The Potential Role of Marine Fungi in Plastic Degradation – A Review

Plastic debris has been accumulating in the marine realm since the start of plastic mass production in the 1950s. Due to the adverse effects on ocean life, the fate of plastics in the marine environment is an increasingly important environmental issue. Microbial degradation, in addition to weathering, has been identified as a potentially relevant breakdown route for marine plastic debris. Although many studies have focused on microbial colonization and the potential role of microorganisms in breaking down marine plastic debris, little is known about fungi-plastic interactions. Marine fungi are a generally understudied group of microorganisms but the ability of terrestrial and lacustrine fungal taxa to metabolize recalcitrant compounds, pollutants, and some plastic types (e.g., lignin, solvents, pesticides, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, polyurethane, and polyethylene) indicates that marine fungi could be important degraders of complex organic matter in the marine realm, too. Indeed, recent studies demonstrated that some fungal strains from the ocean, such as Zalerion maritimum have the ability to degrade polyethylene. This mini-review summarizes the available information on plastic-fungi interactions in marine environments. We address (i) the currently known diversity of fungi colonizing marine plastic debris and provide (ii) an overview of methods applied to investigate the role of fungi in plastic degradation, highlighting their advantages and drawbacks. We also highlight (iii) the underestimated role of fungi as plastic degraders in marine habitats.

Correlation And Dispersion Of Marine Debris To Mollusca In The Interidal Zone

The research was carried out on Langgur Beach from January to March 2021. The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation and dispersion of marine debris to molluscs in the Intertidal Zone of Langgur Beach, the edge of the Rosenberg Strait, Kei Islands, Indonesia. The data collection method of this research is the quadratic method. The results of the study noted that the total marine debris accumulated at 21 sampling points amounted to 7,596 items consisting of 14 categories of marine debris and 6 species of Mollusca were found. The results of the analysis show that the dispersion of surface marine debris and marine debris in the sediments are scattered in groups, the dispersion per type of macrozoobenthos on the surface and in the sediments is scattered in groups, regularly and randomly. The results of the analysis also showed a positive correlation between marine plastic debris on the sediment surface and the bivalves of Gafrarium pectinatum on the sediment surface.

Quantifying Marine Plastic Debris in a Beach Environment Using Spectral Analysis

Marine plastic debris (MPD) is a globally relevant environmental challenge, with an estimated 8 million tons of synthetic debris entering the marine environment each year. Plastic has been found in all parts of the marine environment, including the surface layers of the ocean, within the water column, in coastal waters, on the benthic layer and on beaches. While research on detecting MPD using remote sensing is increasing, most of it focuses on detecting floating debris in open waters, rather than detecting MPD on beaches. However, beaches present challenges that are unique from other parts of the marine environment. In order to better understand the spectral properties of beached MPD, we present the SWIR reflectance of weathered MPD and virgin plastics over a sandy substrate. We conducted spectral feature analysis on the different plastic groups to better understand the impact that polymers have on our ability to detect synthetic debris at sub-pixel surface covers that occur on beaches. Our results show that the minimum surface cover required to detect MPD on a sandy surface varies between 2–8% for different polymer types. Furthermore, plastic composition affects the magnitude of spectral absorption. This suggests that variation in both surface cover and polymer type will inform the efficacy of beach litter detection methods.

Strategy on marine debris reduction in Indonesia: a review and recommendation

In 2018, the Indonesian government started a program: National Action Plan on Marine Debris, with the target to reduce 70% of marine plastic debris by 2025. Based on local research’s result in 2018, there was an estimated 0,27 to 0,59 million tons (MT) of marine plastic debris on local seas. Thus, the target of 70% debris reduction would be at 0.35 MT per year, or the reduction of 29.500 Tons of debris per month. That is a huge number to deal with, considering there are only 4 years left to 2025. To achieve the program, a roadmap was developed, parallel to other supporting programs as well the regulations, a national task force TKN PSL also established to run the programs. But an intriguing question remains: how to improve the achievement of this challenging target in a limited time? This study aimed to figure out the progress of existing waste reduction programs and contribute the way to improve the program. The method is a combination of literature review to collect data, a comparative and analytical work and finally the development of concept and action plans to formulate recommendation. We concluded that to improve the achievement of the target, proper strategy and program are needed to accelerate and boost the progress of marine debris reduction programs. To strengthen the waste reduction effort, the use of technology needs to be strongly emphasized. The program is best to be imply directly on sites, using various integrated methods to reduce more marine debris. More units of waste processing TPS 3R or “Reuse, Reduce, Recycle” are in urgency to obtained. The units will be located along the water body areas covering upstream to downstream, inland as well on-water. For the on-water site works, a concept of the green technology-based system integrated with small-sized floating TPS 3R barge, called STAMSAL P2K, is recommended to be implemented in the action plans.

Distribution of marine debris in Jakarta Bay and its implication to the coastal ecosystem

Citarum River, which ended up in Muaragembong, Bekasi Regency-West Java Province, is known recently as one of the most polluted rivers globally, including pollution caused by plastic litter. This research was conducted in the surrounding river, estuary, and mangrove ecosystem in Muaragembong, which aimed to determine macro debris and analyze its impact on the coastal ecosystem. Marine debris sampling in the mangrove ecosystem was done by line transect, while the net using for marine debris sampling surrounding river and estuary. The result showed that debris composition in Muaragembong consisted of 80% inorganic and 20% organic, where plastic debris dominated with 50-81% and was distributed throughout the estuary and mangrove ecosystem. The highest density was found in the mangrove ecosystem in the Kali Mati Estuary (Pantai Sederhana Village) with 222.67 waste/m2, while the heaviest waste was found in the Bendera Estuary (Pantai Bahagia Village) 4,663.64 grams/m2. This condition explained the lack of marine debris management in the Muaragembong estuary, where most inorganic debris originated from household litter. This research also supports data and information for baseline Indonesia’s marine plastic debris due to comprehensive data needed to reduce 70% of marine plastic debris by 2025.