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An assessment of floating marine debris within the breakwaters of the University of the South Pacific, Marine Studies Campus at Laucala Bay Full text
2022
Paris, Andrew | Kwaoga, Alex | Hewavitharane, Chinthaka
An assessment of floating marine debris within the breakwaters of the University of the South Pacific, Marine Studies Campus at Laucala Bay Full text
2022
Paris, Andrew | Kwaoga, Alex | Hewavitharane, Chinthaka
Contributions of Pacific Islands countries to marine plastic debris are disproportionate to the effects on people's connections to the ocean. Plastic waste management initiatives face challenges in containing waste and consequently plastics plague coastal environments. The Seabin, a floating trash skimmer, presents a novel and replicable approach to collecting and cataloguing marine plastics. The objectives of the study were to conduct an audit of marine plastic debris within the breakwaters of the University of the South Pacific, Marine Campus at Laucala Bay while simultaneously gauging the effectiveness of the Seabin and providing recommendations to enhance its utility. Inorganic debris was comprised entirely of plastics while the majority of debris collected was organic. This study provides the first assessment of floating marine plastic debris in an inshore environment of a Pacific Island country. Plastic debris assessments have the potential to inform policy and pivot management efforts to mitigate plastic waste pollution.
Show more [+] Less [-]An assessment of floating marine debris within the breakwaters of the University of the South Pacific, Marine Studies Campus at Laucala Bay Full text
2022
Paris, Andrew | Hewavitharane, Chinthaka A. | Kwaoga, Alex
Contributions of Pacific Islands countries to marine plastic debris are disproportionate to the effects on people's connections to the ocean. Plastic waste management initiatives face challenges in containing waste and consequently plastics plague coastal environments. The Seabin, a floating trash skimmer, presents a novel and replicable approach to collecting and cataloguing marine plastics. The objectives of the study were to conduct an audit of marine plastic debris within the breakwaters of the University of the South Pacific, Marine Campus at Laucala Bay while simultaneously gauging the effectiveness of the Seabin and providing recommendations to enhance its utility. Inorganic debris was comprised entirely of plastics while the majority of debris collected was organic. This study provides the first assessment of floating marine plastic debris in an inshore environment of a Pacific Island country. Plastic debris assessments have the potential to inform policy and pivot management efforts to mitigate plastic waste pollution.
Show more [+] Less [-]Plastic in the inferno: Microplastic contamination in deep-sea cephalopods (Vampyroteuthis infernalis and Abralia veranyi) from the southwestern Atlantic Full text
2022
Ferreira, Guilherme V.B. | Justino, Anne K.S. | Eduardo, Leandro Nolé | Lenoble, Véronique | Fauvelle, Vincent | Schmidt, Natascha | Junior, Teodoro Vaske | Frédou, Thierry | Lucena-Frédou, Flávia
Plastic in the inferno: Microplastic contamination in deep-sea cephalopods (Vampyroteuthis infernalis and Abralia veranyi) from the southwestern Atlantic Full text
2022
Ferreira, Guilherme V.B. | Justino, Anne K.S. | Eduardo, Leandro Nolé | Lenoble, Véronique | Fauvelle, Vincent | Schmidt, Natascha | Junior, Teodoro Vaske | Frédou, Thierry | Lucena-Frédou, Flávia
Microplastics are a relevant environmental concern in marine ecosystems due to their ubiquity. However, knowledge on their dispersion patterns within the ocean basin and the interaction with biota are scarce and mostly limited to surface waters. This study investigated microplastic contamination in two species of deep-sea cephalopods from the southwestern Atlantic with different ecological behaviour: the vampire squid (Vampyroteuthis infernalis) and the midwater squid (Abralia veranyi). Microplastic contaminated most of the evaluated specimens. V. infernalis showed higher levels of contamination (9.58 ± 8.25 particles individual⁻¹; p < 0.05) than A. veranyi (2.37 ± 2.13 part. ind.⁻¹), likely due to the feeding strategy of V. infernalis as a faecal pellets feeder. The size of extracted microplastics was inversely proportional to the depth of foraging. The microplastics were highly heterogeneous in composition (shape, colour and polymer type). Our results provide information regarding microplastic interaction with deep-sea organisms and evidence of the biological influence in the microplastic sinking mechanism.
