This study investigated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organochlorine compounds such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and DDT-related pesticides in surface sediments of Hooghly estuary and the Sundarban mangrove wetlands. Concentrations of ∑₁₇PAH, ∑₁₈₂PCB and ∑₆DDT ranged from 15.4 to 1731, not detected (nd) to 13.5 and nd to 8.97 ng g⁻¹ dry weight, respectively. Low levels of PCBs and low to moderate concentrations of DDTs and PAHs reflected recent development in West Bengal, which was dominated by agriculture and multifarious industries in the past. Diagnostic ratios suggested that major sources of PAHs are combustion processes, DDTs are input by agriculture, antifouling paints and public health campaigns, and organochlorines are predominantly from industrial origin. Heavier PCB congeners suggest local sources and short-range transport of such chemicals. Decision makers may use these findings for managing the Hooghly River watershed in order to promote a sustainable development on the eastern coast of India.

The hypothesis that carnivorous consumers associated with the seabed are more likely to ingest marine debris was tested based on stomach content analysis of fish (Trichiurus lepturus and species of Ariidae) and cetaceans (Sotalia guianensis and Pontoporia blainvillei). Among 596 stomach contents, only 22 (3.7%) contained debris. The debris was flexible plastic, nylon yard, paper, latex, styrofoam and cigarette filter. The proportion of stomach contents with debris varied among species: P. blainvillei (pelagic demersal consumer) presented the highest frequency of ingestion (15.7%), while T. lepturus (pelagic consumer), S. guianensis (pelagic consumer) and Ariidae (demersal consumer) presented similar frequencies (1.3–1.8%). Therefore, a feeding site in the water column does not predict the probability of debris ingestion. Concerning these species, this probability seems to be more associated with prey-capture strategies (or feeding behavior), regardless of debris availability in the environment.

Anthropogenic marine debris (AMD) is a global problem and the identification of its sources is essential for adequate mitigation strategies. Herein we examined whether AMD density and composition differed between two countries with contrasting socio-economic backgrounds and marine litter sources (i.e. Chile and Germany). In nationwide beach litter surveys, we used a citizen science approach with schoolchildren and their teachers. Litter densities were substantially higher in Chile than in Germany. The different geographic zones surveyed in both countries showed strong grouping tendencies according to their main economic activities (tourism, shipping, fisheries/aquaculture), major litter sources, and AMD composition, in terms of dominance and diversity of AMD types. The results suggest that beach litter composition can be used as a simple proxy to identify AMD sources, and also that law enforcement and education can help mitigate the problem; however, for efficient solutions, production and consumption of plastics must be reduced.

Anthropogenic activities have altered the geomorphological and ecological conditions of the Nakdong River Estuary (NRE) dramatically over the last century. The objectives of this study were to classify NRE sub-environments and to identify their unique ecological functions. The first step in classification was the establishment of 14 a priori sub-environmental groups based on landscape factors. Surface sediments obtained for these groups were analyzed for factors related to grain size and organic matter. Based on the results, the NRE was divided into two primary estuarine environment divisions: (1) a mixed marine and terrestrial environment influenced primarily by land; and (2) a principally marine environment influenced primarily by the ocean. Using multivariate analysis, we subdivided these primary estuarine divisions into six sub-environments, including Sub-1 and -2 in the former and Sub-3, -4, -5, and -6 in the latter.

The MYTIAD project focused on the assessment of chemical contamination (metals, PAHs, PCBs and organochlorine pesticides) in the Adriatic coastal waters by active mussel watching. Its purpose was harmonising and standardising strategies and methodologies used to assess the contamination status of the Adriatic Sea, in the framework of the WFD, the MSFD and UNEP/MAP Integrated Monitoring and Assessment Programme. Data on metals pointed out some hotspots along the eastern and western Adriatic Sea coasts, with the highest values of total PAH concentration detected in Split, Trieste, and Taranto (Ionian Sea). PCB and endrin contamination was higher in the Adriatic Sea than in the western Mediterranean Sea. This is the first comprehensive overview of contamination in the Adriatic Sea with critical comparisons of related studies over the Mediterranean Sea. It provides a useful harmonised dataset to support a coordinated definition of baselines, targets and thresholds, and further management of chemical contamination.

