Brazil Archives - One Earth - One Ocean e. V.

Widespread microplastic ingestion by fish assemblages in tropical estuaries subjected to anthropogenic pressures

guenther — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 19:33:14 +0000

A.L. Vendel, F. Bessa, V.E.N. Alves, A.L.A. Amorim, J. Patrício, A.R.T.
Palma, Widespread microplastic ingestion by fish assemblages in tropical
estuaries subjected to anthropogenic pressures, Marine Pollution
Bulletin, Volume 117, Issues 1–2, 15 April 2017, Pages 448-455, ISSN
0025-326X, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.01.081.
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X17301054)
Abstract: Abstract
Our aim was to quantify microplastic ingestion by fish assemblages in
two tropical Brazilian estuaries and to evaluate whether biological and
ecological factors influence the ingestion of microplastics by fish
species. Of 2233 fish from both estuaries (from 69 species) examined in
this study, 9% of the individuals (24 species) had microplastics in
their gut contents. Microplastic ingestion occurred irrespective of fish
size and functional group. The diet of fish species was analyzed based
on prey items identified in the fish’s full stomach contents and five
feeding guilds were defined. Microplastics were common throughout all
feeding guilds. Low (average ingestion values 1.06 ± 0.30 items/total
fish) but widespread occurrence among estuaries also indicates
proliferation of microplastic pollution. Our findings highlight the need
to focus on assemblage level studies to understand the real magnitude of
the problem and emphasize the urgency of mitigation measures directed at
microplastic pollution in estuarine ecosystems.
Keywords: Gut contents; Size; Functional groups; Feeding guilds; Human
impact; Brazil

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Ingestion of marine debris by the White-chinned Petrel (Procellaria aequinoctialis): Is it increasing over time off southern Brazil?

guenther — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 18:48:59 +0000

Maria V. Petry, Victória R.F. Benemann, Ingestion of marine debris by
the White-chinned Petrel (Procellaria aequinoctialis): Is it increasing
over time off southern Brazil?, Marine Pollution Bulletin, Volume 117,
Issues 1–2, 15 April 2017, Pages 131-135, ISSN 0025-326X,
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.01.073.
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X17301017)
Abstract: Abstract
Seabirds are amongst the most affected organisms by plastic pollution
worldwide. Ingestion of marine debris has been reported in at least 122
species, and owing to the increasing global production and persistence
of these anthropogenic materials within the marine environment, it is
expected to be a growing problem to the marine fauna. Here we report
evidence of an increasing frequency in marine debris ingestion and a
decrease in the amount of plastic pellets ingested by White-chinned
Petrels attending south Brazilian waters during the last three decades.
Future studies comprising large temporal scales and large sample sizes
are needed to better understand the trends of marine debris ingestion by
seabirds. We expect our findings to highlight the need for prevention
policies and mitigation measures to reduce the amount of solid litter in
the oceans.
Keywords: Plastic; Litter; Procellariiformes; Pollution; South Atlantic;
Seabirds

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Light-stick: A problem of marine pollution in Brazil

guenther — Sun, 28 May 2017 19:59:12 +0000

Caio Cesar-Ribeiro, Helena Costi Rosa, Daniele Oliveira Rocha, Camila

Galli Baldini dos Reis, Tabata Sarti Prado, Daniela Hernandes Coimbra
Muniz, Raquel Carrasco, Flávia Milão Silva, José Eduardo
Martinelli-Filho, Maria Fernanda Palanch-Hans, Light-stick: A problem of
marine pollution in Brazil, Marine Pollution Bulletin, Volume 117,
Issues 1–2, 15 April 2017, Pages 118-123, ISSN 0025-326X,
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.01.055.
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X17300796)
Abstract: Abstract
Light-sticks are used as bait in surface long-line fishing, to capture
swordfish and other large pelagic predators. When discharged in the
ocean, it may reach the beaches. The traditional Brazilian community of
Costa dos Coqueiros, Bahia, use light-sticks as a medicine for
rheumatism, vitiligo and mycoses. It may affect the marine life when its
content leak in the open ocean. This work evaluated and identified the
acute and chronic toxicity of the light-stick. A high acute toxicity was
observed in the mobility/mortality of Artemia sp.; in the fertilization
of sea urchin eggs, and a high chronic toxicity in the development of
the pluteus larvae of the same sea urchin. The main compounds that
probably caused toxicity were the volatiles such as the fluorescent PAH
and oxidants such as the hydrogen peroxide. Its disposal in the open
ocean is a potential threat for marine life.
Keywords: Marine debris; Ecotoxicology; Sea urchin; Acute toxicity;
Chronic toxicity; Tie

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Changes in the composition of ichthyoplankton assemblage and plastic debris in mangrove creeks relative to moon phases.

guenther — Wed, 11 May 2016 19:29:41 +0000

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jfb.12838/full

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/wol1/doi/10.1111/jfb.12838/abstract

