Article
Environmental Sciences
D. M. Truchet, A. D. Forero Lopez, M. G. Ardusso, G. N. Rimondino, N. S. Buzzi, F. E. Malanca, C. V. Spetter, M. D. Fernandez Severini
Summary: This study assessed the concentrations of microplastics in an Argentinean touristic sandy beach for the first time, revealing potential toxic effects on local biota.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Veronica Godoy, Joana Correia Prata, Antonio Perez, Joao Pinto da Costa, Teresa Rocha-Santos, Armando C. Duarte
Summary: The main objective of this study was to estimate the microplastic pollution on Costa Nova sandy beach in Portugal using longitudinal and cross-sectional transects. The results showed low variability in data, with median concentrations ranging from 142 to 356 p/kg d.w. in cross-sectional transects, and from 211 to 270 p/kg d.w. in longitudinal transects. Microspheres were the predominant morphology, accounting for over 90% of all samples, and the most abundant microplastics were <200 μm in size. Despite moderate-low tourist activity, microplastic contamination was higher in Costa Nova compared to other Portuguese beaches, possibly due to nearby port activities and ocean currents. However, this study highlights the disparity in data caused by different methodologies used in analyzing similar areas.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ahmad Manbohi, Ali Mehdinia, Reza Rahnama, Reza Dehbandi, Ali Hamzehpour
Summary: Microplastics were found in both beach and nearshore-offshore sediments along the southern Caspian coasts, with fibers being the most common shape and polystyrene and polyethylene terephthalate as major polymer types. Negative MP gradients from nearshore to offshore suggest coastal fishing, tourism, and rivers as the main sources of microplastics in the area.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Marine
Sompratana Ritphring, Pattrakorn Nidhinarangkoon, Keiko Udo
Summary: Thailand's current beach management strategies lack integration and consideration of diverse beach uses. This study proposes an integrated approach to evaluate beach conditions and suggests management strategies for preserving and restoring beaches. It aims to provide insights and recommendations to enhance the sustainability and resilience of Thailand's coastal areas in the face of urbanization and climate change.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
S. Venkatramanan, S. Y. Chung, S. Selvam, K. Sivakumar, G. R. Soundhariya, Hussam Eldin Elzain, Md. Simul Bhuyan
Summary: This study evaluates the accumulation of microplastics on Marina beach in Chennai, finding that polyethylene and additives are the dominant types. To address the problem of plastic accumulation, the government should introduce laws to control the sources and use of plastic waste.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Khawla Chouchene, Joana C. Prata, Joao da Costa, Armando C. Duarte, Teresa Rocha-Santos, Mohamed Ksibi
Summary: The Praia da Barra beach in Aveiro has accumulated large quantities of microplastics, predominantly polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, nylon, and polyester, with particles smaller than 1 mm making up 99.5% of the total, mostly transparent or black in color.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Matheus Augusto, Rayane R. S. Abude, Ricardo S. Cardoso, Tatiana M. B. Cabrini
Summary: This study investigates the impact of urbanization on sandy beach ecology, categorizing them into conserved, modified, and urbanized beaches. The results show a decrease in biodiversity and abundance as urbanization increases, with species undergoing direct development being more sensitive to urbanization. Finding suitable indicators for long-term urbanization impacts is essential for protecting sandy beach ecology.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Gabriel Pasquier, Perine Doyen, Maria Kazour, Alexandre Dehaut, Mamadou Diop, Guillaume Duflos, Rachid Amara
Summary: Microplastics (MPs) have become the most common type of litter contaminating aquatic environments worldwide, with the potential to harm aquatic organisms and enter the food web. However, the lack of standardized sampling methods and data reporting units makes it difficult to compare studies. This review analyzes the methodologies and characteristics of the commonly used Manta nets for sampling MPs in surface waters and proposes recommendations for improving and standardizing sampling protocols.
FRONTIERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Matthieu A. de Schipper, Bonnie C. Ludka, Britt Raubenheimer, Arjen P. Luijendijk, Thomas. A. Schlacher
Summary: Beach nourishment, the addition of sand to increase beach width or volume, is a commonly used coastal management technique to combat erosion globally. In response to rising sea levels, storms, and decreasing sand supplies, beach nourishment has evolved to consider human safety, water recreation, groundwater dynamics, and ecosystem impacts. As the future of beach nourishment practices depends on factors like local vulnerability, sand availability, government regulations, and societal perceptions, multidisciplinary research is recommended to better understand the impacts of nourishments and guide diverse practices.
NATURE REVIEWS EARTH & ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Ronan Dupont, Megan Cook, Frederic Bouchette, Bijan Mohammadi, Samuel Meule
Summary: This paper proposes a new approach to describe coastal morphodynamics using optimization theory, assuming that a sandy beach profile evolves to minimize a wave-related function based on the driving force behind the coastal morphodynamic processes considered. The derived numerical model uses a gradient descent method and can account for physical constraints such as sand conservation. The ability of the model to simulate cross-shore beach morphodynamics is demonstrated and compared with experimental data and the results from another coastal morphodynamic software.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Peter Vermeiren, Diego Lercari, Cynthia C. Munoz, Kou Ikejima, Eleonora Celentano, Gabriela Jorge-Romero, Omar Defeo
Summary: Despite the global occurrence of microplastic contamination on sandy beaches, evidence of microplastic distribution within beaches remains contradictory. The abundance of microplastics decreases exponentially with increasing grain size, and significant differences in microplastic contamination between sites with varying anthropogenic influence may be related to their proximity to a freshwater canal.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Studies
Alain Zuber, Maria-Carmen Alvarez, Edgar Mendoza, Miguel Angel Diaz-Flores, Marco Galicia-Perez, Ernesto Torres-Orozco
Summary: This study investigated the evolution of beach profile and sedimentary balance in Playa del Coco, Mexico over a one-year period. The beach profile type was determined based on the energy profile of the geomorphology, resulting in three types: low, medium, and high energy. Sediment volumes were quantified and erosion or accumulation at each study site was described. The results showed that the beach mostly had a medium-energy profile, with high-energy conditions occurring only once due to the influence of a high-category hurricane. The dominant sediment size was medium, well-classified, and there was a significant loss of sediment at the end of the study. Playa del Coco exhibited quasi-equilibrium state before the end of the annual cycle, but experienced a great loss of sedimentary material influenced by Hurricane Odile, modifying the beach's recovery state. Thus, the beach stability might be cyclic and governed by self-organization principle rather than seasonal parameters.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Renee O. Setter, Rachael X. Han, Kammie-Dominique Tavares, Conrad Newfield, Alice Terry, Isabella M. Roberson, Nori Tarui, Makena Coffman
Summary: Sea level rise is projected to impact one billion people by 2100. Coastal communities facing exposure risk and increased hazards should consider retreat as a long-term option. This research analyzes the costs and benefits of different retreat approaches at a beach in Hawaii, finding that a threshold-based approach offers the most advantages in terms of maintaining beach area while mitigating risks.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pensiri Akkajit, Danai Tipmanee, Phaothep Cherdsukjai, Thongchai Suteerasak, Sudarat Thongnonghin
Summary: This study examined the distribution of microplastics found on beaches along the East and West coasts of Phuket, suggesting that highly visited tourist beaches with harbor activities could be potential sources of microplastics. White and fiber plastics were the most abundant types identified, with PET, regenerated cellulose, PP, and PU showing correlations with specific beaches.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yue Yu, Yongzhi Wang, Lulu Qiao, Nan Wang, Guangxue Li, Ziwen Tian, Yi Zhong
Summary: This study investigates the response of Haiyang Beach in the northern China Seas to two tropical cyclones, Lekima and Bavi, which passed through different sides of the study area. The study finds that the characteristics of the tropical cyclones have different effects on the beach, with significant changes observed after Lekima but little changes after Bavi. The results suggest that the relative position of the beach and the tracks of the tropical cyclones play a primary role in determining their impact on beaches.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Yasmina Shah Esmaeili, Guilherme N. Corte, Helio H. Checon, Carla G. Bilatto, Jonathan S. Lefcheck, Antonia Cecilia Zacagnini Amaral, Alexander Turra
Summary: The study in Southeast Brazil found that the biodiversity of fish assemblages in sandy beach surf zones is influenced by both natural environmental variation and human activities, impacting species with specific functional traits differently. These drivers should be considered simultaneously when designating protected areas in order to preserve a diversity of organisms and functional traits vital to productive beach ecosystems.
DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Luciana Yokoyama Xavier, Maila Guilhon, Leandra Regina Goncalves, Marina Ribeiro Correa, Alexander Turra
Summary: Coastal climate change impacts pose challenges for policy and decision makers to implement effective adaptation measures. The ecosystem-based management approach can offer a more holistic and sustainable approach to adaptation. However, it is important to consider whether and how countries incorporate ecosystem-based management into their climate change adaptation strategies. As one of the largest coastal countries, Brazil has the potential to lead in implementing ecosystem-based management principles in coastal zones. This article evaluates and discusses Brazil's progress in promoting climate change adaptations based on ecosystem-based management principles by analyzing two national adaptation institutions. The findings show that while Brazil has integrated many ecosystem-based management principles into national climate change adaptation efforts, there is a need to focus on operationalizing principles related to acknowledging uncertainties, sustainability, democracy, and knowledge production and application.
Article
Ecology
Marilia Nagata Ragagnin, Alexander Turra
Summary: The study revealed a widespread tributyltin (TBT) contamination issue in coastal areas in southeastern Brazil, particularly in beaches with nautical activities, while beaches consistently exposed to wave energy had less TBT pollution. After 11 years of the TBT international ban, the occurrence of imposex in Hastula cinerea still indicates persistent and widespread TBT contamination in the studied beaches.
REGIONAL STUDIES IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Helio Herminio Checon, Yasmina Shah Esmaeili, Guilherme N. Corte, Nicole Malinconico, Alexander Turra
Summary: Classification of beaches based on morphodynamic states is a common approach in sandy beach studies, but it often requires expensive equipment and software processing. A previous study developed a method using satellite images to classify beaches without the need for remote sensing processing. In this study, the validity of this method was tested in a stretch of the Brazilian coast, and its accuracy was compared with the results from a previous study. The method was found to accurately classify beach types and can be used as a tool for management and conservation.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Helio H. Checon, Alex Miranda, Anna Valeria Bers, Victor Quintino, Alexander Turra
Summary: The choice of sieve mesh size has a significant impact on the cost-effectiveness and the perceived species-environment relationship in sampling benthic macrofauna. The use of a 0.5 mm mesh size enhances abundance and biodiversity, but does not change the identified biological clusters. Specific biological groups can only be found in habitats characterized by medium silt and coarse sand. caution is needed when using benthic habitat mapping as a surrogate of species assemblages.
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ivan R. A. Laurino, Helio H. Checon, Guilherme N. Corte, Alexander Turra
Summary: Coastal armoring has negative impacts on sandy beach fauna, reducing infaunal richness and abundance in the subtidal zones. However, overall functional richness is not affected by coastal armoring. Small suspension feeders are more associated with armored beaches, while large-bodied species and predators are more frequent at vegetated beaches.