Show more [+] Less [-]Plastic in the inferno: Microplastic contamination in deep-sea cephalopods (Vampyroteuthis infernalis and Abralia veranyi) from the southwestern Atlantic Full text
2022
Ferreira, Guilherme V.b. | Justino, Anne K.s. | Eduardo, Leandro Nolé | Lenoble, Véronique | Fauvelle, Vincent | Schmidt, Natascha | Junior, Teodoro Vaske | Fredou, Thierry | Lucena-frédou, Flávia
Microplastics are a relevant environmental concern in marine ecosystems due to their ubiquity. However, knowledge on their dispersion patterns within the ocean basin and the interaction with biota are scarce and mostly limited to surface waters. This study investigated microplastic contamination in two species of deep-sea cephalopods from the southwestern Atlantic with different ecological behaviour: the vampire squid (Vampyroteuthis infernalis) and the midwater squid (Abralia veranyi). Microplastic contaminated most of the evaluated specimens. V. infernalis showed higher levels of contamination (9.58 ± 8.25 particles individual−1; p < 0.05) than A. veranyi (2.37 ± 2.13 part. ind.−1), likely due to the feeding strategy of V. infernalis as a faecal pellets feeder. The size of extracted microplastics was inversely proportional to the depth of foraging. The microplastics were highly heterogeneous in composition (shape, colour and polymer type). Our results provide information regarding microplastic interaction with deep-sea organisms and evidence of the biological influence in the microplastic sinking mechanism.
Show more [+] Less [-]Biomass and nutrient dynamics of major green tides in Ireland: Implications for biomonitoring Full text
2022
Bermejo, Ricardo | Golden, Nessa | Schrofner, Elena | Knöller, Kay | Fenton, O. (Owen) | Serrão, Ester | Morrison, Liam
Biomass and nutrient dynamics of major green tides in Ireland: Implications for biomonitoring Full text
2022
Bermejo, Ricardo | Golden, Nessa | Schrofner, Elena | Knöller, Kay | Fenton, O. (Owen) | Serrão, Ester | Morrison, Liam
The control of macroalgal bloom development is central for protecting estuarine ecosystems. The identification of the nutrients limiting the development of macroalgal blooms, and their most likely sources is crucial for management strategies. Three Irish estuaries (Argideen, Clonakilty and Tolka) affected by green tides were monitored from June 2016 to August 2017. During each sampling occasion, biomass abundances, tissue N and P contents, and δ¹⁵N were determined for tubular and laminar morphologies of Ulva. All estuaries showed maximum biomass during summer and minimum during winter. Tissue nutrient contents revealed P rather than N limitation. The δ¹⁵N during the peak bloom indicated agriculture as the most likely source of nitrogen in the Argideen and Clonakilty, and urban wastewaters in the Tolka. No differences in the δ¹⁵N, and the tissue nutrients content were observed between morphologies. The period between May and July is most suitable for bioassessment of green tides.
Show more [+] Less [-]Biomass and nutrient dynamics of major green tides in Ireland: Implications for biomonitoring Full text
2022
Bermejo, Ricardo | Golden, Nessa | Schrofner, Elena | Knöller, Kay | Fenton, Owen | Serrao, Ester | Morrison, Liam
The control of macroalgal bloom development is central for protecting estuarine ecosystems. The identification of the nutrients limiting the development of macroalgal blooms, and their most likely sources is crucial for management strategies. Three Irish estuaries (Argideen, Clonakilty and Tolka) affected by green tides were monitored from June 2016 to August 2017. During each sampling occasion, biomass abundances, tissue N and P contents, and δ15N were determined for tubular and laminar morphologies of Ulva. All estuaries showed maximum biomass during summer and minimum during winter. Tissue nutrient contents revealed P rather than N limitation. The δ15N during the peak bloom indicated agriculture as the most likely source of nitrogen in the Argideen and Clonakilty, and urban wastewaters in the Tolka. No differences in the δ15N, and the tissue nutrients content were observed between morphologies. The period between May and July is most suitable for bioassessment of green tides. | info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion
Show more [+] Less [-]Biomass and nutrient dynamics of major green tides in Ireland: Implications for biomonitoring Full text
2022
Bermejo Lacida, Ricardo | Golden, Nessa | Schrofner, Elena | Knöller, Kay | Fenton, Owen | Serrao, Ester | Morrison, Liam | Biología
The control of macroalgal bloom development is central for protecting estuarine ecosystems. The identification of the nutrients limiting the development of macroalgal blooms, and their most likely sources is crucial for management strategies. Three Irish estuaries (Argideen, Clonakilty and Tolka) affected by green tides were monitored from June 2016 to August 2017. During each sampling occasion, biomass abundances, tissue N and P contents, and delta15N were determined for tubular and laminar morphologies of Ulva. All estuaries showed maximum biomass during summer and minimum during winter. Tissue nutrient contents revealed P rather than N limitation. The delta15N during the peak bloom indicated agriculture as the most likely source of nitrogen in the Argideen and Clonakilty, and urban wastewaters in the Tolka. No differences in the delta15N, and the tissue nutrients content were observed between morphologies. The period between May and July is most suitable for bioassessment of green tides. | This work has been co-financed under the 2014-2020 EPA Research Strategy (Environmental Protection Agency, Ireland), project no: 2015- W-MS-20 (the Sea-MAT Project) and project no: 2018-W-MS-32 (the MACRO-MAN Project), and the 2014-2020 ERDF Operational Programme and by the Department of Economy, Knowledge, Business and University of the Regional Government of Andalusia (Project reference: FEDER-UCA18-106875). The authors are thankful to Moya O’Donnell, Maria Galindo-Ponce, Claudia Cara-Ortega, Micheal Mac Monagail, Ana Mendes, Charlene Linderhof, Nichole Keogh, Andrew Niven and Edna Curley for field assistance and Robert Wilkes for advice.
Show more [+] Less [-]Interactive effects of temperature and salinity on the growth and cytotoxicity of the fish-killing microalgal species Heterosigma akashiwo and Pseudochattonella verruculosa Full text
2022
Sandoval-Sanhueza, Alondra | Aguilera-Belmonte, Alejandra | Basti, Leila | Figueroa, Rosa I. | Molinet, Carlos | Álvarez, Gonzalo | Oyanedel, Sandra | Riobó, Pilar | Mancilla-Gutiérrez, Guido | Díaz, Patricio A.
Interactive effects of temperature and salinity on the growth and cytotoxicity of the fish-killing microalgal species Heterosigma akashiwo and Pseudochattonella verruculosa Full text
2022
Sandoval-Sanhueza, Alondra | Aguilera-Belmonte, Alejandra | Basti, Leila | Figueroa, Rosa I. | Molinet, Carlos | Álvarez, Gonzalo | Oyanedel, Sandra | Riobó, Pilar | Mancilla-Gutiérrez, Guido | Díaz, Patricio A.
Fish-killing blooms of Heterosigma akashiwo and Pseudochattonella verruculosa have been devastating for the farmed salmon industry, but in Southern Chile the conditions that promote the growth and toxicity of these microalgae are poorly understood. This study examined the effects of different combinations of temperature (12, 15, 18 °C) and salinity (10, 20, 30 psu) on the growth of Chilean strains of these two species. The results showed that the optimal growth conditions for H. akashiwo and P. verruculosa differed, with a maximum rate of 0.99 day⁻¹ obtained at 15 °C and a salinity of 20 psu for H. akashiwo, and a maximum rate of 1.06 day⁻¹ obtained at 18 °C and a salinity of 30 psu for P. verruculosa. Cytotoxic assays (2 × 10¹ – 2 × 10⁵ cell mL⁻¹; cells, filtrates, and cell lysates) performed at salinities of 20 and 30 psu showed a 100% reduction in the viability of embryonic fish cells exposed to intact cells of H. akashiwo and a 39% reduction following exposure to culture filtrates of P. verruculosa. Differences in the fish-killing mechanisms (direct cell contact vs. extracellular substances) and physiological traits of H. akashiwo and P. verruculosa explain the recent occurrence of very large blooms under contrasting (cold-brackish vs. hot-salty) extreme climate conditions in Chile.
