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Axworthy JB, Lasdin KS, Padilla-Gamiño JL. Low incidence of microplastics in coral reefs of Kāne'ohe Bay, Hawai'i, USA. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 208:116996. [PMID: 39326332 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2024] [Revised: 09/11/2024] [Accepted: 09/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024]
Abstract
This study investigated microplastic and other micro-debris pollution in sediment, seawater, sea cucumbers, and corals from fringing and patch reefs in Kāne'ohe Bay, O'ahu, Hawai'i, USA. Microplastic pollution in Kāne'ohe Bay Bay was low compared to other tropical coral reefs. Microplastics were detected in sediments (29 %), sea cucumbers (9 %), and coral (0-2 %) samples but were not quantifiable. Seawater had quantifiable microplastic (< 0.5 mm) and macroplastic (> 0.5 mm) pollution, with mean concentrations ranging from 0.0061 to 0.081 particles m-3. Most particles detected in seawater samples were larger, floating plastic debris consisting mostly of polyethylene, polypropylene fragments, and fibers. Across the other matrices, the most detected particles were polyester, polypropylene, and cotton fibers. These results provide baseline data for this important coral reef ecosystem, and further monitoring is recommended to understand the seasonal and long-term trends in microplastic pollution and its potential future impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy B Axworthy
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, 1122 NE Boat St., Seattle, Washington 98105, USA.
| | - Katherine S Lasdin
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, 1122 NE Boat St., Seattle, Washington 98105, USA
| | - Jacqueline L Padilla-Gamiño
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, 1122 NE Boat St., Seattle, Washington 98105, USA
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2
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Wootton N, Gillanders BM, Leterme S, Noble W, Wilson SP, Blewitt M, Swearer SE, Reis-Santos P. Research priorities on microplastics in marine and coastal environments: An Australian perspective to advance global action. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 205:116660. [PMID: 38981192 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116660] [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: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Plastic and microplastic contamination in the environment receive global attention, with calls for the synthesis of scientific evidence to inform actionable strategies and policy-relevant practices. We provide a systematic literature review on microplastic research across Australian coastal environments in water, sediment and biota, highlighting the main research foci and gaps in information. At the same time, we conducted surveys and workshops to gather expert opinions from multiple stakeholders (including researchers, industry, and government) to identify critical research directions to meet stakeholder needs across sectors. Through this consultation and engagement process, we created a platform for knowledge exchange and identified three major priorities to support evidence-based policy, regulation, and management. These include a need for (i) method harmonisation in microplastic assessments, (ii) information on the presence, sources, and pathways of plastic pollution, and (iii) advancing our understanding of the risk of harm to individuals and ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Wootton
- School of Biological Sciences and the Environment Institute, University of Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia.
| | - Bronwyn M Gillanders
- School of Biological Sciences and the Environment Institute, University of Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Sophie Leterme
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia; Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia
| | - Warwick Noble
- Water Quality, Environment Protection Authority, GPO Box 2607, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia
| | - Scott P Wilson
- AUSMAP, Total Environment Centre, PO Box K61, Haymarket, New South Wales 1240, Australia; School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Michelle Blewitt
- AUSMAP, Total Environment Centre, PO Box K61, Haymarket, New South Wales 1240, Australia
| | - Stephen E Swearer
- Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Patrick Reis-Santos
- School of Biological Sciences and the Environment Institute, University of Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
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3
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Ganie ZA, Mandal A, Arya L, T S, Talib M, Darbha GK. Assessment and accumulation of microplastics in the Indian riverine systems: Risk assessment and implications of translocation across the water-to-fish continuum. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2024; 272:106944. [PMID: 38823071 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2024.106944] [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: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution has engulfed global aquatic systems, and the concerns about microplastic translocation and bioaccumulation in fish and other aquatic organisms are now an unpleasant truth. In the past few years, MP pollution in freshwater systems, particularly rivers and subsequently in freshwater organisms, especially in fish, has caught the attention of researchers. Rivers provide livelihood to approximately 40 % of the global population through food and potable water. Hence, assessment of emerging contaminants like microplastics in rivers and the associated fauna is crucial. This study assessed microplastics (MPs) in fish, sediment and freshwater samples across the third largest riverine system of peninsular India, the Mahanadi River. The number concentrations of MPs measured in water, sediment and fish ranged from 337.5 ± 54.4-1333.3 ± 557.2 MPs/m3, 14.7 ± 3.7-69.3 ± 10.1 MPs/kg. Dry weight and 0.4-3.2 MPs/Fish, respectively. Surprisingly, MPs were found in every second fish sample, with a higher MP number in the gut than in the gills. Black and blue coloured filaments with <0.5 mm size were the dominant MPs with polypropylene and polyethylene polymers in abundance. The Polymer Hazard Index (PHI) and the Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI) studies revealed that the majority of the sampling sites fell in Risk category V (dangerous category). An irregular trend in the MP concentration was observed downstream of the river, though relatively elevated MP concentrations in water and fish samples were observed downstream of the river. t-Distributed Stochastic Neighbour Embedding (t-SNE) unveiled distinct patterns in MP distribution with a higher similarity exhibited in the MPs found in fish gill and gut samples, unlike water and sediment, which shared certain characteristics. The findings in the current study contribute to filling the knowledge gap of MP assessment and accumulation in global freshwater systems and highlight the microplastic contamination and accumulation in fish with its potential implications on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahid Ahmad Ganie
- Environmental Nanoscience Laboratory, Department of Earth Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research- Kolkata, Mohanpur, West Bengal, 741246, India
| | - Abhishek Mandal
- Environmental Nanoscience Laboratory, Department of Earth Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research- Kolkata, Mohanpur, West Bengal, 741246, India
| | - Lavish Arya
- Environmental Nanoscience Laboratory, Department of Earth Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research- Kolkata, Mohanpur, West Bengal, 741246, India
| | - Sangeetha T
- Environmental Nanoscience Laboratory, Department of Earth Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research- Kolkata, Mohanpur, West Bengal, 741246, India
| | - Mohmmed Talib
- Environmental Nanoscience Laboratory, Department of Earth Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research- Kolkata, Mohanpur, West Bengal, 741246, India
| | - Gopala Krishna Darbha
- Environmental Nanoscience Laboratory, Department of Earth Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research- Kolkata, Mohanpur, West Bengal, 741246, India; Centre for Climate and Environmental Studies, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur, West Bengal, 741246, India.
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4
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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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5
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Forero-López AD, Toniolo MA, Colombo CV, Rimondino GN, Cuadrado D, Perillo GME, Malanca FE. Marine microdebris pollution in sediments from three environmental coastal areas in the southwestern Argentine Atlantic. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 913:169677. [PMID: 38163594 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and antifouling paint particles (APPs) are important components of marine microdebris (MDs), which constitute a potential environmental risk. This study analyzed baseline contamination levels of MDs and mesodebris (MesDs) in intertidal sediments at different depths, exploring the geomorphological influence in three Argentine coastal environments: Bahía Blanca Estuary (BBE), Los Pocitos (LP) and Puerto Madryn (PM). The MDs and MesDs samples were characterized by μ-FTIR, SEM/EDX and XRD. The abundance of MPs and APPs in sediments, range between 19.78 and 1087.19 and between 0 and 172.93 items/kg d.w., respectively. Despite variations in population and industrial developments in these areas, MPs abundance shows no significant differences in low and high intertidal zones. However, mean MPs concentrations were higher in the surface layer (0-5 cm) compared to the deeper sediments (5-10 cm), indicating recent MPs deposition. Chemical characterization evidenced the presence of cellulose (CE) and denser polymers as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polyacrylics (PAN), APPs, metallic and black MDs. Surface degradation and heavy metals (Zn, Cr, and Ba) were also detected in APPs and other MDs, either as additives or adhered to their surfaces. Changes in crystallinity were also observed on the MesDs due to weathering. The calculated polymer hazard index (PHI) and the presence of hazardous polymers such as ABS and PAN indicated an increased risk of MPs pollution on the BBE and PM coasts. The pollution load index (PLI) values (from 4.63 to 5.34) suggested unpolluted to moderately polluted levels. These findings offer insights into potential risks associated with MDs in Argentine intertidal sediments, underscoring the critical need to comprehend the geomorphology and the influence of coastal dynamics. This is crucial for effectively addressing challenges linked to MDs pollution guiding the development of robust management and mitigation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- A D Forero-López
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), CONICET/UNS, CCT-Bahía Blanca, Camino La Carrindanga, km 7.5, Edificio E1, Bahía Blanca B8000FWB, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - M A Toniolo
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), CONICET/UNS, CCT-Bahía Blanca, Camino La Carrindanga, km 7.5, Edificio E1, Bahía Blanca B8000FWB, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - C V Colombo
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), CONICET/UNS, CCT-Bahía Blanca, Camino La Carrindanga, km 7.5, Edificio E1, Bahía Blanca B8000FWB, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Investigaciones en Fisicoquímica de Córdoba (INFIQC), Departamento de Fisicoquímica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - G N Rimondino
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Fisicoquímica de Córdoba (INFIQC), Departamento de Fisicoquímica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - D Cuadrado
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), CONICET/UNS, CCT-Bahía Blanca, Camino La Carrindanga, km 7.5, Edificio E1, Bahía Blanca B8000FWB, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - G M E Perillo
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), CONICET/UNS, CCT-Bahía Blanca, Camino La Carrindanga, km 7.5, Edificio E1, Bahía Blanca B8000FWB, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - F E Malanca
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Fisicoquímica de Córdoba (INFIQC), Departamento de Fisicoquímica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina
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6
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Reichert J, Tirpitz V, Plaza K, Wörner E, Bösser L, Kühn S, Primpke S, Schubert P, Ziegler M, Wilke T. Common types of microdebris affect the physiology of reef-building corals. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169276. [PMID: 38086480 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Marine debris, particularly microdebris (< 1 mm) poses a potential threat to marine life, including reef-building corals. While previous research has mainly focused on the impact of single polymer microplastics, the effects of natural microdebris, composed of a mixture of materials, have not been explored. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effects of different microdebris, originating from major sources of pollution, on reef-building corals. For this, we exposed two scleractinian coral species, Pocillopora verrucosa and Stylophora pistillata, known to frequently ingest microplastics, to four types of microdebris in an 8-week laboratory experiment: fragmented environmental plastic debris, artificial fibers from clothing, residues from the automobile sector consisting of tire wear, brake abrasion, and varnish flakes, a single polymer microplastic treatment consisting of polyethylene particles, and a microdebris-free control treatment. Specifically, we (I) compared the effects of the different microdebris on coral growth, necrosis, and photosynthesis, (II) investigated the difference between the microdebris mixtures and the exposure to the single polymer treatment, and (III) identified potential mechanisms causing species-specific effects by contrasting the feeding responses of the two coral species on microdebris and natural food. We show that the fibers and tire wear had the strongest effects on coral physiology, with P. verrucosa being more affected than S. pistillata. Both species showed increased volume growth in response to the microdebris treatments, accompanied by decreased calcification in P. verrucosa. Photosynthetic efficiency of the symbionts was enhanced in both species. The species-specific physiological responses might be attributed to feeding reactions, with P. verrucosa responding significantly more often to microdebris than S. pistillata. These findings highlight the effect of different microdebris on coral physiology and the need for future studies to use particle mixtures to better mimic naturally occurring microdebris and assess its effect on corals in more detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Reichert
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany; Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, HI, Kāne'ohe, USA.
