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Kelly NE. Spatial distribution and risk assessment of microplastics in surface waters of the St. Lawrence Estuary. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 946:174324. [PMID: 38960195 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Development of effective prevention and mitigation strategies for marine plastic pollution requires a better understanding of the pathways and transport mechanisms of plastic waste. Yet the role of estuaries as a key interface between riverine inputs of plastic pollution and delivery to receiving marine environments remains poorly understood. This study quantified the concentration and distribution of microplastics (MPs) (50-3200 μm) in surface waters of the St. Lawrence Estuary (SLE) in eastern Canada. Microplastics were identified and enumerated based on particle morphology, colour, and size class. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used on a subset of particles to identify polymers. Generalized linear models (Gamma distribution with log-link) examined the relationship between MP concentrations and oceanographic variables and anthropogenic sources. Finally, a risk assessment model, using MP concentrations and chemical hazards based on polymer types, estimated the MP pollution risk to ecosystem health. Mean surface MP concentration in the SLE was 120 ± 42 SD particles m-3; MP concentrations were highest in the fluvial section and lowest in the Northwest Gulf of St. Lawrence. However, MP concentrations exhibited high heterogeneity along the length and width of the SLE. Microplastics were elevated at stations located closer to wastewater treatment plant outflows and downstream sites with more agricultural land. Black, blue, and transparent fibers and fragments ≤250 μm were most commonly encountered. Predominant polymer types included polyethylene terephthalate, regenerated cellulose, polyethylene, and alkyds. While the overall risk to ecosystem health in the entire estuary was considered low, several stations, particularly near urban centres were at high or very high risk. This study provides new insights into the quantification and distribution of MPs and first estimates of the risk of MP pollution to ecosystem health in one of the world's largest estuaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noreen E Kelly
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 1 Challenger Drive, Dartmouth, NS, Canada.
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Ladewig SM, Bianchi TS, Coco G, Ferretti E, Gladstone-Gallagher RV, Hillman J, Hope JA, Savage C, Schenone S, Thrush SF. Polyester microfiber impacts on coastal sediment organic matter consumption. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 202:116298. [PMID: 38581733 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116298] [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: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
As plastic pollution continues to accumulate at the seafloor, concerns around benthic ecosystem functionality heightens. This research demonstrates the systematic effects of polyester microfibers on seafloor organic matter consumption rates, an important benthic ecosystem function connected to multiple reactions and processes. We used a field-based assay to measure the loss of organic matter, both with and without polyester microfiber contamination. We identified sediment organic matter content, mud content, and mean grain size as the main drivers of organic matter consumption, however, polyester microfiber contamination decoupled ecosystem relationships and altered observed organic matter cycling dynamics. Organic matter consumption rates varied across horizontal and vertical spaces, highlighting that consumption and associated plastic effects are dependent on environmental heterogeneity at both small (within sites) and larger (between sites) scales. Our results emphasize the important role habitat heterogeneity plays in seafloor organic matter consumption and the associated effects of plastic pollution on ecosystem function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha M Ladewig
- University of Auckland, Institute of Marine Science, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1010, New Zealand.
| | - Thomas S Bianchi
- University of Florida, Dept. of Geological Sciences, Gainesville, FL 32611-2120, USA
| | - Giovanni Coco
- University of Auckland, School of Environment, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Eliana Ferretti
- University of Auckland, Institute of Marine Science, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | | | - Jenny Hillman
- University of Auckland, Institute of Marine Science, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Julie A Hope
- Scottish Oceans Institute, School of Biology, The University of St Andrews, St Andrews KY16 9AJ, United Kingdom
| | - Candida Savage
- University of Otago, Department of Marine Science, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; University of Cape Town, Marine Research Institute and Department of Biological Sciences, Rondebosch 7700, South Africa
| | - Stefano Schenone
- University of Auckland, Institute of Marine Science, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Simon F Thrush
- University of Auckland, Institute of Marine Science, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
