Marine Pollution Research Articles

Implementation of a Far-Field Water Quality Model for the Simulation of Trace Elements in an Eastern Mediterranean Coastal Embayment Receiving High Anthropogenic Pressure

Water quality modeling is a key element for the support of environmental protection and policymaking. The aim of this work is to describe the application of a far-field water quality model for the simulation of marine pollution occurring from heavy metals (cadmium, lead, nickel, copper, and zinc). The highly stressed marine area of the Saronikos Gulf (Aegean Sea, Eastern Mediterranean) was chosen for investigation. Major pollution sources were identified, loads were estimated, and the model was parameterized to reproduce the local seawater conditions. The distribution of the pollutants between the dissolved and particulate phases was examined. The performance of the model set-up was evaluated using field concentration measurements. The described implementation succeeded in reproducing the observed levels of pollution and therefore can be used as a baseline configuration to examine the cumulative impact of future pollution sources; for example, accidental pollution events.

Design and Fabrication of Ocean Plastic Waste Cleaner

An ocean cleaning device abstract could focus on various aspects, depending on the specific device or technology being described. With the escalating threat of ocean pollution, innovative solutions are imperative to mitigate its detrimental impacts on marine ecosystems and human livelihoods. This abstract presents a comprehensive overview of an advanced ocean cleaning device designed to tackle the burgeoning issue of marine debris. The device integrates cutting-edge technology, including [insert specific technologies], to efficiently remove various forms of pollution from coastal areas and open water on the severity of ocean pollution and the urgent need for effective cleanup technologies. It highlights the detrimental effects of marine debris on marine life, biodiversity, and coastal communities, emphasizing the importance of sustainable solutions. Here's a general abstract outline for an ocean cleaning device.This paper discusses the design principles, technological components, and operational strategies of the ocean plastic waste cleaning device. Additionally, it evaluates the device's performance through simulation models and field tests, demonstrating its effectiveness in reducing plastic pollution and contributing to sustainable ocean conservation efforts.Integrated sensors monitor water quality, temperature, and marine life, providing valuable data for environmental research and conservation efforts.Operators can remotely control the device and receive real-time data, enhancing operational efficiency and response times

Developmental toxicity and mechanism of polychlorinated biphenyls 126 and nano-polystyrene combined exposure to zebrafish larvae

3,3′,4,4′,5-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB126) is the most toxic congener of dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL PCBs), while nanoplastics (NPs) have recently emerged as significant marine pollutants, both posing threats to aquatic organisms and human health. They coexist in the environment, but their comprehensive toxicological effects remain unclear. In this study, zebrafish embryos were simultaneously exposed to PCB126 and 80-nanometer nanoplastyrene (NPS). Researchers utilized fluorescence microscopy, qPCR, histopathological examination, and transcriptomic sequencing to investigate the developmental toxicity of different concentrations of PCB126 and NPS individually or in combination on zebrafish embryos and larvae. Results indicate that the chorion significantly impedes the accumulation of NPS (p < 0.05). It is noteworthy that this barrier effect diminishes upon simultaneous exposure to PCB126. In this experiment, the semi-lethal concentration of PCB126 for larvae was determined to be 6.33 μg/L. Exposure to PCB126 induces various deformities, primarily mediated through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). Similarly, exposure to NPS also activates AHR, leading to developmental impairments. Furthermore, transcriptomic sequencing revealed similar effects of PCB126 and NPS on the gene expression trends in zebrafish larvae, but combined exposure to both exacerbates the risk of cancer and induces more severe cardiac toxicity. At this level, co-exposure to PCB126 and NPS adversely affects the development of zebrafish larvae. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the in vivo accumulation of DL polychlorinated biphenyls and microplastics in actual aquatic environments and their impact on fish development.

