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Haarr ML, Rydsaa J, Pires R, Espenes H, Hermansen S, Ghaffari P, Solbakken VS. Beach litter deposition and turnover, effects of tides and weather, and implications for cleanup strategies: A case study in the Lofoten archipelago, Norway. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 206:116720. [PMID: 39004056 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116720] [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: 05/05/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is ubiquitous in the marine environment. Beach cleanups are considered a cost-effective mitigative measure with generally few negative environmental impacts. Beached litter is not static, however, and may wash back out to sea or be buried, meaning it is only temporarily available for cleanup. We studied deposition and turnover of litter on three Arctic beaches in Lofoten, Norway, biweekly for 31 months. The mean estimated daily deposition rate was 10 items/100 m, with a median residence time of 99 days. Both processes were impacted by seasons and weather and varied both spatially and temporally. Strong winds during the fall increased litter influx and onshore winds contributed to its loss. Heavier objects and those higher on the beach persisted longer yet were still subject to turnover. Snow temporarily buries litter but protects it in the long run. Given the turnover of litter, frequent (albeit smaller) cleanups can readily remove 3-4 times more litter from circulation in the environment than larger, infrequent cleanups. With limited resources, it is recommended to prioritise late fall cleanups.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Johanne Rydsaa
- Salt Lofoten AS, Pb. 91, Fiskergata 23, 8301 Svolvær, Norway
| | - Rui Pires
- Salt Lofoten AS, Pb. 91, Fiskergata 23, 8301 Svolvær, Norway
| | - Håvard Espenes
- Akvaplan-niva AS, Framsenteret, Postbox 6606, Stakkevollan, 9296 Tromsø, Norway; SINTEF Ocean, Brattørkaia 17c, 7010 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Stine Hermansen
- Akvaplan-niva AS, Framsenteret, Postbox 6606, Stakkevollan, 9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Peygham Ghaffari
- Akvaplan-niva AS, Framsenteret, Postbox 6606, Stakkevollan, 9296 Tromsø, Norway
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2
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Rizzo L, Minichino R, Longo F, Sciutteri V, Pedà C, Consoli P, Crocetta F. Not only in the crowd: Benthic litter characterization in a low population density area still reveals widespread pollution and local malpractices. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 355:124262. [PMID: 38810686 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124262] [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: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Various anthropogenic activities affect marine coastal habitats, leading to heavy litter pollution. However, whilst high litter concentrations are nowadays common in the proximity of metropolises, few studies investigated the magnitude of this phenomenon around coastal villages and small towns. We hereby characterized the benthic litter occurring in the trawlable grounds of the Gulf of Policastro (Tyrrhenian Sea, central-western Mediterranean), a low population density area that becomes a popular tourist destination during summer. We furthermore tested differences between two depths (∼100-200 and ∼500-600 m) and the impact of tourism on the shallower waters. The area was characterized by a litter abundance of 651.12 ± 130.61 item/km2, with plastic being almost totalitarian (93%). The shallower waters hosted two-thirds of the litter found. Almost all (∼95%) the litter items had a land-based origin, while the sea-based litter was mostly found at higher depths. About 14% of the litter was found to be fouled, with the development of litter-associated communities that somehow mimic the natural ones living on hard substrates. The higher litter presence noticed during the touristic peak (July-August) suggests that tourism is an important source of local litter, although it contributed to the local accumulation in a synergic way with other factors. The majority of the litter items presumably originated from the nearby coastline, while the deeper waters were or are used as a dumping site by the local trawling fleet. The discovery of such a critical waste accumulation and management in a somehow remote area contributes to widen the perspectives on the presence of benthic litter mostly in territories characterized by wide anthropization. Moreover, it confirms that appropriate local policies and communication plans are urged even at a regional level to stimulate citizen consciousness and mitigate the ever growing litter pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Rizzo
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council (CNR-ISPA), Via Lecce Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy; Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, I-80121, Napoli, Italy; National Interuniversity Consortium for Marine Sciences (CoNISMa), Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196, Rome, Italy.