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
L. A. Kawabe, N. P. Ghilardi-Lopes, A. Turra, K. J. Wyles
Summary: Citizen science plays an important role in addressing the issue of marine litter, but there is a lack of research in developing regions. Current studies mainly focus on the science of marine litter on the shoreline, with limited information on citizen scientists, hindering analysis of good practices in this aspect. The lack of standardization in collecting types and sizes of items hampers data meta-analyses. Standardizing citizen science methods and providing detailed reports on citizen scientists are essential for advancing research on marine litter.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Carolina Yume Sawamura Theophilo, Andreza Portella Ribeiro, Tailisi Hoppe Trevizani, Alessandra Pereira Majer, Rosalinda Carmela Montone, Felipe Rakauskas, Claudia Sonehara Cavalcanti de Arruda, Edson Goncalves Moreira, Rubens Cesar Lopes Figueira
Summary: Trindade Island, located in the Atlantic Ocean between South America and South Africa, has great biodiversity. This study investigates the potential toxic element levels in two crab species on the island and finds no relevant inorganic sources of contamination. The results can contribute to other studies on the impact of global warming on marine ecosystems.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Guilherme N. Corte, Helio H. Checon, Yasmina Shah Esmaeili, Omar Defeo, Alexander Turra
Summary: This study shows that sandy beach biodiversity is affected by environmental features and urbanization. Morphodynamic features are the main drivers of macrobenthos, while urbanization-related variables decrease species richness and biomass. Submerged zones have the highest number of species and biomass in the across-shore gradient, but they are also the most impacted by human activities.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Melanie Vianna Alencar, Bianca Gabani Gimenez, Camila Sasahara, Carla Isobel Elliff, Leticia Stevanato Rodrigues, Luis Americo Conti, Sylmara Lopes Francelino Goncalves Dias, Tiago Balieiro Cetrulo, Vitoria Milanez Scrich, Alexander Turra
Summary: Litter pollution is a global concern and understanding its sources and pathways is crucial for prevention. Existing models only provide worldwide estimates at a country level, and there is a need to add relevant parameters and improve the models to reduce limitations. However, data availability, especially in the Global South, may hinder these improvements.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ivan Rodrigo Abrao Laurino, Tamiris Pereira Lima, Alexander Turra
Summary: Storm-stranded debris, including natural and anthropogenic types, play important roles in beach ecosystems. Natural debris can optimize the aggregation of benthic arthropods, while anthropogenic debris does not have the same effect. These aggregations of arthropods on natural debris can create prey hotspots for birds on the beach. However, the presence of plastic debris does not lead to arthropod aggregation or increased predation by birds. The type of debris matters for beach arthropods, highlighting the need for further research on the functions of debris for top predators in sandy beaches.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Helio H. Checon, Guilherme N. Corte, Yasmina Shah Esmaeili, Pablo Muniz, Alexander Turra
Summary: This study evaluated the effectiveness of 12 benthic indices in assessing ecological quality in sandy beaches. The results showed that these indices had a poor performance in identifying decreases in ecological quality with increasing urbanization when all sandy beaches were considered collectively. However, when each morphodynamic type was evaluated separately, some indices showed promising results. Among functional indices, richness was found to be lower in urbanized beaches.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Studies
Maila Guilhon, Pradeep Singh, Sabine Christiansen, Alexander Turra
Summary: This paper examines the procedural framework and practices of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) in conducting Environment Impact Assessments (EIAs) for deep seabed mining (DSM) activities. It reveals that the current practices do not meet the standards of comprehensive, transparent, and participatory EIA process needed for effective Ecosystem-based Management (EBM). Recommendations for improving EIA practices at the ISA are provided based on identified shortcomings.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REVIEW
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Marcos F. Tomasi, Linda G. Waters, Igor C. S. Cruz, Arthur Z. Guth, Alexander Turra
Summary: By comparing the Marine No-take Zones (NTZ) with nearby unprotected Take Zones, the study found that NTZs have higher species richness, abundance, and diversity of fish, but similar evenness. Seven fish species were more abundant in NTZs.
OCEAN AND COASTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Studies
Leopoldo Cavaleri Gerhardinger, Eike Holzkaemper, Mariana Martins de Andrade, Marina Ribeiro Correa, Alexander Turra
Summary: The globally accelerating environmental crisis calls for radical changes in the governance of ocean resources towards a more sustainable and socially equitable world. However, the effective application of transdisciplinary sustainability research and networked knowledge-to-action approaches still puzzles social actors. In Brazil, high-level federal government institutional entrepreneurs have largely conservative, narrow, and unambitious perceptions of the emerging socio-political arena for marine spatial planning (MSP), which may lead to the endurement of low performance. Participatory network mapping activities provide valuable insights for promoting critical turn in MSP.