Show more [+] Less [-]Interactive effects of temperature and salinity on the growth and cytotoxicity of the fish-killing microalgal species Heterosigma akashiwo and Pseudochattonella verruculosa Full text
2022
Sandoval, Alondra | Aguilera-Belmonte, Alejandra | Basti, Leila | Figueroa, Rosa Isabel | Molinet, Carlos | Álvarez, Gonzalo | Oyanedel, Sandra | Riobó, Pilar | Mancilla-Gutiérrez, Guido | Díaz, Patricio Andrés | Agencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo (Chile) | Fondo de Financiamiento de Centros de Investigación en Áreas Prioritarias (Chile)
12 pages, 7 figures, 3 tables | Fish-killing blooms of Heterosigma akashiwo and Pseudochattonella verruculosa have been devastating for the farmed salmon industry, but in Southern Chile the conditions that promote the growth and toxicity of these microalgae are poorly understood. This study examined the effects of different combinations of temperature (12, 15, 18 °C) and salinity (10, 20, 30 psu) on the growth of Chilean strains of these two species. The results showed that the optimal growth conditions for H. akashiwo and P. verruculosa differed, with a maximum rate of 0.99 day−1 obtained at 15 °C and a salinity of 20 psu for H. akashiwo, and a maximum rate of 1.06 day−1 obtained at 18 °C and a salinity of 30 psu for P. verruculosa. Cytotoxic assays (2 × 101 – 2 × 105 cell mL−1; cells, filtrates, and cell lysates) performed at salinities of 20 and 30 psu showed a 100% reduction in the viability of embryonic fish cells exposed to intact cells of H. akashiwo and a 39% reduction following exposure to culture filtrates of P. verruculosa. Differences in the fish-killing mechanisms (direct cell contact vs. extracellular substances) and physiological traits of H. akashiwo and P. verruculosa explain the recent occurrence of very large blooms under contrasting (cold-brackish vs. hot-salty) extreme climate conditions in Chile | This study was funded by project REDI170575 (Patricio A. Díaz) from the International Cooperation Programme of the National Agency for Research and Development (ANID), Chile. Dr. Carlos Molinet was funded by the FONDAP Project N° 15110027 (INCAR) | Peer reviewed
Show more [+] Less [-]Microplastics in gut content of juveniles of the patagonic silverside fish Odontesthes sp Full text
2022
Mendoza, S.M. | Fernandez, V.H. | Barrios, M. | Mena, R. | Miriuka, S. | Cledon, M.
Microplastics in gut content of juveniles of the patagonic silverside fish Odontesthes sp Full text
2022
Mendoza, S.M. | Fernandez, V.H. | Barrios, M. | Mena, R. | Miriuka, S. | Cledon, M.
Microplastics are among the major environmental problems to be addressed because it is beginning to affect food chains and is also reaching human populations. The present study investigated the size, color, shape and abundance of microplastics in juvenile silversides (Atheriniformes) belonging to the edible species Odontesthes bonariensis, Odontesthes nigricans and Odontesthes argentinensis from shallow coastal waters. While 100 % of the sampled individuals presented microplastics in stomach contents, fibers were 95 %. There is a correlation between the size of the individuals and the maximum particle size ingested ranging from 0.2 to 1.2 mm. There is no significant difference in the number of particles ingested per individual. The plastic particles had a lower density than seawater, which is why they floated on the surface. These results imply that the protected areas of large ocean currents increase the exposure of local fauna to microplastics increasing the risk of ingestion of PMs.
Show more [+] Less [-]Microplastics in gut content of juveniles of the patagonic silverside fish Odontesthes sp Full text
2022
Mendoza, Shirley Marlen | Fernández, V. H. | Barrios, Mayra Alejandra | Mena, R. | Miriuka, Santiago Gabriel | Cledón, Maximiliano
Microplastics are among the major environmental problems to be addressed because it is beginning to affect food chains and is also reaching human populations. The present study investigated the size, color, shape and abundance of microplastics in juvenile silversides (Atheriniformes) belonging to the edible species Odontesthes bonariensis, Odontesthes nigricans and Odontesthes argentinensis from shallow coastal waters. While 100 % of the sampled individuals presented microplastics in stomach contents, fibers were 95 %. There is a correlation between the size of the individuals and the maximum particle size ingested ranging from 0.2 to 1.2 mm. There is no significant difference in the number of particles ingested per individual. The plastic particles had a lower density than seawater, which is why they floated on the surface. These results imply that the protected areas of large ocean currents increase the exposure of local fauna to microplastics increasing the risk of ingestion of PMs. | Fil: Mendoza, Shirley Marlen. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Centro de Investigación Aplicada y Transferencia Tecnológica en Recursos Marinos "Almirante Storni". - Provincia de Río Negro. Ministerio de Agricultura, Ganadería y Pesca. Centro de Investigación Aplicada y Transferencia Tecnológica en Recursos Marinos "Almirante Storni". Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet Centro Nacional Patagónico. Centro de Investigación Aplicada y Transferencia Tecnológica en Recursos Marinos "Almirante Storni"; Argentina | Fil: Fernández, V. H.. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Centro de Investigación Aplicada y Transferencia Tecnológica en Recursos Marinos "Almirante Storni". - Provincia de Río Negro. Ministerio de Agricultura, Ganadería y Pesca. Centro de Investigación Aplicada y Transferencia Tecnológica en Recursos Marinos "Almirante Storni". Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet Centro Nacional Patagónico. Centro de Investigación Aplicada y Transferencia Tecnológica en Recursos Marinos "Almirante Storni"; Argentina | Fil: Barrios, Mayra Alejandra. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Centro de Investigación Aplicada y Transferencia Tecnológica en Recursos Marinos "Almirante Storni". - Provincia de Río Negro. Ministerio de Agricultura, Ganadería y Pesca. Centro de Investigación Aplicada y Transferencia Tecnológica en Recursos Marinos "Almirante Storni". Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet Centro Nacional Patagónico. Centro de Investigación Aplicada y Transferencia Tecnológica en Recursos Marinos "Almirante Storni"; Argentina | Fil: Mena, R.. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Centro de Investigación Aplicada y Transferencia Tecnológica en Recursos Marinos "Almirante Storni". - Provincia de Río Negro. Ministerio de Agricultura, Ganadería y Pesca. Centro de Investigación Aplicada y Transferencia Tecnológica en Recursos Marinos "Almirante Storni". Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet Centro Nacional Patagónico. Centro de Investigación Aplicada y Transferencia Tecnológica en Recursos Marinos "Almirante Storni"; Argentina | Fil: Miriuka, Santiago Gabriel. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Centro de Investigación Aplicada y Transferencia Tecnológica en Recursos Marinos "Almirante Storni". - Provincia de Río Negro. Ministerio de Agricultura, Ganadería y Pesca. Centro de Investigación Aplicada y Transferencia Tecnológica en Recursos Marinos "Almirante Storni". Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet Centro Nacional Patagónico. Centro de Investigación Aplicada y Transferencia Tecnológica en Recursos Marinos "Almirante Storni"; Argentina | Fil: Cledón, Maximiliano. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Centro de Investigación Aplicada y Transferencia Tecnológica en Recursos Marinos "Almirante Storni". - Provincia de Río Negro. Ministerio de Agricultura, Ganadería y Pesca. Centro de Investigación Aplicada y Transferencia Tecnológica en Recursos Marinos "Almirante Storni". Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet Centro Nacional Patagónico. Centro de Investigación Aplicada y Transferencia Tecnológica en Recursos Marinos "Almirante Storni"; Argentina
Show more [+] Less [-]Detection of community-wide impacts of bottom trawl fishing on deep-sea assemblages using environmental DNA metabarcoding Full text
2022
Detection of community-wide impacts of bottom trawl fishing on deep-sea assemblages using environmental DNA metabarcoding Full text
2022
Although considerable research progress on the effects of anthropogenic disturbance in the deep sea has been made in recent years, our understanding of these impacts at community level remains limited. Here, we studied deep-sea assemblages of Sicily (Mediterranean Sea) subject to different intensities of benthic trawling using environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding and taxonomic identification of meiofauna communities. Firstly, eDNA metabarcoding data did not detect trawling impacts using alpha diversity whereas meiofauna data detected a significant effect of trawling. Secondly, both eDNA and meiofauna data detected significantly different communities across distinct levels of trawling intensity when we examined beta diversity. Taxonomic assignment of the eDNA data revealed that Bryozoa was present only at untrawled sites, highlighting their vulnerability to trawling. Our results provide evidence for community-wide impacts of trawling, with different trawling intensities leading to distinct deep-sea communities. Finally, we highlight the need for further studies to unravel understudied deep-sea biodiversity.
