Article
Environmental Sciences
Mariana M. P. B. Fuentes, Valencia Beckwidth, Matthew Ware
Summary: This study found that microplastics found in coastal areas can alter the properties of sand, including temperature, which may have an impact on the marine habitat used by endangered species such as marine turtles. The addition of microplastics to sand led to an increase in temperature, potentially affecting nest productivity and hatchling fitness.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Beatriz Zachello Nunes, Yuyue Huang, Victor Vasques Ribeiro, Siqi Wu, Henrik Holbech, Lucas Buruaem Moreira, Elvis Genbo Xu, Italo B. Castro
Summary: Despite the existing literature on microplastics in marine environments, their status and impacts on global Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) remain unknown. This study collected extensive data and used a GIS-based approach to analyze microplastic occurrence in MPAs, finding that 68 out of 52 MPAs were contaminated. The study also summarized the wide range of microplastic levels in MPAs and discussed the limitations and future directions for addressing microplastic pollution in MPAs.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jake Bowley, Craig Baker-Austin, Adam Porter, Rachel Hartnell, Ceri Lewis
Summary: As plastic pollution continues to rise, concerns about microplastics acting as vectors for pathogen transport are emerging. While there is a lack of detailed studies, understanding the interactions between microplastics and pathogens is crucial for the aquaculture industry.
TRENDS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kiani M. Perez-Alvelo, Eduardo M. Llegus, Janet M. Forestier-Babilonia, Camila V. Elias-Arroyo, Keisharie N. Pagan-Malave, Guillermo J. Bird-Rivera, Carlos J. Rodriguez-Sierra
Summary: The Caribbean islands, including Puerto Rico, are biodiversity hotspots threatened by microplastics, with urbanization, industrial activities, and river inputs identified as likely sources of plastic debris. The La Esperanza Peninsula showed the highest pollution levels, while other beaches displayed lower and similar abundance. Fibers, fragments, and foams were the predominant forms of microplastics found.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Emiliano Hines, Maria L. Jaubet, Graciela Cuello, Rodolfo Elias, Griselda Garaffo
Summary: The study examined the abundance of plastic debris in marine sediments of tourist beaches in the Southwest Atlantic, Argentina. Various factors, including beach morphology, grain size, recreational use level, continental water discharge, location, distance from urban center, and season, were considered to determine the abundance of macro-, meso- and microplastics. Results showed that continental water discharge had the highest impact on the abundance of plastic debris on beach surfaces. Beaches with fine grain size, between groins, and high recreational use tended to accumulate more plastic debris. Seasonal variations also influenced the abundance of plastic waste, despite city government efforts to clean beaches. The influence of anthropogenic pressure on litter abundance was altered in beaches with higher human impact.
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hayden Boettcher, Tobias Kukulka, Jonathan H. Cohen
Summary: A new method of producing and accurately dosing microplastic fragments has been developed and validated. The method involves grinding polyethylene and polypropylene plastic, washing and rinsing the ground plastic through sieves, and producing microfragments of consistent size. A novel ice cap dosing technique is used to accurately dose microfragments into experimental vials without the need for chemical surfactants. An ingestion experiment confirms the bioavailability of polyethylene microfragments to brine shrimp. These methods provide a controlled way to produce and dose microplastic fragments for research purposes.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
J. W. Buckingham, C. Manno, C. M. Waluda, C. L. Waller
Summary: The concentration of microplastics in the nearshore waters of South Georgia is about one order of magnitude higher than similar studies south of the Polar Front. The microplastic concentration in wastewater is similar to that in seawater. Further research on microplastic distribution, characteristics, and transport in the region is recommended to assess the risk to the ecosystem.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rogers Wainkwa Chia, Jin-Yong Lee, Jihye Cha, Andres Rodriguez-Seijo
Summary: This article reviews the methods for microplastic analysis in terrestrial samples, focusing on sampling location and design, soil quantity, sampling depth and equipment, and sample handling and preservation. The collection and storage of soil samples are crucial for accurate microplastic analysis.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Eswara Venkatesaperumal Ramasamy, Shini Sruthy, Ajay Kumar Harit, Mahesh Mohan, Mechirackal Balan Binish