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Mubin AN, Islam ARMT, Hasan M, Islam MS, Ali MM, Siddique MAB, Alam MS, Rakib MRJ, Islam MS, Momtaz N, Senapathi V, Idris AM, Malafaia G. The path of microplastics through the rare biodiversity estuary region of the northern Bay of Bengal. JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY 2024; 260:104271. [PMID: 38056088 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2023.104271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Due to its harmful effects on ecosystems and human health, microplastic (MP) pollution has become a significant environmental problem on a global scale. Although MPs' pollution path and toxic effects on marine habitats have been examined worldwide, the studies are limited to the rare biodiversity estuary region of Hatiya Island from the northern Bay of Bengal. This study aimed to investigate the MP pollution path and its influencing factors in estuarine sediments and water in rare biodiversity Hatiya Island in the northern Bay of Bengal. Sixty water and sediment samples were collected from 10 sampling sites on the Island and analyzed for MPs. The abundance of MPs in sediment ranged from 67 to 143 pieces/kg, while the abundance in water ranged from 24.34 to 59 pieces/m3. The average concentrations of MPs in sediment and water were 110.90 ± 20.62 pieces/kg and 38.77 ± 10.09 pieces/m3, respectively. Most identified MPs from sediment samples were transparent (51%), while about 54.1% of the identified MPs from water samples were colored. The fragment was the most common form of MP in both compartments, with a value of 64.6% in sediment samples and 60.6% in water samples. In sediment and water samples, almost 74% and 80% of MP were <0.5 mm, respectively. Polypropylene (PP) was the most abundant polymer type, accounting for 51% of all identified polymers. The contamination factor, pollution load index, polymer risk score, and pollution risk score values indicated that the study area was moderately polluted with MPs. The spatial distribution patterns and hotspots of MPs echoed profound human pathways. Based on the results, sustainable management strategies and intervention measures were proposed to reduce the pollution level in the ecologically diverse area. This study provides important insights into evaluating estuary ecosystem susceptibility and mitigation policies against persistent MP issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Al-Nure Mubin
- 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.
| | - Mehedi Hasan
- Department of Disaster Management, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur 5400, Bangladesh
| | - Md Saiful Islam
- Department of Soil Science, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Dumki, Patuakhali 8602, Bangladesh
| | - Mir Mohammad Ali
- Department of Aquaculture, Sher - e - Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh
| | - Md Abu Bakar Siddique
- Institute of National Analytical Research and Service (INARS), Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), Dhanmondi, Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh
| | - Md Sha Alam
- Institute of Mining, Mineralogy & Metallurgy (IMMM), Bangladesh Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (BCSIR), Joypurhat 5900, Bangladesh
| | - Md Refat Jahan Rakib
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Muhammad Saiful Islam
- Fiber and Polymer Research Division, BCSIR Laboratories Dhaka, Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), Dhanmondi, Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh
| | - Nasima Momtaz
- Biological Research Division, BCSIR Laboratories Dhaka, Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), Dhanmondi, Dhaka 1205, 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, Goiânia, 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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Porter A, Godbold JA, Lewis CN, Savage G, Solan M, Galloway TS. Microplastic burden in marine benthic invertebrates depends on species traits and feeding ecology within biogeographical provinces. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8023. [PMID: 38049431 PMCID: PMC10696022 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43788-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The microplastic body burden of marine animals is often assumed to reflect levels of environmental contamination, yet variations in feeding ecology and regional trait expression could also affect a species' risk of contaminant uptake. Here, we explore the global inventory of individual microplastic body burden for invertebrate species inhabiting marine sediments across 16 biogeographic provinces. We show that individual microplastic body burden in benthic invertebrates cannot be fully explained by absolute levels of microplastic contamination in the environment, because interspecific differences in behaviour and feeding ecology strongly determine microplastic uptake. Our analyses also indicate a degree of species-specific particle selectivity; likely associated with feeding biology. Highest microplastic burden occurs in the Yellow and Mediterranean Seas and, contrary to expectation, amongst omnivores, predators, and deposit feeders rather than suspension feeding species. Our findings highlight the inadequacy of microplastic uptake risk assessments based on inventories of environmental contamination alone, and the need to understand how species behaviour and trait expression covary with microplastic contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Porter
- Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK.