| | - Riccardo Minichino
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Sicily Marine Centre, Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Longo
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Sicily Marine Centre, Messina, Italy
| | - Valentina Sciutteri
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Sicily Marine Centre, Messina, Italy
| | - Cristina Pedà
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Calabria Marine Centre, Amendolara, Italy
| | - Pierpaolo Consoli
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Sicily Marine Centre, Messina, Italy
| | - Fabio Crocetta
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, I-80121, Napoli, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo Piazza Marina 61, I-90133, Palermo, Italy
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3
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Gunasekaran K, Mghili B, De-la-Torre GE, Sompongchaiyakul P, Rangel-Buitrago N, Wang X, Charoenpong C. First record of plastiglomerates, pyroplastics and plasticrusts along the beaches of Tamilnadu, Southeast coast of India. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 205:116594. [PMID: 38875967 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Plastic litter affects coastal and marine ecosystems globally. This study represents the first record of pyroplastics and plasticrust in the beaches of Tamil Nadu, India. All samples were FTIR spectroscopically examined to confirm the polymer composition of the suspected plastics. The 16 plastic formations were found in TamilNadu, including six plastiglomerates nine pyroplastics and one plasticrust. Five types of polymers (PET, PP, PVC, PA, and PE) were found on the plastic matrices. The study also revealed that pyroplastics and plasticrust formed by degradation of plastics through weathering in the coastal environment. The present study also found that four types of marine fouling organisms such as oyster larvae, bryozoan, barnacle and polychaete worm were encrusted on the two pyroplastics. The emergence of these new forms of plastic raises concerns about their interactions with the environment and biota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kannan Gunasekaran
- Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Bilal Mghili
- LESCB, URL-CNRST N 18, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Faculty of Sciences, Tetouan, Morocco
| | - Gabriel Enrique De-la-Torre
- Grupo de Investigación de Biodiversidad, Medio Ambiente y Sociedad, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, Peru
| | - Penjai Sompongchaiyakul
- Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
| | - Nelson Rangel-Buitrago
- Programade Fisica, Facultad de Ciencias Basicas, Universidad del Atlantico, Barranquilla, Atlantico, Colombia
| | - Xianfeng Wang
- Asian School of the Environment, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Chawalit Charoenpong
- Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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4
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Vlachogianni T, Scoullos M. Baseline assessment of macrolitter on the coastline of Algeria: Fit-for-purpose data for tailor-made measures to navigate the Plasticene Age. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 205:116646. [PMID: 38936004 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116646] [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: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Curbing the growing threat of marine litter requires reliable, coherent and fit-for-purpose data. The present study reports the findings of beach macrolitter surveys carried out in seventeen sites along the coastline of Algeria. The median litter density recorded along these sites amounted to 578 items per 100 m of coastline (range: 317-2684 items/100 m). Every surveyed beach exceeded the European threshold value of 20 items per 100 m of coastline by a significant margin. In addition, the evaluation conducted employing the Mediterranean threshold value of 130 items per 100 m of coastline indicated that each of the seventeen surveyed beaches resides within the non-Good Environmental Status spectrum. A significant proportion of the litter, accounting for 43 %, is attributed to food and beverage consumption-related items, highlighting the impact of single-use food packaging, including food and beverage containers resulting from unsustainable practices mainly by beach users and inadequate waste management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomais Vlachogianni
- Mediterranean Information Office for Environment, Culture and Sustainable Development (MIO-ECSDE), Athens, Greece.
| | - Michael Scoullos
- Mediterranean Information Office for Environment, Culture and Sustainable Development (MIO-ECSDE), Athens, Greece; Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Salinas CX, Palacios E, Pozo K, Torres M, Rebolledo L, Gómez V, Rondón R, de la Maza I, Galbán C. Marine litter pollution in a subantarctic beach of the Strait of Magellan, Punta Arenas, Chile. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 202:116313. [PMID: 38593713 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116313] [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: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
This study assessed the presence of marine litter along the beach of the city of Punta Arenas, Chile. The sampling period coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 239 plastic waste items were identified out of a total of 638 litter items. The Clean Coast Index reported within this study ranged from Clean (CCI 2-5) to Extremely dirty (CCI >20), especially near the port. The majority of litter items has been classified as originating from varied origins, as it is not possible to pinpoint a precise origin in most items. The results indicate that the predominant plastic litter in Punta Arenas is PVC. The results are discussed in relation to the sources and composition of the residues, the morpho dynamics of the coast, and the CCI is compared with other locations around the globe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Ximena Salinas
- Instituto Antártico Chileno, Plaza Benjamín Muñoz Gamero 1055, Punta Arenas, Chile; Universidad de Magallanes, Facultad de Ciencias, Presidente. Manuel Bulnes 01855, Punta Arenas, Chile.
