research 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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Recovery of salt marsh vegetation after removal of storm-deposited anthropogenic debris

guenther — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 19:25:48 +0000

Kaitlin M. Ehl, Steve M. Raciti, Jason D. Williams, Recovery of salt
marsh vegetation after removal of storm-deposited anthropogenic debris:
Lessons from volunteer clean-up efforts in Long Beach, NY, Marine
Pollution Bulletin, Volume 117, Issues 1–2, 15 April 2017, Pages
436-447, ISSN 0025-326X, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.01.086.
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X17301157)
Abstract: Abstract
Recovery of vegetation on a Long Island, NY salt marsh was investigated
after the removal of hurricane-deposited large wooden debris through
managed clean-ups involving volunteers. Two years after the removal of
the debris, vegetation cover and species composition were not
significantly different from controls. There was no significant
difference in vegetation recovery among fall and spring debris removal
treatments. Initial vegetation cover of the experimental and control
plots was 95.8% and 1.2%, respectively; after two growing seasons cover
was 78.7% and 71.2%, respectively. The effects of trampling by
volunteers during debris removal were monitored and after one growing
season, trails used during a single clean-up effort had a mean
vegetation cover of 67% whereas those that were used during multiple
clean-up efforts had only 30% cover. We use the results of this study to
offer guidance for organizing effective salt marsh clean-up efforts.
Keywords: Clean-ups; Distichlis; Marine debris; New York; Salt marsh
vegetation; Spartina

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Marine debris in five national parks in Alaska

guenther — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 19:21:32 +0000

L. Polasek, J. Bering, H. Kim, P. Neitlich, B. Pister, M. Terwilliger,
K. Nicolato, C. Turner, T. Jones, Marine debris in five national parks
in Alaska, Marine Pollution Bulletin, Volume 117, Issues 1–2, 15 April
2017, Pages 371-379, ISSN 0025-326X,
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.01.085.
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X17301133)
Abstract: Abstract
Marine debris is a management issue with ecological and recreational
impacts for agencies, especially on remote beaches not accessible by
road. This project was implemented to remove and document marine debris
from five coastal National Park Service units in Alaska. Approximately
80 km of coastline were cleaned with over 10,000 kg of debris collected.
Marine debris was found at all 28 beaches surveyed. Hard plastics were
found on every beach and foam was found at every beach except one.
Rope/netting was the next most commonly found category, present at 23
beaches. Overall, plastic contributed to 60% of the total weight of
debris. Rope/netting (14.6%) was a greater proportion of the weight from
all beaches than foam (13.3%). Non-ferrous metal contributed the
smallest amount of debris by weight (1.7%). The work forms a reference
condition dataset of debris surveyed in the Western Arctic and the Gulf
of Alaska within one season.
Keywords: Alaska; Marine debris; National Park Service

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Plastic litter in aquatic environments of Maremma Regional Park (Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy)

guenther — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 19:16:14 +0000

Cristiana Guerranti, Susanna Cannas, Costanza Scopetani, Paolo Fastelli,
Alessandra Cincinelli, Monia Renzi, Plastic litter in aquatic
environments of Maremma Regional Park (Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy):
Contribution by the Ombrone river and levels in marine sediments, Marine
Pollution Bulletin, Volume 117, Issues 1–2, 15 April 2017, Pages
366-370, ISSN 0025-326X, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.02.021.
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X17301364)
Abstract: Abstract
During two surveys in 2015 and 2016, sediments samples were collected
along the Ombrone river (Maremma Regional Park, province of Grosseto,
Italy), in particular at its mouth and in the marine area in front of
it, in order to quantify, identify and categorize plastic items (macro,
meso and micro-plastics and colour, material etc.) and evaluate their
potential sources. The Albegna and Osa rivers were identified as
external areas of comparison. The results of the analysis showed
different situations, especially as regards fluvial inputs, in addition
to evidencing local provisions of plastic material derived from
agricultural activities. The microplastics values per kg of sediment and
the prevailing type of items found largely varied between the
investigated sites (45–1069 items/kg dry sample).
Keywords: Transitional environment; Human-impact; Albegna river; Osa
river; Marine Strategy Framework Directive; Microplastics

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Pollutant content in marine debris and characterization by thermal decomposition

guenther — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 19:10:48 +0000

M.E. Iñiguez, J.A. Conesa, A. Fullana, Pollutant content in marine
debris and characterization by thermal decomposition, Marine Pollution
Bulletin, Volume 117, Issues 1–2, 15 April 2017, Pages 359-365, ISSN
0025-326X, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.02.022.
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X17301376)
Abstract: Abstract
Marine debris (MDs) produces a wide variety of negative environmental,
economic, safety, health and cultural impacts. Most marine litter has a
very low decomposition rate (plastics), leading to a gradual
accumulation in the coastal and marine environment. Characterization of
the MDs has been done in terms of their pollutant content: PAHs, ClBzs,
ClPhs, BrPhs, PCDD/Fs and PCBs. The results show that MDs is not a very
contaminated waste. Also, thermal decomposition of MDs materials has
been studied in a thermobalance at different atmospheres and heating
rates. Below 400–500 K, the atmosphere does not affect the thermal
degradation of the mentioned waste. However, at temperatures between 500
and 800 K the presence of oxygen accelerates the decomposition. Also, a
kinetic model is proposed for the combustion of the MDs, and the
decomposition is compared with that of their main constituents, i.e.,
polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), nylon and
polyethylene-terephthalate (PET).
Keywords: Marine debris; Pollutants; Kinetic; Combustion; Decomposition