| | - Jasmin A Godbold
- School of Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton, Waterfront Campus, Southampton, SO14 3ZH, UK
| | - Ceri N Lewis
- Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Georgie Savage
- Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Martin Solan
- School of Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton, Waterfront Campus, Southampton, SO14 3ZH, UK
| | - Tamara S Galloway
- Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
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Martínez Rodríguez A, Marchant DJ, Francelle P, Kratina P, Jones JI. Nutrient enrichment mediates the effect of biodegradable and conventional microplastics on macroinvertebrate communities. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 337:122511. [PMID: 37689134 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122511] [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: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
There is growing concern regarding the lack of evidence on the effects bioplastics may have on natural ecosystems, whilst their production continues to increase as they are considered as a greener alternative to conventional plastics. Most research is limited to investigations of the response of individual taxa under laboratory conditions, with few experiments undertaken at the community or ecosystem scale, either investigating microplastics independently or in combination with other pollutants, such as nutrient enrichment. The aim of this study is to experimentally compare the effects of oil-based (high density polyethylene - HDPE) with those of bio-based biodegradable (polylactic acid - PLA) microplastics and their interaction with nutrient enrichment on freshwater macroinvertebrate communities under seminatural conditions. There were no significant differences in total abundance, alpha and beta diversities, or community composition attributable to the type of microplastics, their concentration, or nutrient enrichment compared with the control. However, there was a significant difference in macroinvertebrate alpha diversity between high concentrations of both microplastic types under ambient nutrient conditions, with lower diversity in communities exposed to HDPE compared with PLA. Nutrient enrichment mediated the effect of microplastic type, such that the diversity of macroinvertebrate communities exposed to HDPE were similar to those communities exposed to PLA. These findings suggest that the effects of microplastic pollution on macroinvertebrate communities are very weak at large-scale settings under seminatural conditions and that these effects might be mediated by the nutrient status of freshwater ecosystems. More research under large-scale, long-term, seminatural settings are needed in order to elucidate the impact of both conventional plastics and bioplastics on natural environments and their interactive effect with other occurring stressors and pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Martínez Rodríguez
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK.
| | - Danielle J Marchant
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Pascaline Francelle
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Pavel Kratina
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - J Iwan Jones
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK
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You Y, Della Penna A, Thrush SF. Modelled broad-scale shifts on seafloor ecosystem functioning due to microplastic impacts on bioturbation. Sci Rep 2023; 13:17121. [PMID: 37816828 PMCID: PMC10564913 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44425-8] [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: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioturbating species play an essential role in regulating nutrient cycling in marine sediments, but their interaction with microplastics (MP) remains poorly understood. Here we investigated the linkage between MP and ecosystem functioning using experimental observations of luminophore distribution in the sediment to parametrize bioturbation coefficients (Db). this information as fed into a simplified transport-reaction model, allowing us to upscale our experimental results. We found that the composition of bioturbators modulated shifts in the ecosystem functioning under microplastic stress. Maldanid worms (Macroclymenella stewartensis), functionally deep burrowing and upward-conveyor belt feeders, became less active. The Db of M. stewartensis reduced by 25% with the addition of 0.002 g MP cm-2 at surface sediment, causing accumulation of organic matter in the oxic sediment zone and stimulating aerobic respiration by 18%. In contract, the tellinid bivalve Macomona liliana, functionally a surface -deposit feeder that excretes at depth, maintained particle mixing behaviour in MP-contaminated systems. This study provides a mechanistic insight into the impacts of MP and indicates that the functional role of bioturbating species should be involved in assessing the global impact of MP. The model allowed us to understand the broad-scale impact of MP on seafloor habitat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxi You
- Institute of Marine Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand.
| | - Alice Della Penna
- Institute of Marine Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
- School of Biology Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
| | - Simon Francis Thrush
- Institute of Marine Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
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7
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Núñez P, Misic C, Cutroneo L, Capello M, Medina R, Besio G. Biofilm-induced effect on the buoyancy of plastic debris: An experimental study. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 193:115239. [PMID: 37459835 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Plastic floating on the ocean surface represents about 1 % of all plastic in the ocean, despite the buoyancy of most plastics. Biofouling can help to sink debris, which could explain this discrepancy. A set of laboratory experiments was conducted to investigate biofilm-induced effects on the buoyancy of different plastic debris. Ten materials of different densities (buoyant/non-buoyant), sizes (micro/meso/macro), and shapes (irregular/spherical/cylindrical/flat), including facemasks and cotton swabs, were evaluated. Biofilm was incubated in these materials from a few weeks to three months to investigate the effect of different growth levels on their buoyancy. Biofilm levels and rising/settling velocities were measured and compared at seven time-points. The results show a hindered buoyancy for solid materials, while hollow and open materials showed the opposite trend in early biofilm colonization stages. A relationship was established between biofilm-growth and equivalent sphere diameter that can be used to improve predictive modeling of plastic-debris transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Núñez
- IHCantabria - Instituto de Hidráulica Ambiental de la Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain.
| | - Cristina Misic
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, dell'Ambiente e della Vita, Università degli Studi di Genova, Corso Europa 26, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Laura Cutroneo
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, dell'Ambiente e della Vita, Università degli Studi di Genova, Corso Europa 26, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Marco Capello
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, dell'Ambiente e della Vita, Università degli Studi di Genova, Corso Europa 26, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Raúl Medina
- IHCantabria - Instituto de Hidráulica Ambiental de la Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Giovanni Besio
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Civile, Chimica e Ambientale, Università degli studi di Genova, Via Montallegro 1, 16145 Genoa, Italy
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