| | - Elaine Palacios
- Universidad de Magallanes, Facultad de Ciencias, Presidente. Manuel Bulnes 01855, Punta Arenas, Chile
| | - Karla Pozo
- Universidad San Sebastián, Facultad de Ingeniería, Arquitectura y Diseño, Lientur 1457, Concepción, Chile; Masaryk University, Faculty of Science (RECETOX), Kotlarska 2, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Mariett Torres
- Universidad San Sebastián, Facultad de Ingeniería, Arquitectura y Diseño, Lientur 1457, Concepción, Chile
| | - Lorena Rebolledo
- Instituto Antártico Chileno, Plaza Benjamín Muñoz Gamero 1055, Punta Arenas, Chile
| | - Victoria Gómez
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Science (RECETOX), Kotlarska 2, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Rodolfo Rondón
- Instituto Antártico Chileno, Plaza Benjamín Muñoz Gamero 1055, Punta Arenas, Chile
| | - Ignacia de la Maza
- Universidad San Sebastián, Facultad de Ingeniería, Arquitectura y Diseño, Lientur 1457, Concepción, Chile
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6
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Menicagli V, Balestri E, Bernardini G, Barsotti F, Fulignati S, Raspolli Galletti AM, Lardicci C. Beach-cast seagrass wrack: A natural marine resource improving the establishment of dune plant communities under a changing climate. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 201:116270. [PMID: 38520997 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116270] [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: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Seagrass wrack plays multiple ecological roles in coastal habitats but is often removed from beaches and used for economical processing, neglecting its potential role in sustaining dune plant establishment under changing climate scenarios. Rainwater shortage is a major stress for seedlings and reduced precipitations are expected in some coastal areas. We investigated in mesocosm how wrack influenced seedling performance of Cakile maritima, Thinopyrum junceum, and Calamagrostis arenaria under current and reduced precipitation. We also assessed wrack water holding capacity and leachate chemical/physical properties. Wrack stimulated seedling growth while reduced precipitation decreased root development. Wrack mitigated the effects of reduced precipitation on T. junceum and C. arenaria biomass. Wrack retained water up to five-fold its weight, increased water pH, conductivity, and nutrient content. Wrack promotes dune colonization by vegetation even under rainwater shortage. Thus, the maintenance of this natural resource on beaches is critical for improving dune resilience against climate changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Menicagli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via Derna 1, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Elena Balestri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via Derna 1, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Giada Bernardini
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via Derna 1, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Barsotti
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, Via Giuseppe Moruzzi 13, Pisa, Italy
| | - Sara Fulignati
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, Via Giuseppe Moruzzi 13, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Claudio Lardicci
- Center for Instrument Sharing University of Pisa (CISUP), University of Pisa, via S. Maria 53, Pisa, Italy; Center for Climate Change Impact, University of Pisa, Via Del Borghetto 80, Pisa, Italy; Department of Earth Sciences, University of Pisa, via S. Maria 53, Pisa, Italy
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7
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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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Menicagli V, Balestri E, Corti S, Arena B, Protano G, Corsi I, Lardicci C. Effects of TiO 2 ultraviolet filter and sunscreens on coastal dune plant performance and competitive interactions. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 343:140236. [PMID: 37739133 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Ultraviolet filters (UVFs) added to sunscreens (SS) are emerging contaminants in marine environments due to their adverse effects on organisms and ecosystems. UVFs have also been detected in beach-dune systems, but their influence on resident organisms has not been explored yet. Native plants are fundamental components of coastal dunes, and these ecologically/economically important systems are currently among the most threatened globally. Thus, understanding whether UVFs may act as threats to dune plants is crucial. This field study evaluated and compared the effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nTiO2), one of the inorganic UVFs most commonly added to sunscreens, and those of a commercial sunscreen product containing it (SS-nTiO2) on the performance of adult dune plants of a native (Thinopyrum junceum) and a non-native invasive species (Carpobrotus sp. pl.) and their competitive interactions at environmentally realistic concentrations. The effects of nTiO2, SS-nTiO2 and of a sunscreen product containing just organic UVFs (SS-OF) on early life stages of T. junceum were also examined. Ti bulk content in sand and plants at the study site ranged from 970 to 1069 mg kg-1 and from 2 to 7.9 mg kg-1, respectively. Thinopyrum junceum adult plants periodically exposed during the summer season to seawater contaminated by SS-nTiO2 produced less biomass than un-exposed plants and nTiO2 exposed plants. nTiO2 and SS-nTiO2 reduced the capacity of T. junceum to control the spread of Carpobrotus. Both SS-nTiO2 and SS-OF reduced seedling emergence in T. junceum whereas nTiO2 did not. These results demonstrated that the periodical exposures of native dune plants to sunscreens could reduce their establishment success and growth and favor invasive plant spread potentially resulting in community structure changes. They also emphasize the need to assess the phytotoxicity not only of single UVFs but especially that of complete sunscreen products to design more eco-friendly formulations in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sara Corti
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Benito Arena
