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Lian H, Zhu L, Li M, Feng S, Gao F, Zhang X, Zhang F, Xi Y, Xiang X. Emerging threat of marine microplastics: Cigarette butt contamination on Yellow Sea beaches and the potential toxicity risks to rotifer growth and reproduction. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 478:135534. [PMID: 39151359 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135534] [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: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
Cigarette butts have become one of the most common and persistent forms of debris in marine coastal areas, where they pose significant toxicity risks. This study investigated cigarette butt pollution along beaches of the Yellow Sea and used laboratory experiments to assess the toxicity of their leachate and fibers on the euryhaline rotifer Brachionus plicatilis. A pollution index confirmed pollution by this debris across all eight beaches surveyed, where the density of cigarette butts averaged 0.23 butts/m2. In controlled laboratory experiments, both the fibers and leachates from cigarette butts exhibited negative impacts on the development, reproduction, and population growth of rotifers. Unique abnormalities observed under different exposure treatments indicated toxicity specific to certain chemicals and particles. Continuous exposure to cigarette butts initially reduced rotifer fecundity, but this effect diminished over successive generations. However, the exposure induced transgenerational reproductive toxicity in the rotifers. Adaptive responses in rotifers after repeated exposure led to relative reduction in reproductive inhibition in the F3 and F4 generations. Furthermore, rotifers were capable of ingesting and accumulating cigarette butts, and maternal transfer emerged as an alternative pathway for uptake of this material in the offspring. These results increase our understanding of the ecological risks posed by cigarette butts in aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hairong Lian
- School of Ecology and Environment, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui Province 241002, China
| | - Lingyun Zhu
- School of Ecology and Environment, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui Province 241002, China
| | - Meng Li
- School of Ecology and Environment, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui Province 241002, China
| | - Sen Feng
- School of Ecology and Environment, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui Province 241002, China
| | - Fan Gao
- School of Ecology and Environment, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui Province 241002, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- School of Ecology and Environment, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui Province 241002, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- School of Ecology and Environment, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui Province 241002, China
| | - Yilong Xi
- School of Ecology and Environment, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui Province 241002, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Recovery and Reconstruction of Degraded Ecosystem in Wanjiang Basin Co-Founded by Anhui Province and Ministry of Education, Wuhu 241000, Anhui, China
| | - Xianling Xiang
- School of Ecology and Environment, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui Province 241002, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Recovery and Reconstruction of Degraded Ecosystem in Wanjiang Basin Co-Founded by Anhui Province and Ministry of Education, Wuhu 241000, Anhui, China.
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2
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Ribeiro VV, Garcia Y, Dos Reis Cavalcante E, Castro IB. Marine macrolitter and cigarette butts hazard multiple-use marine protected area and fishing community at Brazil. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 208:117031. [PMID: 39326330 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.117031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2024] [Revised: 09/17/2024] [Accepted: 09/18/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024]
Abstract
Wide marine litter (ML) contamination impacts human health and economic sectors including fishing, navigation, and tourism. Perequê beach, Brazil, is an authentic fishing community within a touristic multiple-use marine protected area. However, no ML contamination monitoring were so far performed in the region. This study evaluated the spatiotemporal abundance, composition, sources, and associated ML hazards at Perequê beach using a multi-index approach. The 2579 items (0.64 ± 0.72 items.m-2) yielded a high contamination level (CCI = 12.6 ± 14.4) with plastic (44.6-50.9 %) and cigarette butts (20.6-28.4 %) prevalence, while primary sources were smoking (cigarette butts, lighters, others-21.2-30.1 %) and packaging (17.8-22.8 %). Levels of pollutants leaked from cigarette butts (CBPI = 30.5 ± 47.5) and hazardous items (HALI = 3.06 ± 2.64) were among the highest globally. Heightened levels occurred in summer, at dry sand strip, where short-term buoyant items prevailed. Multi-indexing approaches offer valuable insights for local authorities to implement mitigation programs, while contributing to global discussions, promoting awareness, and facilitating replicability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yonara Garcia
- Instituto do Mar, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Santos, Brazil
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3
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Morovati M, Parsa S, Panahande M, Hossaini Motlagh A, Parseh I. Study of the impact of structural factors and cleaning efficiency in reducing hazardous litter density and its related pollution in urban environment. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13934. [PMID: 38886518 PMCID: PMC11183163 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64645-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Cigarette filter is the most common hazardous litter that contains many pollutants including PAHs. The durability of this litter in the urban environment has an important effect on the rate of pollutant leakage. In this study, the leakage rate of PAHs from the littered cigarette filters was estimated by considering the affecting parameters on their durability in the urban environment. The results showed that the density of littered cigarette filters in the studied locations was 0.00048-0.13563 g/m2. The maximum spatial variation of the littered cigarette filter was 225 times. The average leakage of the total studied PAHs was estimated to be 2.048 µg/10 m2. The impact of structural factors and efficiency of urban cleaning in the estimated leakage was at most 2.4 times. It is necessary to change the behavior of citizens in littering the cigarette filter, considering its durability in the urban environment, to reduce the environmental and health consequences caused by the leakage of PAHs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Morovati
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Ardakan University, Ardakan, Iran
| | - Sheida Parsa
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, California State University, Northridge, USA
| | - Maryam Panahande
- Environmental Research Institute, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Rasht, Iran.
