Article
Environmental Sciences
Fernanda Silva de Melo Nobre, Ana Alice Santos, Jeamylle Nilin
Summary: The study found that the amount, weight, volume, richness, and plastic content of marine litter disposed of by tourists on Abais beach were higher during the dry months compared to the rainy months.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Mohsen Ansari, Mahdi Farzadkia
Summary: The study revealed that plastic items were the main material found in beach debris, followed by food, wood, metals, and glass. Beaches were classified into highly polluted, moderately polluted, and low polluted categories based on the average abundance of debris.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mark Lenz, Dennis Brennecke, Matthias Haeckel, Katrin Knickmeier, Elke Kossel
Summary: The abundance and composition of beach litter and microplastics were assessed at various beaches along the Baltic Sea coast of Schleswig-Holstein, Northern Germany in spring and autumn 2018. The study followed OSPAR guidelines for beach litter survey and used density separation and Raman spectroscopy for microplastic identification. Results showed seasonality in the abundance and composition, but not in the mass of beach litter. The median microplastic abundance was 2 particles per 500 g of dry sediment in both seasons, and six synthetic polymers were detected. No correlation was found between the abundances of beach litter and microplastics.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Md. Saiful Islam, Khamphe Phoungthong, Abu Reza Md. Towfiqul Islam, Mir Mohammad Ali, Zulhilmi Ismail, Shamsuddin Shahid, Md. Humayun Kabir, Abubakr M. Idris
Summary: This study conducted a preliminary investigation on the sources, abundance, distribution, and pollution of marine litter in the marine ecosystem in Bangladesh and found that plastics were the major pollutants. The findings highlight the potential threat that the abundance, distribution, and pollution of marine litter along the coastal belts pose to the entire ecosystem. This study will contribute to the development of effective strategies for managing and removing marine litter along the coast.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Seweryn Zielinski, Giorgio Anfuso, Camilo M. Botero, Celene B. Milanes
Summary: The study highlights inconsistencies and low reliability in drawing a global picture of beach litter based on multiple small-scale studies, urging for a better understanding of factors influencing BL and advancing solutions to the issue.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lucio Brabo, Ryan Andrades, Simone Franceschini, Marcelo Oliveira Soares, Tommaso Russo, Tommaso Giarrizzo
Summary: This study assessed beach litter pollution in a prominent touristic site in Brazil and identified pollution hotspots and significant drivers using a delta-generalized additive modeling approach. The findings highlight the importance of factors such as beach extension, tourist attractions, wind angle, and distance to water bodies and villages in influencing the distribution of litter types.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marthe Larsen Haarr, Lis Bach, Catherine P. Chambers, Jannike Falk-Andersson, Thomas Juul-Pedersen, Ryan d'Arcy Metcalfe, Anna Sinisalo, Jakob Strand, Helene Svendsen, Julia E. Baak, Helga Hvanndal Bjornsdottir, Elsa Margaret Krook Brenner, Sigrid Christiansen, Cecilia Delattre, Maeva Gauthier, Rachel Helen Georgiou, Ljuba Guenther, Fanny Hagg, Ulunnguaq Markussen, Karla Berenice Parga Martinez, Arnaud le Pevedic, Alice Refosco, Bror Kristian Raanaas Tandberg, Felix Tulatz, Silke Van Broeck, Nathan Thomas Visser, Louise Wittwer
Summary: Modeling studies suggest that plastics can be transported into the Arctic over long distances, although this has not been well-documented. We conducted a preliminary analysis of beach litter sources in the Nuup Kangerlua fjord during a UArctic summer school graduate course in Nuuk, Greenland. Results show that local sources, rather than long-range transport from Europe, are the main contributors to macrolitter. The presence of fisheries-related items and rope were common, and identified packaging is mostly suspected to be distributed in Greenland.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Daniel Gonzalez-Fernandez, Andres Cozar, Georg Hanke, Josue Viejo, Carmen Morales-Caselles, Rigers Bakiu, Damia Barcelo, Filipa Bessa, Antoine Bruge, Maria Cabrera, Javier Castro-Jimenez, Mel Constant, Roberto Crosti, Yuri Galletti, Ahmet E. Kideys, Nino Machitadze, Joana Pereira de Brito, Maria Pogojeva, Nuno Ratola, Julia Rigueira, Elisa Rojo-Nieto, Oksana Savenko, Rosanna Schoeneich-Argent, Grzegorz Siedlewicz, Giuseppe Suaria, Myrto Tourgeli
Summary: Riverine systems act as pathways for waste to reach the ocean, with an estimated 307-925 million litter items, 82% of which is plastic, being released annually from Europe into the ocean.
