Investigating the Human Impacts and the Environmental Consequences of Microplastics Disposal into Water Resources

During the last decades, one of the most contentious environmental issues has been the investigation of the fate of microplastics (MPs) and detrimental consequences in natural and water resources worldwide. In this respect, it is critical research firstly to track the ways in which MPs are determined as key anthropogenic pollutants in terms of ecological risk and secondly to plan feasible policies under which the role of science and society in tackling this global issue in the future should be prioritized. In this study, a systematic theoretical, technical, and planning analysis was developed in alignment with a Scopus search deployed in the second half of the year 2021 and covering a wide chronological range (from 1970s onwards) and thematic contexts of analysis by using keywords and key phrases organized into two groups. The document results were graphically represented, revealing the main scientific focus of studies. Subsequently, our study investigated the quantitative assessment methods of MPs in marine environments, denoting the range of standard procedures applied for collecting and analyzing samples of water, bottom sediments, and coastal deposits. The technological part of the study includes the presentation of the relevant analytical techniques applied for MPs tracking and monitoring in water resources, determining the wide spectrum of plastic compounds traced. Of particular interest was the determination of environmental depletion and human implications caused, even by extremely low concentrations of MPs, for marine biota, posing potential risks to marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and food availability. Finally, the research proposed the challenges of actions needed to support scientific, industry, policy, and civil society communities to curb the ongoing flow of MPs and the toxic chemicals they contain into water resources, while rethinking the ways of plastics consumption by humanity.

Quality Indeks dan Konsentrasi Logam Berat dalam Perairan dan Sedimen di Perairan Kota Makassar

Kota Makassar merupakan pusat kota di Provinsi Sulawesi Selatan yang memiliki aktifitas wilayah pesisir, seperti pemanfataan industri, pariwisata, transportasi laut serta memiliki dua sungai besar yang muara di perairan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui konsentrasilogam berat dalam air dan sedimen serta menentukan status mutunya. Pengamatan dilakukan pada 10 lokasi strategis sumber pencemar seperti pabrik, hotel, muara sungai serta pelabuhan dengan mengambil sampel air dan sedimen dan selanjutnya dianalisis di laboratorium untuk logam berat Cd, Cr, Hg, Zn, Cu dan Pb. Statistik deskriptif digunakan untuk menganalisis data yang ada. Metode Indeks Pencemar dan Storet (Storage and Retrieval) digunakan untuk menentukan status mutu air dan sedimen dari logam berat untuk biota laut. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan perairan Kota Makassar tergolong dalam kategori “Cemar Ringan” berdasarkan hasil perhitungan indeks Pencemar sedangkan status mutu perairan tergolong “Cemar Berat”. Parameter logam berat di kolom perairan yang melampaui baku mutu adalah Krom (0,016±0,005) dan Tembaga (0,112±0,035). Sedangkan untuk parameter logam berat sedimen secara keseluruhan masih berada dalam ambang batas baku mutu yang telah ditentukan. Kondisi tercemar berasal dari aktifitas reklamasi pantai serta sumber alami dan limbah domestik dari aktifitas masyarakat cukup tinggi.ABSTRACTMakassar City is the city center in South Sulawesi Province which has coastal area activities, such as the use of industry, tourism, sea transportation and has two large rivers that estuary into the waters. This study aims to determine the concentration of heavy metals in water and sediment and determine their quality status. Observations were made at 10 strategic locations of pollutant sources such as factories, hotels, river mouths, and ports by taking water and sediment samples and then analyzed in the laboratory for heavy metals Cd, Cr, Hg, Zn, Cu, and Pb. Descriptive statistics are used to analyze the existing data. The Pollutant Index and Storet (Storage and Retrieval) method is used to determine the status of water and sediment quality of heavy metals for marine biota. The results of this study indicate that the waters of Makassar City are classified as "Lightly Polluted" based on the results of the calculation of the Pollutant index while the status of the water quality is classified as "Heavy Polluted". Parameters of heavy metals in the water column that exceed the quality standard are chromium (0,016±0,005) and copper (0,112±0,035). Meanwhile, the parameters of the sediment heavy metals as a whole are still within the specified quality standard. Polluted conditions derived from coastal reclamation activities as well as natural sources and domestic waste from community activities are quite high.

Investigating the effect of nickel concentration on phytoplankton growth to inform the assessment of ocean alkalinity enhancement

Ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) is a proposed method for removing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere by the accelerated weathering of (ultra-) basic minerals to increase alkalinity – the chemical capacity of seawater to store CO2. During the weathering of OAE-relevant minerals relatively large amounts of trace metals will be released and may perturb pelagic ecosystems. Nickel (Ni) is of particular concern as it is abundant in olivine, one of the most widely considered minerals for OAE. However, so far there is limited knowledge about the impact of Ni on marine biota including phytoplankton. To fill this knowledge gap, this study tested the growth and photo-physiological response of 11 marine phytoplankton species to a wide range of dissolved Ni concentrations (from 0 nmol/L to 50,000 nmol/L). We found that the phytoplankton species were not very sensitive to Ni concentrations under the culturing conditions established in our experiments, but the responses were species-specific. The growth rates of 6 of the 11 tested species showed small but significant responses to changing Ni concentrations. Photosynthetic performance, assessed by measuring the maximum quantum yield (Fv/Fm) and the functional absorption cross-section (σPSII) of photosystem II, was also only mildly sensitive to changing Ni in 3 out of 11 species and 4 out of 11 species, respectively. The limited effect of Ni may be partly due to the provision of nitrate as the nitrogen source for growth, as previous studies suggest higher sensitivities when urea is the nitrogen source. Furthermore, limited influence may be due to the relatively high concentrations of organic ligands in the growth media in our experiments. These ligands reduced bioavailable Ni (i.e., “free Ni2+”) concentrations by binding the majority of the dissolved Ni. Our data suggest that dissolved Ni does not have a strong effect on phytoplankton under our experimental conditions, but we emphasize that a deeper understanding of nitrogen sources, ligand concentrations and phytoplankton composition is needed when assessing the influence of Ni release associated with OAE. We discuss if applications of OAE with Ni-rich minerals may be safer in regions with high organic ligand concentrations and low concentrations of urea as such boundary conditions may lead to less impact of Ni on phytoplankton communities.

Dinoflagellate biostratigraphy of Eastern Indonesia stratigraphy: key of petroleum exploration success

Several major discoveries in the eastern part of Indonesia (e.g. Tangguh and Abadi) have increased more petroleum exploration interest in the area. These sizeable discoveries encountered gas in the Jurassic sandstone, which is a key reservoir target in the Northwest Shelf of Australia. The Mesozoic sandstone provenance is located in the Australian Continental Plate or also known as the Sahul Shelf. Thousands of wells were drilled in the Sahul Shelf and the stratigraphy in this area is well understood. The extension of the Mesozoic sandstone towards Indonesian territory, with much less well information, is one of the keys of success for petroleum exploration. Refinement of the stratigraphy of the eastern part of Indonesia is crucial to understand the extension.To refine the stratigraphy of Eastern Indonesia, especially for the Mesozoic interval, dinoflagellates play a significant role. Several types of this marine biota have been used by Australian stratigraphers as markers. In the case where stratigraphic tie to Northwest Shelf Australia discoveries, key wells or standard chronostratigraphy, dinoflagellate understanding is critical.Dinoflagellate markers are used to mark several subdivisions of Plover Sandstone. Norvick (2001) used W. indotata and D. caddaensis Maximum Flooding Surfaces to subdivide the reservoir target into upper, middle and lower Plover Formation. These surfaces are named after dinoflagellates. More markers were identified to mark the source rock and seal in the petroleum system. To have a detail correlation from Indonesia to the NW Shelf, understanding of dinoflagellates is crucial.

Kelimpahan Dinoflagellata Bentik Berbahaya di Habitat Lamun dan Makroalga di Pulau Pari, Kepulauan Seribu, Indonesia

<p class="Papertext"><strong>The Abundance of the Harmful Benthic Dinoflagellate in the Seagrass and Macroalgae Habitats on Pari Island, Thousand Islands, Indonesia. </strong>Benthic dinoflagellates are an important part of benthic ecosystems and part of their ecological functions. However, ciguatoxin (CTX) producer dinoflagellates, which could cause Ciguatera Fish Poisoning (CFP) disease, is a known threat to marine biota and the island’s coastal communities, such as in Pari Island. Thus, this research aimed is to study the population of five harmful and toxin producer benthic dinoflagellate genera, namely <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Amphidinium</span>, <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Coolia</span>, <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Gambierdiscus</span>, <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ostreopsis</span>, and <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Prorocentrum</span>, in macroalgae and seagrass habitats of Pari Island. Benthic dinoflagellate samples were collected in Juni 2019 using artificial substrates in the form of a 10×15 cm nylon screen. Environmental variables, such as nutrient concentration (nitrogen and phosphorus) and water temperature were also measured. The results showed that the average benthic dinoflagellate density in seagrass habitats was four times higher compared to the macroalgae habitats. <em>Gambierdiscus</em> were found as the most abundant benthic dinoflagellate in seagrass habitats, while <em>Prorocentrum</em> were more abundant in macroalgae habitats. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed that the N:P ratio was the most important regulating parameter for most benthic dinoflagellate genera in this study, except <em>Ostreopsis</em>, which was found to be more abundant in phosphorus-rich macroalga habitats. The data also shows an increase of benthic dinoflagellate cell density up to seven times compared to the previous research data in 2012 and 2013. That trend indicates an increase in the disturbance and pressure on the macroalgae and seagrass habitats of Pari Island, which require special attention to prevent the occurrence of toxic Benthic Harmful Algal Blooms (bHABs) and CFP cases in the island.</p>

Occurrence of potential plastic microfibers in mussels and anchovies sold for human consumption: Preliminary results