| | - Amin Hossaini Motlagh
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran.
| | - Iman Parseh
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Behbahan Faculty of Medical Sciences, Behbahan, Iran
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4
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Acarer Arat S. A review on cigarette butts: Environmental abundance, characterization, and toxic pollutants released into water from cigarette butts. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 928:172327. [PMID: 38626827 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Every year, trillions of cigarette butts (CBs) are discarded into the environment. CBs are frequently found on beaches and in urban areas worldwide due to their high resistance to physical and biological degradation. Components of CBs, such as heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), cellulose acetate fibers (microplastics), nicotine, aromatic amines, and BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene), are released into aquatic environments. Harmful components released into water from CBs cause both water pollution and toxic effects on different aquatic organisms. In the first part of this review, studies investigating the density of CBs in different environments were reviewed. In the second part, the results of studies investigating the characteristics of cigarette filters using characterization techniques were reviewed. Then, studies on heavy metals, PAHs, microplastics (microfibers), nicotine, aromatic amines and BTEX released into water from CBs were reviewed, and factors affecting the types, amounts and release conditions of compounds (pollutants) released into water from CBs were discussed. In the last section, taking into account the studies carried out to date, deficiencies in the research on pollutants released into water from CBs were identified and recommendations were made for future studies. This review highlights the environmental abundance of CBs, the characterization results of CB filters, and the release into water of some substances in CBs that are pollutants for the aquatic environment. This review may serve as a guide to elucidate the environmental abundance of CBs, the characteristics of CBs/filters, and the concentration in water of some pollutants released into water from CBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seren Acarer Arat
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Avcılar 34320, Istanbul, Turkey.
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5
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Kouvara K, Kosmopoulou A, Fakiris E, Christodoulou D, Filippides A, Katsanevakis S, Ioakeimidis C, Geraga M, Xirotagarou P, Galgani F, Papatheodorou G. Assessing marine litter in a highly polluted area in the Mediterranean: A multi-perspective approach in the Saronikos Gulf, Greece. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 203:116497. [PMID: 38796930 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Marine litter poses a significant environmental challenge in the Saronikos Gulf, Greece. Employing an integrated approach, data from both beach and underwater sites were analyzed. The average litter density on beaches was 2.61 items m-2, with plastic being the most common material, notably small polystyrene fragments and cigarette butts. The western part of the Gulf exhibited higher litter density, mainly due to surface circulation patterns. Most beaches fell short of meeting Good Environmental Status criteria for marine litter. Higher litter densities were observed in autumn. Benthic litter density decreased with depth, being 23 times higher in shallower waters, with plastic being the predominant type. This extensive study offers crucial insights into the pollution status and litter distribution in the Saronikos Gulf, contributing significantly to the global understanding of marine litter distribution on coastal ecosystems. Such information is crucial for raising awareness, informing policy decisions, and driving environmental actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Kouvara
- Laboratory of Marine Geology and Physical Oceanography (Oceanus-Lab), Department of Geology, University of Patras, 26504, Greece.
| | - A Kosmopoulou
- A.C. Laskaridis Charitable Foundation, Zalokosta 4, Athens 10671, Greece
| | - E Fakiris
- Laboratory of Marine Geology and Physical Oceanography (Oceanus-Lab), Department of Geology, University of Patras, 26504, Greece
| | - D Christodoulou
- Laboratory of Marine Geology and Physical Oceanography (Oceanus-Lab), Department of Geology, University of Patras, 26504, Greece
| | - A Filippides
- OZON, Non-Governmental Organization, Corinth 20100, Greece
| | - S Katsanevakis
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of the Aegean, 81100, Greece
| | - C Ioakeimidis
- UN Environment Programme/Mediterranean Action Plan (UNEP/MAP), Vas. Konstantinou 48, Athens 11635, Greece
| | - M Geraga
- Laboratory of Marine Geology and Physical Oceanography (Oceanus-Lab), Department of Geology, University of Patras, 26504, Greece
| | - P Xirotagarou
- A.C. Laskaridis Charitable Foundation, Zalokosta 4, Athens 10671, Greece
| | - F Galgani
- Ifremer Centre Mediterranée, Laboratoire LER/PAC, immeuble Agostini, ZI Furiani, Bastia, Corse 20600, France
| | - G Papatheodorou
- Laboratory of Marine Geology and Physical Oceanography (Oceanus-Lab), Department of Geology, University of Patras, 26504, Greece
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Howlader M, Selim A, Shohan MH, Shuvo SNA, Al-Humaidi JY, Islam MM, Shaibur MR, Althomali RH, Akter N, Afrin S, Sultana T, Singha SK, Betto ZS, Rahman MM. Exploring cigarette butts pollution in Saint Martin Island: A marine protected area. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 203:116439. [PMID: 38718549 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Saint Martin Island (SMI), the only coral island in Bangladesh, is located in the Bay of Bengal and has been identified as a marine protected area (MPA). Littering cigarette butts (CBs) waste in an ecologically sensitive environment can have numerous adverse effects. The purpose of this research is to investigate the abundance and density of CBs in SMI and to assess the pollution status using the Cigarette Butt Pollution Index (CBPI). This study is conducted based on the visual survey method in the three types of land use zones of SMI. During the peak season, the investigation was carried out from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in December 2023. A total of 4481 CBs item were counted, and the density ranged from 0.37 to 1.76 m-2 with an average value of 0.99 m-2 across 12 sampling campaigns. The highest density was observed at service zones, and the fishing zones had the lowest density. The calculated CBPI values revealed that 75 % of the sampling stations were in the "severe pollution" while 25 % were classified as "high pollution" status, underscoring the prevalence of hazardous CBs across most areas of SMI. To tackle these issues requires regulatory measures, public awareness initiatives, and community involvement. Effective waste management and eco-friendly product promotion can help reduce CBs pollution risks in marine protected islands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masum Howlader
- Environment and Resource Analysis Center Ltd., Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh.