A highly stable electrochemical sensor with antifouling and antibacterial capabilities for mercury ion detection in seawater

The monitoring of heavy metal ions in ocean is crucial for environment protection and assessment of seawater quality. However, the detection of heavy metal ions in seawater with electrochemical sensors, especially for long-term monitoring, always faces challenges due to marine biofouling caused by the nonspecific adsorption of microbial and biomolecules. Herein, an electrochemical aptasensor, integrating both antifouling and antibacterial properties, was developed for the detection of Hg2+ in the ocean. In this electrochemical aptasensor, eco-friendly peptides with superior hydrophilicity served as anti-biofouling materials, preventing nonspecific adsorption on the sensing interface, while silver nanoparticles were employed to eliminate bacteria. Subsequently, a ferrocene-modified aptamer was employed for the specific recognition of Hg2+, leveraging the aptamer's ability to fold into a thymine-Hg2+-thymine (T-Hg2+-T) structure upon interaction, and bringing ferrocene nearer to the sensor surface, significantly amplifying the electrochemical response. The prepared electrochemical aptasensor significantly reduced the nonspecific adsorption in seawater while maintaining sensitive electrochemical response. Furthermore, the biosensor exhibited a linear response range of 0.01–100 nM with a detection limit of 2.30 pM, and realized the accurate monitoring of mercury ions in real marine environment. The research results offer new insights into the preparation of marine antifouling sensing devices, and it is expected that sensors with antifouling and antimicrobial capabilities will find broad applications in the monitoring of marine pollutants.

Molecular mechanisms and atmospheric implications of the simplest criegee intermediate and hydrochloric acid chemistry in the gas phase and at the aqueous interfaces

The atmospheric chemistry of Criegee Intermediates has become a frontier research point in environmental pollution in recent years. In this work, quantum chemical calculations and Born-Oppenheimer Molecular Dynamics (BOMD) simulations were employed to explore the gas phase and aqueous interface behavior of the simplest Criegee Intermediate (sCI, CH2OO) and hydrochloric acid (HCl) reaction. Quantum chemical calculations have revealed that the product of ClCH2OOH (CMHP) formation from the CH2OO + HCl reaction without and with water molecule undergoes a barrierless or near barrierless process in the gas phase. The results of the rate coefficients calculated by the master equation indicate that the gas-phase CMHP formation from the reaction of CH2OO + HCl could compete with the hydrolysis of CH2OO with (H2O)2 at the altitude of 15 km. BOMD simulations at the aqueous interfaces show that the CH2OO + HCl reaction occurs through stepwise mechanisms that are distinct from those in the gas phase. Three different interfacial reaction channels were identified: i) CMHP direct formation, ii) water-mediated CMHP formation, and iii) HCl-mediated hydroxymethyl hydroperoxide (HMHP) formation, and completed in picosecond time scales. Considering the harsh reaction conditions between CH2OO and HCl at the interface (i.e., the two molecules must be sufficiently close to form the CH2OO-HCl complex), the route of HMHP formation via the hydrolysis of CH2OO remains the main atmospheric loss pathway of CH2OO at the aqueous interfaces. Interestingly, molecular dynamic simulations in nanosecond time scales reveal that the formed CMHP in the gas phase has a tendency to aggregate with sulfuric acids, ammonia, and water molecules to form stable clusters within 213–278 K. The present results for the CMHP and HMHP formations from the sCI-HCl chemistry in the atmosphere will enhance our comprehension of the atmospheric behavior of Criegee intermediates in urban and marine pollution areas.

Insights into pollution characteristics and human health risks of plasticizer phthalate esters in shellfish species

The ubiquitous application of phthalate esters (PAEs) as plasticizers contributes to high levels of marine pollution, yet the contamination patterns of PAEs in various shellfish species remain unknown. The objective of this research is to provide the first information on the pollution characteristics of 16 PAEs in different shellfish species from the Pearl River Delta (PRD), South China, and associated health risks. Among the 16 analyzed PAEs, 13 were identified in the shellfish, with total PAE concentrations ranging from 23.07 to 3794.08 ng/g dw (mean = 514.35 ng/g dw). The PAE pollution levels in the five shellfish species were as follows: Ostreidae (mean = 1064.12 ng/g dw) > Mytilus edulis (mean = 509.88 ng/g dw) > Babylonia areolate (mean = 458.14 ng/g dw) > Mactra chinensis (mean = 378.90 ng/g dw) > Haliotis diversicolor (mean = 335.28 ng/g dw). Dimethyl phthalate (DMP, mean = 69.85 ng/g dw), diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP, mean = 41.39 ng/g dw), dibutyl phthalate (DBP, mean = 130.91 ng/g dw), and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP, mean = 226.23 ng/g dw) were the most abundant congeners. Notably, DEHP constituted the most predominant fraction (43.98 %) of the 13 PAEs detected in all shellfish from the PRD. Principal component analysis indicated that industrial and domestic emissions served as main sources for the PAE pollution in shellfish from the PRD. It was estimated that the daily intake of PAEs via shellfish consumption among adults and children ranged from 0.004 to 1.27 μg/kgbw/day, without obvious non-cancer risks (< 0.034), but the cancer risks raised some alarm (2.0 × 10−9–1.4 × 10−5). These findings highlight the necessity of focusing on marine environmental pollutants and emphasize the importance of ongoing monitoring of PAE contamination in seafood.

