Pollution In Marine Ecosystems Research Articles

Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination in Beach Sediments of Eastern St. Martin’s Island, Bangladesh: Implications for Environmental and Human Health Risks

Heavy metal pollution in marine ecosystems is an escalating environmental concern, largely driven by anthropogenic activities, and poses potential threats to ecological health and human well-being. This study embarked on a comprehensive investigation into the concentrations of heavy metals in sediment samples and evaluated their potential ecological and health risks with a focus on Eastern St. Martin’s Island (SMI), Bangladesh. Sediment samples were meticulously collected from 12 distinct sites around the island, and the concentrations of heavy metals, including Mn, Fe, Ni, Zn, Cr, Pb, and Cu, were quantified utilizing atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). The results revealed that the average concentrations of the metals, in descending order, were Mn (269.5 ± 33.0 mg/kg), Fe (143.8 ± 21.7 mg/kg), Ni (29.6 ± 44.0 mg/kg), Zn (27.2 ± 4.34 mg/kg), Cr (8.09 ± 1.67 mg/kg), Pb (5.88 ± 0.45 mg/kg), and Cu (3.76 ± 0.60 mg/kg). Intriguingly, the concentrations of all the measured metals were found to be within permissible limits and comparatively lower than those documented in various national and international contexts. The ecological risk assessment, based on multiple sediment quality indices such as the geoaccumulation index, contamination factor, and pollution load index, indicated a moderate risk to the aquatic ecosystem but no significant adverse impact on sediment quality. Additionally, the human health risk assessment, encompassing non-carcinogenic hazard indices for different age groups, was considerably below the threshold, signifying no immediate health risk. The total carcinogenic risk was also found to be below acceptable levels. These findings underscore the current state of heavy metal pollution in Eastern St. Martin’s Island, providing valuable insights for environmental monitoring and management. While the immediate risks were not alarming, the study highlights the imperative need for sustained monitoring and the implementation of rigorous regulations to curb heavy metal pollution in order to safeguard both ecological and human health. This warrants the development of policies that are both adaptive and preemptive to ensure the sustainable utilization and conservation of marine resources.

Abundance and distribution of microplastics in seawater, sediment, and macroalgae sea grapes Caulerpa racemosa from Semak Daun Island, Jakarta Bay, Indonesia

Abstract. Patria MP, Kholis N, Anggreini D, Buyong F. 2023. Abundance and distribution of microplastics in seawater, sediment, and macroalgae sea grapes Caulerpa racemosa from Semak Daun Island, Jakarta Bay, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 3424-3430. Microplastic pollution in marine ecosystems poses a significant global concern, specifically regarding the security of food derived from the sea. Macroalgae, as a food source from the sea, can be susceptible to contamination by microplastics. This research assessed the abundance and forms of microplastics in macroalgae sea grapes (Caulerpa racemosa (Forssk.) J.Agardh) collected from Semak Daun Island within the Seribu Island National Park. Additionally, the impact of washing and stirring on microplastic abundance was examined in macroalgae. The average number of microplastics and their identification showed that the washed, stirred, and NaOH-treated macroalgae samples contained an average abundance of 3.28±0.31 particles/g, 5.06±0.59 particles/g, and 2.0±0.81 particles/g, respectively. Furthermore, microplastics were detected in seawater and sediment samples, with an average abundance of 8.2±2.19 particles/L and 15,200±4,932 particles/Kg, respectively. Fragmented microplastics were the predominant form in macroalgae, while fibrous microplastics dominated seawater and sediment samples. Significant differences were observed between the washed and stirred samples (p = 0.009), where the stirred sample exhibited a higher reduction percentage. Microplastics in edible macroalgae indicated the potential hazards of exposure and subsequent accumulation in the human body.

