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Marine Litter
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Marine Litter

A special issue of Journal of Marine Science and Engineering (ISSN 2077-1312).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2021) | Viewed by 25944

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Monia Renzi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri, 4, 34127 Trieste, Italy
Interests: marine ecology; transitional water ecosystems ecology; ecotoxicology; marine litter pollution; microplastics; nanoparticles pollution and ecological effects
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Cristiana Guerranti

E-Mail Website
Co-Guest Editor
Consorzio per lo Sviluppo dei Sistemi a Grande Interfase, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
Interests: endocrine disruptors; ecotoxicology; marine litter pollution; microplastics; food contamination; toxicity and environmental impacts of cosmetic and household products

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Marine litter represents a threat to marine ecosystems. Plastic debris is found worldwide. Its principal component and levels are projected to increase—in fact, the plastic fraction actually floating in marine oceans represents only 1% of the total amount of plastic globally produced to date. Mid-ocean gyres are only the tip of the iceberg concerning the plastic pollution problem in aquatic ecosystems. Large-sized floating plastics could impact marine species, but microplastics affect all environmental matrices from remote areas to deep oceans. The absorption of chemicals on plastic surfaces and microplastic translocation from the environment towards different levels of the trophic web have been recorded, and humans can be affected by microplastics exposure through seafoods. In the past decades, scientific knowledge has been significantly improved, but there remain big questions that are yet unanswered regarding microplastics and nanoplastics research fields. This Special Issue aims to fill some existing knowledge gaps, encouraging the submission of original research and reviews focusing on sources, transport routes, degradation processes, comparative analyses among plastic types, commercial polymers, and the optimization of principal methodological problems on the following topics:  

  • Sources, distribution pathways, and fate
  • Trophic webs
  • Ecotoxicological responses
  • Commercial tools and packaging
  • Impacts and risk assessment
  • Fisheries and aquaculture
  • Human health

Dr. Monia Renzi
Dr. Cristiana Guerranti
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • marine litter
  • marine strategy framework directive
  • microplastics
  • nanoplastics

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

3 pages, 165 KiB  
Editorial
Marine Litter
by Monia Renzi and Cristiana Guerranti
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2021, 9(6), 608; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse9060608 - 01 Jun 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1794
Abstract
This short editorial aims to present the content of, summarize and draw conclusions from the six articles published in the Special Issue “Marine Litter” [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Litter)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