| | - Abu Selim
- International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, Kathmandu 3226, Nepal
| | - Mobin Hossain Shohan
- Department of Aquaculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh
| | | | - Jehan Y Al-Humaidi
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia.
| | | | - Molla Rahman Shaibur
- Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Raed H Althomali
- Department of Chemistry, College of Art and Science, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Wadi Al-Dawasir 11991, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nurunnahar Akter
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore 7408, Bangladesh
| | | | - Tania Sultana
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Kolkata 411008, India
| | - Santush Kumar Singha
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, American International University Bangladesh, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh
| | - Zaren Subah Betto
- Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammed M Rahman
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
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7
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Jokar Z, Banavi N, Taghizadehfard S, Hassani F, Solimani R, Azarpira N, Dehghani H, Dezhgahi A, Sanati AM, Farjadfard S, Ramavandi B. Marine litter along the shores of the Persian Gulf, Iran. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30853. [PMID: 38765091 PMCID: PMC11101852 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Plastic wastes -including cigarette butts (CBs)- are dangerous for marine ecosystems not only because they contain hazardous chemicals but also because they can finally turn into micro- or even nano-particles that may be ingested by micro- and macro-fauna. Even large pieces of plastics can trap animals. In this research, the pollution status of macroplastics (abundance, size, type, and colour) and cigarette butts (CBs, number/m2) on the northern coasts of the Persian Gulf has been investigated. A total of 19 stations were explored in Bushehr province (Iran), which covers a length equivalent to 160 km of the Persian Gulf coastline. Among the collected plastic waste (2992 items), disposable mugs were the most frequent (18 %). Plastics with sizes 5-15 cm were the most abundant, and the most common type of plastic was PET (P-value <0.05). The origin of most macroplastics was domestic (2269 items). According to the Index of Clean Coasts (ICC), most surveyed beaches were extremely dirty. The average number and density of CBs in this study were 220 and 2.45 items/m2, respectively. Household litter was the most abundant type of waste in the studied beaches, and this problem can be better managed by training and improving the waste disposal culture. In general, it is suggested that an integrated and enhanced management for fishing, sewage and surface water disposal, and sandy recreational beaches be implemented in Bushehr to control plastic waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Jokar
- Systems Environmental Health and Energy Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, 7518759577, Iran
| | - Nafiseh Banavi
- Systems Environmental Health and Energy Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, 7518759577, Iran
| | - Sara Taghizadehfard
- Systems Environmental Health and Energy Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, 7518759577, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Hassani
- Systems Environmental Health and Energy Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, 7518759577, Iran
| | - Rezvan Solimani
- Systems Environmental Health and Energy Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, 7518759577, Iran
| | - Nahid Azarpira
- Systems Environmental Health and Energy Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, 7518759577, Iran
| | - Hanieh Dehghani
- Systems Environmental Health and Energy Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, 7518759577, Iran
| | - Atefeh Dezhgahi
- Systems Environmental Health and Energy Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, 7518759577, Iran
| | - Ali Mohammad Sanati
- Department of Environmental Science, Persian Gulf Research Institute, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Sima Farjadfard
- Systems Environmental Health and Energy Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, 7518759577, Iran
| | - Bahman Ramavandi
- Systems Environmental Health and Energy Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, 7518759577, Iran
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8
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Özşeker K, Coşkun T, Erüz C. Exploring seasonal, spatial and pathways of marine litter pollution along the Southeastern Black Sea Cost of Türkiye. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 202:116348. [PMID: 38636341 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116348] [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: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Spatial and temporal variations in marine litter density and composition along the Southeastern Black Sea Coast were investigated. A total of 156,371 litter items weighing 327,258.3 kg were collected. The highest frequency of litter material by number was 15,869 ± 103.88 items/m2 16 and 74.466 ± 7.23 by weight. The highest litter concentrations (77,768 items; 81,737.1 kg) were observed in autumn, mainly comprising single-use items, with plastic being the most abundant (54.05 %), followed by metal (15.69 %), and paper (10.45 %). The subcategories of plastic litter items bags, caps/lids, cigarette lighters, cosmetic packages, gloves, and plastics pieces were found to be the most abundant litter in number. According to Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Kruskal-Wallis statistical tests (p < 0.005), significant differences in marine litter were identified among the stations and seasons. These findings offer insights for modeling studies, advocating restrictions on single-use products, and enacting legal regulations for local governance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koray Özşeker
- Karadeniz Technical University, Institute of Marine Sciences and Technology, Trabzon, Turkiye.