Summary: This study found the presence of microplastics in the sediment of Kongsfjorden, an Arctic fjord, with high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, and polyamide as the main components. Further research is needed to understand the sources and mechanisms of microplastics transport to the sediment and their impact on Arctic fjords.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Emna Zeghal, Annika Vaksmaa, Hortense Vielfaure, Teun Boekhout, Helge Niemann
Summary: Plastic debris has been accumulating in the ocean since the 1950s, raising concerns about its impact on marine life. While marine fungi are understudied, they have the potential to play an important role in degrading complex organic matter in marine habitats.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
La Daana K. Kanhai, Hamish Asmath, Judith F. Gobin
Summary: Plastic pollution is a persistent issue in the Caribbean Large Marine Ecosystem (CLME), originating from land and marine-based sources. Rivers and oceanic currents play important roles in the transport of plastic debris. Plastic debris poses a threat to the biodiversity of the CLME with specific negative effects.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Bijeesh Kozhikkodan Veettil, Nguyen Thuy An Hua, Dong Doan Van, Ngo Xuan Quang
Summary: Vietnam is ranked fourth in the world for marine plastic pollution and is facing a serious environmental issue. This study investigates the current situation of coastal and marine plastic pollution in Vietnam, including the sources, sinks, and solutions. Mangroves, dunes, subsoil, seagrass meadows, and deep oceans are identified as major sources and sinks of plastic litter. To tackle this problem, actions such as cleaning up litter, preventing further waste, enforcing legislation, community education, and penalties for litter dumping are essential, as well as implementing proper waste management strategies at local and regional levels.
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ozge Ozden, Sinem Yildirim, Wayne J. Fuller, Brendan J. Godley
Summary: The study found that plastic bags, plastic pieces, drinks containers, and caps/lids are the main sources of coastal marine litter in the Eastern Mediterranean region, indicating that the marine litter problem here is mainly due to dumping and lack of effective waste management measures.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lyda S. T. Harris, Jackson Fennell, Robin J. Fales, Emily Carrington
Summary: Plastics account for 80% of material waste in the ocean. Marine microplastic research and national plastic policies have been growing rapidly. Different diffusion methods explain how ideas (science and policy) spread geographically. Policies can lead to reduced plastic production and consumption to combat plastic pollution.
WATER AIR AND SOIL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jayla M. Blanke, Michael K. Steinberg, James P. Donlevy
Summary: This study conducted beach transect surveys on 7 islands in Belize to investigate marine debris prevalence, with most of the litter being plastics associated with urban sources. It provides a novel baseline for future studies in the region and highlights the need for continued efforts to shift away from single-use plastic and styrofoam products in Belize's economy.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alexander L. Bond, Jennifer L. Lavers
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2020)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Megan L. Grant, Jennifer L. Lavers, Ian Hutton, Alexander L. Bond
Summary: Seabirds, as apex predators in the marine environment, inadvertently introduce physical pollutants such as plastic debris into their colonies on land, making them a sink for plastic debris. This phenomenon is likely to occur globally in seabird colonies, posing a significant threat as global plastic production and marine plastic pollution continue to accelerate.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jenna A. Guffogg, Mariela Soto-Berelov, Simon D. Jones, Chris J. Bellman, Jennifer L. Lavers, Andrew K. Skidmore
Summary: Floating and washed ashore marine plastic debris pose a growing environmental challenge, with optical remote sensing being a potential tool for monitoring. Research suggests certain spectral absorption features can detect accumulated MPD on beaches, but further study is needed to understand factors affecting the reflectance of MPD.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Subir Sarker, Ajani Athukorala, Saranika Talukder, Md Hakimul Haque, Karla Helbig, Jennifer L. Lavers, Shane R. Raidal
Summary: The study presents the first sequenced mitogenome of the Australian flesh-footed shearwater and highlights its genetic composition and characteristics. The mitogenome of the species with high AT content demonstrated a close relationship with the gray petrel, providing a reference for future molecular studies.