16 pages, 2413 KiB  
Article
Impacts of Plastic-Made Packaging on Marine Key Species: Effects Following Water Acidification and Ecological Implications
by Manuela Piccardo, Francesca Provenza, Eleonora Grazioli, Serena Anselmi, Antonio Terlizzi and Monia Renzi
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2021, 9(4), 432; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse9040432 - 17 Apr 2021
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3020
Abstract
This study evaluates the impacts of 16 different leachates of plastic-made packaging on marine species of different trophic levels (bacteria, algae, echinoderms). Standard ecotoxicological endpoints (inhibition of bioluminescence, inhibition of growth, embryo-toxicity) and alterations of ecologically significant parameters (i.e., echinoderms’ body-size) were measured [...] Read more.
This study evaluates the impacts of 16 different leachates of plastic-made packaging on marine species of different trophic levels (bacteria, algae, echinoderms). Standard ecotoxicological endpoints (inhibition of bioluminescence, inhibition of growth, embryo-toxicity) and alterations of ecologically significant parameters (i.e., echinoderms’ body-size) were measured following exposure under different pH water conditions: marine standard (pH 8.1) and two increasingly acidic conditions (pH 7.8 and 7.5) in order to evaluate possible variations induced by ocean acidification. The results obtained in this study evidence that the tested doses are not able to significantly affect bacteria (Vibrio fischeri) and algae (Phaeodactylum tricornutum). On the contrary, Paracentrotus lividus larvae were significantly affected by several packaging types (13 out of 16) with meaningless differences between pH conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Litter)
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13 pages, 2143 KiB  
Article
Marine Litter on the Coast of the Algarve: Main Sources and Distribution Using a Modeling Approach
by Eloah Rosas, Flávio Martins and João Janeiro
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2021, 9(4), 412; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse9040412 - 13 Apr 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2622
Abstract
The accumulation of floating marine litter poses a serious threat to the global environment and the economy all over the world, particularly of coastal municipalities that rely on tourism and recreational activities. Data of marine litter is thus crucial, but is usually limited, [...] Read more.
The accumulation of floating marine litter poses a serious threat to the global environment and the economy all over the world, particularly of coastal municipalities that rely on tourism and recreational activities. Data of marine litter is thus crucial, but is usually limited, and can be complemented with modelling results. In this study, the operational modelling system of Algarve (SOMA) was combined with a Lagrangian particle-tracking model and blended with scarce litter monitoring data, to provide first insights into the distribution and accumulation of floating marine litter on the Algarve coast. Different meteo-oceanographic conditions, sources regions and wind drift behaviors were considered. Field data and model results show a considerable concentration of marine litter along the beaches and coastal regions. The model also suggests that oceanographic conditions and wind drift have a great influence on the transport and accumulation rate of the floating marine litter on the coast, with the highest rates of accumulation during the winter and the counter current period, concentrated mostly on the south-western coast of the Algarve. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Litter)
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18 pages, 5282 KiB  
Article
Perception of Citizens Regarding Marine Litter Impacts: Collaborative Methodologies in Island Fishing Communities of Cape Verde
by José C. Ferreira, Renato Monteiro, Lia Vasconcelos, Cláudio M. Duarte, Filipa Ferreira and Euclides Santos
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2021, 9(3), 306; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse9030306 - 10 Mar 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4571
Abstract
Marine litter has been considered one of the most serious global challenges, requiring urgent action by governmental bodies, especially in African Small Island Developing States (SIDS), where resources and research are limited. In addition to this, waste management and environmental education and ocean [...] Read more.
Marine litter has been considered one of the most serious global challenges, requiring urgent action by governmental bodies, especially in African Small Island Developing States (SIDS), where resources and research are limited. In addition to this, waste management and environmental education and ocean literacy programs in schools are scarce, with islands suffering more seriously from these problems. Despite the amount of literature regarding causes and impacts of marine litter, there is still not enough research conducted concerning the public perceptions on both the problem and the potential solutions. This is even more noticeable in African developing countries, where resources and research are scarce. Perception plays a key role for ecosystem management and conservation policies. This study intends to explore the perceptions of local island fishing communities in Cape Verde regarding marine litter, in order to contribute for an improvement of marine ecosystem management and development of conservation policies. To achieve that, two participatory sessions were conducted in two communities in the island of Santiago—Porto Mosquito and Porto Gouveia—where brainstorming and active listening were used to create shared and authentic spaces for dialogue between the members of the community. Results show that the population of both communities were very aware of the marine litter problem. They were able to identify the lack of a proper waste management system in the island and the inappropriate behaviours of the population as the main causes of this problem. Equipment damages and the presence of plastic inside the fish were the most relevant impacts identified by the participants. These findings reinforce previous research on the importance of public engagement and environmental education to contribute to the conservation of marine ecosystems and to build a strong collaborative ocean governance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Litter)
