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Bhattacharjee S, Rathore C, Naik A, Saha M, Tudu P, Dastidar PG, Bhattacharyya S, de Boer J, Chaudhuri P. Do microplastics accumulate in penguin internal organs? Evidence from Svenner island, Antarctica. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 951:175361. [PMID: 39117209 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175361] [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: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
The prevalence of microplastics (MPs, <5 mm) in natural environments presents a formidable global environmental threat MPs can be found from the Arctic to Antarctica, including glaciers. Despite their widespread distribution, studies on MP accumulation in apex predators inhabiting Polar Regions remain limited. The objective of this study was to conduct a comprehensive examination, for the first time, of MP bioaccumulation in various organs and tissue of Adélie penguins. This investigation comprehends the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), scat, internal organ (lung, trachea, spleen, and liver) and tissue (muscle) samples collected from Svenner Island, Antarctica during the 39th Indian expedition to Antarctica in 2019-2020. Our analyses revealed the presence of 34 MPs across the GIT, scat, lung, and trachea samples, with no MPs detected in muscle, spleen, or liver tissues. Blue-colored microfibers (>50 %) and MPs smaller than 1 mm (38 %) in size were prominently observed. Polymer characterization utilizing μ-FTIR spectroscopy identified low-density polyethylene (LDPE) (~63 %) as the predominant polymer type. The accumulation of MP fibers in the gastrointestinal tract and scat of Adélie penguins may originate from marine ambient media and prey organisms. Furthermore, the presence of LDPE fibers in the trachea and lungs likely occurred through inhalation and subsequent deposition of MPs originating from both local and long-range airborne sources. The identification of fibers ranging between 20 and 100 μm within the trachea suggests a plausible chance of cellular deposition of MPs. Overall our findings provide valuable insights into the organ-specific accumulation of MPs in apex predators. Adélie penguins emerge as promising environmental bio-monitoring species, offering insights into the potential trophic transfer of MPs within frigid environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shrayan Bhattacharjee
- Department of Environment Science, University of Calcutta, 35, Ballygunge circular road, Kolkata 700019, India
| | - Chayanika Rathore
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa 403 004, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Akshata Naik
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa 403 004, India
| | - Mahua Saha
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa 403 004, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India.
| | - Praveen Tudu
- Department of Environment Science, University of Calcutta, 35, Ballygunge circular road, Kolkata 700019, India
| | - Prabir Ghosh Dastidar
- SGT University, Budhera, Gurugram, Delhi NCR, India; Polar Science Division, Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India, New Delhi, India.
| | | | - Jacob de Boer
- Vrije University, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Punarbasu Chaudhuri
- Department of Environment Science, University of Calcutta, 35, Ballygunge circular road, Kolkata 700019, India
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2
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Lv L, Feng W, Cai J, Zhang Y, Jiang J, Liao D, Yan C, Sui Y, Dong X. Enrichment characteristics of microplastics in Antarctic benthic and pelagic fish and krill near the Antarctic Peninsula. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 951:175582. [PMID: 39159696 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2024] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024]
Abstract
Global microplastic pollution has garnered widespread attention from researchers both domestically and internationally. However, compared to other regions worldwide, little is known about microplastic pollution in the marine ecosystems of the Antarctic region. This study investigated the abundance and characteristics of microplastics (MPs) in the gills and intestines of 15 species of Antarctic fish and Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba). The results indicate that the abundance of MPs in Antarctic fish and E. superba ranged from 0.625 to 2.0 items/individual and 0.17 to 0.27 items/individual, with mean abundances of 0.93 ± 0.96 items/individual and 0.23 ± 0.44 items/individual, respectively. Antarctic fish ingested significantly more MPs than E. superba. There was no significant difference in the abundance of MPs between the gills and intestines of Antarctic fish. However, the quantity of pellet-shaped MPs in the gills was significantly higher than in the intestines. The depth of fish habitat influenced the quantity and size of MPs in their bodies, with benthic fish ingesting significantly fewer MPs than pelagic fish. Pelagic fish ingested significantly more MPs sized 1-5 mm than benthic fish. Additionally, analysis of the characteristics of MPs revealed that fiber-shaped MPs were predominant in shape, with sizes generally smaller than 0.25 mm and 0.25-0.5 mm. The predominant colors of MPs were transparent, red, and black, while the main materials were polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyamide (PA), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Compared to organisms from other regions, the levels of MPs in Antarctic fish and E. superba were relatively low. This study contributes to a better understanding of the extent of MP pollution in Antarctic fish and E. superba, aiding human efforts to mitigate its impact on the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlan Lv
- College of Marine and Biological Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, Jiangsu 224,000, PR China
| | - Wanjun Feng
- College of Marine and Biological Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, Jiangsu 224,000, PR China
| | - Jiaying Cai
- College of Marine and Biological Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, Jiangsu 224,000, PR China
| | - Yingying Zhang