MITOCHONDRIAL DNA PART B-RESOURCES
(2021)
Review
Fisheries
Jacqueline S. Glencross, Jennifer L. Lavers, Eric J. Woehler
Summary: There is a lack of quantitative criteria and definitions for unusual bird mortality events, with peer-reviewed literature often lacking necessary details. The study found a significant time lag between wreck events and publication in peer-reviewed literature, with smaller wreck events more likely to be captured by citizen science datasets. Proposed framework aims to aid in quantitative reporting and analysis of future seabird wrecks.
ICES JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jennifer L. Lavers, Ian Hutton, Alexander L. Bond
Summary: The study found that the mass and number of ingested plastics in seabirds varied by sample type, with birds found through different methods containing different amounts of plastic. Beached birds provided data for a specific subset of the population, mostly individuals in poor body condition, impacted by plastics, while the use of lavaged birds is recommended for future studies to ensure more representative data on the overall exposure to plastics in seabird populations.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Megan L. Grant, Nina J. O'Hanlon, Jennifer L. Lavers, Elizabeth A. Masden, Neil A. James, Alexander L. Bond
Summary: Unlike historical records of plastic ingestion and entanglement in seabirds, literature on debris found in bird nests is relatively limited. Standardised methods for data collection are crucial for ensuring comparability across future studies. The proposed method provides a straightforward and repeatable way to estimate visible debris levels in bird nests, with potential applicability to various species and habitats.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Review
Ecology
Megan L. Grant, Alexander L. Bond, Jennifer L. Lavers
Summary: Seabirds play an integral role in connecting marine and terrestrial environments by transporting nutrients and pollutants. The deposition of guano and other inputs from seabirds significantly increases nutrient levels in soil, but can also have negative impacts. Research on pollutant transfer is limited, with a focus on toxic metals. Geographical and data limitations restrict the extent of studies. The loss of seabird populations will have implications for nutrient cycling at local and global scales, but the specific consequences are unknown.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Anthropology
Jennifer L. Lavers, Genevieve R. Carey, David R. Guilfoyle, Ron Reynolds
Summary: This study investigates the frequency and severity of bushfires on seabird breeding islands in Western Australia, with a focus on the 2020 fire on Figure of Eight Island in the Recherche Archipelago. The lack of historical surveys limits the ability to quantify the number of shearwaters lost in this event, but available data suggest that thousands of birds die due to burning every one or two years across the Archipelago. The study also highlights the low occupancy and density of shearwater burrows post-burn, with minimal evidence of recovery after 23 months. The researchers discuss the potential for an adaptive, community-based program to reinstate collaborative, cultural methods of fire management and monitoring on seabird breeding islands in Australia.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Karli A. Mylius, Jennifer L. Lavers, Eric J. Woehler, Thomas Rodemann, Bianca C. Keys, Jack Rivers-Auty
Summary: Coastlines, including estuaries, mudflats, and beaches, are highly vulnerable to plastic pollution. This study investigated the presence of microplastics and nanoplastics in two shorebird species and their surrounding sediments in Tasmania. It was found that both the birds and sediments contained plastic particles, with higher abundance in the hooded plover species. The study emphasizes the need for accurate techniques in quantifying small plastic particles and raises awareness of the significant amount of small plastics missed by standard analysis tools.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Bianca C. Keys, Megan L. Grant, Thomas Rodemann, Karli A. Mylius, Terry L. Pinfold, Jack Rivers-Auty, Jennifer L. Lavers
Summary: By using flow cytometry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, researchers have successfully detected plastic particles ingested by two Australian seabird species, providing baseline data for further study.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
J. L. Lavers, A. L. Bond
Summary: Marine systems are facing increasing pressure from human activities, and the deteriorating condition of seabird populations suggests a tipping point has been reached. A study on Lord Howe Island found that the body condition of Flesh-footed Shearwater fledglings has declined over time, particularly in beach-washed birds. The decline in culmen and head + bill length was 0.17 and 0.23 mm/year, respectively, and body mass declined by 16.1 g/year. The high number of fledglings with a weight below 400 g indicates a significant decrease in survival rates after leaving the island.