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Protano
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Ilaria Corsi
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
| | - Claudio Lardicci
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy; Center for Instrument Sharing University of Pisa (CISUP), University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy; Center for Climate Change Impact, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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9
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Ostendorp W, Hofmann H, Armbruster JP. Wrack line formation and composition on shores of a large Alpine lake: The role of littoral topography and wave exposure. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0294752. [PMID: 38033046 PMCID: PMC10688906 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Wrack lines are a key formation along shorelines that provide organic matter and bring ecological diversity to the local environment. Although wrack line formation has been extensively studied along marine beaches and estuaries, in contrast, knowledge about the environmental variables that promote wrack line formation within inland lakes is widely lacking. In one of the first studies to focus on wrack line formation on lakesides, we analysed the dimensions, volume, elevation and particulate composition of 36 wrack lines across 20 shore sections of a large, oligotrophic Alpine lake with natural water level fluctuations (Lake Constance-Obersee). Using multivariate partial least squares (PLS) regression, we identified the key environmental variables that drive wrack accumulation in lakeside areas. Our results demonstrate that wrack line volume increased with (1) the width of the eulittoral zone as an indicator of the swash conditions (up-rush vs. down-wash), (2) high exposure to wind waves as indicated by the total effective fetch, (3) high exposure to ship waves (catamaran ferry), and (4) the width of the sublittoral zone as an indicator of the availability of source material (Chara spp.) and of the wave energy dissipation rate of the incoming deep water waves. Sediment texture played only a minor role. Wide eulittoral zones and high ship wave exposure favoured high proportions of lake-borne components (Chara remains, mollusc shells), while the reverse was true for land-based components. Anthropogenic wastes were only present in small proportions. We discuss four main factor groups influencing the amount of wrack in marine beaches and on lakeshores considering similarities (waves, breakers, swash, dissipation, relief) and differences (tides vs. annual water level fluctuations) of the two systems, and point out research gaps. We demonstrate that wrack line formation is also important in large inland lakes and can be analysed using basic ideas from relevant marine studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Ostendorp
- Environmental Physics Group, Limnological Institute, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Hilmar Hofmann
- Staff Unit Sustainability, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Jens Peter Armbruster
- Institute for Landscape Ecology and Nature Conservation (ILN) Südwest, Kirchheim u. T., Germany
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10
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Menicagli V, Balestri E, Giommoni F, Vannini C, Lardicci C. Plastic litter changes the rhizosphere bacterial community of coastal dune plants. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 880:163293. [PMID: 37030390 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The presence of plastic litter in coastal environments like beach-dune systems has been well documented, and recent studies have shown that this pollutant can influence sand properties as well as dune vegetation. However, the effects of plastics on rhizosphere bacterial communities of dune plants have largely been neglected. This is an ecologically relevant issue since these communities may play an important role in improving plant growth and resilience of dune systems. Here, we explored the impact of plastic litter made of either non-biodegradable polymers (NBP) or biodegradable/compostable polymers (BP) on the structure and composition of rhizosphere bacterial communities associated with two widespread species along coastal European dunes, Thinopyrum junceum and Sporobolus pumilus, by using a one-year field experiment combined with metabarcoding techniques. Both plastics did not affect neither the survival nor the biomass of T. junceum plants, but they significantly increased alpha-diversity of rhizosphere bacterial communities. They also changed rhizosphere composition by increasing the abundance of the phyla Acidobacteria, Chlamydiae, and Nitrospirae, and of the family Pirellulaceae, and reducing the abundance of the family Rhizobiaceae. NBP reduced drastically the survival of S. pumilus while BP increased its root biomass compared to controls. BP also increased the abundance of the phylum Patescibacteria of the rhizosphere bacterial communities. Our findings provide the first evidence that NBP and BP can change rhizosphere bacterial communities associated with dune plants and highlight the importance of investigating how these changes can affect the resilience of coastal dunes to climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Claudia Vannini
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy; Center for Instrument Sharing University of Pisa (CISUP), University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy; Center for Climate Change Impact, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Claudio Lardicci
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy; Center for Instrument Sharing University of Pisa (CISUP), University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy; Center for Climate Change Impact, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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11