Show more [+] Less [-]Detection of community-wide impacts of bottom trawl fishing on deep-sea assemblages using environmental DNA metabarcoding Full text
2022
Good, Edward | Holman, Luke E. | Pusceddu, Antonio | Russo, Tommaso | Rius, Marc | Lo Iacono, Claudio | Agencia Estatal de Investigación (España) | European Commission | Natural Environment Research Council (UK) | Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas [https://ror.org/02gfc7t72]
Este artículo contiene 14 páginas, 7 figuras, 3 tablas. | Although considerable research progress on the effects of anthropogenic disturbance in the deep sea has been made in recent years, our understanding of these impacts at community level remains limited. Here, we studied deep-sea assemblages of Sicily (Mediterranean Sea) subject to different intensities of benthic trawling using environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding and taxonomic identification of meiofauna communities. Firstly, eDNA metabarcoding data did not detect trawling impacts using alpha diversity whereas meiofauna data detected a significant effect of trawling. Secondly, both eDNA and meiofauna data detected significantly different communities across distinct levels of trawling intensity when we examined beta diversity. Taxonomic assignment of the eDNA data revealed that Bryozoa was present only at untrawled sites, highlighting their vulnerability to trawling. Our results provide evidence for community-wide impacts of trawling, with different trawling intensities leading to distinct deep-sea communities. Finally, we highlight the need for further studies to unravel understudied deep-sea biodiversity. | project funded by the European Community (Grant agreement n◦ 312762). L.E.H. was supported by the Natural Environmental Research Council (grant number NE/L002531/). C.L.I. was supported by the H2020 MSC Action HABISS (GA 890815). We are grateful to the staff at the Environmental Sequencing facility at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton and to members of the EU-FP7 ISLAND (Exploring SiciLian CAnyoN Dynamics) Cruise. Finally, this work acknowledges the ‘Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence’ accreditation (CEX2019-000928-S) to ICM-CSIC. | Peer reviewed
Show more [+] Less [-]Impact of returning scientific cruises and prolonged on-site presence on litter abundance at the deep-sea nodule fields in the Peru Basin Full text
2022
Cuvelier, Daphne | Ramalho, Sofia P. | Purser, Autun | Haeckel, Matthias
Impact of returning scientific cruises and prolonged on-site presence on litter abundance at the deep-sea nodule fields in the Peru Basin Full text
2022
Cuvelier, Daphne | Ramalho, Sofia P. | Purser, Autun | Haeckel, Matthias
Marine litter can be found along coasts, continental shelves and slopes, down into the abyss. The absence of light, low temperatures and low energy regimes characterising the deeper habitats ensure the persistence of litter over time. Therefore, manmade items within the deep sea will likely accumulate to increasing quantities. Here we report the litter abundance encountered at the Pacific abyssal nodule fields from the Peru Basin at 4150 m depth. An average density of 2.67 litter items/ha was observed. Litter composed of plastic was the most abundant followed by metal and glass. At least 58 % of the items observed could be linked to the research expeditions conducted in the area and appeared to be mostly accidental disposals from ships. The data gathered was used to address temporal trends in litter abundance as well as the impact of human on-site presence and return cruises in the context of future deep-sea mining efforts.
Show more [+] Less [-]Impact of returning scientific cruises and prolonged on-site presence on litter abundance at the deep-sea nodule fields in the Peru Basin Full text
2022
Cuvelier, Daphne | Ramalho, Sofia P | Purser, Autun | Haeckel, Matthias
Marine litter can be found along coasts, continental shelves and slopes, down into the abyss. The absence of light, low temperatures and low energy regimes characterising the deeper habitats ensure the persistence of litter over time. Therefore, manmade items within the deep sea will likely accumulate to increasing quantities. Here we report the litter abundance encountered at the Pacific abyssal nodule fields from the Peru Basin at 4150 m depth. An average density of 2.67 litter items/ha was observed. Litter composed of plastic was the most abundant followed by metal and glass. At least 58 % of the items observed could be linked to the research expeditions conducted in the area and appeared to be mostly accidental disposals from ships. The data gathered was used to address temporal trends in litter abundance as well as the impact of human on-site presence and return cruises in the context of future deep-sea mining efforts.
Show more [+] Less [-]Micropollutants in urban wastewater: large-scale emission estimates and analysis of measured concentrations in the Baltic Sea catchment Full text
2022
Undeman, Emma | Rasmusson, Kristina | Kokorite, Ilga | Leppänen, Matti T. | Larsen, Martin M. | Pazdro, Ksenia | Siedlewicz, Grzegorz
Micropollutants in urban wastewater: large-scale emission estimates and analysis of measured concentrations in the Baltic Sea catchment Full text
2022
Undeman, Emma | Rasmusson, Kristina | Kokorite, Ilga | Leppänen, Matti T. | Larsen, Martin M. | Pazdro, Ksenia | Siedlewicz, Grzegorz
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) transmit many chemical contaminants to aquatic environments. Quantitative data on micropollutant emissions via WWTPs are needed for environmental risk assessments and evaluation of mitigation measures. This study compiled published data on substances analysed in effluents from WWTPs in the Baltic Sea region, assessed country related differences in the data sets and estimated micropollutant inputs to the Baltic Sea catchment. Concentration data were found for 1090 substances analysed at 650 WWTPs. Heterogeneity and low number of data points for most substances hindered adequate comparisons of country specific concentrations. Emission estimates were made for the 280 substances analysed in at least five WWTPs in years 2010 to 2019. For selected substances, mass loads were compared to previously published estimations. The study provides data useful for national and Baltic Sea-scale pressure analysis and risk assessments. However, it also highlights the need for broad scope monitoring of micropollutants in wastewater.