NATURE SUSTAINABILITY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Studies
Hsing-Hao Wu
Summary: This article examines the global issue of plastic waste in oceans, highlighting the lack of effective governance mechanisms provided by international agreements. It emphasizes the importance of establishing a well-designed waste management legal and institutional framework and provides findings and suggestions based on case studies and analysis of international law and policy. The article stresses the key role of effective global plastic waste management in addressing marine plastic debris.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Francisco Asensio-Montesinos, Giorgio Anfuso, Maria Teresa Aguilar-Torrelo, Milagrosa Oliva Ramirez
Summary: A study conducted on twelve beaches in Ceuta, Spain from February to April 2019 showed that plastic was the dominant litter material. The cleanliness level and litter distribution varied significantly among different types of beaches, indicating the need for immediate and more appropriate management actions to improve the environmental status.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Lucy C. M. Omeyer, Emily M. Duncan, Kornrawee Aiemsomboon, Nicola Beaumont, Sujaree Bureekul, Bin Cao, Luis R. Carrasco, Suchana Chavanich, James R. Clark, Muhammad R. Cordova, Fay Couceiro, Simon M. Cragg, Neil Dickson, Pierre Failler, Gianluca Ferraro, Stephen Fletcher, Jenny Fong, Alex T. Ford, Tony Gutierrez, Fauziah Shahul Hamid, Jan G. Hiddink, Pham T. Hoa, Sophie I. Holland, Lowenna Jones, Nia H. Jones, Heather Koldewey, Federico M. Lauro, Charlotte Lee, Matt Lewis, Danny Marks, Sabine Matallana-Surget, Claudia G. Mayorga-Adame, John McGeehan, Lauren F. Messer, Laura Michie, Michelle A. Miller, Zeeda F. Mohamad, Nur Hazimah Mohamed Nor, Moritz Miller, Simon P. Neill, Sarah E. Nelms, Deo Florence L. Onda, Joyce J. L. Ong, Agamuthu Pariatamby, Sui C. Phang, Richard Quilliam, Peter E. Robins, Maria Salta, Aida Sartimbul, Shiori Shakuto, Martin W. Skov, Evelyn B. Taboada, Peter A. Todd, Tai Chong Toh, Suresh Valiyaveettil, Voranop Viyakarn, Passorn Wonnapinij, Louisa E. Wood, Clara L. X. Yong, Brendan J. Godley
Summary: Southeast Asia is considered to have high levels of marine plastic pollution, and it is important to understand its impacts and risks to marine ecosystems in order to develop mitigation measures. An international network of experts from various countries has set a research agenda for marine plastic pollution in the region, identifying key themes and research questions. Understanding the fate, degradation, and impacts of marine plastic pollution is crucial for tackling the issue effectively in Southeast Asia and providing insights for the rest of the world.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nasr-Eddine Taibi, Mohammed El Amine Bentaallah, Carmen Alomar, Montserrat Compa, Salud Deudero
Summary: The accumulation of plastic debris in Algerian coasts is mainly due to inadequate solid waste management and the behavior of inhabitants. The study found significant differences in plastic concentration between different beaches, with the highest number of plastic items found on beaches adjacent to coastal villages.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Emma L. Westlake, Emma Lawrence, Natalie Travaglione, Peter Barnes, Damian P. Thomson
Summary: This study conducted coastal transects in the northern Ningaloo Marine Park in Western Australia to determine the quantity, composition, and distribution of marine debris. The study found that plastic, fishing-related items, and plastic fragments/remnants were the most common types of debris. The majority of debris originated from land-based and general sources. Surprisingly, there was no significant difference in debris levels between sanctuary and non-sanctuary zones. The study suggests that the remote location, environmental awareness, and management strategies of Ningaloo Marine Park may contribute to its low levels of marine debris.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Levent Bat, Aysah Oztekin, Dilara Kaya Ozturk, Pinar Gurbuzer, Ugur Ozsandikci, Bora Eyuboglu, Hasan Can Oztekin
Summary: This study investigated the amount, composition, and possible sources of marine litter on the beaches of Sinop, Turkey's Black Sea coast. The beaches were found to be classified as moderate to extremely dirty, with plastics being the most common type of litter. Improper waste disposal was identified as the main source of litter. The solution to this problem may involve education and management policies.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
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
Oceanography
Otman El Ouaty, Abdelmounim El M'rini, Driss Nachite, Elena Marrocchino, Emanuela Marin, Ilaria Rodella
Summary: This study investigates the concentration, enrichment level, and sources of heavy metals and sulfurs in the bottom sediments of Nador lagoon in North-East Morocco. The results show that the heavy metal concentrations are mainly influenced by anthropogenic activities, including industrial activities, wastewater treatment stations, agriculture inputs, and mining activities. The distribution of heavy metal concentrations is highly correlated with the lutite fraction and organic matter.
