogenic debris pollution in peri-urban mangroves of South China: Spatial, seasonal, and environmental drivers in Hong Kong. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 195:115495. [PMID: 37708605 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115495] [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: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Excessive mismanaged debris along tropical coasts pose a threat to vulnerable mangrove ecosystems. Here, we examined the spatial, seasonal and environmental drivers of anthropogenic debris abundance and its potential ecological impact in peri-urban mangroves across Hong Kong. Seasonal surveys were conducted in both landward and seaward zones, with identification, along belt transects, of macrodebris (>5 mm) based on material type and use. Our results indicate spatial variability in debris abundance and distribution, with plastic being the predominant material type identified. Both plastic and non-plastic domestic items covered the most surface area. Debris aggregation was highest at the landward zones, consistent with the literature. In the dry season, more debris accumulated and covered greater surface area in both seaward and landward zones. These results confirm that land-derived debris from mismanaged waste, rather than debris coming from the Pearl River, is the primary source of anthropogenic debris pollution threatening Hong Kong's mangroves.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lyle Dennis Vorsatz
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa; The Swire Institute of Marine Science, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
| | - Mandy Wing Kwan So
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Department of Earth Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; School of Life Sciences & Earth and Environmental Sciences Programme, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Christelle Not
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Department of Earth Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Stefano Cannicci
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Department of Biology, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Cappa P, Walton MEM, Paler MKO, Taboada EB, Hiddink JG, Skov MW. Impact of mangrove forest structure and landscape on macroplastics capture. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 194:115434. [PMID: 37634347 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Complex networks of above-ground roots and trunks make mangrove forests trap plastic litter. We tested how macroplastics relate to tree biomass, root abundance, mangrove geomorphology and river mouth proximity, surveying landward and seaward margins of seven forests in the Philippines, a global hotspot for marine plastic pollution. Macroplastics were abundant (mean ± s.e.: 1.1 ± 0.22 items m-2; range: 0.05 ± 0.05 to 3.79 ± 1.91), greatest at the landward zone (mean ± s.e.: 1.60 ± 0.41 m-2) and dominated by land-derived items (sachets, bags). Plastic abundance and weight increased with proximity to river mouths, with root abundance predicting plastic litter surface area (i.e., the cumulative sum of all the surface areas of each plastic element per plot). The study confirms rivers are a major pathway for marine plastic pollution, with mangrove roots are the biological attribute that regulate litter retention. The results suggest land-based waste management that prevent plastics entering rivers will reduce marine plastic pollution in Southeast Asia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Cappa
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Isle of Anglesey LL595AB, UK.
| | - Mark E M Walton
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Isle of Anglesey LL595AB, UK
| | | | - Evelyn B Taboada
- School of Engineering, University of San Carlos, Talamban, Cebu City 6000, Philippines
| | - Jan G Hiddink
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Isle of Anglesey LL595AB, UK
| | - Martin W Skov
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Isle of Anglesey LL595AB, UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Tasseron P, Begemann F, Joosse N, van der Ploeg M, van Driel J, van Emmerik T. Amsterdam urban water system as entry point of river plastic pollution. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023:10.1007/s11356-023-26566-5. [PMID: 37191752 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-26566-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Accumulation of plastic litter in aquatic environments negatively impacts ecosystems and human livelihood. Urban areas are assumed to be the main source of plastic pollution in these environments because of high anthropogenic activity. Yet, the drivers of plastic emissions, abundance, and retention within these systems and subsequent transport to river systems are poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrate that urban water systems function as major contributors to river plastic pollution, and explore the potential driving factors contributing to the transport dynamics. Monthly visual counting of floating litter at six outlets of the Amsterdam water system results in an estimated 2.7 million items entering the closely connected IJ river annually, ranking it among the most polluting systems measured in the Netherlands and Europe. Subsequent analyses of environmental drivers (including rainfall, sunlight, wind speed, and tidal regimes) and litter flux showed very weak and insignificant correlations (r = [Formula: see text]0.19-0.16), implying additional investigation of potential drivers is required. High-frequency observations at various locations within the urban water system and advanced monitoring using novel technologies could be explored to harmonize and automate monitoring. Once litter type and abundance are well-defined with a clear origin, communication of the results with local communities and stakeholders could help co-develop solutions and stimulate behavioral change geared to reduce plastic pollution in urban environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Tasseron