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Assessment of marine debris on the coastal wetland of Martil in the North-East of Morocco

guenther — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 19:06:41 +0000

Adel Alshawafi, Mohamed Analla, Ebrahim Alwashali, Mustapha Aksissou,
Assessment of marine debris on the coastal wetland of Martil in the
North-East of Morocco, Marine Pollution Bulletin, Volume 117, Issues
1–2, 15 April 2017, Pages 302-310, ISSN 0025-326X,
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.01.079.
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X17301078)
Abstract: Abstract
Plastic waste at the coastal wetland in Martil beach in the North-East
of Morocco is one of the problems that have appeared recently. This
study aims to characterize the marine debris in the coast of Martil
during the year 2015. The sampling is seasonally by type and size. The
result shows, for the macro debris, the abundance of plastic (57%),
lumber and paper (21.93%), cloth and fabric (7.8%), glass (5.42%), metal
(4.40%), and rubber (3.4%). Micro debris is also present in the area in
several forms such as wood, plants, and others by 75,63%. This was
followed by the foam (26,95%), line (7,8%), and the film (1,23%). The
seasonal variation (S1: January–March and S3: July to September) are the
most polluted months of the year. The sources of marine debris are
mainly tourism (beach users), land (run off), and commercial fishing in
the four seasons of the year.
Keywords: Plastic waste; Biodegradation; Marine pollution; Martil; Morocco

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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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The RADMED monitoring programme as a tool for MSFD implementation: towards an ecosystem-based approach

guenther — Wed, 11 May 2016 19:37:09 +0000

http://www.ocean-sci.net/11/897/2015/

López-Jurado, J. L., Balbín, R., Alemany, F., Amengual, B.,
Aparicio-González, A., Fernández de Puelles, M. L., García-Martínez, M.
C., Gazá, M., Jansá, J., Morillas-Kieffer, A., Moyá, F., Santiago, R.,
Serra, M., and Vargas-Yáñez, M.: The RADMED monitoring programme as a
tool for MSFD implementation: towards an ecosystem-based approach, Ocean
Sci., 11, 897-908, doi:10.5194/os-11-897-2015, 2015.

Abstract. In the western Mediterranean Sea, the RADMED monitoring
programme is already conducting several of the evaluations required
under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MFSD) along the Spanish
Mediterranean coast. The different aspects of the ecosystem that are
regularly sampled under this monitoring programme are the physical
environment and the chemical and biological variables of the water
column, together with the planktonic communities, biomass and structure.
Moreover, determinations of some anthropogenic stressors on the marine
environment, such as contaminants and microplastics, are under development.

Data are managed and stored at the Instituto Español de Oceanografía
(IEO) Data Centre that works under the SeaDataNet infrastructure, and
are also stored in the IBAMar database. In combination with remote
sensing data, they are used to address open questions on the ecosystems
in the western Mediterranean Sea.

Please read the corrigendum first before accessing the article.

http://www.ocean-sci.net/11/897/2015/os-11-897-2015-corrigendum.pdf

http://www.ocean-sci.net/11/897/2015/os-11-897-2015.pdf

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Passive buoyant tracers in the ocean surface boundary layer: 2. Observations and simulations of microplastic marine debris,

guenther — Wed, 11 May 2016 19:33:53 +0000

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/2015JC010840/full

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/wol1/doi/10.1002/2015JC010840/abstract

Brunner, K., T. Kukulka, G. Proskurowski, and K. L. Law (2015), Passive
buoyant tracers in the ocean surface boundary layer: 2. Observations and
simulations of microplastic marine debris, J. Geophys. Res. Oceans, 120,
7559–7573, doi:10.1002/2015JC010840.

Abstract
This paper is the second of a two-part series that investigates passive
buoyant tracers in the ocean surface boundary layer (OSBL). The first
part examines the influence of equilibrium wind-waves on vertical tracer
distributions, based on large eddy simulations (LESs) of the
wave-averaged Navier-Stokes equation. Motivated by observations of
buoyant microplastic marine debris (MPMD), this study applies the LES
model and the parametric one-dimensional column model from part one to
examine the vertical distributions of MPMD. MPMD is widely distributed
in vast regions of the subtropical gyres and has emerged as a major open
ocean pollutant whose distribution is subject to upper ocean turbulence.
The models capture shear-driven turbulence, Langmuir turbulence (LT),
and enhanced turbulent kinetic energy input due to breaking waves (BWs).
Model results are only consistent with observations of MPMD profiles and
the relationship between surface concentrations and wind speed if LT
effects are included. Neither BW nor shear-driven turbulence is capable
of deeply submerging MPMD, suggesting that the observed vertical MPMD
distributions are a characteristic signature of wave-driven LT. Thus,
this study demonstrates that LT substantially increases turbulent
transport in the OSBL, resulting in deep submergence of buoyant tracers.
The parametric model is applied to 11 years of observations in the North
Atlantic and North Pacific subtropical gyres to show that surface
measurements substantially underestimate MPMD concentrations by a factor
of 3–13.

Keywords:
marine debris; Langmuir turbulence; microplastic; ocean surface boundary
layer; breaking waves

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