OCEAN & COASTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Francisco Asensio-Montesinos, Giorgio Anfuso, Maria Teresa Aguilar-Torrelo, Milagrosa Oliva Ramirez
Summary: A study conducted on twelve beaches in Ceuta, Spain from February to April 2019 showed that plastic was the dominant litter material. The cleanliness level and litter distribution varied significantly among different types of beaches, indicating the need for immediate and more appropriate management actions to improve the environmental status.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Camilo M. Botero, Celene B. Milanes, Benjamin Cuker, Giorgio Anfuso
Summary: This study examines the legal framework associated with coastal management in eleven Latin American countries, highlighting the lag in several countries, particularly Colombia. The research describes the current state of the legal framework and identifies the challenges and barriers to legislating on coastal and marine issues. By analyzing official records of the Congress of Colombia, the study reveals a lack of bills addressing marine or coastal issues from a planning and management perspective.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Noureddine Er-Ramy, Driss Nachite, Giorgio Anfuso, Allan T. Williams
Summary: This paper focuses on studying the landscape quality of Moroccan Mediterranean coastal areas and distinguishing exceptional beaches. A set of 26 parameters was used to assess the characteristics of 50 beaches, and a decision index was used to classify them into different classes. The study found that litter and sewage were the main factors affecting the degradation of Moroccan coasts, highlighting the need for urgent management measures to improve the scenic value.
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Seweryn Zielinski, Giorgio Anfuso, Camilo M. Botero, Celene B. Milanes
Summary: The study highlights inconsistencies and low reliability in drawing a global picture of beach litter based on multiple small-scale studies, urging for a better understanding of factors influencing BL and advancing solutions to the issue.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Alfredo Fernandez-Enriquez, Maria Luisa Perez-Cayeiro, Giorgio Anfuso
Summary: Traditionally, the ideal locations for reservoirs have been determined using GIS tools based on criteria such as rainfall, substrate impermeability, and economic and social viability. Recently, geomorphometric characteristics have been incorporated to identify more suitable dam and reservoir locations. In this study, an automated ArcGIS Pro model is presented that can handle different digital elevation model resolutions to evaluate the best potential reservoir locations for reducing evaporation losses. The model uses a smart location strategy to preserve water resources by maximizing the ratio of water stored to water surface area. The methodology was tested in two different basins in Cadiz, Spain, and compared with existing reservoirs in the vicinity.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hernando Jose Bolivar-Anillo, Zamira E. Soto-Varela, Hernando Sanchez Moreno, Diego Andres Villate Daza, David Rosado-Porto, Shersy Vega Benites, Camila Pichon Gonzalez, Giorgio Anfuso
Summary: This study aims to determine the microbial quality of beach sediments along the Caribbean coast of Atlantico Department in Colombia and its relation to local sources of contamination, beach typology, tourist activities, and sedimentological characteristics. Results showed a homogeneous distribution of Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens in both beach face and backshore sediments, while Enterococcus spp. was not observed in some backshore sediments. Chronic contamination of beach sediments was suggested due to the polluted sedimentological load of the Magdalena River.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Maria Francesca Tursi, Giorgio Anfuso, Fabio Matano, Gaia Mattei, Pietro P. C. Aucelli
Summary: This paper proposes a new method for assessing the susceptibility of high coastal sectors to erosive processes. The method combines two matrices to consider the physical characteristics and forcing agents affecting the sectors. The approach was applied to two locations in southern Italy and the results showed a high susceptibility to erosion, indicating the need for increased monitoring and protective actions.