| | - Tolga Coşkun
- Middle East Technical University, Biological Sciences, Limnology Laboratory, Ankara, Turkiye
| | - Coşkun Erüz
- Karadeniz Technical University, Faculty of Marine Sciences, Trabzon, Turkiye
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9
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Mghili B, Hasni S, Ben-Haddad M, Rangel-Buitrago N, Keznine M, Lamine I, Hamiche FZ, Haddaoui H, Abelouah MR, Demiathi M, Oubahaouali B, Jellal N, Touaf M, Ahannach Y, Hassou N, Cherradi S, Aksissou M. Plastic pollution on Moroccan beaches: Toward baselines for large-scale assessment. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 201:116288. [PMID: 38531205 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116288] [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: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
In Africa, Morocco is the 10th largest producer of plastic. The severity of this plastic has attracted increasing amounts of attention in the Moroccan Atlantic and Mediterranean in recent years. However, at the national level, there is limited knowledge of plastic pollution. To obtain an exhaustive and comprehensive evaluation of plastic pollution levels in Morocco, large-scale monitoring is needed on all the coasts of the country. In this context, this paper examined the composition, abundance, distribution, source and quality of beaches on two Moroccan coasts using four beach quality indices along 29 beaches. During two seasons, a total of 72,105 items were counted. The mean litter abundance was 0.31 items/m2, and the Mediterranean beaches were more dense than the Atlantic beaches. In particular, litter density was greater in spring (0.35 items/m2) than in summer (0.29 items/m2). The data indicate considerable differences in the density of marine debris according to the seasonality, beach typology and presence of rivers. Hazardous litter items were collected along both Moroccan coasts, constituting 8.41 % of the total collected items, with a mean of 0.026 items/m2. The use of environmental indices allowed us to classify Moroccan beaches as "moderate cleanliness", "moderate abundance" of plastics, "moderately safe" presence of hazardous litter and "mediocre" environmental status. The findings of the present study indicate that the sources of litter on both Moroccan coasts come mainly from recreational activities and dumping. The waste management practices recommended for Moroccan beaches include reducing sources, mitigating mitigation measures and changing littering behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilal Mghili
- LESCB, URL-CNRST N° 18, Faculty of Sciences, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tetouan, Morocco.
| | - Soufiane Hasni
- Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences and Technology of Tangier, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Morocco
| | - Mohamed Ben-Haddad
- Laboratory of Aquatic Systems, Marine and Continental Environments (AQUAMAR), Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir 80000, Morocco
| | - Nelson Rangel-Buitrago
- Programa de Física, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad del Atlántico, Barranquilla, Atlántico, Colombia
| | - Mohamed Keznine
- LESCB, URL-CNRST N° 18, Faculty of Sciences, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tetouan, Morocco
| | - Imane Lamine
- Laboratory of Aquatic Systems, Marine and Continental Environments (AQUAMAR), Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir 80000, Morocco; Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Technical Health, Errachidia, Morocco
| | - Fatima Zahra Hamiche
- LESCB, URL-CNRST N° 18, Faculty of Sciences, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tetouan, Morocco
| | - Hatim Haddaoui
- Scientific Institute, University Mohammed V, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Mohamed Rida Abelouah
- Laboratory of Aquatic Systems, Marine and Continental Environments (AQUAMAR), Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir 80000, Morocco
| | - Manal Demiathi
- LESCB, URL-CNRST N° 18, Faculty of Sciences, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tetouan, Morocco
| | - Brahim Oubahaouali
- LESCB, URL-CNRST N° 18, Faculty of Sciences, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tetouan, Morocco
| | - Nadia Jellal
- Research Laboratory in Applied and Marine Geosciences, Geotechnics and Geohazards (LR3G), Faculty of Sciences, Abdelmalek Essaâdi University, 93000 Tetouan, Morocco
| | - Mounia Touaf
- LESCB, URL-CNRST N° 18, Faculty of Sciences, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tetouan, Morocco
| | - Youssef Ahannach
- LESCB, URL-CNRST N° 18, Faculty of Sciences, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tetouan, Morocco
| | - Najwa Hassou
- Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Technical Health, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Sohayb Cherradi
- Polydisciplinary Faculty in Larache, University Abdelmalek Essadi, Morocco
| | - Mustapha Aksissou
- LESCB, URL-CNRST N° 18, Faculty of Sciences, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tetouan, Morocco
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10
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Duttagupta S, Nynas K, Richardot W, Salam SB, Pennington M, Wong J, Van De Werfhorst LC, Dodder NG, Novotny T, Sant K, Holden PA, Hoh E. Influence of tobacco product wastes in a protected coastal reserve adjacent to urbanization. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 199:115929. [PMID: 38141586 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
