Plastics in the Anthropocene

Andrady, Anthony L.

doi:10.1002/9781119768432.ch1

Cited by 4 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 177 publications

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“…Secondly, plastic and microplastic pollution inputs into the ocean is increasing in the Plasticene [32,80,[106][107][108][109]. The increase in these anthropogenic particles will inevitably lead to microplastics accumulation in ecosystems, whether it will be a marine ecosystem accessible to researchers and the public, or deep-sea ecosystems that are not commonly sampled.…”

Section: Plos Onementioning

confidence: 99%

Modelling microplastic bioaccumulation and biomagnification potential in the Galápagos penguin ecosystem using Ecopath and Ecosim (EwE) with Ecotracer

McMullen,

Vargas,

Calle

et al. 2024

PLoS ONE

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Bioaccumulation and biomagnification of anthropogenic particles are crucial factors in assessing microplastic impacts to marine ecosystems. Microplastic pollution poses a significant threat to iconic and often endangered species but examining their tissues and gut contents for contaminant analysis via lethal sampling is challenging due to ethical concerns and animal care restrictions. Incorporating empirical data from prey items and fecal matter into models can help trace microplastic movement through food webs. In this study, the Galápagos penguin food web served as an indicator species to assess microplastic bioaccumulation and biomagnification potential using trophodynamic Ecopath with Ecosim (EwE) modelling with Ecotracer. Empirical data collected from surface seawater near Galápagos penguin colonies, zooplankton, penguin prey, and penguin scat in October 2021 were used to inform the ecosystem model. Multiple scenarios, including a 99% elimination rate, were employed to assess model sensitivity. Model predictions revealed that microplastics can bioaccumulate in all predator-prey relationships, but biomagnification is highly dependent on the elimination rate. It establishes the need for more research into elimination rates of different plastics, which is a critical missing gap in current microplastic ecotoxicological and bioaccumulation science. Compared to empirical data, modelling efforts underpredicted microplastic concentrations in zooplankton and over-predicted concentrations in fish. Ultimately, the ecosystem modelling provides novel insights into potential microplastics’ bioaccumulation and biomagnification risks. These findings can support regional marine plastic pollution management efforts to conserve native and endemic species of the Galápagos Islands and the Galápagos Marine Reserve.

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Section: Plos Onementioning

confidence: 99%

Modelling microplastic bioaccumulation and biomagnification potential in the Galápagos penguin ecosystem using Ecopath and Ecosim (EwE) with Ecotracer

McMullen,

Vargas,

Calle

et al. 2024

PLoS ONE

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“…According to Poerio et al (2019), DMs are the most effective way to remove low-density microparticles [33]. According to Sol et al (2020), the foremost drawback of this technology is obstruction of the filter, brought on by cake development, massive energy consumption, fouling of membrane, and/or management of waste [34,35]. Currently, the most effective technology for MP cleanup is MBR.…”

Section: Physical Technologiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Microplastics in Aquatic and Food Ecosystems: Remediation Coupled with Circular Economy Solutions to Create Resource from Waste

Dhiman,

Sharma,

Kumar

et al. 2023

Sustainability

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Microplastics (MPs) less than 5 mm in dimension are progressively becoming persistent in aquatic and food ecosystems and are a global concern. Microbeads (less than 1 mm) used in household cleaners, cosmetics, and apparel washing are the primary source, followed by secondary sources including broken-down plastic litter and waste. They are ingested by a range of aquatic animals, including zooplankton, crustaceans, and fish, and can enter human food chains in a variety of manners. Thus, microplastic pollution poses a detrimental effect on the overall ecological balance, including the aquatic ecosystem, food safety, and human health. Strategies such as microbial enzymes/biofilms and nanotechnology-based solutions to MPs biodegradation, the usage of substitute materials such as biodegradable plastics, and source reduction could be employed to mitigate microplastic pollution. In addition, the implementation of plastic waste into the circular economy, for example by applying the reduce, recycle, and reuse approach, could potentially serve as a sustainable solution to abate the adverse effects of plastics. Thus, plastic waste could contribute to a sustainable circular and climate-neutral economy as a result of its durability and recyclability. This review presents a comprehensive report on microplastic management and transformation strategies, reflecting bioremediation coupled with circular economy-based solutions to microplastic pollution. It also highlights future recommendations to stakeholders and for governmental policies for the reduction of plastic pollution by potentially utilizing plastic waste in a circular economy to generate wealth from waste. Overall, this article provides an exhaustive and essential overview of microplastic treatment procedures and their role in the circular economy, where plastic waste generated by aquatic and food-based ecosystems might possibly be managed and re-utilized.

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“…MPs, defined as smaller than 5 mm in diameter [2], are ubiquitous in marine environment globally [3]- [6] and marine plastics pollution is an urgent environmental matter [7]. MPs are entering coastlines and transported in the ocean [8] either from direct input or from the breakdown of macro debris through different mechanisms [9]. Widespread dispersal of MPs makes their accumulation in the ocean "poorly reversible" and readily available for exposure due to MPs' large range of size and, as a result, have concrete geophysical, biological, and societal impacts [10].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…NOAA marine MPs database [18] presents global MPs concentration change between 1972 and today. Multiple factors can be correlated to this increase, such as the increase in plastic production and release to the environment as a consequence of a growing world population [9].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Unmanned Vehicle and Hyperspectral Imager for a More Rapid Microplastics Sampling and Analysis

Deschênes,

Zolich,

Wagner

et al. 2023

OCEANS 2023 - MTS/IEEE U.S. Gulf Coast

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In this paper, we present a proof-of-concept study aiming to improve the sampling and analysis of microplastics (MPs) by implementing a novel methodology combining an autonomous surface vehicle and a near-infrared hyperspectral imager (HSI). The field study was conducted from the 2 nd to the 5 th of August 2022 at Runde -a well-known bird preservation island on the Western coast of Norway. Over 35 samples from two different locations (Exposed (A) and Sheltered (B)), MPs concentration was at its highest (0.511 MPs/m 3 ) in location A. During the four days of sampling, at least 25 % of the data did not detect any MPs (0 MPs/m 3 ). Thus, we showcase an easy repeatable method towards the assessment of high variable MPs concentration using a Portable Catamaran Drones (PCD) and a near-infrared hyperspectral imager (HSI). The results from HSI were compared against Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier-Transform infrared (ATR-FTIR). No significant difference (P > 0.05) found at location A indicated that both instruments can provide accurate MPs concentration. A potential future correlation between MPs concentration and Key Environmental Variables (KEVs) could help to contribute to the modeling and policymaking world.

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Plastics in the Anthropocene

Cited by 4 publications

References 177 publications

Modelling microplastic bioaccumulation and biomagnification potential in the Galápagos penguin ecosystem using Ecopath and Ecosim (EwE) with Ecotracer

Modelling microplastic bioaccumulation and biomagnification potential in the Galápagos penguin ecosystem using Ecopath and Ecosim (EwE) with Ecotracer

Microplastics in Aquatic and Food Ecosystems: Remediation Coupled with Circular Economy Solutions to Create Resource from Waste

Unmanned Vehicle and Hyperspectral Imager for a More Rapid Microplastics Sampling and Analysis

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