Microplastics in freshwater river sediments in Shanghai, China: A case study of risk assessment in mega-cities,

Environmental Pollution, Volume 234, 2018, Pages 448-456, ISSN 0269-7491,

Abstract:

Microplastics, which are plastic debris with a particle diameter of less than 5 mm, have attracted growing attention in recent years. Its widespread distributions in a variety of habitats have urged scientists to understand deeper regarding their potential impact on the marine living resources.
Most studies on microplastics hitherto are focused on the marine environment, and research on risk assessment
methodology is still limited. To understand the distribution of microplastics in urban rivers, this study investigated river sediments in Shanghai, the largest urban area in China.
Seven sites were sampled to ensure maximum coverage of the city’s central districts, and a tidal flat was also included to compare with river samples. Density separation, microscopic inspection and μ-FT-IR analysis were conducted to analyze the characteristics of microplastics and the type of polymers.
The average abundance of microplastics in six river sediment samples was 802 items per kilogram of dry weight. The abundance in rivers was one to two orders of magnitude higher than in the tidal flat. White microplastic spheres were most commonly distributed in river sediments. Seven types of microplastics were identified, of which
polypropylene was the most prevailing polymers presented.
The study then conducted risk assessment of microplastics in sediments based on the observed results, and proposed a framework of environmental risk assessment. After reviewing waste disposal related legislation and
regulations in China, this study conclude that in situ data and legitimate estimations should be incorporated as part of the practice when developing environmental policies aiming to tackle microplastic pollution.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1KQy0_3mV4Bi0ymswMoWZlEvJXpycyjAy
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2017.11.034.

(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0269749117332797)

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Seasonal patterns of floating macro-litter across the Western Mediterranean Sea: a potential threat for cetacean species

Rend. Fis. Acc. Lincei (2018)

Abstract

Marine litter is a major form of pollution in the Mediterranean, but despite legislative requirements, additional information is still needed to evaluate basin-scale amounts, trends, and potential threats for the biota, especially for Habitats Directive listed species, such as cetaceans.
Through repeated sampling of floating macro-litter along a fixed transect between Spain and Italy, this study provided detailed data within four marine sectors of the Western Mediterranean Sea, characterized by seasonal variability in oceanographic/ecological conditions and anthropogenic pressure.
Moreover, we identified the areas of major overlap between high density of plastic and cetacean sightings.
Litter was composed of plastic for more than 65%, with more diverse compositions occurring in the Balearic and Sardinian Sea compared to the semi-enclosed Bonifacio and Tyrrhenian sectors.
The average amount of macro-litter ranged between 1.9 and 2.8 items km−2 and reached the highest values in spring/summer in all basins, suggesting a relationship with the increasing of touristic and maritime activities, both in coastal and offshore waters. The Balearic and Bonifacio sectors showed higher amounts and larger accumulation areas for plastic, likely due to a combination of multiple sources and oceanographic processes influencing the distributional patterns. Cetacean sightings were recorded in all sectors with fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) and
striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) as the most frequent species.
The presence of cetaceans in areas with high densities of plastic emerged mostly during spring/summer in the Balearic and Bonifacio sectors, but other specific areas of potential exposure were identified, indicating the need for a dynamic definition of this threat.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1ZaNAhxyrAKVc3lae10HCYsfGLC4_GdnR
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12210-018-0680-0

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Environmental Pollution, Volume 235, 2018, Pages 1030-1034, ISSN 0269-7491,

Abstract:

With the large amount of attention being given to microplastics in the environment,
several researchers have begun to consider the fragmentation of plastics down
to lower scales (i.e., the sub-micrometer scale). The term “nanoplastics” is still under debate,
and different studies have set the upper size limit at either 1000 nm or
100 nm. The aim of the present work is to propose a definition of
nanoplastics, based on our recently published and unpublished research
definition of nanoplastics. We define nanoplastics as particles
unintentionally produced (i.e. from the degradation and the
manufacturing of the plastic objects) and presenting a colloidal
behavior, within the size range from 1 to 1000 nm.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=14vmSmEFzYW09KHagdBomf9KDQge7u4gG

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2018.01.024.(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0269749117337247)

The post Current opinion: What is a nanoplastic? appeared first on One Earth - One Ocean e. V..

