Marine Pollution Research Articles

Blubber gene expression and cortisol concentrations reveal changing physiological stress in a Southern ocean sentinel species

The health of migratory eastern Australian humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) can reflect the condition of their remote polar foraging environments. This study used gene expression (LEP, LEPR, ADIQ, AhR, TNF-α, HSP-70), blubber hormone concentrations (cortisol, testosterone), and photogrammetric body condition to assess this sentinel species during a period of unprecedented changes to anthropogenic activity and natural processes. The results revealed higher cortisol concentrations in 2020 compared to 2021, suggesting a decline in physiological stress between years. Additionally, metabolic transcripts LEPR, and AhR, which is also linked to xenobiotic metabolism, were upregulated during the 2020 southbound migration. These differences suggest that one or more environmental stressors were reduced between 2020 and 2021, with upregulated AhR possibly indicating a Southern Ocean pollutant declined between the years. This research confirms a Southern Ocean-wide decrease in whale stress during the study period and informs efforts to identify key stressors on Antarctic marine ecosystems.

Persistent organic pollutants and chlorpyrifos in tissues of a histotrophic viviparous species, the Southern Eagle Ray Myliobatis goodei

Elasmobranchs are good indicators of marine pollution as they accumulate pollutants from water and food, and occupy different trophic levels. Concentrations of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and chlorpyrifos were quantified in muscle, liver, gonads, gills, and brain in both sexes and maturity stages of the Southern Eagle Ray, Myliobatis goodei, captured in Argentine coastal waters. Moreover, possible histological alterations in the liver and gonads were analyzed. Pollutant concentrations were pervasive across all tissues, with PCBs > OCPs > chlorpyrifos. Elevated pollutant levels were notably found in the liver and gills. We identified thirty-six PCB congeners in tissues, with low-chlorine congeners prevailing. Among OCPs, ∑DDT and ∑endosulfan were predominant. Females exhibited higher pollutant levels in most tissues compared to males, except in the gonads, and adults generally displayed elevated pollutant levels. Histological analysis revealed the presence of atretic follicles and melanomacrophages (MM). Continuous monitoring of pollutant levels, alongside their effects on physiological and ecological traits, is imperative for effective management and conservation efforts.

Environmental Factors Influencing Metal Concentrations in Scomber coliasAlong the Canary Islands.

A total of 140 specimens of Scomber colias were collected from the Canary archipelago waters during the first semester of 2021, with 20 samples from each of the seven main islands. After analyzing the concentrations of metals (Al, Zn, Cd, Pb, Fe, and Cu) with ICP-OES, significant variations were observed among islands, with specimens from Tenerife and Gran Canaria containing higher levels of Al, Cd, and Pb, while those from Lanzarote and Fuerteventura had elevated levels of Zn, Fe, and Cu. These differences are probably related to greater anthropogenic activity around Tenerife and Gran Canaria coasts, leading to higher pollution levels, and the influence of Saharan dust and African upwelling on Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, enriching the waters with nutrients. Specific management strategies to mitigate marine pollution and continuous monitoring are crucial to safeguard marine ecosystems and to ensure food security.

Review on Fisheries Resources and the Effect of Marine Pollution in Coastal Waters of Pakistan

Review on Fisheries Resources and the Effect of Marine Pollution in Coastal Waters of Pakistan

Optimizing Route and Speed under the Sulfur Emission Control Areas for a Cruise Liner: A New Strategy Considering Route Competitiveness and Low Carbon

In order to reduce pollution caused by ship emissions, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) implemented sulfur emission control areas (SECAs). In comparison to ordinary vessels, cruise ships with dual attributes of transportation and tourism generate a greater amount of marine pollution, which poses a significant threat to the marine environment in both berthing ports and the sailing area. In light of the fierce competition of the cruise tourism market, cruise lines are looking for strategies, such as designing more attractive cruise routes, to maintain their core competencies under the emission control policy. In order to achieve this goal, this paper presents a mixed-integer non-linear programming (MINP) model with two objectives and is derived from the traditional route optimization problem. The primary objective is to optimize the route and speed of a cruise liner, while simultaneously enhancing route competitiveness and minimizing carbon emissions both within and outside the SECAs. Subsequently, the multi-objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO) algorithm was used to reach the objective, and simulations were carried out to verify the effectiveness of the model and method. The results show that speed and sailing route optimization can affect carbon emissions. This paper has a certain application value and guiding significance for cruise line decision makers that will be beneficial for the environment.