Article
Engineering, Marine
Hernando Jose Bolivar-Anillo, Francisco Asensio-Montesinos, Giovanna Reyes Almeida, Nataly Solano Llanos, Hernando Sanchez Moreno, Christian J. Orozco-Sanchez, Diego Andres Villate Daza, Maria Auxiliadora Iglesias-Navas, Giorgio Anfuso
Summary: This study investigated litter abundance and typology in beaches and mangrove forests on the Colombian Caribbean and Pacific coasts. The average litter abundance was higher in the Caribbean Sea beaches (1.42 items/m(2)-12.21 g/m(2)) and mangrove forests (1.29 items/m(2)-28.72 g/m(2)) compared to the Pacific Ocean beaches (0 items/m(2)-0 g/m(2)) and mangrove forests (1.13 items/m(2)-79.41 g/m(2)). Plastic was the most abundant litter material, accounting for 93.61% of the total litter content. The study provides baseline data for the protection, restoration, and conservation of beaches and mangrove forests.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Studies
Alexis Mooser, Giorgio Anfuso, Enzo Pranzini, Angela Rizzo, Pietro P. C. Aucelli
Summary: The paper aims to identify pristine coastal sites of great scenic value and propose management interventions to improve their landscape quality. The complex task of managing coastal areas in Italy is hindered by institutional fragmentation and overlapping laws at different levels. Approximately half of the country's beaches are accessible for bathing, with the rest occupied by private concessions or suffering from water pollution. Coastal sites were assessed using the Coastal Scenic Evaluation System (CSES) and classified into five scenic classes. The study emphasizes the challenges of beach litter and private concessions in maintaining an aesthetic and clean environment.
Article
Engineering, Marine
Noureddine Er-Ramy, Driss Nachite, Giorgio Anfuso, Soria Azaaouaj
Summary: This study aims to assess the landscape quality of 50 sites along the Moroccan Mediterranean coast using a novel Coastal Scenic Quality Evaluation method. The results show that the overall scenic quality of the coast is high, with substratum, sea-coastal area, and vegetation dimensions obtaining high quality scores, while the scenic background dimension recorded medium quality.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Marine
Diana Maria Quintana-Saavedra, Rafael Ricardo Torres-Parra, Richard Guzman-Martinez, Giorgio Anfuso, Juan Jose Munoz-Perez, Saul Vallejo, Bismarck Jigena-Antelo
Summary: This paper presents a comprehensive methodology for managing submerged cultural heritage sites worldwide. The methodology is applied to four colonial shipwrecks in Cartagena de Indias Bay, Colombia. Five criteria are used to assess the risk level of each wreck, including historical significance, geographical accessibility, shipwreck condition, oceanographic conditions, and socioeconomic impacts. Based on the scores obtained, guidelines for shipwreck conservation in Cartagena Bay are proposed.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Noureddine Er-Ramy, Driss Nachite, Giorgio Anfuso, Soria Azaaouaj
Summary: This study uses an innovative coastal management approach called Sector Analysis to assess and classify 50 beaches based on litter grading, coastal scenic quality, and beach typology. The results show that a significant number of beaches on the Moroccan Mediterranean coast have undergone degradation due to anthropogenic activities and the lack of adequate coastal management programs.
Article
Environmental Studies
Alexis Mooser, Giorgio Anfuso, Hristo Stanchev, Margarita Stancheva, Allan T. Williams, Pietro P. C. Aucelli
Summary: Beach management is a complex process that requires a multidisciplinary approach. Coastal tourism, as a major economic sector, has contributed to the deterioration of coastal ecosystems. This paper investigates the scenic beauty and sensitivity of beaches in Bulgaria and proposes appropriate management measures.
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)