ICES JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Jennifer L. Lavers, Alexander L. Bond
Summary: Many seabirds ingest pumice stones for digestion purposes, but the impact on chick growth and its relationship with ingested plastics have not been studied. In this research, the amount of ingested pumice was analyzed in Flesh-footed and Wedge-tailed Shearwaters from Lord Howe Island. The results showed a positive correlation between pumice and plastic ingestion in Flesh-footed Shearwaters, indicating the potential influence of pumice on plastic ingestion.
Correction
Multidisciplinary Sciences
J. L. Lavers, L. Dicks, M. R. Dicks, A. Finger
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Joseph Razzell Hollis, Gabrielle Henderson, Jennifer L. Lavers, Edward Rea, Valeriya Komyakova, Alexander L. Bond
Summary: This study introduces a new method for standardized photography of marine plastics and utilizes automated image analysis to detect and measure size, shape, and color. The method was successfully tested on wildlife and achieved reliable results.
METHODS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Atefeh Zendehboudi, Azam Mohammadi, Sina Dobaradaran, Gabriel E. De-la-Torre, Bahman Ramavandi, Seyed Enayat Hashemi, Reza Saeedi, Emran Moradpour Tayebi, Ahmad Vafaee, Amirhossein Darabi
Summary: This study investigated the characteristics and ecological risks of microplastics (MPs) in ballast water for the first time, and found high levels of MP pollution. These findings contribute to our understanding of the sources and risks of microplastics in marine ecosystems.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rose Boahemaa Pinto, Linda Bogerd, Martine van der Ploeg, Kwame Duah, Remko Uijlenhoet, Tim H. M. van Emmerik
Summary: Catchment-scale plastic pollution assessments provide insights into the sources, sinks, and pathways of plastic pollution. We propose an approach to quantify macroplastic transport and density in the Odaw catchment, Ghana, and find that the urban riverine zone has the highest transport, while the urban tidal zone has the highest riverbank and land macroplastic density.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Aliya Baidourela, Qian Sun, Gongxin Yang, Umut Halik, Zhongkai Dong, Kaixu Cai, Guili Sun, Wenya Zhang, Sisi Cheng
Summary: The study focused on heavy metal pollution in the green vegetation of a suburban industrial area in Tuokexun County, Xinjiang, China. The results showed that the overall level of heavy metal pollution in the soil was minor, with mercury (Hg) being the most severe contamination, likely caused by human activities. The composition of heavy metal elements in trees was more stable compared to grass and shrubs, with varying concentrations across different vegetation. Shrubbery was found to be the most effective in heavy metal restoration, and there were disparities in heavy metal enrichment among different vegetation types.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
James H. Bridson, Hayden Masterton, Beatrix Theobald, Regis Risani, Fraser Doake, Jessica A. Wallbank, Stefan D. M. Maday, Gavin Lear, Robert Abbel, Dawn A. Smith, Joanne M. Kingsbury, Olga Pantos, Grant L. Northcott, Sally Gaw
Summary: Plastic pollution has significant environmental impacts, largely due to chemical additives. However, the behavior of plastic additives in marine environments is not well understood. A marine deployment experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of weathering on the extractables profile of four types of plastics in New Zealand over a period of nine months. The concentration of additives in polyethylene and oxo-degradable polyethylene was strongly influenced by artificial weathering, while polyamide 6 and polyethylene terephthalate showed minimal change. These findings emphasize the importance of considering leaching and weathering effects on plastic composition when assessing the potential impact and risk of plastic pollution in receiving environments.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alan G. Scarlett, Francis D. Spilsbury, Steven J. Rowland, Marthe Monique Gagnon, Kliti Grice
Summary: This study used diamondoid hydrocarbon distributions to identify the sources of environmental oil contamination. A suite of 20 diamondoids was found to accumulate in fish adipose tissue. The scatter plots of indices between fish and exposure oils showed a close to ideal 1:1 relationship, which can be used to determine the origin of the oil.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shan Jiang, Mengmeng Wan, Kun Lin, Yanshan Chen, Rui Wang, Liju Tan, Jiangtao Wang
Summary: In this study, the concentration, composition, distribution, and sources of PCBs in surface seawater of the Bohai Bay were analyzed. The results showed that PCBs in the Bohai Bay had high concentrations and were primarily derived from land-based sources such as port activities and river inputs. The PCBs in the Bohai Bay may come from commercial PCBs and their incineration products, municipal landfills, wood and coal combustion, and industrial activities, etc.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Icaro S. A. Porto, Saulo V. A. Dantas, Caio S. A. Felix, Francisco A. S. Cunha, Jailson B. de Andrade, Sergio L. C. Ferreira