The present study, conducted at the Kendall-Frost Mission Bay Marsh Reserve in San Diego, California, aimed to assess tobacco-related pollutants in urban waters, a topic with limited prior research. Across 26 events occurring between November 2019 and February 2022, encompassing both wet and dry seasons at two outfall sites (Noyes St. and Olney St.), water and sediment samples were subjected to analysis for nicotine and cotinine levels, with Noyes St. displaying wide variation in nicotine concentrations, reaching a peak of 50.75 ng/L in water samples, whereas Olney St. recorded a peak of 1.46 ng/L. Wet seasons consistently had higher nicotine levels in water, suggesting the possibility of tobacco litter entering the reserve through stormwater runoff. Cotinine was detected in both sites in both water and sediment samples; however, these levels were considerably lower in comparison to nicotine concentrations. Limited research assesses aquatic environmental pollution from tobacco use and disposal, especially in protected areas like urban natural reserves. This study was conducted at the Kendall-Frost Mission Bay Marsh Reserve in San Diego, California, to evaluate tobacco-related pollutants in San Diego's urban waters. Twenty-six sampling events between November 2019 and February 2022, spanning wet and dry seasons at two outfall sites, were conducted. Nicotine and cotinine, a major ingredient of tobacco and its metabolite, were analyzed in the collected water and sediment samples. Nicotine concentrations differed substantially between the outfall locations (Noyes St. and Olney St.), with Noyes St. displaying wide variations, averaging at 9.31 (±13.24) ng/L with a maximum concentration of 50.75 ng/L, and Olney St. at 0.53 (±0.41) ng/L with a maximum concentration of 1.46 ng/L in water samples. In both locations, the nicotine concentrations in water samples were higher during wet seasons than dry seasons, and this pattern was more significant at Noyes St. outfall than at Olney St. outfall, which received not only stormwater runoff but also was connected to Mission Bay. Although this pattern did not directly align with sediment nicotine levels at both sites, maximum nicotine concentration in Noyes St. sediments during wet seasons was approximately 120 times higher than in Olney St. sediments. Regarding cotinine, Noyes St. outfall water averaged 3.17 ng/L (±1.88), and Olney St. water averaged 1.09 ng/L (±1.06). Similar to nicotine, the cotinine concentrations were higher in Noyes St. water and sediment compared to Olney St., but overall, the cotinine concentrations in both water and sediment were much lower than the corresponding nicotine concentrations. The study identifies urban stormwater runoff as a potential source of nicotine and cotinine pollution in a protected reserve, implicating tobacco product litter and human tobacco use as contributing factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srimanti Duttagupta
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA; Department of Geology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Katelyn Nynas
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA
| | - William Richardot
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA; San Diego State University Research Foundation, San Diego, CA 92182, USA
| | - Shahrin Binte Salam
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA
| | - Melissa Pennington
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA
| | - Jade Wong
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA
| | - Laurie C Van De Werfhorst
- Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Nathan G Dodder
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA; San Diego State University Research Foundation, San Diego, CA 92182, USA
| | - Thomas Novotny
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA
| | - Karilyn Sant
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA
| | - Patricia A Holden
- Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Eunha Hoh
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA.
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11
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Mghili B, Lamine I, Bouzekry A, Gunasekaran K, Aksissou M. Cigarette butt pollution in popular beaches of Morocco: Abundance, distribution, and mitigation measures. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 195:115530. [PMID: 37717497 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Cigarette butts pose a significant challenge in managing solid litter, with an estimated 4.5 trillion of them being discarded into the environment annually. This study investigated the pollution of eleven beaches along the Moroccan Mediterranean by cigarette butts compared to other types of marine litter between 2018 and 2023. Sampling was conducted using the visual survey technique according to a standardized protocol. A total of 50, 575 items were collected with cigarette butts (14.62 %) and plastic caps/lids drinks (10.93 %) being the most common. Our survey of eleven beaches revealed 7395 cigarette butts, giving an average density of 0.06/m2 comparable to other countries in the Mediterranean. The analysis of the results shows significant differences in the abundance cigarette butts according to the beach typology, seasonality, sediment type, and number of beach users. Moreover, the study discovered a decrease in beach pollution during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, resulting in less litter collected compared to pre- and post-pandemic periods. The Cigarette Butt Pollution Index was categorized as very low pollution in M'diq and Kaa Asrass, low pollution in Ksar Sghir, Fnideq, Amsa, Oued Laou, significant pollution in Martil and Nador and sever pollution in Saidia and Sababia. The CBPI was higher during summer and winter, significantly associated with the density levels of beach users. The study recommends immediate action by the local administration to prevent the potential pollution of groundwater and sand by toxic substances leached from cigarette butts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilal Mghili
- LESCB, URL-CNRST N° 18, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Faculty of Sciences, Tetouan, Morocco.