- College of Marine and Biological Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, Jiangsu 224,000, PR China
| | - Jiacheng Jiang
- College of Marine and Biological Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, Jiangsu 224,000, PR China
| | - Dagui Liao
- College of Marine and Biological Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, Jiangsu 224,000, PR China
| | - Cong Yan
- College of Marine and Biological Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, Jiangsu 224,000, PR China
| | - Yanming Sui
- College of Marine and Biological Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, Jiangsu 224,000, PR China
| | - Xuexing Dong
- College of Marine and Biological Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, Jiangsu 224,000, PR China
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3
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Leuenberger K, Erni-Cassola G, Leistenschneider C, Burkhardt-Holm P. Microplastic ingestion in five demersal, bathydemersal and bathypelagic fish species from the eastern Weddell Sea, Antarctica. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 946:174320. [PMID: 38942313 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174320] [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: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Antarctica has traditionally been viewed as a relatively isolated ecosystem. Although still considered pristine, it is increasingly also being affected by microplastic pollution. Reported high sea floor concentrations raise concern that these ecosystems might act as major sink for microplastic pollution. This is significant as species in those remote ecosystems are likely more sensitive to rapid environmental change due to a high level of specialization, and lower tolerance levels. Microplastic ingestion in fish has barely been assessed in high latitude environments. Here we aimed to provide baseline data for the eastern Weddell Sea, which is particularly remote, and suggested for an area of conservation. By analyzing gastrointestinal tracts of 40 specimens from five species, we report an overall microplastic incidence rate of 0.23. This is lower than recent studies have found for other species in the Southern Ocean, and below global means. The highest incidence rate was detected in L. squamifrons (0.67), followed by P. evansii (0.29). The most common polymer was polyethylene recovered as 8 particles (42.1 %) from one specimen, while from the remaining 11 microplastics polyester was most common (36.8 %). This study shows that even in a remote region of the Antarctic Ocean with almost no vessel traffic, fisheries or touristic activity, bathydemersal and bathypelagic fish exhibit microplastic particles in their gastrointestinal tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Leuenberger
- Man-Society-Environment (Programme MGU), Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Basel, Vesalgasse 1, CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gabriel Erni-Cassola
- Man-Society-Environment (Programme MGU), Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Basel, Vesalgasse 1, CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Clara Leistenschneider
- Man-Society-Environment (Programme MGU), Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Basel, Vesalgasse 1, CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Patricia Burkhardt-Holm
- Man-Society-Environment (Programme MGU), Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Basel, Vesalgasse 1, CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland.
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4
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Villanova-Solano C, Pereira JM, Hernández-Sánchez C, Hernández-Borges J, Pham CK. Anthropogenic particles determination in northern krill (Meganyctiphanes norvegica) from the Azores region: A keystone species for marine food webs. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 477:135324. [PMID: 39068890 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135324] [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: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Plastic pollution poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems. Microfibres from fabrics have become the most prevalent shape of microplastic found in the marine environment. The northern krill (Meganyctiphanes norvegica) is the most abundant euphausiid species in the northern hemisphere, playing a crucial role in various pelagic ecosystems. Anthropogenic microparticles in northern krill was assessed for the first time in samples collected in the Azores on two occasions - April 2019 (n = 480) and April 2023 (n = 480). Analysis of all individuals revealed 533 anthropogenic particles, with an average abundance of 0.56 ± 0.14 items per individual and, no significant differences between years. Microfibres were the most common shape (94.8 %), with the remaining items being fragments (5.2 %), and blue and black were the predominant colours. MicroFourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis (μFTIR) of 22.1 % of the total number of particles, showed that they were mainly cellulosic (65.3 %) - either natural or semisynthetic - followed by polyester (7.6 %). Our finding of microplastics in the northern krill raises important questions due to its crucial role in marine food webs. The intake of anthropogenic particles, particularly those that are 100 % synthetic, suggests that the northern krill may act as a transfer vector of these pollutants to higher trophic levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Villanova-Solano
- Departamento de Química, Unidad Departamental de Química Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - João M Pereira
- Institute of Marine Sciences - OKEANOS, University of the Azores, 9901-862 Horta, Portugal
| | - Cintia Hernández-Sánchez
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain; Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Forense y Legal y Parasitología, Área de Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Vía Auxiliar Paso Alto, 2. 38001 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Javier Hernández-Borges
- Departamento de Química, Unidad Departamental de Química Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Christopher K Pham
- Institute of Marine Sciences - OKEANOS, University of the Azores, 9901-862 Horta, Portugal.