There is a global concern over the impact of microplastics on marine species and trophic webs. Microfibers commonly represent the greater portion of microplastics in the aquatic environment, but little is known about fiber uptake and accumulation by marine biota. The aim of the study was to investigate the potential plastic microfiber contamination in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) and anchovies (Engraulis encrasicolus) from the Tyrrhenian Sea sold for human consumption. Anthropogenic debris was extracted from the digestive tracts of fish and the whole shellfish using a 10% KOH solution and quantified under a light microscope. The preliminary results showed the occurrence of potential plastic and natural microfibers in 73% of the samples. On average mussels contained 1.33 microfibers/g w.w. and 7.66 items/individual, while anchovies contained 9.06 microfibers/individual. Considering that mussels are consumed as a whole, and small pelagic fish, as anchovy, may be eaten without removing the gastrointestinal tract, microfiber contamination may lead to human exposure. More research is required to adequately assess the risk that microplastics, including microfibers, may pose for food safety and human health.

Impact of climate induced hypoxia on calcifying biota in the Arabian Sea : An evaluation from the micropaleontological records of the Indian margin

High biological productivity combined with the poor ventilation produces severe oxygen depletion (hypoxia) in upper intermediate waters of the Arabian Sea. The naturally developed Arabian Sea oxygen minimum zone (OMZ) is one of the most pronounced low oxygen ocean environments known today. The OMZ impinges the Indian margin where oxygen concentration reaches values less than 0.05 ml/l leading denitrification. In recent studies, it has been observed that the OMZ strength has varied considerably in the past, in tune with the global climate change. But the effect of changes in natural mid-water hypoxic environment on the marine biota particularly of the eastern Arabian Sea is unknown. Here, we analyzed 30,000 yr record of temporal changes in two major groups of marine calcifying microfauna pteropods secreting aragonitic shells and foraminifera secreting calcitic shells in terms of abundance and diversity variations. This study will provide an insight into our understanding of potential impact of rising atmospheric CO2 on marine ecosystem.

Inhibition Activity Of Ethanolic Extract Of Ulva lactuca Against Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a normal flora that can cause mild skin infections, one of which is acne. Commonly used chemical treatments are antibiotics such as Clindamycin. Continuous use of antibiotics can lead to resistance. Natural ingredients that are possible can inhibit the growth of bacteria. Treatment caused by S.aureus is Ulva lactuca Linn. (Green algae). This marine biota contains compounds that have the potential to be antibacterial, including triterpenoids, flavonoids, and saponins. This study aims to compare antibacterial activity of ethanolic extract of Ulva lactuca and Clindamycin against S. aureus bacteria. This type of research is an experimental laboratory. Ulva lactuca was extracted by maceration method using ethanol 96% solvent. Then carried out testing for antibacterial activity using the agar diffusion method by sump technique. The study was divided into 6 groups. One Clindamycin group and 5 treatment groups respectively with extract concentrations of 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%. The test was carried out in 3 repetitions. Data analysis was processed by SPSS using the Kruskal-Wallis test to determine which groups had difference. The results showed that the ethanolic extract of Ulva lactuca was able to inhibit the growth of S. aureus bacteria with strong categories at concentrations of 20%, 40%, and 60%. Very strong category at 80% and 100% concentrations. The 100% concentration had the largest average inhibition zone diameter of 22 ± 0.577 mm which was not significantly different from Clindamycin with a significance value of 0.043 (p <0.05). This study concludes that the ethanolic extract of Ulva lactuca has activity in inhibiting the growth of S.aureus bacteria with strong to very strong categories, but statistically not as strong as Clindamycin

Impact of the Middle Eocene Climatic Optimum (MECO) on Foraminiferal and Calcareous Nannofossil Assemblages in the Neo-Tethyan Baskil Section (Eastern Turkey): Paleoenvironmental and Paleoclimatic Reconstructions

The Middle Eocene Climatic Optimum (MECO; ~40 Ma), which interrupted for ~500–600 kyr the long-term cooling trend culminating at the Eocene/Oligocene boundary, still requires a comprehensive understanding of the biotic resilience. Here we present a high-resolution integrated foraminiferal and calcareous nannofossil study across the MECO from the expanded and continuous Tethyan Baskil section (eastern Turkey) that offers a complete magneto-biostratigraphic and geochemical framework. The five MECO phases identified reveal a transition from oligotrophic (pre-MECO) to eu-mesotrophic conditions, possibly related to accelerated hydrological cycle, during the initial MECO and MECO δ13C negative excursion phases. The MECO WARMING PEAK phase, marking the highest carbonate dissolution interval, records the most striking biotic changes, such as peak in warm and eutrophic nannofossils, virtual disappearance of the oligotrophic planktic foraminiferal large Acarinina and Morozovelloides, and peak in eutrophic deep dwellers Subbotina. Benthic foraminifera suggest in this phase an improvement in the quality of organic matter to the seafloor. The post-MECO phase shows only a partial recovery of the pre-event conditions. Large Acarinina and Morozovelloides did not recover their abundance, possibly due to cooler conditions in this phase. Our reconstruction reveals how paleoenvironment and marine biota from the studied Neo-Tethyan setting reacted to the MECO perturbations.