First evidence of microplastic ingestion in the ocean giant sunfish (Mola mola)

Mola mola is the largest teleost inhabiting our ocean and the presence of microplastics (MP) in this flagship species was, before this study, never described. Thus, this investigation focused on analysing MP ingestion in 53 ocean giant sunfish in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean. A total of 116 MP were found in 79% of the specimens, with a median of 1 MP.ind−1, ranging from 0 to 11 MP.ind−1. Seasonal differences were observed, with more fibers registered in specimens caught in autumn. Among the different size classes observed, the smallest category (<300 μm) was the most frequent (43%). Blue (43%) was the most prevalent color, followed by green (29%) and black (10%). The majority of fragments were styrene acrylic copolymer (53%), while most fibers were rayon (78%). These findings emphasize that the ocean sunfish population crossing the southern waters of Portugal is exposed to microplastic pollution and highlight the need for effective management policies to address plastic pollution in marine ecosystems.

Portunus pelagicus (Linnaeus, 1758) as a Sentinel Species to Assess Trace Metal Occurrence: A Case Study of Kuwait Waters (Northwestern Arabian Gulf).

Heavy metal pollution can adversely impact marine life, such as crabs, which can accumulate it in different organs and potentially transfer and biomagnify along the food chain in aquatic ecosystems. This study aimed to examine the concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn) in sediment, water, and crab tissues (gills, hepatopancreas, and carapace) of the blue swimmer crab Portunus pelagicus in the coastal areas of Kuwait, northwestern Arabian Gulf. Samples were collected from Shuwaikh Port, Shuaiba Port, and Al-Khiran areas. The accumulation of metals in crabs were higher in the carapace > gill > digestive gland, and the highest metal concentration was found in crabs collected from Shuwaikh > Shuaiba > Al-Khiran. The metal concentrations in the sediments were in the order Zn > Cu > Pb > Cd. Zn was the highest metal concentration detected in marine water sampled from the Al-Khiran Area, whereas the lowest metal was Cd sampled in water from the Shuwaikh Area. The results of this study validate the marine crab P. pelagicus as a relevant sentinel and prospective bioindicator for evaluating heavy metal pollution in marine ecosystems.

Metal accumulation capacity of raphidascaridid nematode, Hysterothylacium reliquens, infecting the king soldier bream (Argyrops spinifer)

There are several types of biological markers in the environment. The potential parasites’ ability to serve as bio-indicators of pollution in marine ecosystems was the focus of the current study. Forty samples of the king soldier bream Argyrops spinifer, were collected from the Red Sea (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia) for this study, and they were examined for parasite infections. Only 25 fish samples included one naturally occurring nematode parasite, Hysterothylacium reliquens, which had three of its life-cycle stages (adults, L3, and L4 larvae). The levels of some metals (Fe, Cu, Cd, and Pb) were detected in the parasite stages and the tissues of the fish host tissues (liver, muscle, and intestine). These metals accumulated higher in non-infected fish tissues than in infected ones. The significant parasite capability for metal accumulation rather than fish tissues was validated by bioconcentration factors. Depending on the stage of a parasite’s life, different metals were used. Larval stages are more prone to gathering essential elements (Fe and Cu). Although adults have a greater tolerance to toxic metals (Cd and Pb). The various metal absorption mechanisms were referred to as the differences between parasite stages. This proved that fish nematodes might serve as helpful bioindicators for assessing the extent of heavy metal contamination of aquatic ecosystems.

Implementing Artificial Intelligence to Reduce Marine Ecosystem Pollution

Industrial growth has a positive impact because it brings prosperity to humans. But on the other hand, it also has a negative effect, mainly due to industrial pollution produced. The pollution impacts environmental damage, one of which is the marine environment. This damage can be reduced by increasing understanding of the marine environment by monitoring it using technology. Although efforts have been made to monitor the marine environment, there are difficulties interpreting the large amount of data collected. To overcome these obstacles, we need technology that can process big data. One of the technologies that can be used is Artificial Intelligence which will be discussed in this study. This study aims to provide further understanding regarding the application of Artificial Intelligence to monitor the marine environment. This study uses a literature review method from several studies related to Artificial Intelligence. The final result of this study explains the potential and impact of applying Artificial Intelligence in reducing pollution of the marine environment sustainably. Although there have been many efforts to monitor the ocean for pollutants remotely, classifying the data is challenging because of the high volume of data. Therefore, the novelty of this research is to discuss a use case of a new approach to monitoring the ocean with the help of Artificial Intelligence. This research is expected to be motivated to develop better solutions in overcoming marine environment pollution using Artificial Intelligence technology.