| | - Vanessa Tirpitz
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Katherine Plaza
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Wörner
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany; Department of Geoscience, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Luisa Bösser
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Susanne Kühn
- Wageningen Marine Research, Den Helder, the Netherlands
| | - Sebastian Primpke
- Alfred-Wegener-Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Biologische Anstalt Helgoland, Helgoland, Germany
| | - Patrick Schubert
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Maren Ziegler
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Thomas Wilke
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
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7
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Kibria G. Impacts of microplastic on fisheries and seafood security - Global analysis and synthesis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:166652. [PMID: 37652377 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
This review paper collected, collated, analysed, interpreted, synthesised, and documented the research investigations conducted on microplastic (MPs) pollution impacts on seafood organisms (including fish, sharks, shrimps, lobsters, crabs, oysters, mussels, and seaweeds) during the last ten years (2012-2022) covering fifty-seven locations/countries in the world. MPs contaminated 926 seafood species comprising 895 finfish, 09 crustaceans, 20 molluscs and 02 seaweeds. Seafood from Asia was found to be most contaminated with MPs. High MP contamination/ingestion was revealed in several seafood organisms. The ingestion of MPs can reduce fish growth and fish fitness, leading to reduced yield/fish production. Fish and seafood play a significant role in supporting the economy, employment, food sources, and livelihoods of people across the globe, which can be threatened due to the contamination of seafood organisms with MPs. MPs have bioaccumulated in fish skin, gills, stomachs, liver, intestine, and muscles as well as dry fish and canned fish. Hence, the consumption of MP-contaminated fresh fish, whole fish, dried fish or canned fish poses risks as it may be a pathway of MP transfer to humans. MPs can increase the health risks to seafood fish consumers since there is a probability that high risks pollutants adsorbed on MPs (heavy metals, pesticides, and oil compounds) can transfer to humans via the food chain. Several of the chemicals (heavy metals, DDT, PAHs) adsorbed onto MPs are carcinogenic. MPs have also been detected in fish meals, therefore, farmed livestock such as aquaculture fish and chicken fed to fish meals can be exposed to MPs and ultimately to humans. Preventive and safety measures are suggested to reduce the exposure of MPs to humans. In addition, several policy strategies are recommended to reduce the impacts of plastic waste and plastic pollution on the environment, aquatic biota, wildlife, seafood and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Golam Kibria
- School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia; Global Artificial Mussels Pollution Watch Program, Australia.
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8
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Gao Y, Huang W, Jiang N, Fang JKH, Hu M, Shang Y, Wang Y. Combined effects of microfibers and polychlorinated biphenyls on the immune function of hemocytes in the mussel Mytilus coruscus. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 192:106214. [PMID: 37865594 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
Numerous studies have shown that microplastics can interact with other pollutants in the environment to produce synergistic effects, leading to more serious impacts. To date, there is little consensus on the combined effects of microfibers (MFs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs, Aroclor 1254), two legacy and alarming environmental pollutants. There is an urgent need to assess the impact of combined exposures on bivalve immune defences. In this study, we assessed the immune response of the mussels (Mytilus coruscus) hemocyte to MFs and PCBs alone and in combination by using flow cytometry. M. coruscus were exposed to MFs (1000 pieces/L) and PCBs (PCBs) (100 ng/L and 1000 ng/L) alone or in combination for 14 consecutive days and recovered for 7 days. The hemocyte of M. coruscus was collected on day 7, 14 and 21. MF exposure alone had no effect on the hemocyte. The total hemocyte count (THC), esterase (EA), lysosomal contents (LC), mitochondrial number (MN) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) of mussels showed a decreasing trend with increasing PCB concentrations, both individually and in combination; The decreases in EA, MN and MMP were associated with the induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Hemocyte mortality (HM) was associated with a decrease in THC. Combined exposure to MFs and PCBs would exacerbate the effects on hemocyte immunity. These new findings improve our understanding of the toxic effects of MFs and organic chemical pollutants, and demonstrate the potential mechanism of PCBs to bivalves through changes in hemolymph immunity-related indicators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Gao
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences at Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Wei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Satellite Ocean Environment Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou, 310012, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou, 310012, China
| | - Ningjin Jiang
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences at Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - James K H Fang
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Menghong Hu
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences at Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Yueyong Shang
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences at Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China.
| | - Youji Wang
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences at Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China; State Key Laboratory of Satellite Ocean Environment Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou, 310012, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China.
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9
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Monràs-Riera P, Angulo-Preckler C, Avila C. Quantification and distribution of marine microdebris in the surface waters of Livingston Island (South Shetland Islands, Antarctica). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 195:115516. [PMID: 37690406 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Microdebris are ubiquitous and the Southern Ocean is no exception. Despite the recent increment in Antarctic studies assessing this threat, there is still scarce information available. Here, we quantified the microdebris in surface water, and their distribution within two bays of Livingston Island (South Shetlands, Antarctica). The two studied bays included one with human presence and one pristine, barely visited. Microdebris pollution was found in all samples with a mean concentration of 0.264 ± 0.185 items/m3. Fibres (82.19 %) were the main item, with polyester (61.67 %) as the main plastic polymer, followed by nylon (29.54 %). No differences in the distribution pattern were observed, with microdebris being homogeneously distributed along the two bays. Our results suggest that nearshore waters of Livingston Island are prone to the accumulation and retention of microdebris. The composition of the microdebris also points to Antarctic local activities as principal contamination contributors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pere Monràs-Riera
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology, Environmental Sciences, and Biodiversity Research Institute (IrBIO), Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Carlos Angulo-Preckler
- Red Sea Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Conxita Avila
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology, Environmental Sciences, and Biodiversity Research Institute (IrBIO), Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
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10
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Menéndez D, Blanco-Fernandez C, Machado-Schiaffino G, Ardura A, Garcia-Vazquez E. High microplastics concentration in liver is negatively associated with condition factor in the Benguela hake Merluccius polli. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 262:115135. [PMID: 37320916 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) affect both marine and terrestrial biota worldwide for their harmful effects, which range from physical cell damage to physiological deterioration. In this research, microplastics were quantified from gills, liver and muscle of demersal Benguela hakes Merluccius polli (n = 94), caught by commercial trawling from northwest African waters. Plastic polymers were identified using Fourier Transformed-infraRed spectroscopy (FT-iR). Fulton's k condition factor and the degree of DNA degradation in liver were measured. None of the individuals were free of MPs, whose concentration ranged from 0.18 particles/g in muscle to 0.6 in liver. Four hazardous polymers were identified: 2-ethoxyethylmethacrylate, polyester, polyethylene terephthalate, and poly-acrylics. MP concentration in liver was correlated negatively with the condition factor, suggesting physiological damage. Positive association of MP concentration and liver DNA degradation was explained from cell breakage during trawl hauls during decompression, suggesting an additional way of MPs harm in organisms inhabiting at great depth. This is the first report of potential MPs-driven damage in this species; more studies are recommended to understand the impact of MP pollution on demersal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Menéndez
- Department of Functional Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oviedo, C/ Julian Claveria s/n, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Carmen Blanco-Fernandez
- Department of Functional Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oviedo, C/ Julian Claveria s/n, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Gonzalo Machado-Schiaffino
- Department of Functional Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oviedo, C/ Julian Claveria s/n, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Alba Ardura
- Department of Functional Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oviedo, C/ Julian Claveria s/n, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Eva Garcia-Vazquez
- Department of Functional Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oviedo, C/ Julian Claveria s/n, 33006 Oviedo, Spain.