Summary: This study evaluated the risks of mercury levels in sardines consumed by low-income population in Salvador, Brazil. The results showed that the mercury content in the sampled sardines posed no risks to human health. This study is significant as most sardines in Salvador come from Todos os Santos Bay, which has a history of mercury contamination.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jiahui Chen, Chengyu Yuan, Guanqun Zhai, Guangcheng Chen, Heng Zhu, Jun Liu, Yong Ye
Summary: This study investigated the combined influences of species selection and site elevation on greenhouse gas fluxes from restored mangrove soils. The results suggest that Avicennia marina should be selected for mangrove restoration to minimize carbon release and reduce the influence of greenhouse gas fluxes on the global greenhouse effect.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Emmanuel Onyeabor, Uju Obuka
Summary: The Gulf of Guinea region in Africa is a significant area for coastal countries, playing a vital role in their economic and environmental development. This study aims to reduce marine plastic pollution in the region by utilizing legal instruments.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yuanli Liu, Stephan Luttjohann, Alvise Vianello, Claudia Lorenz, Fan Liu, Jes Vollertsen
Summary: Large area attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (LAATR-FTIR) is a novel technique for detecting small microplastics, with limited accuracy for large microplastics. However, it shows promise in homogeneous matrices. The spectra quality is comparable between transmission mode and LAATR mode.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Phuc T. D. Le, Andrew M. Fischer, Britta D. Hardesty, Heidi J. Auman, Chris Wilcox
Summary: This study explores the relationship between ocean currents and the accumulation of floating marine debris (FMD) and finds that higher concentrations of FMD are associated with frontal frequencies (FF). FMD is primarily trapped in accumulation zones between fronts and the coastline, which have high biodiversity value.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rosa Sawan, Perine Doyen, Florence Viudes, Rachid Amara, Celine Mahfouz
Summary: Few studies have examined the impact of urbanization and meteorological events on microplastics discharged into the sea through rivers. Surface water samples were collected from two Lebanese rivers, with differing degrees of urbanization, during dry and wet periods. The results showed that the most industrialized river had a significantly higher abundance of microplastics compared to the less-industrialized river. There was also a correlation between particle contamination and the season at each site, with microplastic concentrations highest on the first day of the wet season. These findings highlight the importance of considering meteorological events in accurately assessing plastic pollution influx into coastal waters.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Katherine R. Shaw, Jonathan L. Whitney, Eileen M. Nalley, Madeline C. Schmidbauer, Megan J. Donahue, Jesse Black, Raquel N. Corniuk, Kellie Teague, Rachel Sandquist, Catherine Pirkle, Rachel Dacks, Max Sudnovsky, Jennifer M. Lynch
Summary: This study examines the ingestion of plastic in reef fish in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Plastic particles were found in the gastrointestinal tracts of multiple fish species. However, further analysis revealed that these particles were actually natural materials and posed no threat to human consumers.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Revati Hardikar, C. K. Haridevi, Shantaj Deshbhratar
Summary: This study investigated the variability in phytoplankton functional structure using a trait-based approach and explored the relationship between species traits and environmental factors, as well as their impact on ecosystem functioning. The results revealed that morphological traits, temperature, and ammonia played a decisive role in the seasonal succession of phytoplankton species. It was found that certain traits favored higher biomass production but might hinder energy transfer efficiency. The strong correlation between environmental variables and phytoplankton functional structure supports the practical implementation of a trait-based approach in studying phytoplankton community dynamics under different environmental conditions.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Engki A. Kisnarti, Nining Sari Ningsih, Mutiara R. Putri, Nani Hendiarti, Bernhard Mayer
Summary: This study examines the movement patterns of plastic marine debris in Indonesian waters, revealing that Indonesia contributes significantly to transboundary marine debris in the Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean, and the South China Sea. Most of the debris remains in Indonesian waters and moves back and forth due to the influence of monsoon currents.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2024)