Slow biological microplastics removal under ocean pollution phase-out trajectories

Abstract Microplastics are ubiquitous in marine environments and can be incorporated into biological aggregates including marine snows and faecal pellets. These aggregates are suspected to be a major removal mechanism for microplastics from the surface ocean, transporting them to deeper levels and the seafloor as they sink and remineralise. However, simple budget calculations, observations, and model parameter testing suggest that aggregation might also lead to retention of microplastics in the upper ocean, sustaining contamination in biologically-productive environments. The ability of the biological microplastic sink to reduce water column contamination has relevance to the setting of ocean plastics pollution reduction targets, as are currently under negotiation by the International Negotiating Committee of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). Here we apply 8 idealised global pollution reduction trajectories, from 1-100% per year, starting from the year 2026 and ending in the year 2100 to an Earth System Climate Model with a representation of ocean microplastics and their aggregation in biological particles. We find that the global ocean microplastic inventory and surface concentrations stabilize within this century for reduction rates exceeding 5% per year but the inventory does not substantially decrease under any trajectory. Furthermore, microplastics are retained by marine biology in the surface ocean, where concentrations stabilise to a non-zero value over decades. Lastly we find that irrespective of scenario, contamination of deeper ocean layers continues to increase for the duration of our simulations via the export of microplastics by biological aggregates. These results suggest that ambitious targets for pollution reduction exceeding 5\% per year will be required to progress the resolution of the UNEA to ``end plastic pollution'' in this century, and that ongoing microplastic contamination of the marine food web may be unavoidable.

Assessing Drifting Fish Aggregating Device (dFAD) Abandonment under International Marine Pollution Law

Abstract This article asks whether the abandonment of drifting fish aggregating devices (dFADs) is illegal under international marine pollution law. To answer this question, it provides a brief overview of the general international legal framework for the protection of the marine environment as well as specific legal regimes, namely the London Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter (LC), its 1996 Protocol (LP), and Annex V of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). The article concludes that the abandonment of dFADs contravenes the LC/LP and/or, depending on the preferred interpretation, MARPOL Annex V. The decision as to which of the two regimes is applicable depends on whether dFAD abandonment can be classified as ‘incidental to, or derived from the normal operations of vessels … and their equipment’ or not. The negligent loss of dFADs always violates MARPOL Annex V. The article also shows that certain state practice and opinio juris suggests a parallel applicability of the two regimes with respect to deliberate dFAD abandonment. While such a development would ensure more comprehensive coverage of the relevant standards and prohibitions, a clear regulatory decision as to which of the two regimes is the correct one would be preferable from an implementation and enforcement perspective.

Design and Thermal Analysis of a 250 MVA HTS Transformer for Substation of Offshore Wind Farms

In Offshore Substations (OSs), using High Temperature Superconducting (HTS) transformers instead of conventional power transformers to reduce operational and construction limitations such as weight, capacity, marine pollution, and future planning can be considered as desirable. HTS transformers can reduce operating system costs in wind power plant development programs. However, OSs have specific operating conditions in fault mode that should be considered in the design HTS transformers.In this paper, a 250 MVA 33/220 KV HTS transformer is designed, and electromagnetic analysis is done in normal conditions to calculate AC loss and thence to design the cooling system. The second step, thermo-flow analysis is done by Finite Element Method (FEM) to calculate the temperature distribution of the windings. Increasing turbulence of inlet flow and creating a porous coating on the tapes are used in this transformer to increase the heat-transfer rate. lastly, the specifications of the HTS transformer are compared with the conventional transformer to give useful information to OS designers to investigate using novel construction ideas such as floating OS by HTS transformer.