- Hydrology and Quantitative Water Management Group, Wageningen University and Research, 6709 PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
- Amsterdam Institute for Advanced Metropolitan Solutions, 1018 JA, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Finn Begemann
- Hydrology and Quantitative Water Management Group, Wageningen University and Research, 6709 PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Nonna Joosse
- Hydrology and Quantitative Water Management Group, Wageningen University and Research, 6709 PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Martine van der Ploeg
- Hydrology and Quantitative Water Management Group, Wageningen University and Research, 6709 PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Joppe van Driel
- Amsterdam Institute for Advanced Metropolitan Solutions, 1018 JA, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tim van Emmerik
- Hydrology and Quantitative Water Management Group, Wageningen University and Research, 6709 PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Fang C, Zheng R, Hong F, Chen S, Chen G, Zhang M, Gao F, Chen J, Bo J. First evidence of meso- and microplastics on the mangrove leaves ingested by herbivorous snails and induced transcriptional responses. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 865:161240. [PMID: 36587672 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.161240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Although evidence suggests the ubiquity of meso- and microplastics (MMPs) in mangrove forests, our knowledge of their bioavailability and risk on mangrove leaves is scarce. Here, we investigated MMP contamination concerning submerged mangrove leaves and herbivorous snails that mainly feed on them from the four mangrove forests located in Beibu Gulf, Guangxi Province, China. Results showed that the MMP abundance on the mangrove leaves ranged from 0.01 ± 0.00 to 0.42 ± 0.15 items cm-2, while it ranged from 0.33 ± 0.21 to 6.20 ± 2.91 items individual-1 in the snails. There were significant positive correlations between snails and leaves regarding the abundance of total MMPs and the proportions of MMPs with the same characteristics. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) that mainly derived from aquaculture rafts, accounted for a major component both on the leaves and in the snails in Shi Jiao (SJ). Both the detection frequency and percentage of larger EPS (2.00-17.50 mm) on the leaves in SJ were higher than other sites. Meanwhile, the detection frequency, abundance and percentage of larger EPS on the leaves had significant positive correlations with those of micro-EPS in the snails. These findings suggested that mangrove leaves may represent a viable pathway for MMPs to enter the herbivorous snails. Larger EPS with higher frequency of occurrence on mangrove leaves were more likely to be encountered and ingested by snail considering its opportunistic feeding behavior. In addition, 11 sensitive genes involved in the processes of metabolism, intestinal mucosal immune systems, and cellular transduction in the snails were significantly suppressed by MMP exposure, which may be potentially used as early biomarkers to indicate the biological effects of MMPs under realistic environmental conditions. Overall, this study provides novel insights into the fate, sources, and biological effects of MMPs on mangrove leaves.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chao Fang
- Laboratory of Marine Biodiversity, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, China; Observation and Research Station of Coastal Wetland Ecosystem in Beibu Gulf, Ministry of Natural Resources, Beihai 536015, China
| | - Ronghui Zheng
- Laboratory of Marine Biodiversity, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Fukun Hong
- Laboratory of Marine Biodiversity, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Shunyang Chen
- Laboratory of Marine Biodiversity, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, China; Observation and Research Station of Coastal Wetland Ecosystem in Beibu Gulf, Ministry of Natural Resources, Beihai 536015, China
| | - Guangcheng Chen
- Laboratory of Marine Biodiversity, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, China; Observation and Research Station of Coastal Wetland Ecosystem in Beibu Gulf, Ministry of Natural Resources, Beihai 536015, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Laboratory of Marine Biodiversity, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Fulong Gao
- Laboratory of Marine Biodiversity, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Jincan Chen
- Laboratory of Marine Biodiversity, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, China; State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean & Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Jun Bo
- Laboratory of Marine Biodiversity, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, China.
| |
Collapse
|