| | - Imane Lamine
- Laboratory of Aquatic Systems: Marine and Continental Ecosystems, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, BP 8106, Agadir, Morocco; Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Technical Health, Errachidia
| | - Assia Bouzekry
- LESCB, URL-CNRST N° 18, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Faculty of Sciences, Tetouan, Morocco
| | - Kannan Gunasekaran
- Centre for Aquaculture, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai 600019, India
| | - Mustapha Aksissou
- LESCB, URL-CNRST N° 18, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Faculty of Sciences, Tetouan, Morocco
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12
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Díaz-Mendoza C, Arias Ordiales P, Bustos ML, Cervantes O, Palacios-Moreno M, Vera San-Martin T, Kloc Lopes G, Vallejo M, Mouthon-Bello J, Gutiérrez L. Abundance and distribution of cigarette butts on the sand of five touristic beaches in Latin America during the COVID-19 pandemic. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 194:115306. [PMID: 37506493 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115306] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Cigarette butts (CB) and cigarette butt fibers (CBF) are highly abundant and frequent residues on beach sand. Also, they are hazardous waste due to their significant toxicity and potential risk to the ecosystems' biota and the health of beach tourists. This study aimed to determine the abundance and density of CB and CBF found on the active, rest, and service zones of five pilot beaches in Argentina, Colombia, Brazil, Ecuador, and Mexico. The methodology involved collecting CB and CBF in 500 m2 transects of urban tourist beaches using a citizen science-adapted methodology between June 2021 and May 2022, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The abundance and density of CB and CBF, and the Cigarette Butt Pollution Index (CBPI) were calculated. The highest proportion of CB was found in service and rest areas. Bocagrande (CO) reported the highest generation of CB and CBF and a severe CBPI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Díaz-Mendoza
- Faculty of Engineering, Universidad Tecnológica de Bolívar, Universidad de Cartagena, Colombia.
| | | | | | - Omar Cervantes
- Faculty of Oceanography of the Universidad de Colima campus Manzanillo, Mexico
| | | | | | - Gisela Kloc Lopes
- Faculty of Engineering of the Universidade Veiga de Almeida (UVA), Cabo Frio, Brazil
| | | | | | - Leonardo Gutiérrez
- Faculty of the Sea and Environment, Universidad Del Pacífico, Ecuador; Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Belgium
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13
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Felipe da Silva N, Christina Barbosa de Araújo M, Santos Silva-Cavalcanti J. Spatio-temporal distribution of cigarette butt contamination in urban beaches with varying levels of use. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 168:179-188. [PMID: 37302176 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2023.05.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This study assessed the extent of cigarette butt contamination on two urban beaches in Recife-PE (Pernambuco State, Brazil) with varying levels of use. The study considered degradation levels and evaluated whether the brands varied by time, space, and beaches use. Ten transects (1.5 m wide) and spaced 10 m apart, were delimited on the beaches investigated. Twelve collections were made between May 2021 and January 2022, and the collected cigarette butts were evaluated based on degradation level, mass, size, and brand. In total, 10,275 cigarette butts were collected on both beaches, with P1 accounting for 96.91% of the found cigarette butts. The density of cigarette butts on the beaches was directly proportional to the level of use, with 8.85 butts/m2 in P1 and 1.05 butts/m2 in P2. Eighteen brands were identified, with brand (A) being the most popular regardless of the area. Significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) were found when evaluating the amount of butts/m2; Sundays with high precipitation presented reduced values of butts; more occupied areas presented transects with higher amounts; abundance in the summer; morphometry with higher values recorded in newly discarded butts; predominance of more degraded butts and brand diversity. Despite the difference in the number of butts/m2 between the areas, it was possible to identify that their abundance is very expressive, and that the monitored beaches present a high exposure to the contaminant.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jacqueline Santos Silva-Cavalcanti
- Program in Biodiversity, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil; Department of Biology, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
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14
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Botero CM, Palacios MA, Souza Filho JR, Milanes CB. Beach litter in three South American countries: A baseline for restarting monitoring and cleaning after COVID-19 closure. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 191:114915. [PMID: 37084613 PMCID: PMC10099211 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused that most countries established the closure of many beaches, affecting the scientific monitoring of thousands of coastal sectors. This article shows the status of beach litter in South America before and after COVID-19 closure. The data were obtained during the years 2019, 2020 and 2022 on 25 beaches using a technique BLAT-QQ. The results show that cigarette butts were the most frequent type of litter, meanwhile Brazil should improve cleanliness of general gross litter and gross polystyrene. Colombia gross vegetation litter and small vegetation litter, and Ecuador organic litter from animals. The results shown in qualitative and quantitative manner facilitate their understanding for managers, scholars and activists interested on beach litter monitoring. This baseline is useful to analyse regional and worldwide marine litter trends with the purpose to start or restart monitoring of tourist beaches from a science-based method.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Botero
- Coastal Systems Research Group, Playas Corporación Ltd., Santa Marta, Colombia; Faculty of Management, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - M A Palacios
- Marine and Environmental Faculty, Universidad Del Pacífico, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - J R Souza Filho
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia Baiano - IFBAIANO, Bahia, Brazil
| | - C B Milanes
- GeMarc and GESSA Research Groups, Civil and Environmental Department, Universidad de la Costa, Barranquilla, Colombia; Coiba Scientific Station (Coiba AIP), Panama City, Panama.