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11
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Lima CDM, Melo Júnior M, Schwamborn SHL, Kessler F, Oliveira LA, Ferreira BP, Mugrabe G, Frias J, Neumann-Leitão S. Zooplankton exposure to microplastic contamination in a estuarine plume-influenced region, in Northeast Brazil. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 322:121072. [PMID: 36720339 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121072] [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: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This work describes the spatio-temporal distribution of suspected plastic and microplastic (MP) particles in estuarine plumes and analyzes the microplastic/zooplankton ratio. Subsurface hauls with a conical-cylindrical net were deployed in the coastal area of Tamandare (Pernambuco, Brazil), covering the plume of two rivers and a bay adjacent to coral reefs. A total of 2079 suspected plastic particles were detected, mostly fibers and fragments (>60%). Organic matter digestion was made using a 30% hydrogen peroxide solution, of which approximately 50% of suspected particles were validated as MPs. The average MP abundance was significantly higher during the high rainfall season (53.8 ± 89.6 and 18.8 ± 32.3 particles/m³, respectively), with higher values registered in the plume area (108.9 ± 158.5 and 44.6 ± 55.5 particles/m³). Polymer identification using FT-IR confirmed that suspected particles were mainly polypropylene, polyamide, and polyurethane. These results confirm the hypothesis of a temporal transport variation of MPs from the river to the coastal environments, particularly since the plume influences debris input. Eleven animal phyla were identified, and the subclass Copepoda was predominant (90%), particularly the nauplius stage (70%). Over 70% of verified MPs range between 20 and 2000 μm, equivalent to the most common size of zooplanktonic organisms. Results support that coastal areas near estuarine plumes are exposed to microplastic contamination, affecting species dependent on zooplankton in marine coastal food webs.
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Affiliation(s)
- C D M Lima
- Museu de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. da Arquitetura, S/N, Cidade, Universitária, Recife, PE, Brazil.
| | - M Melo Júnior
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, R. Dom Manuel de Medeiros, 97 - Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE, Brazil.
| | - S H L Schwamborn
- Museu de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. da Arquitetura, S/N, Cidade, Universitária, Recife, PE, Brazil.
| | - F Kessler
- Escola de Química e Alimentos, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Av. Itália, km 8, Carreiros, RS, Brazil.
| | - L A Oliveira
- Escola de Química e Alimentos, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Av. Itália, km 8, Carreiros, RS, Brazil.
| | - B P Ferreira
- Museu de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. da Arquitetura, S/N, Cidade, Universitária, Recife, PE, Brazil.
| | - G Mugrabe
- Museu de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. da Arquitetura, S/N, Cidade, Universitária, Recife, PE, Brazil.
| | - J Frias
- Marine & Freshwater Research Centre, Atlantic Technological University, Galway Campus, Dublin Road, H91 T8NW, Ireland.
| | - S Neumann-Leitão
- Museu de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. da Arquitetura, S/N, Cidade, Universitária, Recife, PE, Brazil.
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12
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Miller ME, Motti CA, Hamann M, Kroon FJ. Assessment of microplastic bioconcentration, bioaccumulation and biomagnification in a simple coral reef food web. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 858:159615. [PMID: 36309288 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Plastics, and more specifically, microplastics (MPs, <5 mm) are considered a marine contaminant of emerging concern. To accurately assess the ecological risk of MPs, it is critical to first understand the relationship between MP contamination in organisms with that in their surrounding environment. The goal of this study was to examine the ecological risk of MPs in coral reef ecosystems by assessing the MP contamination found within a simple food web against contamination in the surrounding environment. Taxa representing three trophic levels (zooplankton, benthic crustaceans, and reef fish), as well as the distinct environmental matrices which they inhabit (i.e., mid-column water and sediment) were collected from two mid-shelf reefs in the central Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Microplastics were isolated using validated clarification techniques, visually characterised (i.e., shape, colour, size) by microscopy, chemically confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and recorded in all three trophic levels and all abiotic samples. MPs were found to bioconcentrate, with similar concentrations, polymer types, sizes, shapes, and colours at each trophic level compared to their surrounding environment. However, MP contamination varied across the three trophic levels, with no evidence of bioaccumulation. Further, MP concentrations did not increase up the food web, discounting MP biomagnification. Regardless, given the heterogeneity of MPs found in the marine environment, and the complexity of marine food webs, trophic transfer represents a prominent pathway of exposure from lower to higher trophic levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela E Miller
- Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia; AIMS@JCU, Division of Research and Innovation, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia; College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia.
| | - Cherie A Motti
- Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia; AIMS@JCU, Division of Research and Innovation, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - Mark Hamann
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - Frederieke J Kroon
- Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia; AIMS@JCU, Division of Research and Innovation, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
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13
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Carbery M, Herb F, Reynes J, Pham CK, Fong WK, Lehner R. How small is the big problem? Small microplastics <300 μm abundant in marine surface waters of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 184:114179. [PMID: 36206615 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Particle size plays an important role in determining the behaviour, fate and effects of microplastics (MPs), yet little is known about MPs <300 μm in aquatic environments. Therefore, we performed the first assessment of MPs in marine surface waters around the Whitsunday Islands region of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Australia, to test for the presence of small MPs (50-300 μm) in-situ. Using a modified manta net, we demonstrate that MPs were present in all marine surface water samples, with a mean sea surface concentration of 0.23 ± 0.03 particles m-3. Microplastics were mainly blue, clear and black fibres and fragments, consisting of polyethylene terephthalate, high-density polyethylene and polypropylene plastic polymers. Tourism and marine recreation were considered the major contributing sources of MPs to surface waters around the Whitsunday Islands. Between 10 and 124 times the number of MPs exist in the 50 μm-300 μm size class, compared with the 1 mm-5 mm size range. This finding indicates that the global abundance of small MPs in marine surface waters is grossly underestimated and warrants further investigation. Research into the occurrence, characteristics and environmental fate of MPs <300 μm is needed to improve our understanding of the cumulative threats facing valuable ecosystems due to this smaller, potentially more hazardous size class.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maddison Carbery
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, NSW, Australia
| | - Frithjof Herb
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, NSW, Australia
| | - Julien Reynes
- Institute of Geological Sciences, University of Bern, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland; Institute of Earth Sciences, University of Lausanne, Géopolis, Quartier Mouline, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Christopher K Pham
- Instituto de Investigação em Ciências do Mar - IMAR/OKEANOS, Universidade dos Açores, 9900-138 Horta, Portugal
| | - Wye-Khay Fong
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, NSW, Australia.
| | - Roman Lehner
- Sail and Explore Association, Kramgasse 18, 3011 Bern, Switzerland.
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14
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Wootton N, Sarakinis K, Varea R, Reis-Santos P, Gillanders BM. Microplastic in oysters: A review of global trends and comparison to southern Australia. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 307:136065. [PMID: 35995196 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics have been documented in a plethora of marine environments and organisms. These small plastics threaten ecosystem health, with implications for seafood species' health. Oysters are an important cultural and economic aquaculture species globally. Due to their filter feeding mechanisms, they can act as an indicator species and proxy for environmental contamination. This makes them an ideal organism for investigating microplastic pollution. Here, we first systematically reviewed the global literature investigating microplastic in oysters. Globally, 94.4% of all oysters had microplastics, with an average of 1.41 ± 0.33 per gram of soft tissue wet weight (gww). The review showed that wild-caught oysters contained more than double the amount of microplastic than aquaculture raised specimens, likely reflecting the clean and productive waters in which oyster aquaculture systems are commonly located. Second, we quantified microplastic presence and polymer type in commercially farmed oysters (Crassostrea gigas and Saccostrea glomerata) across a broad spatial scale, covering eight sites in southern Australia. Microplastics were present in 49.4% of all sampled oysters, with specimens from all locations containing microplastics. On average, whole oysters contained 0.83 ± 0.08 microplastics per individual or 0.09 ± 0.01 microplastics gww. Using Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, we identified that 62% of the verified microplastics were vexar plastic netting, a low-density polyethylene commonly used in aquaculture production. Understanding the abundance and source of microplastic in these key seafood species is essential to determine if oysters are vulnerable to these contaminants and pose a risk to the oyster aquaculture industry as an important food resource.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Wootton
- School of Biological Sciences and Environment Institute, University of Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia.