Show more [+] Less [-]Micropollutants in urban wastewater : large-scale emission estimates and analysis of measured concentrations in the Baltic Sea catchment Full text
2022
Undeman, Emma | Rasmusson, Kristina | Kokorite, Ilga | Leppänen, Matti T. | Larsen, Martin M. | Pazdro, Ksenia | Siedlewicz, Grzegorz | Suomen ympäristökeskus | The Finnish Environment Institute
Highlights • Comprehensive study of micropollutants measured in effluents in the Baltic Sea region • Concentration data were found for ⁓90,000 observations and >1000 individual substances. • Differences in observed levels between countries were assessed. • Catchment scale total mass loads via WWTPs were calculated for 280 chemical contaminants. | Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) transmit many chemical contaminants to aquatic environments. Quantitative data on micropollutant emissions via WWTPs are needed for environmental risk assessments and evaluation of mitigation measures. This study compiled published data on substances analysed in effluents from WWTPs in the Baltic Sea region, assessed country related differences in the data sets and estimated micropollutant inputs to the Baltic Sea catchment. Concentration data were found for 1090 substances analysed at 650 WWTPs. Heterogeneity and low number of data points for most substances hindered adequate comparisons of country specific concentrations. Emission estimates were made for the 280 substances analysed in at least five WWTPs in years 2010 to 2019. For selected substances, mass loads were compared to previously published estimations. The study provides data useful for national and Baltic Sea-scale pressure analysis and risk assessments. However, it also highlights the need for broad scope monitoring of micropollutants in wastewater.
Show more [+] Less [-]Anthropogenic debris in Kelp Gull and other seabird nests in northern Patagonia, Argentina Full text
2022
Yorio, Pablo | Suárez, Nicolás | Ibarra, Cynthia | González Rosales, Paola | Canti, Santiago | Kasinsky, Tatiana | Marinao, Cristian
Anthropogenic debris in Kelp Gull and other seabird nests in northern Patagonia, Argentina Full text
2022
Yorio, Pablo | Suárez, Nicolás | Ibarra, Cynthia | González Rosales, Paola | Canti, Santiago | Kasinsky, Tatiana | Marinao, Cristian
Anthropogenic debris is used as nesting material by many seabirds and may result in negative impacts. We assessed the frequency of occurrence of debris (>5 mm) in Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus) nests at six locations along 2400 km of the Argentine coast, at different distances from urban centres, and in nests of other seven seabird species nesting syntopically. Frequencies in Kelp Gull nests were in general relatively low, ranging between 3.3 and 37.5%, and differed significantly among colonies. No relationship was found between frequency and distance to urban centres. Debris were recorded with frequencies of less than 19.2% in nests of Olrog's Gulls (L. atlanticus), Dolphin Gulls (L. scoresbii), Imperial Cormorants (Leucocarbo atriceps) and Magellanic Penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus), but not in nests of Neotropical Cormorants (Nannopterum brasilianus), Rock Shags (Leucocarbo magellanicus) and Southern Skuas (Catharacta antarctica). This information obtained along a wide coastal sector provides a baseline for future monitoring.