Spatiotemporal variations in marine macro-litter pollution along the shoreline of Koh Mun Nai, an uninhabited island in the Gulf of Thailand

Despite a recent ambitious plan to improve waste management in Thailand, few studies have monitored the impact of these policies on beached marine litter. Here, we assessed weekly the amounts and composition of stranded macro-litter (≥2.5 cm) on five beaches from an uninhabited island in Thailand during one year. A total of 24,407 items (391.86 kg) yielded a mean abundance of 3.18±11.39 items.m-2 (52.75±204.68 g.m-2), with plastic being the most abundant marine litter (48% of the total number). The overall Clean Coast Index (30.1) classified the beaches as ‘extremely dirty’, with a Plastic Abundance Index of 9.8 (‘very high abundance’ of plastics). When assessing the seasonal rates of accumulation, we found a higher flux pre-monsoon (0.05 items.m-2.d-1; 0.66 g.m-2.d-1) than post-monsoon (0.01 items.m-2.d-1; 0.35 g.m-2.d-1). Using modeling of the local hydrodynamic conditions, we explored the potential sources of the pollution, and surprisingly found that the closest river appeared not to be the source. Our results denote that the distribution and typology of marine litter were representatives of household and fishing activities, which in turn highlights the need for better regional litter management measures.

Oil spill dispersant formulation from Palmitoyl-DEA and methyl ester sulfonate

Surfactants are chemical compounds that can interact with solvents to reduce surface tension. Palmitoyl-Diethanolamide surfactant (Palmitoyl-DEA) and methyl ester sulfonate (MES) can be applied in dispersing oil in seawater as Oil Spill Dispersant (OSD). An OSD formulation derived from a mixture of two surfactant solutions, namely Palmitoyl-DEA and MES, was found. Diethanolamide non-ionic surfactant solution and anionic methyl ester sulfonate surfactant solution in various concentrations were mixed according to their respective ratios at 50℃ for 60 minutes. The OSD product obtained was then analyzed for density, surface tension, and emulsion stability. OSD products at a concentration of 4% MES and 2% DEA with a 2:1 ratio obtained the best analytical results. The OSD product has excellent density, surface tension, and emulsion stability (&gt; 80%). Furthermore, testing of OSD products was carried out for oil pollution in seawater. The results of simulation tests using OSD products for handling petroleum pollution in seawater (15 mL/L) show an excellent ability to disperse oil (&gt; 90%). The oil and OSD dispersed in seawater showed a more significant increase in COD and BOD values.

Prospects and Challenges of Heavy Metal Pollution Mitigation in the Bay of Bengal by Phytoremediation

Heavy metal pollution, a grave concern due to its toxicity and longevity, has reached alarming levels in some coastal areas of the Bay of Bengal. Originating from shipbreaking industries, untreated industrial wastages, agricultural residues, and anthropological sources, this pollution has become a major environmental threat. It can enter the food chain and accumulate in the human body, posing a significant risk to human health. Due to the advancement of science, many sophisticated techniques have been developed in recent years to detect heavy metals in the environment. At the same time, some techniques have also been developed to remove heavy metals from the marine environment. However, the efficacy of these techniques has some doubt. Amidst this crisis, Phytoremediation, a plant-based method, offers a beacon of hope. This review delves into the dire consequences of heavy metal pollution in seawater, human health toxicity, and the crucial role of phytoremediation in mitigating this crisis.

Environmental taxation of plastic bags and substitutes: Balancing marine pollution and climate change

Several countries have imposed either a ban or a tax on single-use plastic packaging, motivated by their contribution to marine plastic pollution. This may lead consumers to opt for similar unregulated substitutes, potentially undermining or even counteracting the intended effect of the policy instrument. The purpose of this study is to theoretically and empirically compare the environmental and welfare effects of the first-best Pigouvian taxes on both plastic bags and a substitute (paper bags), with two alternative second-best policy instruments: a tax on plastic products alone, and a common uniform tax on all packaging materials. The empirical analysis accounts for two different types of environmental externalities from the use of both bag types: marine pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. It also compares results for two countries, Denmark and the USA, which differ in the demand for plastic and paper bags. The theoretical analysis shows that a unilateral tax on plastic bags should equal the marginal environmental damage of plastic bags minus a fraction of the marginal environmental cost of paper bags, hence being lower than the Pigouvian tax. The optimal common tax should equal a weighted average of the marginal environmental damage of the two bag types and would be lower than the Pigouvian tax on plastics if the marginal external cost of plastic bags exceeds that for paper bags. The empirical analysis shows that for default parameters, the variation in tax level across the studied scenarios is small. It also shows that if Pigouvian taxes cannot be implemented, a common uniform tax on both bag types would result in a higher welfare gain than a tax on plastic bags alone. Sensitivity analysis reveals that the level of the second-best taxes and their associated environmental and welfare impacts are sensitive to assumptions regarding the littering rate and decay rate of plastic bags in the marine environment.

