Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Shu-Qing Qiu, Xiao-Pei Li, Guo-Yong Huang, Dong-Qiao Lei, Gui-Zhen Fang, Wen-Jun Shi, Hong-Xing Chen, Lingtian Xie, Guang-Guo Ying
Summary: This study investigated the chemical profile and toxicity of leachates from aged plastics. It found that aged plastics had fewer identified additives but higher toxicity. Additionally, the leachates induced higher genotoxicity in O. melastigma embryos than in larvae.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Christopher S. Ward, Zoie Diana, Kate Meicong Ke, Beatriz Orihuela, Thomas P. Schultz, Daniel Rittschof
Summary: This study found that plastics of various chemistries pollute global water bodies with toxic chemicals leaching out and impacting surrounding ecosystems. The interaction of plastic pre-production pellets with emerging microbiomes exhibited patterns indicative of the chemistry at the pellet surface. Surface microbiomes have potential for forensically identifying plastic types and potential toxicities, with a random forest-based sample classifier correctly predicting 93% of plastic types using microbiome compositions.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Janis Argeswara, I. Gede Hendrawan, I. G. B. Sila Dharma, Elitza Germanov
Summary: Plastics found in a critical feeding habitat off Nusa Penida, Indonesia, were mainly secondary microplastics, with the majority being transparent, white/off-white, and blue/green in color. The predominant polymer compositions were polyethylene and polypropylene, with concerns surrounding their composing monomers, associated pollutants, and microbes for manta rays and other marine biota despite their relatively low toxicity compared to other plastics.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marine Uguen, Sylvie M. Gaudron, Katy R. Nicastro, Gerardo I. Zardi, Nicolas Spilmont, Laurent Seuront
Summary: Both individual and collective anti-predator behaviors are important for the survival of many species, including intertidal mussels. Plastic pollution, especially microplastics, can disrupt these behaviors and indirectly affect predation risk. This study found that microplastic leachates affected the collective behaviors and anti-predator responses of small and large mussels, with small mussels showing taxis towards conspecifics and stronger aggregations in the presence of microplastics. All mussels responded to predator cues, but with different collective anti-predator behaviors. These behavioral changes may increase predation risk and have implications for the species and structure of intertidal ecosystems.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Paula Nunez, Cristina Misic, Laura Cutroneo, Marco Capello, Rail Medina, Giovanni Besio
Summary: Laboratory experiments were conducted to investigate the influence of biofilm on the buoyancy of different types of plastic debris. The results showed that solid materials had hindered buoyancy, while hollow and open materials exhibited the opposite trend. A relationship was established between biofilm growth and equivalent sphere diameter, which can improve predictive modeling of plastic debris transport.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Naiara Klopertanz, Martin Amestoy, Sergio Abate, Marina Winter
Summary: While the impact of plastic debris in Argentina has increased significantly in recent years, evidence of ingestion of such debris remains relatively low compared to other regions. This study found that one Great Grebe had ingested a single macroplastic piece, a yellow elastic band.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Limnology
Cecilia Martin, Charlotte A. Young, Letizia Valluzzi, Carlos M. Duarte
Summary: About 15 Tg of plastic enter the ocean each year, with the majority accumulating in marine sediments rather than floating on the surface. From 1950 to 2010, an estimated 170 Tg (25-900 Tg) of nonfibrous plastic has accumulated in marine sediments globally, confirming their role as a major sink for plastic.
LIMNOLOGY AND OCEANOGRAPHY LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Qian-Qian Zhang, Zhao-Rong Ma, Ya-Ya Cai, Hui-Ru Li, Guang-Guo Ying
Summary: The study analyzed the usage of agricultural plastic films in China, estimated the amount of plastic debris and the release of PAEs. The findings reveal a serious environmental pollution issue and PAE contamination associated with agricultural plastic films.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
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)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Won Joon Shim, Seung-Kyu Kim, Jongsu Lee, Soeun Eo, Ji-Su Kim, Chengjun Sun
Summary: By comparing monitoring methods and contamination levels of marine micro- and macroplastics in seawater between the North Pacific and other ocean basins, this study found that the North Pacific is heavily monitored for microplastics and shows high pollution levels globally. The Mediterranean Sea, on the other hand, is more focused on monitoring macroplastics. The study also suggests the importance of standardized methods and increased efforts in gathering monitoring data for both microplastics and floating macroplastics in seawater worldwide.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Aleksandra Wdowczyk, Agata Szymanska-Pulikowska
Summary: The emission of leachate from landfills is considered one of the main pollutants affecting ground and water environment. A comprehensive assessment showed that pollutants in leachate from the analyzed landfills remained at levels unsuitable for discharge to water or soil. The presence of substances harmful to aquatic environment may hinder the treatment process.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zachariah Sunil, John Thomas, Amitava Mukherjee, Natarajan Chandrasekaran
Summary: Most pharmaceuticals are stored in synthetic polymer bottles made of polyethylene, which can lead to toxicological impact on Donax faba. The leachate from the pharmaceutical container contained various organics and inorganics, with concentrations of heavy metals exceeding the standard reference value for drinking water. The leachate treatment resulted in increased protein concentration, elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), and decreased activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). Moreover, the PET pharmaceutical containers could potentially release additives, causing oxidative and metabolic damages to higher organisms including humans.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Lucy C. M. Omeyer, Emily M. Duncan, Neil Angelo S. Abreo, Jo Marie V. Acebes, Lea A. AngSinco-Jimenez, Sabiqah T. Anuar, Lemnuel V. Aragones, Gonzalo Araujo, Luis R. Carrasco, Marcus A. H. Chua, Muhammad R. Cordova, Lantun P. Dewanti, Emilyn Q. Espiritu, Jovanie B. Garay, Elitza S. Germanov, Jade Getliff, Eva Horcajo-Berna, Yusof S. Ibrahim, Zeehan Jaafar, Jose Isagani B. Janairo, Thanda Ko Gyi, Danielle Kreb, Cheng Ling Lim, Youna Lyons, Putu L. K. Mustika, Mei Lin Neo, Sirius Z. H. Ng, Buntora Pasaribu, Agamuthu Pariatamby, Cindy Peter, Lindsay Porter, Noir P. Purba, Ernesto T. Santa Cruz, Shahriar Shams, Kirsten F. Thompson, Daniel S. Torres, Rodney Westerlaken, Tuempong Wongtawan, Brendan J. Godley
Summary: Southeast Asia is highly biodiverse and a major contributor to global marine plastic pollution. However, knowledge about the impacts of plastic pollution on marine megafauna in the region is lacking. A literature review and expert elicitation were conducted to gather information on cases of entanglement and ingestion of plastic by various marine species in Southeast Asia. The study found a limited number of published cases, especially for seabirds, highlighting the need for additional funding and data to address this issue.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Gomathi Mahadevan, Suresh Valiyaveettil
Summary: Studies have shown that PVC and PMMA nanoparticles can affect cell viability, decrease ATP levels, and increase ROS concentrations. These plastic nanoparticles are internalized into cells through endocytosis, potentially disrupting cellular physiology in a negative manner.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Muhammad Waqas, Man Sing Wong, Alessandro Stocchino, Sawaid Abbas, Sidrah Hafeez, Rui Zhu
Summary: Plastic litter in the ocean is a global issue that has serious impacts on the marine ecosystem. Remote sensing technologies have been used to monitor and track marine plastic debris, with high-resolution data playing a key role in monitoring floating marine litter. This systematic review provides an overview of remote sensing data and techniques for detecting marine litter, discussing challenges and opportunities.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(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)