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15
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Conradi M, Sánchez-Moyano JE. Toward a sustainable circular economy for cigarette butts, the most common waste worldwide on the coast. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 847:157634. [PMID: 35905959 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The circular economy is based on the maximum use of resources by reducing, reusing, and recycling the elements used. Currently, the items littered most frequently in the world are cigarettes butts (CB) as these debris are freely disseminated in the marine habitat, they are generally difficult to collect and very complex to recycle. Litter CB is a great social problem that generates excessive economic costs and serious environmental problems. CB is also not biodegradable and highly toxic to marine organisms and presents a distinctive mixture of physical and chemical contamination. However, little research has been done on the management and recycling of this dangerous waste. Several proposals have been made to incorporate this waste into high-volume articles of direct production or recycling, but collection logistics are lacking since the current system is inefficient, in addition to the poor environmental behaviour of citizens. This work presents a current synthesis of the CB problem from all its possible aspects in order to have a global vision of the life cycle of the CB, indicating both the known and the gaps in the knowledge of each of them, and intends to give a general outline of the steps to follow to try to end such a worrying problem at the global level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes Conradi
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Sevilla, Av. Reina Mercedes 6, 41012 Sevilla, Spain
| | - J Emilio Sánchez-Moyano
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Sevilla, Av. Reina Mercedes 6, 41012 Sevilla, Spain.
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Aragaw TA, De-la-Torre GE, Teshager AA. Personal protective equipment (PPE) pollution driven by the COVID-19 pandemic along the shoreline of Lake Tana, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 820:153261. [PMID: 35065109 PMCID: PMC8787314 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Personal protective equipment (PPE) pollution has become one of the most pending environmental challenges resulting from the pandemic. While various studies investigated PPE pollution in the marine environment, freshwater bodies have been largely overlooked. In the present study, PPE monitoring was carried out in the vicinity of Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia. PPE density, types, and chemical composition (FTIR spectroscopy) were reported. A total of 221 PPEs were identified with a density ranging from 1.22 × 10-5 PPE m-2 (control site S1) to 2.88× 10-4 PPE m-2 with a mean density of 1.54 × 10-4 ± 2.58 × 10-5 PPE m-2. Mismanaged PPE waste was found in all the sampling sites, mostly consisting of surgical face masks (93.7%). Statistical analyzes revealed significantly higher PPE densities in sites where several recreational, touristic, and commercial activities take place, thus, revealing the main sources of PPE pollution. Furthermore, polypropylene and polyester fabrics were identified as the main components of surgical and reusable cloth masks, respectively. Given the hazard that PPEs represent to aquatic biota (e.g., entanglement, ingestion) and their ability to release microplastics (MPs), it is necessary to implement sufficient solid waste management plans and infrastructure where lake activities take place. Additionally, local authorities must promote and ensure sustainable tourism in order to maintain the ecosystems in Lake Tana. Prospective research priorities regarding the colonization and degradation of PPE, as well as the release of toxic chemicals, were identified and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadele Assefa Aragaw
- Faculty of Chemical and Food Engineering, Bahir Dar Institute of Technology, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.