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Rahman RR, Baqee A, Alam M, Khan MW, Muhib MI, Kabir A. Organ-specific bioaccumulation of microplastics in market fish of Dhaka and size-dependent impacts of PVC microplastics on growth of Anabustestudineus. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 361:124807. [PMID: 39182814 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), a growing environmental concern with potential ecotoxicological risks, are ubiquitous in aquatic environment. This study investigated the organ-specific distribution and variation of MPs in commercially caught fishes (7 species, 140 individuals) collected from Dhaka's two main fish distribution hubs (Uttara and Jatrabari). Additionally, the impact of different-sized MPs on fish growth (Anabas testudineus) was examined in a control experiment. Results revealed that kidneys of market fish bioaccumulated the highest concentration of MPs (average, 59.1 MPs/g), followed by liver (24.6 MPs/g) and intestine (18.6 MPs/g). On average, fish from Uttara had a higher MPs concentration (36 MPs/g) compared to Jatrabari (25 MPs/g). Among fish species, Glossogobius giuris showed the highest MPs bioaccumulation due to its feeding habits and morphology. Fiber-shaped MPs were most prevalent in all fishes (79-93%) except Glossogobius giuris (fragments, 51%). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis identified 19 different polymer types, with high density polyethylene (HDPE), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and polyamide (PA) being commonly found in all organs. The experimental study confirmed that large-sized PVC MPs (1.18 mm-300 μm) had a greater negative impact on fish growth (length) and caused more physical deformities (particularly intestinal injuries) compared to small-sized PVC MPs (150 μm-75 μm). Moreover, fish exposed to larger diameter MPs experienced highest physical weight and depth loss among exposed groups. Large-sized PVC MPs bioaccumulated highest in fish compared to small-sized PVC MPs. Similar to market fish, kidney in the experimental fish had the highest MPs bioaccumulation (6.5 MPs/g), followed by liver (5.2 MPs/g) and intestine (4.8 MPs/g), with a dominance of fibers despite the presence of high concentration of fragments in the food source. Statistical analysis also supported a clear correlation between increasing MPs size and adverse effects on fish growth and health. Urgent action is needed to curb microplastic pollution and protect ecosystems and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- R-Rafiul Rahman
- Department of Environmental Science, Bangladesh University of Professional, Dhaka, 1216, Bangladesh
| | - Abdul Baqee
- University of Global Village, Barishal, 8200, Bangladesh
| | - Mahbub Alam
- Department of Environmental Science, Bangladesh University of Professional, Dhaka, 1216, Bangladesh; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, United States
| | - Mohammad Wahidur Khan
- Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, Cleveland State University, Ohio, United States
| | - Md Iftakharul Muhib
- Department of General Education Department, City University, Dhaka, 1340, Bangladesh
| | - Alamgir Kabir
- Department of Environmental Science, Bangladesh University of Professional, Dhaka, 1216, Bangladesh.
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6
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Rondon R, Cárdenas CA, Cosseau C, Bergami E, Balbi T, Corsi I, González-Aravena M. Physiological and molecular effects of contaminants of emerging concerns of micro and nano-size in aquatic metazoans: overview and current gaps in Antarctic species. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024:10.1007/s11356-024-34457-6. [PMID: 39066941 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-34457-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Although Antarctica is the most isolated continent on Earth, its remote location does not protect it from the impacts of human activities. Antarctic metazoans such as filter-feeding invertebrates are a crucial component of the Antarctic benthos. They play a key role in the benthic-pelagic carbon flux in coastal areas by filtering particles and planktonic organisms from the sediment-water interface. Due to their peculiar ecological niche, these organisms can be considered a wasp-waist in the ecosystem, making them highly sensitive to marine pollution. Recently, anthropogenic particles such as micro-nanoplastics and manufactured nanoparticles (MNP) have been classified as contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) due to their small size range, which also overlaps with the preferred particle size ingested by aquatic metazoans. Indeed, it has been demonstrated that some species such as Antarctic krill can ingest, transform, and release MNPs, making them newly bioavailable for other Antarctic filter-feeding organisms. Similarly, the production and use of anthropogenic MNP are rapidly increasing, leading to a growing presence of materials, such as nano-sized metal-oxides, in the environment. For these reasons, it is important to provide evidence of the adverse effects of such emerging contaminants at sub-lethal concentrations in environmental risk assessments. These contaminants may cause cascade effects with consequences not only on individuals but also at the community and ecosystem levels. In this review, we discuss the state-of-the-art knowledge on the physiological and molecular effects of anthropogenic MNP in Antarctic aquatic metazoans. We further highlight the importance of identifying early biomarkers using sessile metazoans as sentinels of environmental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo Rondon
- Departamento Científico, Instituto Antártico Chileno, Punta Arenas, Chile.