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12 pages, 3538 KiB  
Article
A Survey of Marine Coastal Litters around Zhoushan Island, China and Their Impacts
by Xuehua Ma, Yi Zhou, Luyi Yang and Jianfeng Tong
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2021, 9(2), 183; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse9020183 - 10 Feb 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2668
Abstract
Rapid development of the economy increased marine litter around Zhoushan Island. Social-ecological scenario studies can help to develop strategies to adapt to such change. To investigate the present situation of marine litter pollution, a stratified random sampling (StRS) method was applied to survey [...] Read more.
Rapid development of the economy increased marine litter around Zhoushan Island. Social-ecological scenario studies can help to develop strategies to adapt to such change. To investigate the present situation of marine litter pollution, a stratified random sampling (StRS) method was applied to survey the distribution of marine coastal litters around Zhoushan Island. A univariate analysis of variance was conducted to access the amount of litter in different landforms that include mudflats, artificial and rocky beaches. In addition, two questionnaires were designed for local fishermen and tourists to provide social scenarios. The results showed that the distribution of litter in different landforms was significantly different, while the distribution of litter in different sampling points had no significant difference. The StRS survey showed to be a valuable method for giving a relative overview of beach litter around Zhoushan Island with less effort in a future survey. The questionnaire feedbacks helped to understand the source of marine litter and showed the impact on the local environment and economy. Based on the social-ecological scenarios, governance recommendations were provided in this paper. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Litter)
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14 pages, 2351 KiB  
Article
Microparticles in Table Salt: Levels and Chemical Composition of the Smallest Dimensional Fraction
by Monia Renzi, Eleonora Grazioli, Eleonora Bertacchini and Andrea Blašković
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2019, 7(9), 310; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse7090310 - 06 Sep 2019
Cited by 33 | Viewed by 4477
Abstract
This study evaluates the chemical composition of microplastic materials (MPs) and non-synthetic particles in different table salts of marine origin by the µFT-IR technique. This research focuses on the microparticles fraction within 10–150 µm of size. Eleven commercial trademarks coming from Italy (IT [...] Read more.
This study evaluates the chemical composition of microplastic materials (MPs) and non-synthetic particles in different table salts of marine origin by the µFT-IR technique. This research focuses on the microparticles fraction within 10–150 µm of size. Eleven commercial trademarks coming from Italy (IT = 6) and Croatia (CRO = 5) were grouped in two different cost ranges, cheap (n = 5) and expensive (n = 6) and were analysed in replicates (n = 3). Levels and chemical composition of microparticles measured in commercial products were correlated on a statistical basis to some factors of variability of potential scientific interest (geographical origin of marine salt, cost of commercial products, etc.). Results of analyses performed on the tested size fraction of microparticles (10–150 µm) evidence that: (i) levels of MPs are within 0.17–0.32 items/g (IT) and 0.07–0.20 items/g (CRO); (ii) non-synthetic particles detected are mostly made by fibres made of cellulose acetate; (iii) Nations show a different chemical composition of MPs recovered in analysed trademarks (PET and PVC from Italy; PA, PP, and nylon from Croatia); (iv) the annual amount ingested by humans from marine salt consumption ranges between 131.4–372.3 items/y (CRO) and 306.6–580.35 items/y (IT) considering a dose of 5 g of salt per day; (v) statistics performed on factors of interest evidenced that the geographical origin of marine salt do not affect neither levels nor chemical composition of MPs in tested trademarks; while slight correlations are recorded with non-synthetic particles. Further studies are needed to better explore on statistical basis if both levels and chemical composition of MPs in table salts of marine origin can be used or not as good indicators of marine pollution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Litter)
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Review

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12 pages, 676 KiB  
Review
Knowledge about Microplastic in Mediterranean Tributary River Ecosystems: Lack of Data and Research Needs on Such a Crucial Marine Pollution Source
by Cristiana Guerranti, Guido Perra, Tania Martellini, Luisa Giari and Alessandra Cincinelli
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2020, 8(3), 216; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse8030216 - 20 Mar 2020
Cited by 29 | Viewed by 4815
Abstract
Plastic debris occurring in freshwater environments, which can either come from the surrounding terrestrial areas or transported from upstream, has been identified as one of the main sources and routes of plastic pollution in marine systems. The ocean is the final destination of [...] Read more.
Plastic debris occurring in freshwater environments, which can either come from the surrounding terrestrial areas or transported from upstream, has been identified as one of the main sources and routes of plastic pollution in marine systems. The ocean is the final destination of land- based microplastic sources, but compared to marine environments, the occurrence and effects of microplastics in freshwater ecosystems remain largely unknown. A thorough examination of scientific literature on abundance, distribution patterns, and characteristics of microplastics in freshwater environments in Mediterranean tributary rivers has shown a substantial lack of information and the need to apply adequate and uniform measurement methods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Litter)
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