ANALISIS INTERPRETASI LAUT PADA KARTUN SPONGEBOB

This analysis aims to highlight the social message related to marine pollution conveyed through the cartoon "Spongebob SquarePants" using a qualitative approach employing semiotic analysis. The study will delve into the symbols, objects, and visual representations associated with the ocean in the cartoon. The anticipated outcome of this analysis is to provide insights into how entertainment media like cartoons can influence understanding and awareness of environmental issues such as marine pollution, serving as a basis for further research on the role of media in shaping attitudes and actions towards environmental issues.

Numerical simulations on the oil plume evolutions and the two critical aspects of emergent oil containment for ship collision-incurred oil spills

Oil spill pollution from ships has always being a highly noteworthy topic in the field of marine pollution. Although shipping technology has developed rapidly in recent years, oil spills from ships have occurred over time. Analyzing the oil plume morphological evolution of ship collision-incurred oil spills is crucial for effective oil spill containment to prevent further pollution. Existing studies have not yet comprehensively examined the critical characteristic parameters of emergent containment. In this study, a three-dimensional multiphase VOF model based on a well-validated solver was developed to investigate oil plume development with a focus on the two critical aspects of emergent oil containment-Ls and Ts. Good validation results were achieved by analyzing the oil plume morphological evolution of oil spills from a rectangular tank. The verified model was then employed to evaluate the effects of the following parameters on Ls and Ts with the consideration of the effects of the ship model: For oil spills above the water surface, the cross-wind speed predominantly influences Ts with minimal impacts on Ls; In the case of underwater spill, the comprehensive influences of the ship draught-dSp, leakage port size-do, ambient current velocity-Uwater, ship model-current angle-θ and oil density-ρo on the oil plume development and the subsequent emergent containment were studied in detail. These results offer crucial insights into shaping the response to emergent oil containment following ship collision-induced oil spills.

Quantifying the impact: Are coastal areas impoverished by marine pollution?

We propose a methodological framework to assess the causal impact of Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) events on economic indicators at a territorial level, with special consideration for spatial effects. Using the Mar Menor region in Spain as a case study, we empirically apply our framework. Our findings indicate a significantly negative causal effect of marine pollution resulting from HAB events on income per capita at the census section level. We observe that this effect is exacerbated by spatial interactions among neighboring census sections adjacent to those directly affected by seawater degradation. These results underscore the importance of implementing effective environmental regulations to mitigate seawater pollution and proactive measures to safeguard the well-being of local populations. Our research provides valuable insights for future studies in similar coastal regions.

Economic Impacts of Marine Pollution in Nigeria and the Need for Sustainable Policy Interventions

The economic prosperity of countries is greatly jeopardized by marine pollution, and Nigeria is not exempt from this perilous situation. This study examines the financial consequences of marine pollution in Nigeria and promotes the implementation of sustainable policy measures to reduce its negative repercussions. The literature study explores the historical backdrop of marine pollution in Nigeria, examining existing patterns, trends, and case studies that emphasize the economic repercussions, both direct and indirect. The theoretical basis comprises economic ideas that are pertinent to environmental deterioration, offering a conceptual framework for comprehending the economic consequences of marine pollution. Based on previous literature, this paper examines the current condition of marine pollution in Nigeria, with a specific focus on its economic consequences. This section combines case examples and research data to emphasize the pressing need to tackle the problem. The third part provides a thorough analysis of current policy initiatives, assessing both international and national frameworks, highlighting effective strategies in other countries, and detailing the problems and constraints involved. Ultimately, the study underscores the crucial need of sustained policy interventions, providing suggestions for successful execution. This research adds to the discussion on reducing the economic consequences of marine pollution in Nigeria and other places by promoting a comprehensive strategy.