Efficient and sustainable power propulsion for all-electric ships: An integrated methanol-fueled SOFC-sCO2 system

To address marine pollution caused by fuel usage and reduce carbon emissions in ships, the development of alternative fuel electric propulsion ship power systems presents a promising solution. In this study, an integrated Methanol-fueled SOFC-sCO2 combined power system is proposed for all-electric ships. The system efficiently utilizes waste heat from SOFCs by integrating it into a partial heating sCO2 power cycle to generate additional power. Through the utilization of a thermodynamic model, parametric sensitivity analysis and multi-objective optimization are conducted to maximize the system's energy efficiency while reducing investment and maintenance costs. Comprehensive energy, exergy, and economic analyses are performed on the optimized system. The achieved energy efficiency and exergy efficiency are 66.10 % and 57.74 % respectively, with an investment and maintenance cost of 16.96 $/h and a payback period of 2.2 years. When applied to container ships and compared with other ship power systems, the proposed system demonstrates the highest energy efficiency, delivering an impressive output power of 65,092 kW. The energy efficiency design index (EEDI) of the system is moderate, reaching 5.94. Despite the relatively high fuel cost, the proposed system offers a simpler design compared to existing SOFC-sCO2 systems and is only slightly more complex than integrated systems like SOFC-GT.

Alternative Dispute Resolution in Marine Pollution: Advancing Ecological Justice through the Polluter Pays Principle

This study seeks to elucidate the challenges associated with compensation in marine pollution disputes through the lens of the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) model. Governed by UUPPLH Number 32 of 2009, polluters are mandated to provide compensation for both affected parties and environmental restoration. However, the implementation of the ADR model in practice has seen polluters compensating only the affected communities, notably fishermen. This research endeavors to develop an ADR legal framework that encapsulates ecological justice, ensuring fairness for both society and the environment. The methodology employed in this study is non-doctrinal legal research, which involves analyzing legal phenomena within their social and cultural context. Findings from this research indicate that pollution disputes in the waters in Cilacap were resolved using the ADR model, with a disproportionate focus on compensating fishing communities. This results in environmental damage due to minimal environmental ADR legal framework grounded in the Polluter Pays principle. Such a framework should encompass legal provisions for environmental prevention, mitigation, and restoration. From a structural perspective, it is imperative to foster integration and connectivity between the community and ministries responsible for addressing marine environmental pollution, to facilitate effective environmental mitigation and restoration efforts. Additionally, in the realm of legal culture, there is a crucial need to cultivate legal awareness among the public regarding environmental conservation and management. This awareness should permeate all levels of society, including business entities, legislative bodies, the government, and law enforcement agencies. A robust legal system is essential for making ADR an equitable mechanism for resolving disputes, benefiting both victims of pollution and the environment.

Societal impacts of marine nitrogen pollution: rapid evidence assessment and future research

Nitrogen pollution is a global problem and to effectively mitigate the effects we need to understand both the ecological and societal impacts. Coral reefs are of particular concern, as they are a critical source of livelihoods, culture, and wellbeing for hundreds of millions of people. Yet they are rapidly declining due to numerous pressures, with nitrogen pollution identified as a top-ranked non-climatic pressure. A Rapid Evidence Assessment was carried out to understand the societal impacts derived from marine nitrogen pollution on coral reefs. The results highlight key research evidence gaps, such as unclear reporting of nitrogen pollution, not distinguishing impacts from nitrogen and other stressors, non-quantification of nitrogen-specific marine and societal impacts, unstudied global regions with high nitrogen pressure, and the need for greater awareness on marine nitrogen pollution. Future research questions are proposed to allow better understanding on how tropical coastal societies are being impacted by marine nitrogen pollution.

Optimization of underwater visible light communication transmission using multilevel regression modelling

This paper proposes the 32-Channel Dense wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) system for Underwater Visible Light Communication (UVLC). The proposed DWDM-UVLC system performs the transmission of visible light data under different underwater ocean environmental conditions such as Pure sea, Clear ocean, and Coastal ocean water and ocean pollution such as oil spills, microplastics. The data transmission through visible light in underwater ocean environment is a challenging task due to attenuation in ocean water, which causes variations in water column parameters such as temperature, Ph, salinity, and chemical oil spill contents in water such as water with oil spills, and microplastics. The proposed dense wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) system for Underwater Visible Light Communication (UVLC) is optimized using Bayesian optimized Multiple Regression Learning (BO-MRL) method. The BO-MRL based DWDM for UVLC mitigates the attenuation problems in data transmission, which is in the range of approximately 350m. The proposed DWDM-UVLC system is evaluated through the Performance metrics such as Q-factor, Minimal BER and proper spectral eye characteristics. The proposed BO-MRL based DWDM consists of non-return-to-zero (NRZ) modulation, which performs better in 320 Gbps, transmission in the range of 200m and 350m, and achieves the maximum Q-factor of 19.2364 with a minimal BER of 9.16489 e−083.