Investigating microplastic trophic transfer in marine top predators,
Environmental Pollution, 2018, ISSN 0269-7491,

Abstract:

Microplastics are highly bioavailable to marine organisms, either through direct ingestion, or indirectly by trophic transfer from
contaminated prey. The latter has been observed for low-trophic level organisms in laboratory conditions, yet empirical evidence in high
trophic-level taxa is lacking. In natura studies face difficulties when dealing with contamination and differentiating between directly and
indirectly ingested microplastics. The ethical constraints of subjecting large organisms, such as marine mammals, to laboratory investigations hinder the resolution of these limitations. Here, these issues were resolved by analysing sub-samples of scat from captive grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) and whole digestive tracts of the wild-caught Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) they are fed upon. An enzymatic digestion protocol was employed to remove excess organic material and facilitate visual detection of synthetic particles without damaging them.
Polymer type was confirmed using Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Extensive contamination control measures were implemented throughout. Approximately half of scat subsamples (48%; n = 15) and a third of fish (32%; n = 10) contained 1–4 microplastics. Particles were mainly black, clear, red and blue in colour. Mean lengths were 1.5 mm and 2 mm in scats and fish respectively. Ethylene propylene was the most frequently detected polymer type in both. Our findings suggest trophic transfer represents an indirect, yet potentially major, pathway of microplastic ingestion for any species whose feeding ecology involves the consumption of whole prey, including humans.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0269749117343294/pdfft?md5=d32001ca555605d234108050d52b4f0d&pid=1-s2.0-S0269749117343294-main.pdf

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1vD0N5JAGw_ehwsWTR-OBq_MQRRFGzces
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2018.02.016.(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0269749117343294)

The post Investigating microplastic trophic transfer in marine top predators appeared first on One Earth - One Ocean e. V..

Current opinion: What is a nanoplastic?,
Environmental Pollution, Volume 235, 2018, Pages 1030-1034, ISSN 0269-7491,

Abstract:

With the large amount of attention being given to microplastics in the environment, several researchers have begun to
consider the fragmentation of plastics down to lower scales (i.e., the sub-micrometer scale). The term “nanoplastics” is still under debate,
and different studies have set the upper size limit at either 1000 nm or 100 nm.
The aim of the present work is to propose a definition of nanoplastics, based on our recently published and unpublished research
definition of nanoplastics. We define nanoplastics as particles unintentionally produced (i.e. from the degradation and the
manufacturing of the plastic objects) and presenting a colloidal behavior, within the size range from 1 to 1000 nm.

Keywords: Nanoplastics; Colloids; Nanomaterials; Environment; Pollution;
Characterization

https://drive.google.com/open?id=14vmSmEFzYW09KHagdBomf9KDQge7u4gG

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2018.01.024.(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0269749117337247)

The post Current opinion: What is a nanoplastic? appeared first on One Earth - One Ocean e. V..

Investigating microplastic trophic transfer in marine top predators,
Environmental Pollution, 2018, ISSN 0269-7491,

Abstract:

Microplastics are highly bioavailable to marine organisms, either through direct ingestion, or indirectly by trophic transfer from contaminated prey. The latter has been observed for low-trophic level organisms in laboratory conditions, yet empirical evidence in high trophic-level taxa is lacking. In natura studies face difficulties when dealing with contamination and differentiating between directly andindirectly ingested microplastics.

The ethical constraints of subjectinglarge organisms, such as marine mammals, to laboratory investigations hinder the resolution of these limitations. Here, these issues were resolved by analysing sub-samples of scat from captive grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) and whole digestive tracts of the wild-caughtAtlantic mackerel (Scomberscombrus) they are fed upon. An enzymaticdigestion protocol was employed to remove excess organic material andfacilitate visual detection of synthetic particles without damagingthem. Polymer type was confirmed using Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.
Extensive contamination control measures were implementedthroughout. Approximately half of scat subsamples (48%; n = 15) and a third of fish (32%; n = 10) contained 1–4 microplastics. Particles weremainly black, clear, red and blue in colour. Mean lengths were 1.5 mm and 2 mm in scats and fish respectively. Ethylene propylene was the most
frequently detected polymer type in both. Our findings suggest trophic transfer represents an indirect, yet potentially major, pathway ofmicroplastic ingestion for any species whose feeding ecology involves the consumption of whole prey, including
humans.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0269749117343294/pdfft?md5=d32001ca555605d234108050d52b4f0d&pid=1-s2.0-S0269749117343294-main.pdf

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1vD0N5JAGw_ehwsWTR-OBq_MQRRFGzces

The post Investigating microplastic trophic transfer in marine top predators appeared first on One Earth - One Ocean e. V..

