Article
Environmental Sciences
Maria Bermudez, Cesar Vilas, Rocio Quintana, Daniel Gonzalez-Fernandez, Andres Cozar, Manuel Diez-Minguito
Summary: This study investigated the distribution patterns of microplastics in a weakly-stratified estuary, with a focus on the Guadalquivir River Estuary. The research found that the mean concentration of microplastics in the estuary was 0.041 items m(-3), with polyethylene floating microplastics being predominant. Relationships between microplastic concentration increases and local rainfall events were identified, and the convergence of transports was found to favor trapping microplastics in specific areas.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tariqul Islam, Yanliang Li, Md Mahfuzur Rob, Hefa Cheng
Summary: This review summarizes the research progress on separation and characterization of microplastics, as well as their occurrence and sources in Bangladesh. Despite the first total ban on plastic bags in the world, microplastics are still widely detected in the country's inland and marine environment, mainly derived from secondary sources. The dominant microplastics observed in Bangladesh are fibers, mainly from textile sources. Polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, and polyvinylchloride are the most abundant polymers found in microplastics in the marine and freshwater environment of Bangladesh.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
J. Lofty, D. Valero, C. A. M. E. Wilson, M. J. Franca, P. Ouro
Summary: Microplastic pollution poses a known threat to aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, but the mechanisms of MP transport in rivers remain unknown. Laboratory experiments comparing MP and natural sediment transport dynamics reveal similarities and only a few differences in saltation trajectory and collision angles. Overall, spherical MP particles behave similarly to spherical natural sediments in aquatic environments under the examined conditions, providing a foundation for further studies on MP transport.
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
Engineering, Environmental
Matthew Cole, Yuri Artioli, Rachel Coppock, Giovanni Galli, Radwa Saad, Ricardo Torres, Thomas Vance, Anna Yunnie, Penelope K. Lindeque
Summary: Microplastics are a widespread environmental pollutant. Curbing microplastic pollution requires various interventions such as source reduction and curative measures. A nature-based solution involving mussels as microplastic biofilters is proposed, which can effectively remove waterborne microplastics and repurpose them into biodeposits. Experimental results and modeling suggest that this approach has the potential to significantly reduce microplastic contamination.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Micaela Buteler, Andrea Marina Alma, Teodoro Stadler, Ariane Carnebia Gingold, Maria Celeste Manattini, Mariana Lozada
Summary: The acute toxicity of microplastics on honeybees is low and does not lead to short-term mortality. However, honeybees' foraging behavior does not prevent them from ingesting microplastics, which could potentially have lethal long-term effects on the bees.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Joao Vitor Fonseca da Silva, Fernando Miranda Lansac-Toha, Bianca Trevizan Segovia, Felipe Emiliano Amadeo, Louizi de Souza Magalhaes Braghin, Luiz Felipe Machado Velho, Hugo Sarmento, Claudia Costa Bonecker
Summary: The increasing amount of plastic particles in continental aquatic environments has caught the attention of researchers worldwide. This study investigates the effects of microplastic particles of different sizes on the planktonic trophic chain and finds that their presence significantly affects the food web, with smaller particles having a higher consumption effect.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Victor Onink, Mikael L. A. Kaandorp, Erik van Sebille, Charlotte Laufkoetter
Summary: Microplastic particles move three-dimensionally through the ocean, and their transport is influenced by particle size and density. Beach-based fragmentation is the dominant process, while ocean-based fragmentation has minor influence. Fragmentation is a slow process and does not have a major impact on the large-scale distribution and mass loss of microplastics over short time periods.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Atif Khurshid Wani, Nahid Akhtar, Nafiaah Naqash, Farida Rahayu, Djajadi Djajadi, Chirag Chopra, Reena Singh, Sikandar I. Mulla, Farooq Sher, Heloisa Pine Americo-Pinheiro Juliana
Summary: Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive pollutants in the environment, with increasing accumulation in aquatic, marine, and terrestrial ecosystems due to human activities. These MPs, which degrade slowly, pose a threat to biota by increasing the probability of biomagnification of persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic substances. In order to remediate MP-pollutants, efficient strategies are needed to prevent the leaching of contaminants into water, soil, and eventually into humans. Microorganisms capable of degrading plastic polymers through enzymatic actions have been discovered, and metagenomics is an effective tool for exploring and characterizing these plastic-degrading microbial consortia and enzymes. Combined with metatranscriptomics and metabolomics, metagenomics can identify and select remediation-efficient microbes in their natural habitats. Advances in bioinformatics and sequencing tools enable rapid screening, mining, and prediction of genes involved in polymer degradation. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the growing threat of microplastics globally and emphasizes the role of metagenomics and computational biology in developing effective strategies for MP remediation.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Daniel Sol, Andrea Menendez-Manjon, Sofia Carrasco, Jacinto Crisostomo-Miranda, Amanda Laca, Adriana Laca, Mario Diaz
Summary: This study investigates the emission of microplastics (MPs) during dishwashing procedures at the household level. The results show that temperature and time significantly affect the release of MPs. Additionally, the material of dishwasher accessories and food utensils also plays a role in the amount of MPs released. Therefore, using environmentally friendly materials can help reduce MP pollution.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
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
Feifei Wang, Haiwen Wu, Wennan Wu, Luo Wang, Jianli Liu, Lihui An, Qiujin Xu
Summary: This study investigated the characteristics of microplastics in estuarine invertebrates and vertebrates, finding that polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate were the predominant types. The study also revealed that fish had significantly higher detection rates and abundance of microplastics compared to other species, and a positive relationship was found between microplastic abundance and the trophic level of organisms, suggesting potential transfer along the food chain and accumulation at higher trophic levels.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Micaela Buteler, Ethel Villalobos, Andrea Marina Alma, Leonel Silva, Juan Pablo Tomba
Summary: Microplastics from non-woven microfiber wipes used to trap small hive beetles were found to contaminate bees and honey. The study raises concerns about the incorporation of microfibers into the ecosystem and food chain.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(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)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Martin Dahl, Sanne Bergman, Mats Bjork, Elena Diaz-Almela, Maria Granberg, Martin Gullstrom, Carmen Leiva-Duenas, Kerstin Magnusson, Candela Marco-Mendez, Nerea Pineiro-Juncal, Miguel Angel Mateo
Summary: The study found a significant increase in microplastic contamination and accumulation in seagrass soil since the mid-1970s, with the highest accumulation rate in Roquetas where intense agricultural industry is present. This indicates a direct correlation between anthropogenic activities, plastic use, and plastic pollution in coastal marine ecosystems.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
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)