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Calderisi G, Cogoni D, Loni A, Fenu G. Difference between invasive alien and native vegetation in trapping beach litter: A focus on a typical sandy beach of W-Mediterranean Basin. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 192:115065. [PMID: 37216878 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Beach litter is one of the most pervasive pollution issues in coastal environments worldwide. In this study, we aim to assess the amount and distribution of beach litter on Porto Paglia beach, its entrapment across psammophilous habitats, and whether the invasive Carpobrotus acinaciformis (L.) L.Bolus plays a different role in trapping litter than native vegetation. To this end, two seasonal samplings (in spring and autumn) were conducted using a paired sampling method that considers plots in all coastal habitats with and without C. acinaciformis. Our results confirm that the main beach litter category is plastic, and that its distribution varies across habitats: the white dune seems to play a greater role in trapping and filtering beach litter, reducing its amount in the backdune. A correlation was found between the Naturalness index (N) and the beach litter amount, supporting the finding that invaded habitats trap beach litter better than native ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Calderisi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences (DiSVA), University of Cagliari, Viale Sant'Ignazio da Laconi 13, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Donatella Cogoni
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences (DiSVA), University of Cagliari, Viale Sant'Ignazio da Laconi 13, 09123 Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Loni
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences (DiSVA), University of Cagliari, Viale Sant'Ignazio da Laconi 13, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Fenu
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences (DiSVA), University of Cagliari, Viale Sant'Ignazio da Laconi 13, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
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12
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Corbau C, Buoninsegni J, Olivo E, Vaccaro C, Nardin W, Simeoni U. Understanding through drone image analysis the interactions between geomorphology, vegetation and marine debris along a sandy spit. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 187:114515. [PMID: 36580840 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Marine litter (ML) is recognized as one of the main socio-economic and environmental concerns and monitoring operations have been realized worldwide in order to collect information on the types, quantities and distribution of marine debris. In this study, we used Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) images to map the presence of ML on a coastal spit in relation to geomorphological aspects and vegetation. Our results show that ML is present everywhere, but concentrates in the beach wrack, dunes, and saltmarshes, highlighting the role of the vegetation in trapping ML. Moreover, ML will most probably remain trapped by the saltmarsh vegetation, since they are not visible and easily accessible to allow cleaning operations. On the contrary, cleaning operations may remove the ML present in the beach wrack. Finally, our results provide useful information to support decision-makers for improving beach cleaning activities in the Po river Delta areas (Italy).
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinne Corbau
- University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; HPL - UMCES, Cambridge, MD, USA; CURSA, Roma, Italy.
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13
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Menicagli V, Balestri E, Fulignati S, Raspolli Galletti AM, Lardicci C. Plastic litter in coastal sand dunes: Degradation behavior and impact on native and non-native invasive plants. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 316:120738. [PMID: 36435282 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Pollution associated to marine plastic litter is raising increasing concerns due to its potential harmful effects on human health, biota, and coastal ecosystems. However, limited information is available on the degradation behavior of plastics, especially biodegradable ones, in dune habitats. Moreover, the effects of plastics on dune plant growth and ability to withstand environmental stresses and invasion by non-native plants have been largely neglected. This is a particularly relevant issue since biological invasions are major threats to dune ecosystems. In this 18-month study, we examined the degradation behavior of two plastic bags, non-biodegradable (NBP) or biodegradable/compostable (BP), in the dune environment by visual observations and analytical techniques. Concomitantly, we investigated the individual and combined effects of bag type and sand burial (no burial vs. partial burial) on the performance of a native dune plant (Thinopyrum junceum) and an invasive plant (Carpobrotus sp.) and on their interaction. NBP did not show relevant degradation signs over the experimental period as expected. BP exhibited gradual surface modifications and changes in chemical functionality and were almost disintegrated after 18 months. Bags and burial reduced independently T. junceum survival and growth, and most plants died within 8 months of plastic exposure. Bags and burial did not affect Carpobrotus survival. However, burial decreased Carpobrotus growth while NBP increased it. Both plastics increased Carpobrotus competitive ability, and no T. junceum plants survived to co-occurrent Carpobrotus, BP, and burial. These findings indicate that removing all littered plastics from beach-dune systems not only is critical to reduce plastic pollution but also to prevent further spread of invasive species in coastal dunes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Menicagli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via Derna 1, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Elena Balestri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via Derna 1, 56126, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Sara Fulignati
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, Via Giuseppe Moruzzi 13, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Claudio Lardicci
- Center for Instrument Sharing University of Pisa (CISUP), University of Pisa, via S. Maria 53, Pisa, Italy; Center for Climate Change Impact, University of Pisa, Via Del Borghetto 80, Pisa, Italy; Department of Earth Sciences, University of Pisa, via S. Maria 53, Pisa, Italy
