Garbage Patches and Their Environmental Implications in a Plastisphere
19 Nov 2021-Journal of Marine Science and Engineering (Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute)-Vol. 9, Iss: 11, pp 1289
TL;DR: In this article, the authors report on the increases in the sizes of garbage patches, and their environmental implications, outlining the dimensions of what is a growing problem connected with the "plastisphere".
Abstract: This Communication reports on the increases in the sizes of garbage patches, and their environmental implications, outlining the dimensions of what is a growing problem connected with the “plastisphere”. The paper presents some data on the distribution of garbage patches in the world’s oceans and makes some predictions on future growth, which is partly associated with the future increases in worldwide plastics production. The findings demonstrate that the size of the main garbage patches is increasing, posing a threat to the environment and marine life. The paper urges for better plastic waste management to prevent it from reaching the oceans, along with concerted actions in respect of plastic collection and cleaning up the oceans, which may include new technological solutions.
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TL;DR: In this article , the authors examined pressures put to rivers and explored trends related to riverine plastic pollution, with a focus on Asia, and pointed out the fact that there are still significant gaps in respect of regulations and standards.
Abstract: Rivers are important ecosystems, vital to the livelihoods of hundreds of millions of humans and other species. Despite their environmental, social, and economic importance, current use of rivers is unsustainable, due to a combination of solid waste and high levels of pollutants. Plastic materials are among the most predominant of such pollutants. Based on the need for additional research in this area, this study examines pressures put to rivers and explores trends related to riverine plastic pollution, with a focus on Asia. Apart from the bibliometric analysis, and relying on the collected information, examples describing the drivers of riverine plastic pollution in a sample of Asian countries are described, outlining the specific problem and its scope. Among some of the results obtained from it, mention can be made to the fact that much of the literature focuses on plastic pollution as a whole and less on one of its most significant ramifications, namely microplastics. Additionally, there is a need related to data availability on riverine plastic data and improving the understanding of transport mechanisms in relation to riverine plastic emission into the ocean. The results from this study illustrate the significance of the problems posed by plastic waste to Asian rivers and point out the fact that there are still significant gaps in respect of regulations and standards, which prevent improvements that are highlighted in this study. Based on the results of this bibliometric assessment, specific measures via which levels of riverine plastic pollution may be reduced are presented, bringing relevant new insights on this topic beyond the existing reviews.
6 citations
TL;DR: In this paper , the influence of different ratios of cellulose micro/nanofibrils (MFC/NFC) on the properties of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) films was evaluated.
Abstract: Abstract The accumulation of petroleum products causes damage to ecosystems, which can be avoided with cellulose-based products. The influence of different ratios of cellulose micro/nanofibrils (MFC/NFC) on the properties of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) films was evaluated. Films were prepared using proportions of 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 % (w/w) of MFC/NFC from Pinus sp. in relation to HPMC. Physical, barrier, surface, optical, morphological and mechanical properties were evaluated. Solids content, basis weight and density values increased with higher amount of MFC/NFC and thickness and porosity were reduced. SEM images showed that films with more than 50 % MFC/NFC had a more granular surface, which decreased transparency from 80 to 65 %. Water vapor penetration did not differ between films and degradation in water was reduced from 40 to 5 % with MFC/NFC addition. There were no differences in contact angle and wettability, but all films showed high resistance to fat penetration. Films with MFC/NFC content between 75 and 100 % showed higher values for tensile strength (50 to 65 MPa) and Young’s modulus (6 to 10 MPa) and lower elongation at break (1 to 2 %). The experimental results indicated that films with MFC/NFC content above 50 % have potential to be used as packaging material.
6 citations
TL;DR: The 14th horizon scan of issues expected to influence biological conservation in the future is presented in this article , where a global panel of 30 scientists and practitioners identified 15 issues they consider most urgent for societies worldwide to address.
Abstract:
Abstract
We present the results of our 14th horizon scan of issues we expect to influence biological conservation in the future. From an initial set of 102 topics, our global panel of 30 scientists and practitioners identified 15 issues we consider most urgent for societies worldwide to address. Issues are novel within biological conservation or represent a substantial positive or negative step change at global or regional scales. Issues such as submerged artificial light fisheries and accelerating upper ocean currents could have profound negative impacts on marine or coastal ecosystems. We also identified potentially positive technological advances, including energy production and storage, improved fertilisation methods, and expansion of biodegradable materials. If effectively managed, these technologies could realise future benefits for biological diversity.5 citations
TL;DR: In this article , a total of 124 microplastic particles were observed, where 72 % were fibers and 28 % particles, mostly of blue color (85 %), and with rayon and nylon as the most abundant polymers.
2 citations
23 Jan 2023
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors report the use of the prominent reasoned action approach for exploring the key socio-cognitive determinants of individuals' litter prevention intentions in Ghana, and find attitudes (β = 0.35, SE =0.014, p < 0.001) and moral norms as the most influencing determinants to individual intentions in the original and extended models, respectively.