| | - Koster Sarakinis
- School of Biological Sciences and Environment Institute, University of Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Rufino Varea
- School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences, The University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji
| | - Patrick Reis-Santos
- School of Biological Sciences and Environment Institute, University of Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Bronwyn M Gillanders
- School of Biological Sciences and Environment Institute, University of Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
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15
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Alfred S, Ram M, Lakenarine R, Hemraj D, Maharaj G. Occurrence and characteristics of microdebris in commercial fish species of Guyana, South America. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 182:114021. [PMID: 35944305 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114021] [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: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microdebris ingestion in fish is widespread and has adverse effects on marine life. This study assessed the occurrence and type of microdebris found in three commercially important fish species from different landing sites along Guyana's coast. Visual examination of fish gut content was initially carried out using the naked eye and a hand lens. Microscopic examinations were subsequently carried out to determine the number and type of debris present. Forty percent of the fishes examined had microdebris present in their bodies. A total of 112 microdebris particles were collected from 90 specimens of three species (Bagre bagre, Nebris microps, Macrodon ancyclodon). The microdebris particles observed included pellets, microbeads, fragments, fiber (wool), films, and foams. White-colored materials were the most frequently ingested. Most of the collected materials were large microdebris (>1 to 5 mm) that resembled pellets and microbeads. This study displayed the prevalence of microdebris ingestion by commercial fish in Guyana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shameeza Alfred
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Guyana, Turkeyen Campus, Georgetown, Guyana
| | - Mark Ram
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Guyana, Turkeyen Campus, Georgetown, Guyana
| | - Rovindra Lakenarine
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Guyana, Turkeyen Campus, Georgetown, Guyana.
| | - Devya Hemraj
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Guyana, Turkeyen Campus, Georgetown, Guyana; Center for the Study of Biological Diversity, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Guyana, Turkeyen Campus, Georgetown, Guyana
| | - Gyanpriya Maharaj
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Guyana, Turkeyen Campus, Georgetown, Guyana; Center for the Study of Biological Diversity, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Guyana, Turkeyen Campus, Georgetown, Guyana
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16
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Miller ME, Santana MFM, Carsique M, Motti CA, Hamann M, Kroon FJ. Temporal patterns of plastic contamination in surface waters at the SS Yongala shipwreck, Great Barrier Reef, Australia. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 307:119545. [PMID: 35643289 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119545] [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: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is ubiquitous within the marine environment, including surface waters, water column and benthic sediments. Marine plastic contamination is expected to increase if future projections of increased plastic production eventuate. Conversely, national and international efforts are aiming to reduce marine plastic contamination. In this context, scientists, managers and the general public are increasingly interested in understanding the status and temporal trends of plastic contamination in the marine environment. Presented here is the first temporal assessment of plastic contamination in surface waters of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), Australia. Specifically, duplicate surface seawater samples (n = 66) were collected at the SS Yongala shipwreck (Central GBR) monthly from September 2016 to September 2019 and analysed for plastic presence and abundance. The processing workflow involved density separation, followed by filtration, visual identification and sizing of putative plastics using stereomicroscopy, and chemical characterisation using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. A total of 533 plastic items were identified across all tows, consisting of macro-, meso- and microplastic fragments and fibres, with polypropylene and polyethylene being the most common polymers. Plastic contamination was detected in every replicate tow, bar one. Plastic concentrations fluctuated and spiked every three months, although contamination did not significantly alter across the three-year period. Wind speed, salinity and river discharge volume, but not surface current speed nor sea surface temperature, had a significant influence on the levels of plastic contamination. This study reveals, for the first time, the chronic presence of plastic debris in the surface waters of the GBR highlighting the need for long-term and on-going monitoring of the marine environment for plastic contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela E Miller
- Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), Townsville, Queensland, 4810, Australia; AIMS@JCU, Division of Research and Innovation, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia; College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia.
| | - Marina F M Santana
- Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), Townsville, Queensland, 4810, Australia; AIMS@JCU, Division of Research and Innovation, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia; College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
| | | | - Cherie A Motti
- Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), Townsville, Queensland, 4810, Australia; AIMS@JCU, Division of Research and Innovation, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
| | - Mark Hamann
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
| | - Frederieke J Kroon
- Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), Townsville, Queensland, 4810, Australia; AIMS@JCU, Division of Research and Innovation, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
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17
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Furfaro G, D'Elia M, Mariano S, Trainito E, Solca M, Piraino S, Belmonte G. SEM/EDX analysis of stomach contents of a sea slug snacking on a polluted seafloor reveal microplastics as a component of its diet. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10244. [PMID: 35715497 PMCID: PMC9206003 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14299-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the impacts of microplastics on living organisms in aquatic habitats is one of the hottest research topics worldwide. Despite increased attention, investigating microplastics in underwater environments remains a problematic task, due to the ubiquitous occurrence of microplastic, its multiple modes of interactions with the biota, and to the diversity of the synthetic organic polymers composing microplastics in the field. Several studies on microplastics focused on marine invertebrates, but to date, the benthic sea slugs (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Heterobranchia) were not yet investigated. Sea slugs are known to live on the organisms on which they feed on or to snack while gliding over the sea floor, but also as users of exogenous molecules or materials not only for nutrition. Therefore, they may represent a potential biological model to explore new modes of transformation and/or management of plastic, so far considered to be a non-biodegradable polymer. In this study we analysed the stomachal content of Bursatella leachii, an aplysiid heterobranch living in the Mar Piccolo, a highly polluted coastal basin near Taranto, in the northern part of the Ionian Sea. Microplastics were found in the stomachs of all the six sampled specimens, and SEM/EDX analyses were carried out to characterize the plastic debris. The SEM images and EDX spectra gathered here should be regarded as a baseline reference database for future investigations on marine Heterobranchia and their interactions with microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Furfaro
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies - DiSTeBA, University of Salento, Via Prov.le Lecce-Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy.
| | - Marcella D'Elia
- Department of Mathematics and Physics "Ennio de Giorgi", University of Salento, Via Prov.Le Lecce-Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy
| | - Stefania Mariano
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies - DiSTeBA, University of Salento, Via Prov.le Lecce-Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy
| | - Egidio Trainito
- Marine Protected Area 'Tavolara-Punta Coda Cavallo', Olbia, Italy
| | - Michele Solca
- Museo di Biologia Marina "Pietro Parenzan", Via Vespucci 13/17, Porto Cesareo, 73010, Lecce, Italy
| | - Stefano Piraino
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies - DiSTeBA, University of Salento, Via Prov.le Lecce-Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy.,Museo di Biologia Marina "Pietro Parenzan", Via Vespucci 13/17, Porto Cesareo, 73010, Lecce, Italy.,Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare (CoNISMa), P.le Flaminio 9, 00198, Rome, Italy
| | - Genuario Belmonte
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies - DiSTeBA, University of Salento, Via Prov.le Lecce-Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy.,Museo di Biologia Marina "Pietro Parenzan", Via Vespucci 13/17, Porto Cesareo, 73010, Lecce, Italy.,Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare (CoNISMa), P.le Flaminio 9, 00198, Rome, Italy
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18
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A Meta-Analysis of the Characterisations of Plastic Ingested by Fish Globally. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10040186. [PMID: 35448447 PMCID: PMC9027263 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10040186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Plastic contamination in the environment is common but the characterisation of plastic ingested by fish in different environments is lacking. Hence, a meta-analysis was conducted to identify the prevalence of plastic ingested by fish globally. Based on a qualitative analysis of plastic size, it was determined that small microplastics (<1 mm) are predominantly ingested by fish globally. Furthermore, our meta-analysis revealed that plastic fibres (70.6%) and fragments (19.3%) were the most prevalent plastic components ingested by fish, while blue (24.2%) and black (18.0%) coloured plastic were the most abundant. Polyethylene (15.7%) and polyester (11.6%) were the most abundant polymers. Mixed-effect models were employed to identify the effects of the moderators (sampling environment, plastic size, digestive organs examined, and sampling continents) on the prevalence of plastic shape, colour, and polymer type. Among the moderators, only the sampling environment and continent contributed to a significant difference between subgroups in plastic shape and polymer type.
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19
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The accumulation of microplastic pollution in a commercially important fishing ground. Sci Rep 2022; 12:4217. [PMID: 35273306 PMCID: PMC8913702 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-08203-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The Irish Sea is an important area for Norway Lobster Nephrops norvegicus fisheries, which are the most valuable fishing resource in the UK. Norway lobster are known to ingest microplastic pollution present in the sediment and have displayed reduced body mass when exposed to microplastic pollution. Here, we identified microplastic pollution in the Irish Sea fishing grounds through analysis of 24 sediment samples from four sites of differing proximity to the Western Irish Sea Gyre in both 2016 and 2019. We used µFTIR spectroscopy to identify seven polymer types, and a total of 77 microplastics consisting of fibres and fragments. The mean microplastics per gram of sediment ranged from 0.13 to 0.49 and 0 to 1.17 MP/g in 2016 and 2019, respectively. There were no differences in the microplastic counts across years, and there was no correlation of microplastic counts with proximity to the Western Irish Sea Gyre. Considering the consistently high microplastic abundance found in the Irish Sea, and the propensity of N. norvegicus to ingest and be negatively impacted by them, we suggest microplastic pollution levels in the Irish Sea may have adverse impacts on N. norvegicus and negative implications for fishery sustainability in the future.