To assess the ecological health of the Chongming Dongtan Nature Reserve (CDNR), univariate and multimetric indices—AZTI's Marine Biotic Index (AMBI), multivariate AMBI (M-AMBI), abundance-biomass comparison curves, taxonomic diversity, Shannon-Wiener index (H′) (log₂), and Benthic Opportunistic Polychaetes Amphipods index (BOPA) — were used to translate the macrobenthic community into classifications of ecological health in 2016 and 2017. Based on the results of the various indicators, the overall habitat status of the CDNR ranged from good to high status. Sites 4 and 5, which fell in the remaining tidal flats following reclamation activities, were classified as disturbed, whereas the degree of disturbance at site 3 was low. The results indicate that the CDNR is under some form of human disturbance, which includes reclamation and animal (mainly cattle) grazing. H′ (log₂) and M-AMBI index may be more suitable for assessing ecological quality in intertidal zones, including the CDNR.

Heavy metals may adversely affect health in marine organisms. As top predators, sharks may be especially vulnerable to exposure over long lifespans. Here we evaluate plasma levels of 14 heavy metals and 12 trace elements in white sharks, Carcharodon carcharias, in South Africa to determine whether they are related to sex, body size, and/or body condition and other health parameters. High levels of mercury and arsenic were found in shark blood at levels considered toxic in other vertebrates. Heavy metal concentrations were not related to body size or sex. Metal concentrations were not related to body condition with exception of copper, which was positively correlated. Protective effects of elements such as selenium, zinc, and iron were not detected. No negative effects on health parameters, such as total leukocytes or granulocyte to lymphocyte ratios were observed. Results suggest that sharks may have protective mechanisms that mitigate harmful effects of heavy metal exposure, providing new opportunities for future studies.

Seabed debris is much less investigated in respect to the sea surface and shores due to sampling difficulties and costs. However, detecting marine benthic litter is fundamental for developing policies aimed at achieving the Good Environmental Status in European Seas by 2020, as requested by the Marine Strategy Framework Directive.This study estimates seafloor litter abundance, composition, spatial distribution and main sources in the North-Central Adriatic Sea (FAO GSA 17) over a six-year period (2011–2016) with 67 stations sampled per year, representing the longest data set for the basin. Litter items collected using a “rapido” trawl were classified in six major categories.The average density of the litter collected over six years was 102.66 ± 41.91 kg/km2. The highest concentration of litter was found in stations close to the coast within 30 m depth with a mean weight of 142.90 ± 27.20 kg/km2, while the lowest value was recorded between 30 and 50 m of depth (41.12 ± 9.62 kg/km2). Plastic was dominant followed by metal and other litter materials. Lost fishing nets and mussel culture debris accounted for 50% of the overall plastic litter collected. These data and the systematic monitoring of marine litter provide useful information to implement necessary measures to manage marine litter and minimize this type of anthropogenic pollution in the Adriatic region.

The Adriatic Sea, a semi-enclosed and vulnerable environment, deserves special attention regarding the risk of introducing Harmful Aquatic Organisms and Pathogens via ships' ballast water as new species findings occur at an alarming rate. This species introduction vector was addressed with the 2004 International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments, which entered into force in 2017. The efficient implementation of this convention calls for Adriatic States' cooperation on environmental specifics that have not been dealt with neither by national nor by international measures yet. Based on legal and institutional data gathered, and considering the regional maritime traffic and environmental specifics, this paper reveals that the integration of current environmental law commitments as well as a better dialogue between public institutions from shipping and environmental sectors may foster the implementation of ballast water management obligations through appropriate Adriatic States' cooperation.

Microfibers are a common type of microplastic. One known source of microfibers to the environment is domestic laundering, which can release thousands of fibers into washing machine effluent with every wash. Here, we adapted existing methods to measure the length, count and weight of microfibers in laundry effluent. We used this method to test the efficacy of two technologies marketed to reduce microfiber emissions: the Cora Ball and Lint LUV-R filter. Both technologies significantly reduced the numbers of microfibers from fleece blankets in washing effluent. The Lint LUV-R captured an average of 87% of microfibers in the wash by count, compared to the Cora Ball which captured 26% by count. The Lint LUV-R also significantly reduced the total weight and average length of fibers in effluent. While further research is needed to understand other sources of microfiber emissions, these available technologies could be adopted to reduce emissions from laundering textiles.