| | - César A Cárdenas
- Departamento Científico, Instituto Antártico Chileno, Punta Arenas, Chile
- Millenium Institute Biodiversity of Antarctic and Subantarctic Ecosystems (BASE), Santiago, Chile
| | - Céline Cosseau
- IHPE, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, Université de Perpignan "Via Domitia", Perpignan, France
| | - Elisa Bergami
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Giuseppe Campi 213/D, Modena, Italy
| | - Teresa Balbi
- Department of Earth Environment & Life Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Ilaria Corsi
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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7
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Gonzalez-Pineda M, Salvadó H, Avila C. Do Antarctic bivalves present microdebris? The case of Livingston Island. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 351:124086. [PMID: 38692387 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124086] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Marine microdebris (MD) seem to be widespread in benthic invertebrates, even in the most remote areas of the planet such as Antarctica, although the information available is still very scarce. Here we provide a detailed quantification and characterization of the MD found on three common bivalve species (Aequiyoldia eightsii, Thracia cf. meridionalis, and Cyclocardia astartoides) inhabiting shallow areas in Johnsons' Bay, Livingston Island (South Shetland Islands, Antarctica) as a snapshot of the MD present. On average, these bivalves contained 0.71 ± 0.89 items per individual and 1.49 ± 2.35 items per gram, being comparable to the few previous existing studies in other Antarctic areas. Nearly half of the organisms analysed here (45.6 %), contained at least one item. No significant differences were found in the three bivalve species. As far as we know, this is the first study to analyse and compare MD in three bivalve species in the Antarctic Peninsula. Although our results indicate bivalves are as not as polluted as in other areas of the planet, this is remarkable since this is considered one of the last pristine areas of the world. Our results point to local activities as the main source of MD pollution in Livingston Island, although global pollution cannot be discarded. We believe this research provides a useful baseline for future studies and will contribute to develop policies and strategies to preserve Antarctic marine ecosystems from MD pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariona Gonzalez-Pineda
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences & Biodiversity Research Institute (IRBio), University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, Barcelona, 08028, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Humbert Salvadó
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences & Biodiversity Research Institute (IRBio), University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, Barcelona, 08028, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Conxita Avila
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences & Biodiversity Research Institute (IRBio), University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, Barcelona, 08028, Catalonia, Spain
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Leistenschneider C, Wu F, Primpke S, Gerdts G, Burkhardt-Holm P. Unveiling high concentrations of small microplastics (11-500 μm) in surface water samples from the southern Weddell Sea off Antarctica. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 927:172124. [PMID: 38565351 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Recent studies have highlighted the prevalence of microplastic (MP) pollution in the global marine environment and these pollutants have been found to contaminate even remote regions, including the Southern Ocean south of the polar front. Previous studies in this region have mostly focused on MPs larger than 300 μm, potentially underestimating the extent of MP pollution. This study is the first to investigate MPs in marine surface waters south of the polar front, with a focus on small MPs 500-11 μm in size. Seventeen surface water samples were collected in the southern Weddell Sea using an in-house-designed sampling system. The analysis of the entire sample using micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (μFTIR) with focal plane array (FPA) detection revealed the presence of MPs in all samples, with the vast majority of the MPs detected being smaller than 300 μm (98.3 %). The mean concentration reached 43.5 (± 83.8) MPs m-3, with a wide range from 0.5 to 267.2 MPs m-3. The samples with the highest concentrations differed from the other samples in that they were collected north of the continental slope and the Antarctic Slope Current. Sea ice conditions possibly also influenced these varying concentrations. This study reports high concentrations of MPs compared to other studies in the region. It emphasizes the need to analyze small MPs, down to a size of 11 μm or even smaller, in the Antarctic Treaty Area to gain a more comprehensive understanding of MP pollution and its potential ecological impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Leistenschneider
- Man-Society-Environment Program, Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Basel, Vesalgasse 1, 4051 Basel, Switzerland; Shelf Sea System Ecology, Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Kurpromenade 201, 27498 Helgoland, Germany
| | - Fangzhu Wu
- Shelf Sea System Ecology, Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Kurpromenade 201, 27498 Helgoland, Germany
| | - Sebastian Primpke
- Shelf Sea System Ecology, Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Kurpromenade 201, 27498 Helgoland, Germany
| | - Gunnar Gerdts
- Shelf Sea System Ecology, Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Kurpromenade 201, 27498 Helgoland, Germany
| | - Patricia Burkhardt-Holm
- Man-Society-Environment Program, Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Basel, Vesalgasse 1, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
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9
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Huang P, Hu Y, Zhang X, Zhou J, Xiao H, Du J. The combined exposure of polystyrene microplastics and high-fat feeding affects the intestinal pathology damage and microbiome in zebrafish. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2024; 104:2068-2080. [PMID: 38596840 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15746] [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: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
The pervasive utilization of plastics and their integration into ecosystems has resulted in significant environmental issues, particularly the pollution of microplastics (MPs). In aquaculture, high-fat feed (HFD) is frequently employed to enhance the energy intake and economic fish production. This study utilized zebrafish as a model organism to investigate the impact of concurrent exposure to HFD and MPs on fish intestinal pathology damage and intestinal microbiome. The experimental design involved the division of zebrafish into two groups: one receiving a normal diet (ND) and the other receiving HFD. The zebrafish were exposed to a control group, as well as polystyrene (PS) MPs of varying sizes (5 and 50 μm). Histopathological examination revealed that the combination of 5 μm MPs and HFD resulted in the most significant damage to the zebrafish intestinal tract. Furthermore, gut microbiome assays indicated that exposure to MPs and HFD altered the composition of the gut microbiome. This study demonstrates that in aquaculture, the issue of HFD must be considered alongside concerns about MPs contamination, as both factors appear to have a combined effect on the intestinal pathology damage and intestinal microbiome. The findings of this research offer valuable insights for the improvement of fish farming practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Huang