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20
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Gulizia AM, Brodie E, Daumuller R, Bloom SB, Corbett T, Santana MMF, Motti CA, Vamvounis G. Evaluating the Effect of Chemical Digestion Treatments on Polystyrene Microplastics: Recommended Updates to Chemical Digestion Protocols. MACROMOL CHEM PHYS 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/macp.202100485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra M. Gulizia
- College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
| | - Eve Brodie
- College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
| | - Renee Daumuller
- College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
| | - Sarah B. Bloom
- College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
| | - Tayla Corbett
- College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
| | - Marina M. F. Santana
- College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
- Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) Townsville QLD 4810 Australia
| | - Cherie A. Motti
- Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) Townsville QLD 4810 Australia
| | - George Vamvounis
- College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
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21
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Microplastics: impacts on corals and other reef organisms. Emerg Top Life Sci 2022; 6:81-93. [PMID: 35137913 PMCID: PMC9023018 DOI: 10.1042/etls20210236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Plastic pollution in a growing problem globally. In addition to the continuous flow of plastic particles to the environment from direct sources, and through the natural wear and tear of items, the plastics that are already there have the potential to breakdown further and therefore provide an immense source of plastic particles. With the continued rise in levels of plastic production, and consequently increasing levels entering our marine environments it is imperative that we understand its impacts. There is evidence microplastic and nanoplastic (MNP) pose a serious threat to all the world's marine ecosystems and biota, across all taxa and trophic levels, having individual- to ecosystem-level impacts, although these impacts are not fully understood. Microplastics (MPs; 0.1–5 mm) have been consistently found associated with the biota, water and sediments of all coral reefs studied, but due to limitations in the current techniques, a knowledge gap exists for the level of nanoplastic (NP; <1 µm). This is of particular concern as it is this size fraction that is thought to pose the greatest risk due to their ability to translocate into different organs and across cell membranes. Furthermore, few studies have examined the interactions of MNP exposure and other anthropogenic stressors such as ocean acidification and rising temperature. To support the decision-making required to protect these ecosystems, an advancement in standardised methods for the assessment of both MP and NPs is essential. This knowledge, and that of predicted levels can then be used to determine potential impacts more accurately.
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22
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Montero D, Rimoldi S, Torrecillas S, Rapp J, Moroni F, Herrera A, Gómez M, Fernández-Montero Á, Terova G. Impact of polypropylene microplastics and chemical pollutants on European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) gut microbiota and health. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 805:150402. [PMID: 34818804 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution has become a global problem for marine ecosystems. Microplastics (MPs) are consumed by several marine organisms, including benthic and pelagic fish species that confuse them with food sources, thus contributing to bioaccumulation along the food chain. In addition to structural intestinal damage, ingestion of MPs represents a pathway for fish exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals, too. Most of them are endocrine disrupters, genotoxic or induce immune depression in fish. Accordingly, we assessed the combined toxicological effects of microplastics (MPs) and adsorbed pollutants by adding them to marine fish diet. European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) juveniles were fed for 60 days with feeds containing polypropylene MPs, either virgin or contaminated with chemical pollutants (a blend of dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene, chlorpyrifos, and benzophenone-3). The data demonstrated a synergic action of MPs and chemical pollutants to induce an inflammatory-like response in distal intestine of sea bass as shown by the up regulation of cytokine il-6 and tnf-α expression. Morphological analysis detected the presence of a focus of lymphocytes in anterior and posterior intestinal segments of fish fed with contaminants in the diet. With regard to microbiota, significant changes in bacterial species richness, beta diversity, and composition of gut microbiota were observed as a consequence of both pollutants and polluted MPs ingestion. These perturbations in gut microbial communities, including the reduction of beneficial lactic acid bacteria and the increase in potential pathogenic microorganism (Proteobacteria and Vibrionales), were undeniable signs of intestinal dysbiosis, which in turn confirmed the signs of inflammation caused by pollutants, especially when combined with MPs. The results obtained in this study provide, therefore, new insights into the potential risks of ingesting MPs as pollutant carriers in marine fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Montero
- Grupo de Investigación en Acuicultura (GIA), IU-ECOAQUA, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Crta. Taliarte s/n, Telde, Las Palmas, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Simona Rimoldi
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Via J.H. Dunant, 3, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Silvia Torrecillas
- Grupo de Investigación en Acuicultura (GIA), IU-ECOAQUA, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Crta. Taliarte s/n, Telde, Las Palmas, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Jorge Rapp
- Grupo de Ecofisiología de Organismos Marinos (EOMAR), IU-ECOAQUA, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Crta. Taliarte s/n, Telde, Las Palmas, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Federico Moroni
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Via J.H. Dunant, 3, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Alicia Herrera
- Grupo de Ecofisiología de Organismos Marinos (EOMAR), IU-ECOAQUA, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Crta. Taliarte s/n, Telde, Las Palmas, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - May Gómez
- Grupo de Ecofisiología de Organismos Marinos (EOMAR), IU-ECOAQUA, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Crta. Taliarte s/n, Telde, Las Palmas, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Álvaro Fernández-Montero
- Grupo de Investigación en Acuicultura (GIA), IU-ECOAQUA, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Crta. Taliarte s/n, Telde, Las Palmas, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Genciana Terova
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Via J.H. Dunant, 3, 21100 Varese, Italy.
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Wootton N, Reis-Santos P, Dowsett N, Turnbull A, Gillanders BM. Low abundance of microplastics in commercially caught fish across southern Australia. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 290:118030. [PMID: 34461419 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution has increased significantly in the past decades and is now a major global environmental issue. Plastic objects enter the ocean and are broken down into smaller pieces, while wastewater and runoff also carry microplastics (plastics <5 mm) into the ocean. Plastic has been found in over 700 different species of marine wildlife but little research has examined fish sold for human consumption. We determined the microplastic abundance in nine commercially important, wild-caught fish species purchased from seafood markets across 4000 km of Australia (Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales). For microplastic quantification, fish gastro-intestinal tracts were chemically digested and the amount and type of microplastic identified under a microscope and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. Across all states, an average of 35.5% of fish samples had at least one piece of microplastic in their gastro-intestinal tract. South Australia had the highest percentage of fish with plastic (49%) and Tasmania the lowest (20%). The average microplastic load was 0.94 piece per fish but ranged from 0 to 17 pieces, with polyolefin identified as the dominant polymer group. Overall, the ingestion of microplastic was widespread across species, locations, diets and habitat niches of fish species investigated, but the average plastic ingestion was less than other similar global studies. This study provides novel insights on the use of fish species from seafood markets to assess environmental contamination by microplastic, as well as an important perspective of the potential for microplastic contamination to enter the human food chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Wootton
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia.
| | | | - Natalie Dowsett
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia; South Australian Research and Development Institute, Food Sciences Division, GPO Box 397, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia
| | - Alison Turnbull
- South Australian Research and Development Institute, Food Sciences Division, GPO Box 397, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia; Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Taroona, Tasmania, 7053, Australia
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24
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Reichert J, Tirpitz V, Anand R, Bach K, Knopp J, Schubert P, Wilke T, Ziegler M. Interactive effects of microplastic pollution and heat stress on reef-building corals. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 290:118010. [PMID: 34488160 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is an emerging stressor that increases pressure on ecosystems such as coral reefs that are already challenged by climate change. However, the effects of plastic pollution in combination with global warming are largely unknown. Thus, the goal of this study was to determine the cumulative effects of microplastic pollution with that of global warming on reef-building coral species and to compare the severity of both stressors. For this, we conducted a series of three controlled laboratory experiments and exposed a broad range of coral species (Acropora muricata, Montipora digitata, Porites lutea, Pocillopora verrucosa, and Stylophora pistillata) to microplastic particles in a range of concentrations (2.5-2500 particles L-1) and mixtures (from different industrial sectors) at ambient temperatures and in combination with heat stress. We show that microplastic can occasionally have both aggravating or mitigating effects on the corals' thermal tolerance. In comparison to heat stress, however, microplastic constitutes a minor stressor. While heat stress led to decreased photosynthetic efficiency of algal symbionts, and increased bleaching, tissue necrosis, and mortality, treatment with microplastic particles had only minor effects on the physiology and health of the tested coral species at ambient temperatures. These findings underline that while efforts to reduce plastic pollution should continue, they should not replace more urgent efforts to halt global warming, which are immediately needed to preserve remaining coral reef ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Reichert
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Vanessa Tirpitz
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Rajshree Anand
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Katharina Bach
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Jonas Knopp
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Patrick Schubert
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Thomas Wilke
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Maren Ziegler
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany.