Show more [+] Less [-]Anthropogenic debris in Kelp Gull and other seabird nests in northern Patagonia, Argentina Full text
2022
Yorio, Pablo Martin | Suarez, Nicolas Marcelo | Ibarra, Cynthia | Kasinsky Aguilera, Lorna Tatiana | Marinao, Cristian Javier | González, Paola | Canti, Santiago
Anthropogenic debris is used as nesting material by many seabirds and may result in negative impacts. We assessed the frequency of occurrence of debris (>5 mm) in Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus) nests at six locations along 2400 km of the Argentine coast, at different distances from urban centres, and in nests of other seven seabird species nesting syntopically. Frequencies in Kelp Gull nests were in general relatively low, ranging between 3.3 and 37.5%, and differed significantly among colonies. No relationship was found between frequency and distance to urban centres. Debris were recorded with frequencies of less than 19.2% in nests of Olrog's Gulls (L. atlanticus), Dolphin Gulls (L. scoresbii), Imperial Cormorants (Leucocarbo atriceps) and Magellanic Penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus), but not in nests of Neotropical Cormorants (Nannopterum brasilianus), Rock Shags (Leucocarbo magellanicus) and Southern Skuas (Catharacta antarctica). This information obtained along a wide coastal sector provides a baseline for future monitoring. | Fil: Yorio, Pablo Martin. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos; Argentina. Wildlife Conservation Society; Estados Unidos | Fil: Suarez, Nicolas Marcelo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos; Argentina | Fil: Ibarra, Cynthia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos; Argentina | Fil: Kasinsky Aguilera, Lorna Tatiana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos; Argentina | Fil: Marinao, Cristian Javier. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos; Argentina | Fil: González, Paola. Buenos Aires; Argentina | Fil: Canti, Santiago. Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires; Argentina
Show more [+] Less [-]Critical review of the characteristics, interactions, and toxicity of micro/nanomaterials pollutants in aquatic environments Full text
2022
López, A.D Forero | Fabiani, M. | Lassalle, V.L. | Spetter, C.V. | Severini, M.D Fernandez
Critical review of the characteristics, interactions, and toxicity of micro/nanomaterials pollutants in aquatic environments Full text
2022
López, A.D Forero | Fabiani, M. | Lassalle, V.L. | Spetter, C.V. | Severini, M.D Fernandez
A wide range of contaminants of emerging concern such as micro/nanoplastics (MPs/PNPs) and metal-nanoparticles (Me-NPs) from anthropogenic activities have been identified in aquatic environments. The hazardous effects of these micro/nanomaterials as pollutants in organisms and the lack of knowledge about their behavior in aquatic environments have generated growing concern in the scientific community. The nanomaterials have a colloidal-type behavior due to their size range but with differences in their physicochemical properties. This review comprises the behavior of micro/nanomaterials pollutants and the physicochemical interactions between MPs/PNPs and Me-NPs in aquatic environments, and their potential toxicological effects in organisms. Moreover, this article describes the potential use of Me-NPs to remove MPs/PNPs present in the water column due to their photocatalytic and magnetic properties. It also discusses the challenge to determine harmful effects of micro/nanomaterials pollutants in organisms and provides future research directions to improve integrated management strategies to mitigate their environmental impact.
Show more [+] Less [-]Critical review of the characteristics, interactions, and toxicity of micro/nanomaterials pollutants in aquatic environments Full text
2022
Forero Lopez, Ana Deisy | Fabiani, Mateo | Lassalle, Verónica Leticia | Spetter, Carla Vanesa | Fernandez Severini, Melisa Daiana
A wide range of contaminants of emerging concern such as micro/nanoplastics (MPs/PNPs) and metal-nanoparticles (Me-NPs) from anthropogenic activities have been identified in aquatic environments. The hazardous effects of these micro/nanomaterials as pollutants in organisms and the lack of knowledge about their behavior in aquatic environments have generated growing concern in the scientific community. The nanomaterials have a colloidal-type behavior due to their size range but with differences in their physicochemical properties. This review comprises the behavior of micro/nanomaterials pollutants and the physicochemical interactions between MPs/PNPs and Me-NPs in aquatic environments, and their potential toxicological effects in organisms. Moreover, this article describes the potential use of Me-NPs to remove MPs/PNPs present in the water column due to their photocatalytic and magnetic properties. It also discusses the challenge to determine harmful effects of micro/nanomaterials pollutants in organisms and provides future research directions to improve integrated management strategies to mitigate their environmental impact. | Fil: Forero Lopez, Ana Deisy. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía; Argentina | Fil: Fabiani, Mateo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto de Química del Sur. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Química. Instituto de Química del Sur; Argentina | Fil: Lassalle, Verónica Leticia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto de Química del Sur. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Química. Instituto de Química del Sur; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Química; Argentina | Fil: Spetter, Carla Vanesa. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Química; Argentina | Fil: Fernandez Severini, Melisa Daiana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía; Argentina
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