- Department of General Pediatric Surgery, Wuhan Children's Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanqiu Hu
- Precision Medical Center, Wuhan Children's Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiankai Zhang
- Precision Medical Center, Wuhan Children's Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jingyi Zhou
- Institute of Maternal and Child Health, Wuhan Children's Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Han Xiao
- Institute of Maternal and Child Health, Wuhan Children's Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Juan Du
- Institute of Maternal and Child Health, Wuhan Children's Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China
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10
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Rondon R, Cosseau C, Bergami E, Cárdenas CA, Pérez-Toledo C, Alvarez D, Aldridge J, Font A, Garrido I, Santa Cruz F, Perrois G, Balbi T, Corsi I, González-Aravena M. Exposure to nanoplastics and nanomaterials either single and combined affects the gill-associated microbiome of the Antarctic soft-shelled clam Laternula elliptica. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 198:106539. [PMID: 38718522 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106539] [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: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Nanoplastics and engineering nanomaterials (ENMs) are contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), increasingly being detected in the marine environment and recognized as a potential threat for marine biota at the global level including in polar areas. Few studies have assessed the impact of these anthropogenic nanoparticles in the microbiome of marine invertebrates, however combined exposure resembling natural scenarios has been overlooked. The present study aimed to evaluate the single and combined effects of polystyrene nanoparticles (PS NP) as proxy for nanoplastics and nanoscale titanium dioxide (nano-TiO2) on the prokaryotic communities associated with the gill tissue of the Antarctic soft-shell clam Laternula elliptica, a keystone species of marine benthos Wild-caught specimens were exposed to two environmentally relevant concentrations of carboxylated PS NP (PS-COOH NP, ∼62 nm size) and nano-TiO2 (Aeroxide P25, ∼25 nm) as 5 and 50 μg/L either single and combined for 96h in a semi-static condition.Our findings show a shift in microbiome composition in gills of soft-shell clams exposed to PS NP and nano-TiO2 either alone and in combination with a decrease in the relative abundance of OTU1 (Spirochaetaceae). In addition, an increase of gammaproteobacterial OTUs affiliated to MBAE14 and Methylophagaceae (involved in ammonia denitrification and associated with low-quality water), and the OTU Colwellia rossensis (previously recorded in polluted waters) was observed. Our results suggest that nanoplastics and nano-TiO2 alone and in combination induce alterations in microbiome composition by promoting the increase of negative taxa over beneficial ones in the gills of the Antarctic soft-shell clam. An increase of two low abundance OTUs in PS-COOH NPs exposed clams was also observed. A predicted gene function analysis revealed that sugar, lipid, protein and DNA metabolism were the main functions affected by either PS-COOH NP and nano-TiO2 exposure. The molecular functions involved in the altered affiliated OTUs are novel for nano-CEC exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo Rondon
- Departamento Científico, Instituto Antártico Chileno, Punta Arenas, Chile.
| | - Céline Cosseau
- IHPE, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, Univ. Perpignan Via Domitia, Perpignan, France
| | - Elisa Bergami
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - César A Cárdenas
- Departamento Científico, Instituto Antártico Chileno, Punta Arenas, Chile; Millenium Institute Biodiversity of Antarctic and Subantarctic Ecosystems (BASE), Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Diego Alvarez
- Centro Asistencial Docente y de Investigación, Universidad de Magallanes, Punta Arenas, Chile
| | - Jacqueline Aldridge
- Departamento de Ingeniería en Computación, Universidad de Magallanes, Punta Arenas, Chile
| | - Alejandro Font
- Departamento Científico, Instituto Antártico Chileno, Punta Arenas, Chile
| | - Ignacio Garrido
- Centro de Investigaciones Dinámica de Ecosistemas Marinos de Altas Latitudes, Valdivia, Chile; Instituto de Ciencias Marinas y Limnológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | | | - Garance Perrois
- Departamento Científico, Instituto Antártico Chileno, Punta Arenas, Chile; Tropical & Subtropical Research Center, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Jeju, 63349, Republic of Korea
| | - Teresa Balbi
- Department of Earth Environment and Life Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Ilaria Corsi
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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11
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De-la-Torre GE, Santillán L, Dioses-Salinas DC, Yenney E, Toapanta T, Okoffo ED, Kannan G, Madadi R, Dobaradaran S. Assessing the current state of plastic pollution research in Antarctica: Knowledge gaps and recommendations. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 355:141870. [PMID: 38570048 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141870] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Antarctica stands as one of the most isolated and pristine regions on our planet. Regardless, recent studies have evidenced the presence of plastic pollution in Antarctic environments and biota. While these findings are alarming and put into perspective the reach of plastic pollution, it is necessary to assess the current knowledge of plastic pollution in Antarctica. In the present review, an updated literature review of plastic pollution in multiple Antarctic environmental compartments and biota was conducted. Studies were cataloged based on environmental compartments (e.g., sediments, seawater, soil, atmosphere) and biota from different ecological niches. A detailed analysis of the main findings, as well as the flaws and shortcomings across studies, was conducted. In general terms, several studies have shown a lack of adequate sampling and analytical procedures for plastic research (particularly in the case of microplastics) and standard procedures; thus, compromising the reliability of the data reported and comparability across studies. Aiming to guide future studies and highlight research needs, a list of knowledge gaps and recommendations were provided based on the analysis and discussion of the literature and following standardized procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Enrique De-la-Torre
- Grupo de Investigación de Biodiversidad, Medio Ambiente y Sociedad, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, Peru.