Treatment of hydrocarbon marine pollution with cloud point extraction

AbstractThe release of hydrocarbons (HC) into the marine environment has serious consequences, both economically and ecologically. This work presents an efficient process to remove HC pollution from seawater: cloud point extraction (CPE), considered to be a reliable, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly method, using the readily biodegradable nonionic surfactants Lutensol ON30 and Tergitol 15‐S‐7. A real salt water sample with a high chemical oxygen demand (COD = 1700 mg O2/L) was thus treated. First, the phase diagrams of the binary systems (water–surfactant), and the pseudo‐binary systems (water–surfactant–HC), were determined. Second, after a 24 h settling time, considered as optimal, the extraction results, that is, residual soluble COD, residual percentage of surfactant in the dilute phase and volume fraction of coacervate at equilibrium, were expressed in terms of temperature and initial surfactant concentration. For each parameter, the results obtained were modeled using the response surface methodology and represented on three‐dimensional diagrams. They show that the COD can be reduced to 10 and 15 mg O2/L, using Lutensol ON30 and Tergitol 15‐S‐7, respectively, under seawater temperature conditions. Finally, it was shown that the surfactant can be recycled. The present work demonstrates that CPE can reduce the HC content of seawater on a laboratory scale.

Gujarat’s plastic plight: unveiling characterization, abundance, and pollution index of beachside plastic pollution

Plastic pollution poses a pervasive threat to ecosystems worldwide, jeopardizing marine life, contaminating water sources, and perpetuating a global environmental crisis. Spatial and temporal distribution of beach debris was quantitatively assessed on three recreational beaches in Gujarat State, India. A total of six debris categories were recorded with a mean of 0.9 items/m2 in number and 3.62 g/m2 in weight. A total of Mean debris concentrations and weight per debris item did not vary significantly between study sites. Highest debris concentrations were observed in October 2021 at all sites. Around 90% was macro-debris (2.5–100 cm), with white and transparent colours most frequently encountered. Based on Clean Coast Index findings, all sites were categorized as "dirty". Plastic Abundance Index revealed that all sites had a very high abundance of plastics compared to other beach debris. Recreational activities on beaches, tourism, and extensive fishing can be the possible source of marine debris on Gujarat State. The findings of the current investigation is vital to understanding its pervasive environmental impact, encompassing threats to biodiversity, water quality, and ecosystems, while guiding effective policies to mitigate these repercussions on a global scale. It can be helpful to establish mitigation strategies urgently required to reduce marine debris pollution along the Gujarat Coast. It is recomanded to implement urgently needed mitigation strategies to diminish marine debris pollution along the Gujarat Coast.

Unveiling the eutrophication crisis: 20 years of nutrient development in Zhanjiang Bay, China

Coastal eutrophication is a major issue of marine pollution. The main factors controlling eutrophication must be identified to ensure effective marine environmental management according to the respective local conditions. Zhanjiang Bay (ZJB), located northwest of the South China Sea, is a semi-closed bay influenced by complex water flows and the development of surrounding cities. In this study, we investigated the development of nutrient concentrations and compositions in ZJB seawater over the past 20 years and the factors influencing eutrophication based on several field investigations from 2006 to 2022 and historical data. High concentrations of dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP) and dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) were the main contributors to the severe long-term eutrophication in ZJB; however, light eutrophication was observed in the outer bay, primarily caused by chemical oxygen demand (COD) and DIP. The primary sources of COD and nutrients were riverine freshwater, sewage outfalls, mariculture and domestic effluents carried by rivers. Tidal effects diluted the nutrient concentrations in the bay with seawater from the outer bay, thereby playing a key role in nutrient redistribution. The DIN: DIP ratio of ZJB showed long-term nitrogen restriction and excess phosphorus, primarily owing to mariculture activities. Marine undertakings can exert various impacts on water quality. Eliminating illegal aquaculture and launching aquaculture tailwater treatment can improve water quality, whereas practices such as channel dredging may worsen it. This study demonstrates the intricate dynamics of the ZJB ecosystem and offers valuable insights for effective environmental management and conservation efforts.