Lima, A. R. A., Barletta, M., Costa, M. F., Ramos, J. A. A., Dantas, D.
V., Melo, P. A. M. C., Justino, A. K. S. and Ferreira, G. V. B. (2015),
Changes in the composition of ichthyoplankton assemblage and plastic
debris in mangrove creeks relative to moon phases. Journal of Fish
Biology. doi: 10.1111/jfb.12838

Abstract
Lunar influence on the distribution of fish larvae, zooplankton and
plastic debris in mangrove creeks of the Goiana Estuary, Brazil, was
studied over a lunar cycle. Cetengraulis edentulus, Anchovia clupeoides
and Rhinosardinia bahiensis were the most abundant fish larvae (56·6%),
independent of the moon phase. The full moon had a positive influence on
the abundance of Gobionellus oceanicus, Cynoscion acoupa and Atherinella
brasiliensis, and the new moon on Ulaema lefroyi. The full and new moons
also influenced the number of zoeae and megalopae of Ucides cordatus,
protozoeae and larvae of caridean shrimps, and the number of hard and
soft plastic debris, both <5 and >5 mm. Micro and macroplastics were
present in samples from all 12 creeks studied, at densities similar to
the third most abundant taxon, R. bahiensis. Cetengraulis edentulus and
R. bahiensis showed a strong positive correlation with the last quarter
moon, when there was less zooplankton available in the creeks and higher
abundance of microplastic threads. Anchovia clupeoides, Diapterus
rhombeus, U. lefroyi and hard microplastics were positively associated
with different moon phases, when calanoid copepods, Caridean larvae and
zoeae of U. cordatus were highly available in the creeks. Cynoscion
acoupa, G. oceanicus and A. brasiliensis were strongly associated with
the full moon, when protozoeae of caridean shrimps and megalopae of U.
cordatus were also highly available, as were hard and soft
macroplastics, paint chips (<5 mm) and soft microplastics. The results reinforce the role of mangrove creeks as nursery habitats. The moon phases influenced the distribution of fish larvae species, zooplankton and plastic debris by changing their compositions and abundances in the mangrove creeks of the Goiana Estuary when under the influence of different tidal current regimes. Keywords: fish larvae; lunar cycle; microplastics; north-east Brazil; tropical estuary

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Twopager on Opportunities of a Circular Economy in Rio de Janeiro

guenther — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 21:03:29 +0000

http://kunststofkringloop.nl/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Twopager-on-Opportunities-of-a-Circular-Economy-in-Rio-de-Janeiro1.pdf

Twopager on Opportunities of a Circular Economy in Rio de Janeiro

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Project „CLEAN BAY“ RIO

guenther — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 21:00:47 +0000

http://www.plasticsouplab.org/operations/project-clean-bay-rio/

Project ?CLEAN BAY? RIO

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Debris ingestion by juvenile marine turtles: An underestimated problem

guenther — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 20:27:54 +0000

Robson Guimarães Santos, Ryan Andrades, Marcillo Altoé Boldrini, Agnaldo
Silva Martins, Debris ingestion by juvenile marine turtles: An
underestimated problem, Marine Pollution Bulletin, Available online 5
March 2015, ISSN 0025-326X,
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.02.022.
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X15001125)
Abstract: Marine turtles are an iconic group of endangered animals
threatened by debris ingestion. However, key aspects related to debris
ingestion are still poorly known, including its effects on mortality and
the original use of the ingested debris. Therefore, we analysed the
impact of debris ingestion in 265 green turtles (Chelonia mydas) over a
large geographical area and different habitats along the Brazilian
coast. We determined the death rate due to debris ingestion and
quantified the amount of debris that is sufficient to cause the death of
juvenile green turtles. Additionally, we investigated the original use
of the ingested debris. We found that a surprisingly small amount of
debris was sufficient to block the digestive tract and cause death. We
suggested that debris ingestion has a high death potential that may be
masked by other causes of death. An expressive part of the ingested
debris come from disposable and short-lived products.
Keywords: Anthropogenic debris; Chelonia mydas; Debris ingestion;
Garbage; Green turtle; Plastic debris

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Ghost fishing nets in Xixová-Japuí State Park

guenther — Wed, 31 Dec 2014 16:41:07 +0000

http://bluelinesystem.blogspot.com/2014/10/redes-de-pesca-fantasma-no-parque.html

SEXTA-FEIRA, 17 DE OUTUBRO DE 2014

Ghost fishing nets in Xixová-Japuí State Park

Xixová-Japuí State Park (XJSP), that has 3,48 square mile, is located on
the west side of Santos Bay, in São Vicente, SP, and, even being a
Protect Area, don't escape of dangers caused by lost net fishings. Many
of them ? that coming adrift -, or even those set illegally, are removed
by manager, Paulo Menna, and the contributors of XJSP in a constant work.

Clandestines net fishings are usually set at night, since the place is a
fishing exclusion area. Most presents a medium to high weariness stage,
still with fishes, turtles and others foulings, but net fishings with
little use are also found. All of them are collected and stored in safe
place, waiting for recycling.

In interview with Paulo Menna he said more about the work realized in
Xixová-Japuí State Park.