| | - Luis Santillán
- Grupo de Investigación de Biodiversidad, Medio Ambiente y Sociedad, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, Peru
| | | | - Emma Yenney
- iES Landau, Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Kaiserslautern-Landau (RPTU), Landau, Germany
| | - Tania Toapanta
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Australia
| | - Elvis D Okoffo
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Australia
| | - Gunasekaran Kannan
- Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Reyhane Madadi
- Environmental Research Laboratory, School of Civil Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sina Dobaradaran
- Systems Environmental Health and Energy Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran; Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health and Nutrition, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran; Instrumental Analytical Chemistry and Centre for Water and Environmental Research (ZWU), Faculty of Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstr. 5, Essen, Germany
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12
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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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13
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Cebuhar JD, Negrete J, Rodríguez Pirani LS, Picone AL, Proietti M, Romano RM, Della Védova CO, Casaux R, Secchi ER, Botta S. Anthropogenic debris in three sympatric seal species of the Western Antarctic Peninsula. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 922:171273. [PMID: 38408675 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171273] [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: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Litter pollution is a growing concern, including for Antarctica and the species that inhabit this ecosystem. In this study, we investigated the microplastic contamination in three seal species that inhabit the Western Antarctic Peninsula: crabeater (Lobodon carcinophaga), leopard (Hydrurga leptonyx) and Weddell (Leptonychotes weddellii) seals. Given the worldwide ubiquity of this type of contaminant, including the Southern Ocean, we hypothesized that the three seal species would present anthropogenic debris in their feces. We examined 29 scat samples of crabeater (n = 5), leopard (n = 13) and Weddell (n = 11) seals. The chemical composition of the items found were identified using micro-Raman and micro-FTIR spectroscopies. All the samples of the three species presented anthropic particles (frequency of occurrence - %FO - 100 %). Fibers were the predominant debris, but fragments and filaments were also present. Particles smaller than 5 mm (micro debris) were predominant in all the samples. Leopard seals ingested significantly larger micro-debris in comparison with the other seal species. The dominant color was black followed by blue and white. Micro-Raman and micro-FTIR Spectroscopies revealed the presence of different anthropogenic pigments such as reactive blue 238, Indigo 3600 and copper phthalocyanine (blue and green). Carbon black was also detected in the samples, as well as plastic polymers such as polystyrene, polyester and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide, polypropylene and polyurethane These results confirm the presence of anthropogenic contamination in Antarctic seals and highlight the need for actions to mitigate the effects and reduce the contribution of debris in the Antarctic ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julieta D Cebuhar
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação da Megafauna Marinha, Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande-FURG, Av. Itália Km 8 s/n, Rio Grande, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Oceanografia Biológica, Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande-FURG, Rio Grande, Brazil.
| | - Javier Negrete
- Laboratório de Predadores Tope, Instituto Antártico Argentino, Av. 25 de Mayo 1147, Villa Lynch, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo, Calle 64 N° 3, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata 1900, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz, 2290, C1425FQB, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lucas S Rodríguez Pirani
- CEQUINOR (UNLP, CCT-CONICET La Plata, associated with CIC), Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Blvd. 120 N° 1465, La Plata 1900, Argentina
| | - A Lorena Picone
- CEQUINOR (UNLP, CCT-CONICET La Plata, associated with CIC), Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Blvd. 120 N° 1465, La Plata 1900, Argentina
| | - Maira Proietti
- Laboratório de Ecologia Molecular Marinha and Projeto Lixo Marinho, Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande-FURG, Av. Itália Km 8 s/n, Rio Grande, Brasil Rio Grande, Brazil; The Ocean Cleanup, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Rosana M Romano
- CEQUINOR (UNLP, CCT-CONICET La Plata, associated with CIC), Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Blvd. 120 N° 1465, La Plata 1900, Argentina
| | - Carlos O Della Védova
- CEQUINOR (UNLP, CCT-CONICET La Plata, associated with CIC), Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Blvd. 120 N° 1465, La Plata 1900, Argentina
| | - Ricardo Casaux
- Centro de Investigación Esquel de Montaña y Estepa Patagónica (CIEMEP), Roca 780, 9200 Esquel, Chubut, Argentina
| | - Eduardo R Secchi
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação da Megafauna Marinha, Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande-FURG, Av. Itália Km 8 s/n, Rio Grande, Brazil
| | - Silvina Botta
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação da Megafauna Marinha, Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande-FURG, Av. Itália Km 8 s/n, Rio Grande, Brazil
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14