Representation of Environmental Issues in Marjan's "Baruna the Guardian of the Ocean" Ad 2023 Episode 1 and 2 (Analysis Semiotika Charles Sanders Peirce)

Environmental issues have become the talk of recent years, education and information about deteriorating natural conditions are needed to maintain natural health. Given the rise of environmental issues in recent years, PT Lasallefood Indonesia has participated by raising environmental issues as their advertising concept for 2023. This study aims to show environmental issues in the form of marine pollution represented in marjan advertisements "baruna sang guardian samudra" episodes 1 and 2 using qualitative approaches and data collection techniques Observation and documentation. The analysis was conducted by observing scenes related to marine pollution obtained through symbols and signs displayed throughout the marjan advertisement "Baruna the Guardian of the Ocean" episodes 1 and 2 through the approach of Charles Sanders Pierce's Semiotic Theory. The results of this study show that the Baruna Sang Guardian of the Ocean marjan advertisement tries to represent 3 aspects broadly related to environmental issues of marine pollution, the first is the act of marine pollution represented by adult characters who are fishermen and children as coastal villagers who throw plastic waste into the sea, the second is the impact of plastic pollution on the marine environment represented by the inner ocean and the surface that has been Filled with plastic waste, the last impact of marine pollution that is happening to marine life is represented by the figure of a dragon as marine life affected by marine pollution in the form of being eaten by plastic waste.

Techno-Economic Evaluation of Direct Low-Pressure Selective Catalytic Reduction for Boil-Off Gas Treatment Systems of NH3-Fueled Ships

This study proposes a feasible solution for boil-off gas (BOG) treatment to facilitate NH3 fuel use by ocean-going ships, which is currently considered an alternative fuel for ships. Two systems were designed and analyzed for BOG in IMO Type-A NH3 fuel storage tanks for 14,000 TEU container ships. First, BOG lost inside the storage tank minimized economic losses through the onboard re-liquefaction system. The total energy consumed by the system to process NH3 gas generated in the fuel tank at 232.4 kg/h was 51.9 kW, and the specific energy consumption (SEC) was 0.223 kWh/kg. Second, NH3 was supplied to the direct Low-Pressure Selective Catalytic Reduction (LP-SCR) system to treat marine pollutants generated by combustion engines. The feasible design point was determined by calculating the NH3 feed flow rate using three methodologies. The energy consumed by the direct LP-SCR system was 3.89 and 2.39 kW, and the SEC was 0.0144 at 0.0167 kWh/kg at 100% and 25% load, respectively. The feasibility was indicated via economic analysis. Depending on the life cycle cost, the competitiveness of the re-liquefaction system depends on the price of NH3, where a higher price yields a more economical solution. In conclusion, the direct LP-SCR system has a low overall cost because of its low energy consumption when supplying NH3 and its reduced amount of core equipment.

Distribution of copper in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans using green turtles (Chelonia mydas) as a bioindicator.

Marine pollution by trace elements is a global concern due to potential toxicity to species and ecosystems. Copper is a fundamental trace element for many organisms; however, it becomes toxic at certain concentrations. The green turtle (Chelonia mydas) is a good sentinel species, due to its circumglobal distribution, long life cycle, coastal habits when juvenile, and is subject to environmental pollution. Quantifying and comparing copper levels makes it possible to understand the availability of this trace element in nature. During this research, comparisons were made between the levels of copper found in the liver, kidneys, and muscles of 35 turtles, from the United States (Hawaii and Texas), Brazil, and Japan. Copper was found in all specimens. In the liver, animals from Hawaii (91.08µgg-1), Texas (46.11µgg-1), and Japan (65.18µgg-1) had statistically equal means, while those from Brazil (16. 79µgg-1) had the lowest means. For the kidney, copper means were statistically equal for all Hawaii (3.71µgg-1), Texas (4.83µgg-1), Japan (2.47µgg-1), and Brazil (1.89µgg-1). In muscle, the means between Texas (0.75µgg-1) and Japan (0.75µgg-1) were the same, and the mean for Brazil (0.13µgg-1) was the lowest. Among the organs, the highest levels of copper were found in the liver (28.33µgg-1) followed by the kidney (2.25µgg-1) and with the lowest levels in the muscle (0.33µgg-1). This is the first study of copper levels among marine vertebrates in distant parts of the globe using similar comparative filters between different locations. Similar levels in turtles from such distant locations may indicate that there is a pantropical pattern of copper distribution in the biota, and that these animals are subject to the process of bioavailability of this metal in the environment and metabolic regulation.