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25
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Direct radiative effects of airborne microplastics. Nature 2021; 598:462-467. [PMID: 34671134 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03864-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are now recognized as widespread contaminants in the atmosphere, where, due to their small size and low density, they can be transported with winds around the Earth1-25. Atmospheric aerosols, such as mineral dust and other types of airborne particulate matter, influence Earth's climate by absorbing and scattering radiation (direct radiative effects) and their impacts are commonly quantified with the effective radiative forcing (ERF) metric26. However, the radiative effects of airborne microplastics and associated implications for global climate are unknown. Here we present calculations of the optical properties and direct radiative effects of airborne microplastics (excluding aerosol-cloud interactions). The ERF of airborne microplastics is computed to be 0.044 ± 0.399 milliwatts per square metre in the present-day atmosphere assuming a uniform surface concentration of 1 microplastic particle per cubic metre and a vertical distribution up to 10 kilometres altitude. However, there are large uncertainties in the geographical and vertical distribution of microplastics. Assuming that they are confined to the boundary layer, shortwave effects dominate and the microplastic ERF is approximately -0.746 ± 0.553 milliwatts per square metre. Compared with the total ERF due to aerosol-radiation interactions27 (-0.71 to -0.14 watts per square metre), the microplastic ERF is small. However, plastic production has increased rapidly over the past 70 years28; without serious attempts to overhaul plastic production and waste-management practices, the abundance and ERF of airborne microplastics will continue to increase.
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26
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Shaikh IV, Shaikh VAE. A comprehensive review on assessment of plastic debris in aquatic environment and its prevalence in fishes and other aquatic animals in India. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 779:146421. [PMID: 33744569 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The presence of meso, macro, and microplastics (MPs) in aquatic environments has raised concerns due to their potential risks to aquatic as well as human life. Though plastics are considered to be inert in nature, MPs with toxic additives and accumulated contaminants have harmful ecological effects. Reports of absorption of MPs by internal tissues and toxicity in vital organs such as lung cells, liver, and brain cells have proved its serious health hazards. The study of plastic debris in the aquatic environment deserves special attention due to its ecotoxicological impact. This review presents a detailed account of the assessment of plastic debris in marine as well as freshwater environments. The formation of MPs and their sources, sampling, isolation, identification and characterization methods adopted, and the prevalence of MPs in aquatic life are discussed. To the best of our knowledge, the present article is a first-ever comprehensive review covering the entire of India. Our review finds that, so far, very few studies have been carried out, and there is a paucity of information, especially on the prevalence of plastic debris in the freshwater environment, fish, and other aquatic animals in India. While major studies have been done at various coastal locations in the southern part of India and a few studies in the rest of India, south-eastern states remain neglected. Toxicological studies on various life forms, including humans, are lacking. The present review also fills the gap in our knowledge of the various locations studied across India and can guide future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishrat Vasi Shaikh
- Department of Zoology, Abeda Inamdar Senior College, Azam Campus, Camp, Pune 411001, India.
| | - Vasi Ahmed Ebrahim Shaikh
- Polymer Chemistry Research Laboratory, School of Chemistry, MIT World Peace University, Pune 411038, India
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27
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Dawson AL, Santana MFM, Miller ME, Kroon FJ. Relevance and reliability of evidence for microplastic contamination in seafood: A critical review using Australian consumption patterns as a case study. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 276:116684. [PMID: 33618116 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Seafood contamination with, and human consumption of, microplastics (MPs) have recently been highlighted as an emerging concern for global food security. While there is evidence that commercial marine species are contaminated with MPs, it is still unknown if seafood can act as a vector for MP transfer to human consumers. Microplastics have been reported in the digestive tract, gills and in select internal organs of marine animals. However, many of these tissues are not typically eaten by human consumers but discarded. In this critical review, we examined the peer-reviewed literature for evidence of MP contamination in seafood, and the potential transfer to human consumers. Based on known seafood consumption patterns in a typical Australian diet, we assessed the relevance and reliability of the current body of literature to examine the prospect and risk of MP transfer. The relevance of data was considered based on the organism studied, origin of the samples, and the tissues analysed, while reliability was assessed based on procedural methodologies used to derive the data. A review of 132 studies found limited evidence of MP contamination in edible tissues from fresh fish or crustaceans. MP presence was confirmed in packaged fish, as well as in fresh and packaged bivalve molluscs. The limited number of studies satisfying the relevance and reliability criteria (n = 24) precluded a quantitative assessment of the potential risk associated with MP transfer. While consumption of packaged fish and bivalve molluscs may result in the consumption of MPs by humans, it is currently unknown whether this presents a health risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L Dawson
- Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), Townsville, Qld, 4810, Australia.
| | - Marina F M Santana
- Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), Townsville, Qld, 4810, Australia; College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia; AIMS@JCU, Division of Research and Innovation, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia.
| | - Michaela E Miller
- Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), Townsville, Qld, 4810, Australia; College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia; AIMS@JCU, Division of Research and Innovation, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia.
| | - Frederieke J Kroon
- Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), Townsville, Qld, 4810, Australia; AIMS@JCU, Division of Research and Innovation, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia.
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28
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Huang W, Chen M, Song B, Deng J, Shen M, Chen Q, Zeng G, Liang J. Microplastics in the coral reefs and their potential impacts on corals: A mini-review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 762:143112. [PMID: 33172634 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Plastic debris exists worldwide and research on microplastic pollution has gradually spread from the oceans to freshwater and terrestrial systems. Coral reefs not only serve as one of the most charismatic and biodiverse ecosystems on our planet, but also maintain the human harvesting of natural resources and livelihoods of hundreds of millions of people. However, the abundance and distribution characteristics of microplastics in coral reef systems receive little scientific attention. Meanwhile, the impacts of microplastics and nanoplastics on coral health and its potential mechanisms remain further studied. Herein, this review first summarized the current status of microplastics pollution in global coral reefs, especially included (i) abundance and distribution characteristics of microplastics in different media (e.g., seawater, sediment, corals), and (ii) possible sources of microplastics in reef regions. Furthermore, the main interaction mechanisms between microplastics and corals are highlighted. Following this, the direct or indirect impacts of microplastics on coral species are discussed. With the rapid increase of plastic consumption and background of pervasive global coral bleaching, research on marine microplastics must focus on the critical coral reef regions and include a comprehensive knowledge about the distribution, fate, and potential risks from an ecosystem perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Huang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Ming Chen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Biao Song
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Jiaqin Deng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Maocai Shen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Qiang Chen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Guangming Zeng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China.
| | - Jie Liang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China.
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29
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Vighi M, Bayo J, Fernández-Piñas F, Gago J, Gómez M, Hernández-Borges J, Herrera A, Landaburu J, Muniategui-Lorenzo S, Muñoz AR, Rico A, Romera-Castillo C, Viñas L, Rosal R. Micro and Nano-Plastics in the Environment: Research Priorities for the Near Future. REVIEWS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2021; 257:163-218. [PMID: 34487249 DOI: 10.1007/398_2021_69] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Plastic litter dispersed in the different environmental compartments represents one of the most concerning problems associated with human activities. Specifically, plastic particles in the micro and nano size scale are ubiquitous and represent a threat to human health and the environment. In the last few decades, a huge amount of research has been devoted to evaluate several aspects of micro/nano-plastic contamination: origin and emissions, presence in different compartments, environmental fate, effects on human health and the environment, transfer in the food web and the role of associated chemicals and microorganisms. Nevertheless, despite the bulk of information produced, several knowledge gaps still exist. The objective of this paper is to highlight the most important of these knowledge gaps and to provide suggestions for the main research needs required to describe and understand the most controversial points to better orient the research efforts for the near future. Some of the major issues that need further efforts to improve our knowledge on the exposure, effects and risk of micro/nano-plastics are: harmonization of sampling procedures; development of more accurate, less expensive and less time-consuming analytical methods; assessment of degradation patterns and environmental fate of fragments; evaluating the capabilities for bioaccumulation and transfer to the food web; and evaluating the fate and the impact of chemicals and microorganisms associated with micro/nano-plastics. The major gaps in all sectors of our knowledge, from exposure to potentially harmful effects, refer to small size microplastics and, particularly, to the occurrence, fate and effects of nanoplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Javier Bayo
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Cartagena, Cartagena, Spain
| | | | - Jesús Gago
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO), Vigo, Spain
| | - May Gómez
- EOMAR: Marine Ecophysiology Group, IU-ECOAQUA, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Javier Hernández-Borges
- Departamento de Química, Unidad Departamental de Química Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Alicia Herrera
- EOMAR: Marine Ecophysiology Group, IU-ECOAQUA, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | | | - Soledad Muniategui-Lorenzo
- Grupo Química Analítica Aplicada, Instituto Universitario de Medio Ambiente (IUMA), Centro de Investigaciones Científicas Avanzadas (CICA), Facultade de Ciencias, Universidade da Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Antonio-Román Muñoz
- Departamento de Biología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Andreu Rico
- IMDEA-Water Institute, Madrid, Spain
- Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Cristina Romera-Castillo
- Department of Marine Biology and Oceanography, Institut de Ciències del Mar-CSIC, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lucía Viñas
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO), Vigo, Spain
| | - Roberto Rosal
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Alcalá, Madrid, Spain.