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González-Aravena M, Rotunno C, Cárdenas CA, Torres M, Morley SA, Hurley J, Caro-Lara L, Pozo K, Galban C, Rondon R. Detection of plastic, cellulosic micro-fragments and microfibers in Laternula elliptica from King George Island (Maritime Antarctica). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 201:116257. [PMID: 38518575 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116257] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
It is generally acknowledged that microplastic pollutants are prevalent in ocean waters and sediments across a range of tropical, temperate, subpolar, and polar regions. The waters surrounding King George Island are significantly impacted by human activities, particularly those related to scientific stations, fishing, and tourism. Organisms, such as Laternula elliptica, can be used as environmental monitors due to the likelihood that they will bioaccumulate pollutants. The goal of this study was to quantify and identify plastic and cellulosic micro-fragments and microfibers present in the soft body of clams (n = 21), collected from Fildes Bay near sewage and wastewater discharges. Plastic and cellulose microfragments and microfibers were counted, and their compositions were determined using FT-IR. All 21 individuals sampled contained fragments and fibers, with a total of 900 items detected (42.86 ± 25.36 mean ± SD items per individual), or 1.82 items g.wet mass-1. 58 % of items were cellulose and 22 % plastic. Considering the plastic polymer compositions, 28.57 % were polyethylene terephthalate (PET), 21.43 % acrylic, 14.29 % high-density polyethylene (HDPE), 14.29 % Polypropylene (PP), 7.14 % ultra-high drawn polyethylene filament (UHMWPE), 7.14 % polyester and 7.14 % Polyethylene. The quantities and prevalence of MP in L. elliptica were higher than those found in other Antarctic marine species, and even in bivalves from populated regions of the world. Our work assessed the pollution status of L. elliptica near an effluent of wastewater plants and found that 95 % of individuals displayed MP and 100 % microfibers that could impact their population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo González-Aravena
- Departamento Científico, Instituto Antártico Chileno, Plaza Muñoz Gamero 1055, Punta Arenas, Chile
| | - Carmen Rotunno
- Departamento Científico, Instituto Antártico Chileno, Plaza Muñoz Gamero 1055, Punta Arenas, Chile; Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago de Chile, Chile
| | - César A Cárdenas
- Departamento Científico, Instituto Antártico Chileno, Plaza Muñoz Gamero 1055, Punta Arenas, Chile; Millennium Institute Biodiversity of Antarctic and Subantarctic Ecosystems (BASE), Santiago de Chile, Chile
| | - Mariett Torres
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Arquitectura y Diseño, Universidad San Sebastián, Lientur 1457, Concepción, Chile
| | - Simon A Morley
- British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jessica Hurley
- British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, Cambridge, UK; Department of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - Luis Caro-Lara
- Unidad de Proyectos y Medio Ambiente, Instituto Antártico Chileno, Plaza Muñoz Gamero 1055, Punta Arenas, Chile
| | - Karla Pozo
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Arquitectura y Diseño, Universidad San Sebastián, Lientur 1457, Concepción, Chile; RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, Brno, Czechia
| | - Cristóbal Galban
- GEMA Center for Genomics, Ecology & Environment, Universidad Mayor, Camino La Pirámide 5780, Huechuraba, Santiago de Chile, Chile
| | - Rodolfo Rondon
- Departamento Científico, Instituto Antártico Chileno, Plaza Muñoz Gamero 1055, Punta Arenas, Chile.
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15
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Primpke S, Meyer B, Falcou-Préfol M, Schütte W, Gerdts G. At second glance: The importance of strict quality control - A case study on microplastic in the Southern Ocean key species Antarctic krill, Euphausia superba. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 918:170618. [PMID: 38325470 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170618] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
The stomach content of 60 krill specimens from the Southern Ocean were analyzed for the presence of microplastic (MP), by testing different sample volumes, extraction approaches, and applying hyperspectral imaging Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (μFTIR). Strict quality control was applied on the generated results. A high load of residual materials in pooled samples hampered the analysis and avoided a reliable determination of putative MP particles. Individual krill stomachs displayed reliable results, however, only after re-treating the samples with hydrogen peroxide. Before this treatment, lipid rich residues of krill resulted in false assignments of polymer categories and hence, false high MP particle numbers. Finally, MP was identified in 4 stomachs out of 60, with only one MP particle per stomach. Our study highlights the importance of strict quality control to verify results before coming to a final decision on MP contamination in the environment to aid the establishment of suitable internationally standardized protocols for sampling and analysis of MP in organisms including their habitats in Southern Ocean and worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Primpke
- Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Division Shelf Sea System Ecology, Biologische Anstalt Helgoland, Kurpromenade, 27498 Helgoland, Germany.
| | - Bettina Meyer
- Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Division Polar Biological Oceanography, Am Handelshafen 12, 27570 Bremerhaven, Germany; Carl-von-Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment, Ammerländer Heerstraße 114-118, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany; Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity (HIFMB) at the Carl-von-Ossietzky University, Oldenburg 26111, Germany.