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Solid waste in mangrove in the Potengi River (Natal, RN, Brazil): relation to the location and uses

guenther — Wed, 31 Dec 2014 15:32:04 +0000

http://www.aprh.pt/rgci/rgci451.html

Pedro Henrique P. Belarmino, Sarah Mariana da Silva, Marie-Christine
Rufener, Maria Christina B. de Araújo
Solid waste in mangrove in the Potengi River (Natal, RN, Brazil):
relation to the location and uses
Journal of Integrated Coastal Zone Management, 14(3):447-457 (2014)
DOI: 10.5894/rgci451

ABSTRACT
Mangroves are one of the most important ecosystems on Earth; however,
its potential is affected by intense human activities and urban sprawl.
The increase of the populations in localities near the coast has been
pressing this and other natural biological systems. One of the main
impacts on mangroves is solid waste disposal from anthropogenic origin.
Studies on the impact of solid waste in coastal regions are quite
widespread and well known, but are generally made with a focus on the
beaches or in the marine environment, while research on mangroves are
quite scarce. The estuary of Potengi river (Natal-RN) has a great
environmental and socio-economic importance; in its mangroves, about
1,200 families survive by collecting crustacean and shellfish. According
to local studies, the estuary is affected by intense changes that
occurred during the last century, mainly due to disorderly growth of
Natal city. The objective of this work was to carry out an assessment of
solid waste pollution in two mangrove areas associated with the estuary
of the Potengi River, establishing its relationship with the location
and levels of use and exploitation of these areas. A diagnosis of the
areas was carried out through monthly observation, to determine their
main characteristics and types of use. For a detailed survey of the main
uses were made contacts and informal interviews with local residents,
fishermen, tourists, traders and government agencies. For evaluation of
solid waste were demarcated three transects of 50m2 each in each area.
Samples were taken monthly for 06 months (three of the rainy season:
May, June and July, and three of the dry season: September, October and
November); the abundance and location in the environment (sediment or
suspended), were analyzed. The classification according to the
constitution (plastic, metal, glass, paper, wood, fabric and organic)
and when possible, their most likely source (local users, domestic,
mixed and fishing) also were determined. The areas showed environmental
characteristics and use completely different. In the Area 1 the access
is difficult because it is done through a dirt road that enters a very
narrow trail bordered by thick vegetation and with erosion process. The
mangrove presents good condition, with vegetation preserved and used
only by locals. In the Area 2 there is only a narrow strip of mangrove
totally limited in their faces west and south by urban structures.
Besides the paved lanes that allow the arrival to the area, providing
parking and stalls for selling crafts and food, the place has an access
that was opened with the removal of mangroves, and built on a high rock
allowing the arrival of hundreds of tourists to Reis Magos Fort. In the
six months of sampling, was recorded a total of 1,381 items of solid
waste, 77 for Area 1 and 1304 for Area 2. Area 2 had approximately 17
times more items than Area 1, however, in both areas, the most frequent
category of litter was plastic. Also, in both areas, litter on the
sediment was majority. In the area 1 the predominant source was mixed
contributing 49% of the total items, while in area 2, 57% of the
residues identified, probably originated in the local users. The large
amount of residues found in the area 2, demonstrates that the area needs
planning and infrastructure to receive tourists, with the installation
of bins for collect solid wastes in sufficient quantities and
environmental education with tradespeople, users and tour guides.

Keywords: Environmental pollution; rivers; plastics; environmental
monitoring.

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How marine debris ingestion differs among megafauna species in a tropical coastal area

guenther — Wed, 31 Dec 2014 15:15:06 +0000

Ana Paula Madeira Di Beneditto, Danielle Rodrigues Awabdi, How marine
debris ingestion differs among megafauna species in a tropical coastal
area, Marine Pollution Bulletin, Volume 88, Issues 1?2, 15 November
2014, Pages 86-90, ISSN 0025-326X,
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2014.09.020.
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X14006134)
Abstract: The marine debris ingested by megafauna species (Trichiurus
lepturus, Chelonia mydas, Pontoporia blainvillei, and Sotalia
guianensis) was recorded in a coastal area of southeastern Brazil
(21?23°S). Marine debris was recorded in all species, mainly consisting
of plastic material (flexible and hard plastics ? clear, white, and
colored- and nylon filaments). The ?pelagic predators? T. lepturus and
S. guianesis showed the lowest percent frequencies of debris ingestion
(0.7% and 1.3%, respectively), followed by the ?benthic predator? P.
blainvillei (15.7%) and the ?benthic herbivorous C. mydas (59.2%). The
debris found in C. mydas stomachs was opportunistically ingested during
feeding activities on local macroalgal banks. In the study area, the
benthic environment accumulates more anthropogenic debris than the
pelagic environment, and benthic/demersal feeders are more susceptible
to encounters and ingestion. The sub-lethal effects observed in C.
mydas, such as intestinal obstruction due to hardened fecal material,
should be considered a local conservation concern.
Keywords: Marine debris; Megafauna; Fish; Turtle; Dolphins; Brazilian
coastal area

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