| | - Gabriel E De-la-Torre
- Grupo de Investigación de Biodiversidad, Medio Ambiente y Sociedad, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, Peru
| | - Alebel A Teshager
- Faculty of Chemical and Food Engineering, Bahir Dar Institute of Technology, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
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17
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Orthodoxou DL, Loizidou XI, Baldwin C, Kocareis C, Karonias A, Ateş MA. Seasonal and geographic variations of marine litter: A comprehensive study from the island of Cyprus. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 177:113495. [PMID: 35245764 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113495] [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: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Twenty beaches located around the island of Cyprus, in the eastern Mediterranean, were identified as monitoring sites. They were monitored over four monitoring sessions from January to September 2021 to assess marine litter amounts, categories, and spatiotemporal distribution. A total of 42,499 marine litter items were collected. The average marine litter density was 0.19 items/m2. Most of the collected items were plastics, with single-use plastics being ubiquitous. Plastic fragments >2.5 cm made a significant proportion of the plastic litter collected, particularly in the northern coasts of the island. Cigarette butts were abundant on touristic beaches, especially in the tourism period. The study identifies significant temporal and spatial variations in the abundance and distribution of marine litter, as well as variations related to waste management or lack thereof.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xenia I Loizidou
- AKTI Project and Research Centre, 95 Kyrenias Avenue, 2113 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Christina Baldwin
- AKTI Project and Research Centre, 95 Kyrenias Avenue, 2113 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Cemile Kocareis
- Famagusta Walled City Association (MASDER), Bishop Chapel, 99450 Famagusta, Cyprus
| | - Anastasis Karonias
- Enalia Physis Environmental Research Centre, 2 Akropoleos Street, 2101 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Maria Ayça Ateş
- North Cyprus Diving Centre Association, Demak Is Hani, No: 24 Muftu Ziya Efendi Sok., Nicosia, Cyprus
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18
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Okuku EO, Owato G, Otieno K, Kombo MM, Chiphatsi MM, Gwada B, Chepkemboi P, Wanjeri V, Kiteresi LI, Achieng Q, Nelson A. The influence of monsoons on the spatial distribution and composition of floating marine litter. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 175:113386. [PMID: 35124374 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113386] [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: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Floating marine litter (FML) surveys were conducted in the near shore waters of Mombasa, Kilifi and Kwale Counties of Kenya through trawling using a manta net. A mean density of 26,665 ± 2869 items km-2 composed of 34.8% hard plastic, 40.5% soft plastics and 22.0% plastic lines/fibers was reported in this study. Litter densities in Kwale, Kilifi and Mombasa Counties were not influenced by monsoons, however, litter composition was influenced by monsoons with NEM and SEM being dominated mainly by hard plastics and soft plastics respectively. Litter categories diversity, evenness and richness were also not influenced by the monsoons during both NEM (1.01, 0.78 and 3, respectively) and SEM (1.09, 0.78 and 4, respectively). Fishing and recreational beaches had higher litter densities during NEM compared to SEM attributed to higher beach visitation and increased fishing activities during the calmer NEM season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Ochieng Okuku
- Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, P. O. Box 81651, Mombasa, Kenya.
| | - Gilbert Owato
- Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, P. O. Box 81651, Mombasa, Kenya; Pwani University, P.O Box 195-80108, Mombasa, Kenya
| | - Kenneth Otieno
- Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, P. O. Box 81651, Mombasa, Kenya; Technical University of Mombasa, P.O. Box 90420 - 80100, Mombasa, Kenya
| | | | | | - Brenda Gwada
- Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, P. O. Box 81651, Mombasa, Kenya
| | - Purity Chepkemboi
- Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, P. O. Box 81651, Mombasa, Kenya
| | - Veronica Wanjeri
- Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, P. O. Box 81651, Mombasa, Kenya
| | | | - Quinter Achieng
- Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, P. O. Box 81651, Mombasa, Kenya
| | - Annette Nelson
- Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, P. O. Box 81651, Mombasa, Kenya
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19
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Green DS, Tongue ADW, Boots B. The ecological impacts of discarded cigarette butts. Trends Ecol Evol 2021; 37:183-192. [PMID: 34690005 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2021.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cigarette butts, one of the most littered items globally, present a unique challenge to ecosystems due to their ubiquity, persistence, and potential for harm. Over 35 studies have examined the toxicity of cigarette butts in biota from aquatic and terrestrial habitats from microbes to mice, but many organisms and habitats have not been tested. Two-thirds of studies are on aquatic organisms, and lethal effects were common. Research on the impacts on terrestrial life is lagging behind. Cigarette butts can affect the growth, behaviour, and reproductive output of individual organisms in all three habitats, but research on wider effects on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning is lacking. Here, we summarise the ecotoxicological concerns and identify important knowledge gaps for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dannielle S Green
- Applied Ecology Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge CB1 1PT, UK.
| | - Andrew D W Tongue
- Applied Ecology Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge CB1 1PT, UK
| | - Bas Boots
- Applied Ecology Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge CB1 1PT, UK
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Freire Lima C, Amaral Dos Santos Pinto M, Brasil Choueri R, Buruaem Moreira L, Braga Castro Í. Occurrence, characterization, partition, and toxicity of cigarette butts in a highly urbanized coastal area. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2021; 131:10-19. [PMID: 34091234 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2021.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Cigarette butts (CBs) comprise one of the most relevant categories of marine litter worldwide. This study was structured as a case study simultaneously assessing (i) the occurrence of CBs in a highly urbanized coastal area, (ii) their partitioning in two environmental compartments (water column and sediments) by laboratory settling tests, and (iii) the toxicity produced by the CBs leachates (measured as copepod reproduction). Marine litter was sampled in beaches of the city of Santos (SW Brazil) and CBs were collected for analysis. The characterization showed that CBs were one of the most prevalent items (51.5% in summer and 34.4% in winter) and 22 cigarettes brands were identified at different stages of decomposition. Laboratory settling tests showed that CBs remain in the water column between 3 and 20 days, subsequently reaching the sediments. The toxicity results indicated that CBs the leachates extracted from a small amount of CBs was sufficient to affect copepod reproduction (0.1 and 0.01 CBs L-1). Furthermore, the approaches adopted by the present study can serve as a preliminary assessment to estimate local impacts resulting from inadequate disposal of cigarette butts in coastal areas around the world.
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