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30
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McCormick MI, Chivers DP, Ferrari MCO, Blandford MI, Nanninga GB, Richardson C, Fakan EP, Vamvounis G, Gulizia AM, Allan BJM. Microplastic exposure interacts with habitat degradation to affect behaviour and survival of juvenile fish in the field. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20201947. [PMID: 33109008 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.1947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Coral reefs are degrading globally due to increased environmental stressors including warming and elevated levels of pollutants. These stressors affect not only habitat-forming organisms, such as corals, but they may also directly affect the organisms that inhabit these ecosystems. Here, we explore how the dual threat of habitat degradation and microplastic exposure may affect the behaviour and survival of coral reef fish in the field. Fish were caught prior to settlement and pulse-fed polystyrene microplastics six times over 4 days, then placed in the field on live or dead-degraded coral patches. Exposure to microplastics or dead coral led fish to be bolder, more active and stray further from shelter compared to control fish. Effect sizes indicated that plastic exposure had a greater effect on behaviour than degraded habitat, and we found no evidence of synergistic effects. This pattern was also displayed in their survival in the field. Our results highlight that attaining low concentrations of microplastic in the environment will be a useful management strategy, since minimizing microplastic intake by fishes may work concurrently with reef restoration strategies to enhance the resilience of coral reef populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark I McCormick
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Douglas P Chivers
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon SK S7N 5E2, Canada
| | - Maud C O Ferrari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, WCVM, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon SK S7 W 5B4, Canada
| | - Makeely I Blandford
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Gerrit B Nanninga
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK.,Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Celia Richardson
- Department of Marine Science, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Eric P Fakan
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - George Vamvounis
- College of Sciences and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Alexandra M Gulizia
- College of Sciences and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Bridie J M Allan
- Department of Marine Science, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
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31
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Miller ME, Hamann M, Kroon FJ. Bioaccumulation and biomagnification of microplastics in marine organisms: A review and meta-analysis of current data. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0240792. [PMID: 33064755 PMCID: PMC7567360 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) contamination has been well documented across a range of habitats and for a large number of organisms in the marine environment. Consequently, bioaccumulation, and in particular biomagnification of MPs and associated chemical additives, are often inferred to occur in marine food webs. Presented here are the results of a systematic literature review to examine whether current, published findings support the premise that MPs and associated chemical additives bioaccumulate and biomagnify across a general marine food web. First, field and laboratory-derived contamination data on marine species were standardised by sample size from a total of 116 publications. Second, following assignment of each species to one of five main trophic levels, the average uptake of MPs and of associated chemical additives was estimated across all species within each level. These uptake data within and across the five trophic levels were then critically examined for any evidence of bioaccumulation and biomagnification. Findings corroborate previous studies that MP bioaccumulation occurs within each trophic level, while current evidence around bioaccumulation of associated chemical additives is much more ambiguous. In contrast, MP biomagnification across a general marine food web is not supported by current field observations, while results from the few laboratory studies supporting trophic transfer are hampered by using unrealistic exposure conditions. Further, a lack of both field and laboratory data precludes an examination of potential trophic transfer and biomagnification of chemical additives associated with MPs. Combined, these findings indicate that, although bioaccumulation of MPs occurs within trophic levels, no clear sign of MP biomagnification in situ was observed at the higher trophic levels. Recommendations for future studies to focus on investigating ingestion, retention and depuration rates for MPs and chemical additives under environmentally realistic conditions, and on examining the potential of multi-level trophic transfer for MPs and chemical additives have been made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela E. Miller
- Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- Division of Research and Innovation, AIMS@JCU, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- * E-mail: ,
| | - Mark Hamann
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Frederieke J. Kroon
- Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- Division of Research and Innovation, AIMS@JCU, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
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Littman RA, Fiorenza EA, Wenger AS, Berry KLE, van de Water JAJM, Nguyen L, Aung ST, Parker DM, Rader DN, Harvell CD, Lamb JB. Coastal urbanization influences human pathogens and microdebris contamination in seafood. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 736:139081. [PMID: 32504866 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Seafood is one of the leading imported products implicated in foodborne outbreaks worldwide. Coastal marine environments are being increasingly subjected to reduced water quality from urbanization and leading to contamination of important fishery species. Given the importance of seafood exchanged as a global protein source, it is imperative to maintain seafood safety worldwide. To illustrate the potential health risks associated with urbanization in a coastal environment, we use next-generation high-throughput amplicon sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene combined with infrared spectroscopy to characterize and quantify a vast range of potential human bacterial pathogens and microdebris contaminants in seawater, sediment and an important oyster fishery along the Mergui Archipelago in Myanmar. Through the quantification of >1.25 million high-quality bacterial operational taxonomic unit (OTU) reads, we detected 5459 potential human bacterial pathogens belonging to 87 species that are commonly associated with gut microbiota and an indication of terrestrial runoff of human and agricultural waste. Oyster tissues contained 51% of all sequenced bacterial pathogens that are considered to be both detrimental and of emerging concern to human health. Using infrared spectroscopy, we examined a total of 1225 individual microdebris particles, from which we detected 78 different types of contaminant materials. The predominant microdebris contaminants recovered from oyster tissues included polymers (48%), followed by non-native minerals (20%), oils (14%) and milk supplement powders (14%). Emerging technologies provide novel insights into the impacts of coastal development on food security and risks to human and environmental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raechel A Littman
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, USA
| | - Evan A Fiorenza
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, USA
| | - Amelia S Wenger
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, Australia
| | - Kathryn L E Berry
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Australia
| | | | - Lily Nguyen
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, USA; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, USA
| | - Soe Tint Aung
- Marine Program, Fauna and Flora International, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Daniel M Parker
- Department of Population Health and Disease Prevention, Department of Epidemiology, University of California, Irvine, USA
| | | | - C Drew Harvell
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, New York, USA
| | - Joleah B Lamb
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, USA.
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Kroon FJ, Berry KLE, Brinkman DL, Kookana R, Leusch FDL, Melvin SD, Neale PA, Negri AP, Puotinen M, Tsang JJ, van de Merwe JP, Williams M. Sources, presence and potential effects of contaminants of emerging concern in the marine environments of the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait, Australia. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 719:135140. [PMID: 31859059 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Current policy and management for marine water quality in the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) in north-eastern Australia primarily focusses on sediment, nutrients and pesticides derived from diffuse source pollution related to agricultural land uses. In addition, contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) are known to be present in the marine environments of the GBR and the adjacent Torres Strait (TS). Current and projected agricultural, urban and industrial developments are likely to increase the sources and diversity of CECs being released into these marine ecosystems. In this review, we evaluate the sources, presence and potential effects of six different categories of CECs known to be present, or likely to be present, in the GBR and TS marine ecosystems. Specifically, we summarize available monitoring, source and effect information for antifouling paints; coal dust and particles; heavy/trace metals and metalloids; marine debris and microplastics; pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs); and petroleum hydrocarbons. Our study highlights the lack of (available) monitoring data for most of these CECs, and recommends: (i) the inclusion of all relevant environmental data into integrated databases for building marine baselines for the GBR and TS regions, and (ii) the implementation of local, targeted monitoring programs informed by predictive methods for risk prioritization. Further, our spatial representation of the known and likely sources of these CECs will contribute to future ecological risk assessments of CECs to the GBR and TS marine environments, including risks relative to those identified for sediment, nutrients and pesticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederieke J Kroon
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, QLD 4810, Australia.
| | - Kathryn L E Berry
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, QLD 4810, Australia; James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4810, Australia
| | - Diane L Brinkman
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, QLD 4810, Australia
| | - Rai Kookana
- CSIRO Land and Water, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Frederic D L Leusch
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Steven D Melvin
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Peta A Neale
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Andrew P Negri
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, QLD 4810, Australia
| | - Marji Puotinen
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Jeffrey J Tsang
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Darwin, NT 0811, Australia
| | - Jason P van de Merwe
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia
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Iannilli V, Corami F, Grasso P, Lecce F, Buttinelli M, Setini A. Plastic abundance and seasonal variation on the shorelines of three volcanic lakes in Central Italy: can amphipods help detect contamination? ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:14711-14722. [PMID: 32052329 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-07954-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Despite the exponential increase of studies on plastic debris in recent years, there are still few works focusing on the problem as it relates to inland waters: little is known about the accumulation and dispersion dynamics on lake shores, and there are no standardized sampling methods for monitoring purposes. The accumulation of plastic litter in natural habitats also threatens the resident organisms. In this paper, we investigated the abundance and accumulation of plastic particles, ranging in size from 1 to 50 mm, from the beach sediment of three volcanic lakes in Central Italy: Albano, Bracciano, and Vico. The collection was designed to define the most important variables that one must consider in order to obtain a representative sample of plastic litter in a lake environment. In view of the high heterogeneity of sampling protocols used, comparison among the obtained results is limited and sometimes impossible. By using one of the proposed sampling methodologies, and critically analyzing the results, we aimed to highlight a possible monitoring criterion and to identify specific elements that can be meaningful and representative. The samples were collected in May and September 2017. For each lake, we sampled plastic items and sediments from two beaches. Albano contained the largest amount of plastic (in weight), while Bracciano had the largest number of particles. Our observations lead us to infer that the number of particles is the parameter most sensitive to environmental variations, as well as the more suitable for monitoring with greater definition the differences between sites. Moreover, sampling should be taken in different seasons, following a sampling pattern that includes at least two beaches placed in strategic positions with respect to wind and waves.In order to identify new indicators to evaluate the entry points of plastic into the food web, we collected, from the same sites analyzed, some specimens of the Talitrid Amphipod Cryptorchestia garbinii, a detritivorous species having a critical role in debris turnover of these environments. To investigate the microplastic (MP) ingestion in natural conditions, we analyzed their digestive tracts with both Nile red staining method and micro-FTIR spectroscopy. The analyses confirmed that C. garbinii was able to ingest plastics in natural conditions. Therefore, it can signify one of the entry points for microplastics (MPs) in the trophic chain. This observation constitutes the first evidence of MP ingestion in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Iannilli
- Department for Sustainability, ENEA, C.R. Casaccia via Anguillarese, 301 00123, Rome, Italy.