Experimental accumulation of microplastics in acorn barnacle Amphibalanus amphitrite and its use in estimating microplastic concentration in coastal waters

Microplastic (MP) pollution has been an emerging problem in the marine environment over the last few decades. Considering wide-ranging negative impacts of MPs on marine organisms, monitoring MP pollution in marine ecosystems is essential and urgent for developing effective management of the problem. An exposure experiment was conducted to assess the potential of the striped barnacle Amphibalanus amphitrite as a bioindicator of MPs. The barnacles were exposed to either polypropylene fibers or fragments for 8 days. A full factorial experiment was conducted, with the shape (fragment, fiber), exposure concentration (10, 100, and 1000 items L-1) and exposure duration (2, 4, and 8 days) as independent factors. The highest number of MPs in A. amphitrite was 21.04 ± 15.22 fragments g-1 and 17.60 ± 13.8 fibers g-1 wet weight recorded after 4 days of exposure, and the MP concentration in the barnacles was positively correlated with the exposure concentration, regardless of the form of MPs. A regression equation relating the MP concentration in the barnacles and that in the water was computed to estimate the MP concentration in the coastal waters of Hong Kong. The predicted values were close to the published data, indicating the potential of A. amphitrite as a bioindicator of MP pollution.

Study of trace elements in stranded green turtles (Chelonia mydas), hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata), and olive ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) in Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea.

The purpose of this study was to survey and compare the amounts of elements in the serum of stranded sea turtles from the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. The sea turtles from the Gulf of Thailand had Ca, Mg, P, S, Se, and Si concentrations significantly higher than those in sea turtles from the Andaman Sea. The Ni and Pb concentrations of sea turtles from the Gulf of Thailand was higher, but not significantly so, than in sea turtles from the Andaman Sea. Rb was detected only in sea turtles from the Gulf of Thailand. This may have been related to the industrial activities in Eastern Thailand. The concentration of Br in the sea turtles from the Andaman Sea were significantly higher than those in sea turtles from the Gulf of Thailand. The higher serum concentration of Cu in hawksbill (H) and olive ridley turtles (O) than in green turtles may be due to hemocyanin, as an important component in the blood of crustaceans. The higher Fe concentration in the serum from green turtles than for H and O may be due to chlorophyll, which is an important component of chloroplasts in eel grass. Co was not found in the serum of green turtles but was found in the serum of H and O. The monitoring of important elements in sea turtles may be used as a tool to assess the levels of pollution in marine ecosystems.

Understanding the role of ecological factors affecting mercury concentrations in the blue shark (Prionace glauca)

Human activities have increased environmental concentrations of pollutants in marine ecosystems, which can cause harmful effects on marine organisms. Top predators are particularly susceptible to bioaccumulation and biomagnification of pollutants through the food webs and are described as good sentinels for monitoring metal accumulation such mercury (Hg) in marine ecosystems. However, to be used as sentinels, it is important to understand the main ecological factors affecting the concentrations of pollutants in these organisms. In the present study, our main objective was to investigate the effect of body size, sex, trophic niche and geographic area on Hg concentrations in a top marine top predator, the blue shark (Prionace glauca). We analysed Hg in muscle samples from male and female blue sharks of different body sizes collected from the waters surrounding the Canary Islands and the South of Portugal, in the Atlantic Ocean, to waters of the north-western Mediterranean Sea. The results revealed that the sampling area was an important factor explaining Hg concentrations, showing higher values in the Mediterranean blue sharks. We also found a positive relationship between Hg concentrations and body size of blue sharks, indicating a bioaccumulation process of this pollutant in relation with body size. Moreover, we observed a relationship between Hg concentrations and δ13C values, a proxy of the use of inshore-offshore marine habitats. Individuals with depleted δ13C values that potentially foraged in offshore waters showed higher Hg values. Importantly, most of the analysed blue sharks presented Hg concentrations that exceeded the limits established by the European Union for human consumption.