Analysis of the Impact of Disposal of Oil-Contaminated Ballast Water on Marine Pollution in MT. Bull Kangean

Abstract Ballast water refers to water containing substances, materials, or goods necessary for ship stability, trim control, list (tilt), or pressure. According to the shipping terms dictionary, ballast can also include waste or refuse stored on board. This study aims to analyze the environmental impact of oil-contaminated ballast water disposal on marine pollution in MT. Bull Kangean. Oil spills at sea typically occur due to two reasons: accidental leaks caused by damage to the ship hull or oil tanks (e.g., collisions with coral reefs or sunken objects), and deliberate discharge of used oil from manufacturing equipment, which can lead to environmental contamination and harm to areas designated for oil disposal. The research methodology involves collecting primary data through observations, interviews, and document reviews to understand the impact of oil-contaminated ballast water disposal on marine pollution. Qualitative descriptive methods are employed for data analysis. The findings of this research indicate that the disposal of oil-contaminated ballast water does result in marine pollution. Observations reveal that inadequate supervision by the deck crew regarding ballast water disposal leads to the mixing of oil with the water during the disposal process.

Analysis of The Impact of Ballast Water Disposal on Marine Pollution in Mt. Star Valiant

Abstract This research aims to know the supervision of the 1st Officer towards the ship’s crew/ABK when discharging ballast water on the MT. Star Valiant. This research was carried out from 03 December 2020 to 24 November 2021 on a ship when the author carried out research at MT. Star Valiant. The method used in this research is a qualitative descriptive method, namely an analysis of a collection of data that focuses on interviews and observations to determine the performance of loading and unloading workers and the factors that influence it. The author collects data by approaching the object with direct observation and interviews with the subject. The results of the research and discussion of the problem regarding pollution from ballast water discharge at the port, where when the ballast water is discharged, it mixes with oil due to a lack of supervision by the deck crew regarding the disposal of ballast water, so that the ship receives a warning from the terminal at the port. After this warning, the ship was able to take action to prevent more widespread oil pollution in the port and stop the discharge of ballast water and the officer on duty at that time instructed the oiler to check the condition of the cargo pipe and ballast pipe in the pump room after holding checking by the oiler found that the valve that separated the ballast pipe and the cargo pipe was not tight enough, resulting in contamination between oil and sea water and resulting in sea water pollution around the port.

Eksplorasi program lingkungan hijau sebagai upaya pengurangan pencemaran lingkungan laut di Kota Pasuruan

Pencemaran laut adalah masalah serius bagi banyak kota pesisir, termasuk Kota Pasuruan, yang berdampak negatif pada lingkungan laut, kesehatan manusia, dan ekonomi lokal. Penelitian ini mengevaluasi efektivitas program lingkungan hijau untuk mengurangi pencemaran laut di Pasuruan. Metode kualitatif digunakan dengan wawancara mendalam, observasi, dan analisis dokumen terkait. Informan kunci adalah pejabat pemerintah, anggota komunitas, dan aktivis lingkungan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa program lingkungan hijau, seperti kampanye pengelolaan sampah, penanaman mangrove, rehabilitasi sungai, dan promosi gaya hidup ramah lingkungan, berhasil mengurangi pencemaran laut dan meningkatkan kesadaran masyarakat. Namun, tantangan seperti kurangnya anggaran, partisipasi masyarakat, dan pemahaman tentang konservasi lingkungan masih ada. Rekomendasi untuk keberlanjutan program mencakup peningkatan pendanaan, pelibatan aktif masyarakat, dan pendidikan lingkungan. Secara keseluruhan, program lingkungan hijau berpotensi besar mengurangi pencemaran laut di Pasuruan, tetapi diperlukan kerjasama dari pemerintah, masyarakat, dan pemangku kepentingan lainnya untuk memastikan keberhasilan jangka panjangnya.

Spatial and temporal analysis of marine water pollution in Port Klang: Developing a GIS database for assessing patterns and trends.

Spatial and temporal analysis of marine water pollution in Port Klang: Developing a GIS database for assessing patterns and trends.

Fluorescent labelling combined with confocal differential Raman spectroscopy to detect microplastics in seawater

As an emerging marine pollutant, microplastics represent a focal point in global monitoring and management efforts. With seawater accounts for 97 % of the total global water resources, scientific assessments of microplastics in seawater are crucial for pollution control and management of marine environments. This study focuses on investigating microplastics in near-shore seawater and proposes a rapid and accurate detection method using a constructed confocal Raman spectroscopy detection system. By optimizing the pretreatment process of seawater microplastic samples, the efficient removal of organic matter interference in microplastic detection is achieved. Employing fluorescent labeling addresses the issues of prolonged detection time and high false positive rates associated with traditional methods, enabling rapid differentiation between microplastics and other substances and significantly enhancing detection efficiency and accuracy. Additionally, the use of differential Raman spectroscopy effectively mitigates fluorescence signal interference, thus improving the signal-to-noise ratio of the spectra. By employing dual-wavelength laser excitation at 784 nm/785 nm, microplastics such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS) ranging in size from 60 to 500 μm are successfully detected in seawater. The results demonstrate that the proposed pretreatment method for seawater microplastics and novel detection techniques enable rapid screening and comprehensive non-destructive detection of microplastics in seawater, thereby facilitating the characterization of marine microplastics and providing scientific support for enhancing the management of microplastic pollution and ecological risk control.