| | - Mathilde Falcou-Préfol
- Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Division Shelf Sea System Ecology, Biologische Anstalt Helgoland, Kurpromenade, 27498 Helgoland, Germany; Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Division Polar Biological Oceanography, Am Handelshafen 12, 27570 Bremerhaven, Germany; Nantes Université, 1 Quai de Tourville, 44035 Nantes Cedex 1, France
| | - Wyona Schütte
- Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Division Polar Biological Oceanography, Am Handelshafen 12, 27570 Bremerhaven, Germany; Carl-von-Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment, Ammerländer Heerstraße 114-118, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Gunnar Gerdts
- Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Division Shelf Sea System Ecology, Biologische Anstalt Helgoland, Kurpromenade, 27498 Helgoland, Germany
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16
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Zhu W, Zhao N, Liu W, Guo R, Jin H. Occurrence of microplastics in Antarctic fishes: Abundance, size, shape, and polymer composition. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 903:166186. [PMID: 37582441 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Presence of microplastics (MPs) in Antarctic ecosystems has attracted global attention, due to the potential threat to the Antarctic marine organisms. However, data on the occurrence of MPs in Antarctic fishes remains very limited. This study investigated the abundance and characteristics of MPs in four species of Antarctic fish (n = 114). The highest mean abundance of MPs was detected in Trematomus eulepidotus (1.7 ± 0.61 items/individual), followed by that in Chionodraco rastrospinosus (1.4 ± 0.26 items/individual), Notolepis coatsi (1.1 ± 0.57 items/individual), and Electrona carlsbergi (0.72 ± 0.19 items/individual). MPs in Notolepis coatsi (mean 747 μm) had the highest mean size, followed by that in Trematomus eulepidotus (653 μm), Chionodraco rastrospinosus (629 μm), and Electrona carlsbergi (473 μm). This is possibly attributed to the feeding habits and egestion behaviors of different Antarctic fishes. Fiber was consistently the predominant shape of MPs in Trematomus eulepidotus, Chionodraco rastrospinosus, and Electrona carlsbergi, accounting for 82 %, 76 %, and 60 % of total items of MPs, respectively. Polypropylene, polyamide, and polyethylene were the predominant polymer composition of MPs in Antarctic fishes, collectively contributed 63-86 % of total items of MPs. This may be because these types of MPs have been widely used in global household materials. To our knowledge, this is the most comprehensive study examining the occurrence of MPs in Antarctic fishes. This study provides fundamental data for evaluating the risks of MP exposure for Antarctic fishes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbin Zhu
- Zhejiang Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Fishery Resources for Key Fishing Grounds, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People's Republic of China, Key Laboratory of Sustainable Utilization of Technology Research for Fishery Resources of Zhejiang Province, Zhoushan, Zhejiang 316021, PR China
| | - Nan Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310032, PR China
| | - Wenbo Liu
- Zhejiang Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Fishery Resources for Key Fishing Grounds, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People's Republic of China, Key Laboratory of Sustainable Utilization of Technology Research for Fishery Resources of Zhejiang Province, Zhoushan, Zhejiang 316021, PR China
| | - Ruyue Guo
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310032, PR China
| | - Hangbiao Jin
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310032, PR China.
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17
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Kim Y, Kim H, Jeong MS, Kim D, Kim J, Jung J, Seo HM, Han HJ, Lee WS, Choi CY. Microplastics in gastrointestinal tracts of gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua) chicks on King George Island, Antarctica. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13016. [PMID: 37563179 PMCID: PMC10415326 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39844-6] [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: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Microplastics (< 5 mm) have been found in marine ecosystems worldwide, even in Antarctic ecosystems. In this study, the stomach and upper intestines of 14 dead gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua) chicks were collected and screened for microplastics on King George Island, a gateway to Antarctic research and tourism. A total of 378 microplastics were identified by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, with 27.0 ± 25.3 microplastics per individual. The detected number of microplastics did not increase with the mass of penguin chicks, suggesting no permanent accumulation of microplastics. However, the concentration of microplastics was much higher (9.1 ± 10.8 microplastics per individual within the size range 100-5000 μm) than the previously reported concentration in the penguin feces, and a greater number of smaller microplastics were found. Marine debris surveys near the breeding colony found various plastic (79.3%) to be the most frequent type of beached debris, suggesting that local sources of marine plastic waste could have contributed to microplastic contamination of penguin chicks being fed by parents that forage in nearby seas. This finding confirms the presence of microplastics in an Antarctic ecosystem and suggests the need for stronger waste management in Antarctica and a standardized scheme of microplastic monitoring in this once-pristine ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youmin Kim
- Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Bioresources, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- Division of Life Sciences, Korea Polar Research Institute, Incheon, 21990, Republic of Korea
| | - Hankyu Kim
- Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Bioresources, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Min-Su Jeong
- Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Bioresources, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Dowoon Kim
- Korea Institute of Analytical Science and Technology, Seoul, 04790, Republic of Korea
| | - Juyang Kim
- Korea Institute of Analytical Science and Technology, Seoul, 04790, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaehak Jung
- Korea Institute of Analytical Science and Technology, Seoul, 04790, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae-Min Seo
- Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Bioresources, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Jin Han
- Taxidermy Lab, Icheon, Gyeonggi, 17402, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo-Shin Lee
- Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Bioresources, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Yong Choi
- Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Bioresources, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
- Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
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