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14
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Gaboy SMM, Guihawan JQ, Leopardas VE, Bacosa HP. Unravelling macroplastic pollution in seagrass beds of Iligan City, Mindanao, Philippines. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 185:114233. [PMID: 36252442 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Despite being a leading pollutant in the ocean, there are limited studies about plastic litter in seagrasses, and none has been documented in the Philippines. This study determined the abundance and composition of macroplastics in seagrass beds of Iligan City, Philippines. Plastics were collected from transect lines laid in seagrass beds of four sites (Dalipuga, Hinaplanon, Tominobo and Buru-un), and three locations (landward, midward, seaward) in each site, periodically within 42 days. A total of 921 macroplastic items were collected in all sampling sites, of which 308 were from Buru-un, 271 from Tominobo, 240 from Dalipuga, and 102 from Hinaplanon. Landward areas have a significantly higher density than either midward or seaward. The first sampling was higher than the succeeding sampling period. Food packaging, plastic bags, and fragments predominated the litter in seagrass. This study is the first to document the presence of macroplastics in seagrass beds in the Philippines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiela Mae M Gaboy
- Environmental Science Graduate Program, Department of Biological Sciences, Mindanao State University- Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), Tibanga, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte 9200, Philippines.
| | - Jaime Q Guihawan
- Environmental Science Graduate Program, Department of Biological Sciences, Mindanao State University- Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), Tibanga, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte 9200, Philippines
| | - Venus E Leopardas
- College of Marine and Allied Sciences, Mindanao State University at Naawan, Naawan, Misamis Oriental 9023, Philippines
| | - Hernando P Bacosa
- Environmental Science Graduate Program, Department of Biological Sciences, Mindanao State University- Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), Tibanga, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte 9200, Philippines
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15
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Carducci A, Federigi I, Balestri E, Lardicci C, Castelli A, Maltagliati F, Zhao H, Menicagli V, Valente R, De Battisti D, Verani M. Virus contamination and infectivity in beach environment: Focus on sand and stranded material. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 185:114342. [PMID: 36395711 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114342] [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: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
To assess the exposure of beachgoers to viruses, a study on seawater, sand, and beach-stranded material was carried out, searching for human viruses, fecal indicator organisms, and total fungi. Moreover, for the first time, the genome persistence and infectivity of two model viruses was studied in laboratory-spiked sand and seawater samples during a one-week experiment. Viral genome was detected in 13.6 % of the environmental samples, but it was not infectious (Human Adenovirus - HAdV, and enterovirus). Norovirus and SARS-CoV-2 were not detected. The most contaminated samples were from sand and close to riverine discharges. In lab-scale experiments, the infectivity of HAdV5 decreased by ~1.5-Log10 in a week, the one of Human Coronavirus-229E disappeared in <3 h in sand. The genome of both viruses persisted throughout the experiment. Our results confirm viral contamination of the beach and suggest HAdV as an index pathogen for beach monitoring and quantitative risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalaura Carducci
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Environmental Virology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via S. Zeno 35/39, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Ileana Federigi
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Environmental Virology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via S. Zeno 35/39, 56127 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Elena Balestri
- Unit of Marine Biology and Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via Derna 1, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Claudio Lardicci
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Pisa, via S. Maria 53, 56126 Pisa, Italy; Center for Instrument Sharing University of Pisa (CISUP), Pisa, Italy
| | - Alberto Castelli
- Unit of Marine Biology and Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via Derna 1, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Ferruccio Maltagliati
- Unit of Marine Biology and Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via Derna 1, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Hongrui Zhao
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Environmental Virology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via S. Zeno 35/39, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Virginia Menicagli
- Unit of Marine Biology and Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via Derna 1, 56126 Pisa, Italy; Center for Instrument Sharing University of Pisa (CISUP), Pisa, Italy
| | - Rossella Valente
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Environmental Virology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via S. Zeno 35/39, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Davide De Battisti
- Unit of Marine Biology and Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via Derna 1, 56126 Pisa, Italy; Department of Biology, Chioggia Hydrobiological Station Umberto D'Ancona, University of Padova, Chioggia, Italy
| | - Marco Verani
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Environmental Virology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via S. Zeno 35/39, 56127 Pisa, Italy
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