Microplastics/microfibers in settled indoor house dust—exploratory case study for 10 residential houses in the Kanto area of Japan

AbstractAlthough microplastic (size ≤5 mm) pollution in marine ecosystems has received global attention, the presence of microplastics and microfibers in indoor environments is also a major concern. Compared to the available field survey data on microplastics in the ocean, such information remains limited for indoor environments. Microplastics in indoor environments may act as adsorbents for chemical compounds, which may result in multiple adverse health effects on residents. Establishment of reproducible sampling and analysis methods aiding comprehensive field measurements of indoor microplastics in Japan is required. This study conducted the first field survey of indoor microplastics in settled dust in 10 residential houses in the Kanto area of Japan and explored their composition and morphology. Micro‐Fourier transform infrared (μ‐FT‐IR) spectrophotometry and laser direct infrared (LDIR) analysis were used for the qualitative analysis of microplastics. The μ‐FT‐IR and LDIR analyses revealed the presence of large quantities of microplastics in the settled dust. The samples were composed of cellulose, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, alkyd resins, polysulfone, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyamides. The μ‐FT‐IR and LDIR analyses were suitable for identifying large fibrous materials and small particles, respectively. Thus, the two methods are complementary for the comprehensive identification of microplastic composition in settled dust.

Microplastic Occurrence in the Gill and Gastrointestinal Tract of Chelon ramada (Mugilidae) in a Highly Urbanized Region, İskenderun Bay, Türkiye

Microplastic pollution in marine ecosystems has become a significant, global concern which attracting the attention of academics and policy makers. This study provides information regarding the microplastic occurrence in the gill and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of Chelon ramada (Risso, 1827). A total of 158 MPs were extracted from the gill and GIT with a mean of 1.9±1.8 particle/individual in gill and 3.4±2.1 particle/individual in GIT. Fiber was the most commonly extracted microplastic type (79%), followed by fragments (16%), film (4%) and pellet (2%). Mean size of extracted MPs from the organs of Chelon ramada was found as 1251±1602 µm. Black, transparent, red and blue MPs were extracted from the organs and dominance of black and transparent MPs were observed in the gill and GIT, respectively. This study is providing the first data regarding the microplastic ingestion of Chelon ramada and the results obtained in this will help to understand the relationship between anthropogenic influences and microplastic ingestion.

Experimental evidence that polystyrene nanoplastics cross the intestinal barrier of European seabass.

Plastic pollution in marine ecosystems constitutes an important threat to marine life. For vertebrates, macro/microplastics can obstruct and/or transit into the airways and digestive tract whereas nanoplastics (NPs; < 1000nm) have been observed in non-digestive tissues such as the liver and brain. Whether NPs cross the intestinal epithelium to gain access to the blood and internal organs remains controversial, however. Here, we show directly NP translocation across the intestinal barrier of a fish, the European seabass, Dicentrarchus labrax, ex vivo. The luminal side of median and distal segments of intestine were exposed to fluorescent polystyrene NPs (PS-NPs) of 50nm diameter. PS-NPs that translocated to the serosal side were then detected quantitatively by fluorimetry, and qualitatively by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and pyrolysis coupled to gas chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry (Py-GC-HRMS). Fluorescence intensity on the serosal side increased 15-90min after PS-NP addition into the luminal side, suggesting that PS-NPs crossed the intestinal barrier; this was confirmed by both SEM and Py-GC-HRMS. This study thus evidenced conclusively that NPs beads translocate across the intestinal epithelium in this marine vertebrate.