Micro-plastic ingestion by waterbirds from contaminated wetlands in South Africa,

Marine Pollution Bulletin,Volume 126, 2018, Pages 330-333, ISSN 0025-326X,

Abstract:

Despite a large literature on the impacts of micro-plastic
pollution in marine ecosystems, very little research has focused on
these pollutants in freshwater ecosystems. Recently, however, a few
studies have demonstrated that micro-plastic pollutants are ingested by
freshwater taxa, including birds. To explore this potential
environmental threat in African freshwater systems we quantified
micro-plastic pollutants in the faeces and feather brushings of seven
southern African duck species. We analysed 283 faecal samples and 408
feather brushings, and found that 5% of faecal samples and 10% of
feather samples contained micro-plastic fibres. The presence and
abundance of micro-fibres differed between sampling sites, with
significantly higher amounts recorded for the site that received
effluent from a sewage treatment facility. Additionally, micro-fibre
presence differed across duck species, indicating that foraging
behaviour affects plastic ingestion. Our study confirms that African
freshwater ecosystems and the biodiversity they support are under threat
from micro-plastic contamination.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X17309773/pdfft?md5=22349905c39abfd10049e1654cf4bc5d&pid=1-s2.0-S0025326X17309773-main.pdf

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1bMtjfJEvk7s_hK8Lu-MQETqoDaFYY-lk

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.11.021.(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X17309773)

The post Micro-plastic ingestion by waterbirds from contaminated wetlands in South Africa appeared first on One Earth - One Ocean e. V..

Plastic ingestion by Scyliorhinus canicula trawl captured in the North Sea,

Marine Pollution Bulletin, Volume 130, May 2018, Pages 6-7, ISSN 0025-326X,

Abstract:

The ingestion of plastic debris by marine organisms has been documented
across a variety of taxa including; marine mammals, sea birds, sea
turtles and some fish species. Fewer reports have described ingestion by
sharks, in this study the gastrointestinal tracts of 20 small spotted
catsharks (Scyliorhinus canicula) trawl captured in the North Sea were
investigated. Macroplastics (>20 mm) were found in 2 individuals and
microplastic (<5 mm) was found in one other individual, this is the
first time that plastic ingestion has been reported in this species.
These observations suggest that gastrointestinal analysis of commonly
landed elasmobranch species is worthwhile, to further understanding on
the organisms and habitats impacted by plastic pollution.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1wJe0Z3VIUsV5iuFD5mdunWu_K8_YPfUH

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.03.001.(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X18301462)

The post Plastic ingestion by Scyliorhinus canicula trawl captured in the North Sea appeared first on One Earth - One Ocean e. V..

Marine Pollution Bulletin, Volume 126, 2018, Pages 330-333, ISSN 0025-326X,

Abstract:

Despite a large literature on the impacts of micro-plastic pollution in marine ecosystems, very little research has focused on
these pollutants in freshwater ecosystems. Recently, however, a few studies have demonstrated that micro-plastic pollutants are ingested by
freshwater taxa, including birds. To explore this potential environmental threat in African freshwater systems we quantified
micro-plastic pollutants in the faeces and feather brushings of seven southern African duck species.

We analysed 283 faecal samples and 408 feather brushings, and found that 5% of faecal samples and 10% of feather samples contained micro-plastic fibres. The presence and abundance of micro-fibres differed between sampling sites, with significantly higher amounts recorded for the site that received effluent from a sewage treatment facility. Additionally, micro-fibrepresence differed across duck species, indicating that foraging behaviour affects plastic ingestion. Our study confirms that African freshwater ecosystems and the biodiversity they support are under threat from micro-plastic contamination.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X17309773/pdfft?md5=22349905c39abfd10049e1654cf4bc5d&pid=1-s2.0-S0025326X17309773-main.pdf
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.11.021.(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X17309773)

The post Micro-plastic ingestion by waterbirds from contaminated wetlands in South Africa appeared first on One Earth - One Ocean e. V..

Plastic ingestion by Scyliorhinus canicula trawl captured in the North Sea

Marine Pollution Bulletin,
Volume 130, May 2018, Pages 6-7, ISSN 0025-326X

Abstract:

The ingestion of plastic debris by marine organisms has been documented across a variety of taxa including; marine mammals, sea birds, sea
turtles and some fish species. Fewer reports have described ingestion by sharks, in this study the gastrointestinal tracts of 20 small spotted
catsharks (Scyliorhinus canicula) trawl captured in the North Sea were investigated.

Macroplastics (>20 mm) were found in 2 individuals and microplastic (<5 mm) was found in one other individual, this is the
first time that plastic ingestion has been reported in this species.
These observations suggest that gastrointestinal analysis of commonly landed elasmobranch species is worthwhile, to further understanding on the organisms and habitats impacted by plastic pollution.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.03.001.(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X18301462)

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