Synergistic photocatalysis of oxygen-enriched vacancy BiOBr based on rice husk biochar: Efficient seawater purification achieved by carrier directional migration

Addressing seawater pollution is crucial for the efficient utilization of seawater resources. Employing solar-driven seawater purification emerges as an ideal solution for the future renewable energy landscape. Herein, biomass carbon and oxygen-enriched defect materials were selected to design a high-performance photocatalyst for seawater purification. The strategic combination of defect energy levels and electron-conducting carbon enhances the directional migration and separation of photogenerated particles, thereby boosting the overall photocatalytic efficiency in seawater purification. In the simulated seawater experiment, ROV-BOB/RHC-3 exhibits significant resistant to conventional ions interference during purification. Transitioning to real seawater experiments, ROV-BOB/RHC-3 exhibits impressive removal performance for RhB and TC, achieving substantial purification in 10 L of seawater under natural sunlight. Combine free radical trapping experiments and electron spin resonance (ESR) analysis shows that reactive oxygen species (•O2- and 1O2) are responsible in purification. The project provides a practical and effective basis for further research on efficient biomass carbon-based photocatalysts to seawater purification.

Strong, anti-swelling, and biodegradable seaweed-based straws with surface mineralized CaCO3 armor

While the extensive utilization of disposable plastic straws has resulted in significant environmental issues such as microplastics and soil and ocean pollution, the quest for alternative straws for versatile use remains a formidable challenge. Here, drawing inspiration from naturally water-resistant materials such as bones and sea urchins, we have developed seaweed-based straws with significantly improved water resistance and mechanical strength via in-situ mineralization of CaCO3 on their surfaces. Specifically, the COO− groups on the G (α-L-guluronate) blocks of alginate were employed to establish a robust cross-linked network, while the COO− groups on the M (β-D-mannuronate) blocks attracted free Ca2+ through electrostatic forces, thereby promoting CaCO3 nucleation. This effectively prevents COOH groups from hydrating, reducing swelling, and results in the fabrication of nano- to micron-sized CaCO3 particles that reinforce the structure without compromising the cross-linked network. Compared with the control group, the S5% sample (prepared with 5 % Na2CO3 solution) exhibited a 102 % increase in water contact angle, a 35 % decrease in swelling degree, and a 35.5 % and 37.5 % increase in ultimate flexural and tensile stress, respectively. Furthermore, the potential use of these straws as a waste for heavy metal adsorption was investigated, addressing environmental concerns while demonstrating economic feasibility.

THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMPONENT IN THE SYSTEM OF ENSURING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT UNDER THE PRISM OF MODERN CHALLENGES

The article substantiates the importance of the ecological component in the system of sustainable development goals. The powerful potential of Ukraine's ecosystem and environmental problems, problems of ensuring an ecologically safe environment for people's life and health are outlined. Global challenges for ecosystems are characterized (destruction of the ozone layer of the atmosphere, global climate changes, melting of glaciers, rising sea levels, harmful emissions, air and ocean pollution, drinking water problems, etc.). The significant negative impact of the Russian Federation's war against Ukraine on the environment is described. Environmental threats from nuclear energy manipulations are singled out; from waste storage facilities, coal mines, chemical plants and other branches of heavy industry, especially those located in the zone of active hostilities. It is noted that the destruction/damage of water supply systems, sewage and waste storage facilities, etc. provoke significant damage with long-term consequences for the environment and human health. It is founded that most problems of environmental direction are problems of a global level. Directions for achieving climate neutrality within the framework of the European Green Course are indicated. The results of Ukraine in achieving climate neutrality are analyzed. The state and problems of environmental protection financing are analyzed. It was found that in the structure of expenditures from the state budget of Ukraine for all types of financing of environmental protection measures, current expenditures significantly prevail over capital investments. In the structure of current expenses, the largest share is spent on waste management. It is noted that since the beginning of the full-scale war of the Russian Federation on the territory of Ukraine, the amount of funding for environmental protection has significantly decreased, which is justified by the great need for defense funding. It is founded that the transition to a climate-neutral economy is a challenge for the modernization of economic sectors, requires a rethinking of the role of each member of society, but is at the same time an opportunity to ensure development based on the principles of sustainability. A system of measures to protect the environment and ensure environmental safety is outlined.