Abstract: Abstract Implementing litter prevention strategies is essential for cities of developing countries, especially due to the prevailing high incidence of littering and the urgent need to realize the adverse per capita environmental impact target of the sustainable development goals. In this article, we report the use of the prominent reasoned action approach ––in its original state and in an extended model with moral norms–– for exploring the key socio-cognitive determinants of individuals’ litter prevention intentions in Ghana. By analyzing the valid answers of 447 participants to a structured questionnaire on litter prevention, we found attitudes (β = 0.35, SE = 0.014, p < 0.001) and moral norms (β = 0.57, SE = 0.099, p < 0.001) as the most influencing determinants to individual intentions in the original and the extended models, respectively. The analysis suggests that individuals will stop littering their environments through the implementation of eco-friendly interventions aimed at eliciting self-responsibility and moral obligation. Campaigns targeted at demonstrating the effects of littering on drain blockage, flooding, and disease outbreaks may improve individual litter prevention attitudes. Installing waste receptacles in public spaces along with persuasive messages may also facilitate individual antilittering intentions. Apart from contributing to the implementation of a litter management strategy to reduce the flood risk and enhance the resilience of the Greater Accra region of Ghana, this research helps to close the literature gaps in litter prevention behavior, as well as support the modernization of the municipal solid waste management systems in developing countries.
References
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TL;DR: The total number of plastic particles and their weight floating in the world's oceans is estimated from 24 expeditions across all five sub-tropical gyres, costal Australia, Bay of Bengal and the Mediterranean Sea conducting surface net tows and visual survey transects of large plastic debris.
Abstract: Plastic pollution is ubiquitous throughout the marine environment, yet estimates of the global abundance and weight of floating plastics have lacked data, particularly from the Southern Hemisphere and remote regions. Here we report an estimate of the total number of plastic particles and their weight floating in the world’s oceans from 24 expeditions (2007–2013) across all five sub-tropical gyres, costal Australia, Bay of Bengal and the Mediterranean Sea conducting surface net tows (N5680) and visual survey transects of large plastic debris (N5891). Using an oceanographic model of floating debris dispersal calibrated by our data, and correcting for wind-driven vertical mixing, we estimate a minimum of 5.25 trillion particles weighing 268,940 tons. When comparing between four size classes, two microplastic ,4.75 mm and meso- and macroplastic .4.75 mm, a tremendous loss of microplastics is observed from the sea surface compared to expected rates of fragmentation, suggesting there are mechanisms at play that remove ,4.75 mm plastic particles from the ocean surface.
3,091 citations
TL;DR: Results from 22 years of plankton tows in the North Atlantic showed the pattern of plastics accumulation was indeed as predicted by theories of ocean circulation, but, despite the steady increase in plastic production and disposal, the concentration of plastic debris had not increased and no trend in plastic concentration was observed in the region of highest accumulation.
Abstract: Plastic marine pollution is a major environmental concern, yet a quantitative description of the scope of this problem in the open ocean is lacking. Here, we present a time series of plastic content at the surface of the western North Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea from 1986 to 2008. More than 60% of 6136 surface plankton net tows collected buoyant plastic pieces, typically millimeters in size. The highest concentration of plastic debris was observed in subtropical latitudes and associated with the observed large-scale convergence in surface currents predicted by Ekman dynamics. Despite a rapid increase in plastic production and disposal during this time period, no trend in plastic concentration was observed in the region of highest accumulation.
1,074 citations
TL;DR: A major ocean plastic accumulation zone formed in subtropical waters between California and Hawaii: The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is characterised and quantified, suggesting that ocean plastic pollution within the GPGP is increasing exponentially and at a faster rate than in surrounding waters.
Abstract: Ocean plastic can persist in sea surface waters, eventually accumulating in remote areas of the world’s oceans. Here we characterise and quantify a major ocean plastic accumulation zone formed in subtropical waters between California and Hawaii: The Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP). Our model, calibrated with data from multi-vessel and aircraft surveys, predicted at least 79 (45–129) thousand tonnes of ocean plastic are floating inside an area of 1.6 million km2; a figure four to sixteen times higher than previously reported. We explain this difference through the use of more robust methods to quantify larger debris. Over three-quarters of the GPGP mass was carried by debris larger than 5 cm and at least 46% was comprised of fishing nets. Microplastics accounted for 8% of the total mass but 94% of the estimated 1.8 (1.1–3.6) trillion pieces floating in the area. Plastic collected during our study has specific characteristics such as small surface-to-volume ratio, indicating that only certain types of debris have the capacity to persist and accumulate at the surface of the GPGP. Finally, our results suggest that ocean plastic pollution within the GPGP is increasing exponentially and at a faster rate than in surrounding waters.
959 citations
TL;DR: This Review provides an overview of the microbial ecology of the plastisphere in the context of its diversity and function, as well as suggesting areas for further research.
Abstract: The plastisphere, which comprises the microbial community on plastic debris, rivals that of the built environment in spanning multiple biomes on Earth. Although human-derived debris has been entering the ocean for thousands of years, microplastics now numerically dominate marine debris and are primarily colonized by microbial and other microscopic life. The realization that this novel substrate in the marine environment can facilitate microbial dispersal and affect all aquatic ecosystems has intensified interest in the microbial ecology and evolution of this biotope. Whether a ‘core’ plastisphere community exists that is specific to plastic is currently a topic of intense investigation. This Review provides an overview of the microbial ecology of the plastisphere in the context of its diversity and function, as well as suggesting areas for further research.
532 citations
TL;DR: A transect through the South Pacific subtropical gyre carried out in March-April 2011 bisected a predicted accumulation zone associated with the convergence of surface currents, driven by local winds, showing an increase in surface abundance of plastic pollution as the authors neared the center and decrease as they moved away, verifying the presence of a garbage patch.
486 citations