| | - Fabiana Corami
- CNR ISP Institute of Polar Sciences, National Research Council, Via Torino, 155 30172, Mestre Venezia, Italy
| | - Patrizia Grasso
- Department for Sustainability, ENEA, C.R. Casaccia via Anguillarese, 301 00123, Rome, Italy
- Departement for Biology and Biotecnology C. Darwin, University of Rome Sapienza, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185, Rome, RM, Italy
| | - Francesca Lecce
- Department for Sustainability, ENEA, C.R. Casaccia via Anguillarese, 301 00123, Rome, Italy
| | - Memmo Buttinelli
- Departement for Biology and Biotecnology C. Darwin, University of Rome Sapienza, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185, Rome, RM, Italy
| | - Andrea Setini
- Departement for Biology and Biotecnology C. Darwin, University of Rome Sapienza, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185, Rome, RM, Italy
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Gouin T. Toward an Improved Understanding of the Ingestion and Trophic Transfer of Microplastic Particles: Critical Review and Implications for Future Research. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2020; 39:1119-1137. [PMID: 32223000 PMCID: PMC7383496 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic particles have been observed in the environment and routinely detected in the stomachs and intestines of aquatic organisms over the last 50 yr. In the present review, information on the ingestion of plastic debris of varying sizes is collated, including data for >800 species representing approximately 87 000 individual organisms, for which plastic debris and microplastic particles have been observed in approximately 17 500, or 20%. The average reported number of microplastic particles/individual across all studies is estimated to be 4, with studies typically reporting averages ranging from 0 to 10 particles/individual. A general observation is that although strong evidence exists for the biological ingestion of microplastic particles, they do not bioaccumulate and do not appear to be subject to biomagnification as a result of trophic transfer through food webs, with >99% of observations from field-based studies reporting that microplastic particles are located within the gastrointestinal tract. Overall, there is substantial heterogeneity in how samples are collected, processed, analyzed, and reported, causing significant challenges in attempting to assess temporal and spatial trends or helping to inform a mechanistic understanding. Nevertheless, several studies suggest that the characteristics of microplastic particles ingested by organisms are generally representative of plastic debris in the vicinity where individuals are collected. Monitoring of spatial and temporal trends of ingested microplastic particles could thus potentially be useful in assessing mitigation efforts aimed at reducing the emission of plastic and microplastic particles to the environment. The development and application of standardized analytical methods are urgently needed to better understand spatial and temporal trends. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:1119-1137. © 2020 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd Gouin
- TG Environmental Research, Sharnbrook, BedfordshireUnited Kingdom
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Rapp J, Herrera A, Martinez I, Raymond E, Santana Á, Gómez M. Study of plastic pollution and its potential sources on Gran Canaria Island beaches (Canary Islands, Spain). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 153:110967. [PMID: 32275527 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.110967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In order to understand the origin of plastic debris pollutants that accumulate in the Canary Islands coastline, six beaches of Gran Canaria Island were studied during different seasons to estimate the abundance and the types of two microplastics fraction sizes (0.01-1 mm and 1-5 mm) and mesoplastics fraction (5-25 mm). For the larger fraction of microplastics and mesoplastics, a high percentage of fragments and foams were found; moreover, both fractions show the same accumulation pattern in relation with the wave, wind, and current. The debris was checked for exogenous and local origins. Moreover, for the smaller fraction of microplastics, only natural, semi-synthetic, and synthetic fibres were found, showing a totally different spatial distribution from the others fractions. This result suggests a possible endogenous origin of the contamination, in relation to the type and amount of wastewater discharges and beach users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Rapp
- Marine Ecophysiology Group (EOMAR), IU-ECOAQUA, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Campus Universitario de Tafira, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain.
| | - Alicia Herrera
- Marine Ecophysiology Group (EOMAR), IU-ECOAQUA, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Campus Universitario de Tafira, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain.
| | - Ico Martinez
- Marine Ecophysiology Group (EOMAR), IU-ECOAQUA, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Campus Universitario de Tafira, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain.
| | - Eugenio Raymond
- Marine Ecophysiology Group (EOMAR), IU-ECOAQUA, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Campus Universitario de Tafira, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain.
| | - Ángelo Santana
- Mathematics Department, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain.
| | - May Gómez
- Marine Ecophysiology Group (EOMAR), IU-ECOAQUA, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Campus Universitario de Tafira, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain.
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37
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Microplastic Contamination Has Limited Effects on Coral Fertilisation and Larvae. DIVERSITY-BASEL 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/d11120228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Microplastics are ubiquitous throughout the world’s oceans and contaminate coral reef ecosystems. There is evidence of microplastic ingestion by corals and passive contact with coral tissues, causing adverse health effects that include energy expenditure for particle removal from the tissue surface, as well as reduced growth, tissue bleaching, and necrosis. Here, it was examined whether microplastic contamination impairs the success of gamete fertilisation, embryo development and larval settlement of the reef-building coral Acropora tenuis. Coral gametes and larvae were exposed to fifteen microplastic treatments using two types of plastic: (1) weathered polypropylene particles and (2) spherical polyethylene microbeads. The treatments ranged from five to 50 polypropylene pieces L−1 and 25 to 200 microbeads L−1. Fertilisation was only negatively affected by the largest weathered microplastics (2 mm2), but the effects were not dose dependent. Embryo development and larval settlement were not significantly impacted by either microplastic type. The study shows that moderate–high levels of marine microplastic contamination, specifically particles <2 mm2, will not substantially interfere with the success of critical early life coral processes.
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38
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Mearns AJ, Bissell M, Morrison AM, Rempel-Hester MA, Arthur C, Rutherford N. Effects of pollution on marine organisms. WATER ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH : A RESEARCH PUBLICATION OF THE WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION 2019; 91:1229-1252. [PMID: 31513312 DOI: 10.1002/wer.1218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This review covers selected 2018 articles on the biological effects of pollutants, including human physical disturbances, on marine and estuarine plants, animals, ecosystems, and habitats. The review, based largely on journal articles, covers field and laboratory measurement activities (bioaccumulation of contaminants, field assessment surveys, toxicity testing, and biomarkers) as well as pollution issues of current interest including endocrine disrupters, emerging contaminants, wastewater discharges, marine debris, dredging, and disposal. Special emphasis is placed on effects of oil spills and marine debris due largely to the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil blowout in the Gulf of Mexico and proliferation of data on the assimilation and effects of marine debris. Several topical areas reviewed in the past (e.g., mass mortalities ocean acidification) were dropped this year. The focus of this review is on effects, not on pollutant sources, chemistry, fate, or transport. There is considerable overlap across subject areas (e.g., some bioaccumulation data may be appear in other topical categories such as effects of wastewater discharges, or biomarker studies appearing in oil toxicity literature). Therefore, we strongly urge readers to use keyword searching of the text and references to locate related but distributed information. Although nearly 400 papers are cited, these now represent a fraction of the literature on these subjects. Use this review mainly as a starting point. And please consult the original papers before citing them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan J Mearns
- Emergency Response Division, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Seattle, Washington
| | - Mathew Bissell
- Emergency Response Division, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Seattle, Washington
| | | | | | | | - Nicolle Rutherford
- Emergency Response Division, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Seattle, Washington
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Jensen LH, Motti CA, Garm AL, Tonin H, Kroon FJ. Sources, distribution and fate of microfibres on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Sci Rep 2019; 9:9021. [PMID: 31227771 PMCID: PMC6588688 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-45340-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Marine microdebris, in particular microplastics (plastics <5 mm), has become an issue of international concern due to its prevalence, persistence and potential adverse impacts on marine ecosystems. Informing source reduction based on ecological effects requires an understanding of the origin, distribution and characteristics of microdebris and the interactions with marine organisms. Here we show widespread contamination of the central Great Barrier Reef environment with microdebris, with microfibres comprising 86% of all items detected. Microdebris intake by coral reef fish was non-random, with chemical composition, shape and colour differing significantly from that detected in surface waters. Furthermore, the origin of microdebris contamination in surface waters is non-random with riverine discharge a likely source for microdebris detected at inshore, but not at offshore reef locations. Our findings demonstrate the complexities associated with determining marine microdebris exposure and fate, and assist in improving future ecological assessments and prioritizing source reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lene H Jensen
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Qld 4810, Australia.,University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 4, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Cherie A Motti
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Qld 4810, Australia
| | - Anders L Garm
- University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 4, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hemerson Tonin
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Qld 4810, Australia
| | - Frederieke J Kroon
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Qld 4810, Australia.
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