Effects of Discarded Masks on the Offshore Microorganisms during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Numerous disposable plastic masks had been produced and used for preventing the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic effectively. Discarded masks are a potential source of microplastic pollution in marine ecosystems. The effect of discarded masks on offshore microorganisms is still unclear. Herein, we profiled the interaction between the microplastics released by discarded masks and marine microbes. The effects of mask quantity, time, and environment on the microplastic-related communities were determined. We characterized the bacterial communities of each group using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metagenomic sequencing and correlated the community diversity to the physicochemical properties of seawater. We found that the diversity and richness of microflora on the surface of microplastics with different quantity and time varied significantly. Proteobacteria are the main bacteria on microplastics, and the KEGG metabolic pathway prediction shows that amino acid metabolism and carbohydrate metabolism were abundant. In addition, there was a correlation between bacterial communities and Antibiotic Resistance Ontology (ARO). We used scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) techniques to evaluate the plastic polymer characteristics of disposable medical masks. Our research shows that disposable medical masks immersed in seawater can alter the microbial community. This study provides the most recent data and insights into the contamination of discarded masks in the marine environment.

Investigation of Global Trends of Pollutants in Marine Ecosystems around Barrang Caddi Island, Spermonde Archipelago Cluster: An Ecological Approach.

High-quality marine ecosystems are free from global trending pollutants’ (GTP) contaminants. Accuracy and caution are needed during the exploitation of marine resources during marine tourism to prevent future ecological hazards that cause chain effects on aquatic ecosystems and humans. This article identifies exposure to GTP: microplastic (MP); polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH); pesticide residue (PR); heavy metal (HM); and medical waste (MW), in marine ecosystems in the marine tourism area (MTA) area and Barrang Caddi Island (BCI) waters. A combination of qualitative and quantitative analysis methods were used with analytical instruments and mathematical formulas. The search results show the average total abundance of MPs in seawater (5.47 units/m3) and fish samples (7.03 units/m3), as well as in the sediment and sponge samples (8.18 units/m3) and (8.32 units/m3). Based on an analysis of the polymer structure, it was identified that the dominant light group was MPs: polyethylene (PE); polypropylene (PP); polystyrene (PS); followed by polyamide-nylon (PA); and polycarbonate (PC). Several PAH pollutants were identified in the samples. In particular, naphthalene (NL) types were the most common pollutants in all of the samples, followed by pyrene (PN), and azulene (AZ). Pb+2 and Cu+2 pollutants around BCI were successfully calculated, showing average concentrations in seawater of 0.164 ± 0.0002 mg/L and 0.293 ± 0.0007 mg/L, respectively, while in fish, the concentrations were 1.811 ± 0.0002 µg/g and 4.372 ± 0.0003 µg/g, respectively. Based on these findings, the BCI area is not recommended as a marine tourism destination.

Spatial Patterns of Microplastics in Surface Seawater, Sediment, and Sand Along Qingdao Coastal Environment

Coastal environments, ecologically fragile zones, are subjected to great human pressures, particularly, xenobiotic pollutants such as microplastics (MPs) and trace metals. Yet, the impact of anthropogenic intervention on the spatial patterns of MPs in different coastal environmental compartments of Qingdao, a city located in the west Yellow Sea, is still unclear. Therefore, the spatial distribution, characteristics, and diversity of MPs (≥ 50 µm) in seawater, sediment, and sand samples collected from 10 zones intervened by different anthropogenic activities in Qingdao coastal environment were investigated. The abundance of MPs was 93.1 ± 63.5 items/m3 in seawater, which was 4577 ± 2902 items/kg in sediments and 3602 ± 1708 items/kg in the beach sands. A spatial analysis indicated that the distribution characteristics of MPs, including abundance, color, and type, greatly varied among the zones with different extent of human activities. The highest abundance of MPs in the seawater was detected in the abandoned aquafarm, followed by harbors, beaches, estuary, sewage discharge areas, operational aquafarm, and rural areas, whereas the highest MP abundance in the sediments followed the order of harbor, sewage discharge, estuary, abandoned aquafarm, beaches, rural area, and operational aquafarm. The highest MP abundance in the scenic and recreational beach sands was, respectively, in the intertidal and supratidal zone. The transparent chlorinated polyethylene fragments with the relatively small size of 50–100 μm were the dominant MPs in the coastal environment. The higher physicochemical characteristic diversity in terms of size, color, shape, and type of MPs in the aquafarms, harbors, and recreational beach than those of the other zones, illustrated the higher complexity and diversity of MP pollution sources in these zones. These results jointly indicated that aquaculture, navigation, and tourism mainly determined MP spatial distribution patterns in the coastal environment of Qingdao. These results also extend the understanding of the inventory and fate of MPs in coastal environment, thus providing important data to establish effective strategies for abating MP pollution in marine ecosystems.

Horizontal Transfer of Virulence Factors by Pathogenic Enterobacteria to Marine Saprotrophic Bacteria during Co-Cultivation in Biofilm.

Environmental problems associated with marine pollution and climate warming create favorable conditions for the penetration and survival of pathogenic bacteria in marine ecosystems. These microorganisms have interspecific competitive interactions with marine bacteria. Co-culture, as an important research strategy that mimics the natural environment of bacteria, can activate silent genes or clusters through interspecies interactions. The authors used modern biotechnology of co-cultivation to dynamically study intercellular interactions between different taxa of bacteria—pathogenic enterobacteria Yersinia pseudotuberculosis and Listeria monocytogenes and saprotrophic marine bacteria Bacillus sp. and Pseudomonas japonica isolated in summer from the coastal waters of the recreational areas of the Sea of Japan. The results of the experiments showed that during the formation of polycultural biofilms, horizontal transfer of genes encoding some pathogenicity factors from Y. pseudotuberculosis and L. monocytogenes to marine saprotrophic bacteria with different secretion systems is possible. It was previously thought that this was largely prevented by the type VI secretion system (T6SS) found in marine saprotrophic bacteria. The authors showed for the first time the ability of marine bacteria Bacillus sp. and P. japonica to biofilm formation with pathogenic enterobacteria Y. pseudotuberculosis and L. monocytogenes, saprophytic bacteria with type III secretion system (T3SS). For the first time, a marine saprotrophic strain of Bacillus sp. Revealed manifestations of hyaluronidase, proteolytic and hemolytic activity after cultivation in a polycultural biofilm with listeria. Saprotrophic marine bacteria that have acquired virulence factors from pathogenic enterobacteria, including antibiotic resistance genes, could potentially play a role in altering the biological properties of other members of the marine microbial community. In addition, given the possible interdomain nature of intercellular gene translocation, acquired virulence factors can be transferred to marine unicellular and multicellular eukaryotes. The results obtained contribute to the paradigm of the epidemiological significance and potential danger of anthropogenic pollution of marine ecosystems, which creates serious problems for public health and the development of marine culture as an important area of economic activity in coastal regions.

Physicochemical assessment and treatment of produced water: A case study in Niger delta Nigeria

The most important waste stream created during oil and gas production is oilfield-produced water. When discharged without treatment, it poses a significant risk of pollution of marine ecosystems. While adequate treatment before disposal is acceptable, achieving authorized discharge criteria continues to be a problem for the petroleum sector. This research examined the physicochemical characteristics of produced water at various month intervals before and after treatment. Heavy metal and organic component concentrations in water samples were determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy and gas chromatography. The results indicate that produced water from a certain Niger Delta oilfield contains significant amounts of heavy metals and some organic compounds after treatment. The present laws, as well as the measurement of dispersed oil and grease content, have been in place for a long period of time without considerable change, even though most dangerous components in produced water are dissolved. It is recommendable for the prospective field developers/operators to consider the dissolved components of produced water and consider the economic consequences of adopting tertiary produced water polishing technologies.

Microplastic presence in the pelagic fish, Seriola dumerili, from Balearic Islands (Western Mediterranean), and assessment of oxidative stress and detoxification biomarkers in liver

Microplastics (MPs) are characterized by their high persistence in marine ecosystems, and due to their small size, they can be easily ingested by very diverse organisms. Although the presence of MPs in wild fish is well documented, there is still limited information on their potential to induce adverse effects. Pelagic fish species, because of their wide distribution, are considered good bioindicators for monitoring environmental pollution of marine ecosystems. This study investigated the presence of MPs in the gastrointestinal tract of the predatory pelagic fish (Seriola dumerili) in the Balearic Islands (Mediterranean Sea), and the possible relationship with oxidative stress through the analysis of biomarkers in liver tissue. The results showed the presence of MPs in 98% of total samples examined (n = 52) with an average of 12.2 ± 1.3 MPs/individual. A greater amount of fibre-like particles was isolated compared to fragments. No correlation between the presence of MPs in the gastrointestinal contents and the size of the fishes was noted. Antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase) and the phase II detoxification enzyme glutathione-S-transferase showed increased activities in fish with higher MPs load. The activity ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase and the levels of malondialdehyde were similar in both groups. In conclusion, the present results provide an important database on the assessment of the presence of MP debris in S. dumerili gastrointestinal tract and, the potential capability to cause oxidative stress.

Assessment of PAHs accumulation in Donax trunculus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Bivalvia, Donacidae) from the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast

Anthropogenic pollution of marine ecosystems is one of the main sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Marine bivalves are often used as bioindicators of environmental pollution due to their wide distribution and capability of xenobiotic bioaccumulation. The aim of the present study was to assess the presence of PAHs in soft tissues of wedge clams Donax trunculus (Linnaeus, 1758), collected from sublittoral sandy habitats at different locations off the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. Wedge clams from the different locations showed variations in the content of accumulated PAHs’ compounds. The concentrations of PAHs were measured by gas chromatography system with mass spectrometry detection. The total PAHs content (sum of 13 PAHs’ compounds) measured was in the range from 5.59 to 50.50 ng/g wet weight and was comparable with other European studies. The compounds phenanthrene and fluorene were most abundant in all analyzed samples. The results showed that low molecular weight (LMW) PAHs (2 and 3 aromatic rings) were predominant, accounting for 91% of the total PAHs levels, while high molecular weight (HMW) PAHs (4–5- and 6- rings) presence was 8.9% on average. The ratio LMW/HMWPAHs was higher than one, suggesting predominant pollution of petrogenic origin. The concentrations of benzo (a)pyrene did not exceed the limit set in EC Regulation although it was detected in 20% of the analyzed samples. In conclusion, maximum overall PAHs content was found in clams from Arkutino, while minimum PAHs content was present in samples from Elenite. The Sum PAH4 (sum of four polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: benzo[a]pyrene, chrisene, benzo[a]anthracene, and benzo[b]fluoranthene) in the wedge clams for all localities studied was below legislation limits. Data from the present research can be used for assessing pollution levels in the marine environment and also risk of human exposure to PAHs using D. trunculus as bioindicator species.

Using Kiln Boats to Reuse Marine Plastics

Microplastics are the biggest pollutants in marine ecosystems. Each year, over 8 million tons of plastic enter the oceans. Via microbes, microplastics may transport toxic chemicals into food webs. It is therefore important to create a way to remove microplastics and reduce the impact of microplastics on the ocean’s food web. This paper discusses the plan of using kiln firing, laser firing, pollution control, and green energy production to reuse marine plastics. We used a wood-fired kiln to design a kiln boat. The “Patch” is a large ocean area with trash. The calorific value of plastics is comparable to that of fuels, around 40 MJ/kg. This makes plastic a good fuel for ceramic firing. Based on our Taiwanese invention patent for a laser ceramic firing technique (Taiwan, R.O.C Patent Number: I687394 and I750055), we integrated a variety of ceramic technologies to address the problem of marine plastic pollution. A kiln boat is a good plan. Creating a moveable kiln not only reduces transportation costs but also reuses the calorific value of plastics. This is important in guiding future marine litter research and ocean cleanup management strategies.