OSPAR-metodikk og plastanalyse av strandsøppel fra Nordre Langåra og Akerøya

Prosjektleder Inger Lise Nerland BråteMer strandsøppel ble registrert på Akerøya (fra 2018) fra Ytre Hvaler, enn Nordre Langåra (fra 2019) fra Indre Oslofjord, men det er usikkert om disse tallene er robuste nok til å konkludere med at Akerøya har større plastbelastning enn Nordre Langåra. Mesteparten av avfallet, målt i antall, som ble funnet i både indre og ytre Oslofjord var fiskerirelatert, og mye av dette var såkalte «dollyropes». Den nest mest vanlige kategorien var uidentifiserbare plastbiter som trolig har mange diffuse kilder. Det var polyetylen (PE) og polypropylen (PP) som dominerte på begge strendene. Dette kan skyldes at disse polymertypene er de mest produserte og brukte plasttypene, samt at de som oftest flyter i sjøvann. Mesteparten av søpla fra ytre Hvaler ble antatt å ha norsk opphav, men av det utenlandske avfallet antas det å være bidrag fra 43 land. OSPAR-metodikken er svært verdifull og på nåværende tidspunkt det beste verktøyet vi har for å registrere strandsøppel for å se på mengde og komposisjon av strandsøppel i Nordøst-Atlanteren. Det er likevel flere forbedringspunkter ved OSPAR-metodikken; blant annet foreslås det å inkludere vekt for de ulike kategoriene, samt inter-kalibrere rydding mellom strender for å harmonisere metoden.Handelens MiljøfondpublishedVersio

Ecotoxicological Impacts of Micro- and Nanoplastics in Terrestrial and Aquatic Environments

Plastic pollution is a widespread environmental problem that is currently one of the most discussed issues by scientists, policymakers and society at large. The potential ecotoxicological effects of plastic particles in a wide range of organisms have been investigated in a growing number of exposure studies over the past years. Nonetheless, many questions still remain regarding the overall effects of microplastics and nanoplastics on organisms from different ecosystem compartments, as well as the underlying mechanisms behind the observed toxicity. This chapter provides a comprehensive literature review on the ecotoxicological impacts of microplastics and nanoplastics in terrestrial and aquatic organisms in the context of particle characteristics, interactive toxicological effects, taxonomic gradients and with a focus on synergies with associated chemicals. Overall, a total of 220 references were reviewed for their ful!lment of speci!c quality criteria (e.g. experimental design, particle characteristics, ecotoxicological endpoints and !ndings), after which 175 were included in our assessment. The analysis of the reviewed studies revealed that organisms’ responses were overall in"uenced by the physicochemical heterogeneity of the plastic particles used, for which distinct differences were attributed to polymer type, size, morphology and surface alterations. On the other hand, little attention has been paid to the role of additive chemicals in the overall toxicity. There is still little consistency regarding the biological impacts posed by plastic particles, with observed ecotoxicological effects being highly dependent on the environmental compartment assessed and speci!c morphological, physiological and behavioural traits of the species used. Nonetheless, evidence exists of impacts across successive levels of biological organization, covering effects from the subcellular level up to the ecosystem level. This review presents the important research gaps concerning the ecotoxicological impacts of plastic particles in different taxonomical groups, as well as recommendations on future research priorities needed to better understand the ecological risks of plastic particles in terrestrial and aquatic environments.acceptedVersio

Blue mussels (Mytilus edulis spp.) as sentinel organisms in coastal pollution monitoring: A review

This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Elsevier in Marine Environmental Research, available online: https://www.elsevier.com/The blue mussel (Mytilus spp.) is widely used as a bioindicator for monitoring of coastal water pollution (mussel watch programs). Herein we provide a review of this study field with emphasis on: the suitability of Mytilus spp. as environmental sentinels; uptake and bioaccumulation patterns of key pollutant classes; the use of Mytilus spp. in mussel watch programs; recent trends in Norwegian mussel monitoring; environmental quality standards and background concentrations of key contaminants; pollutant effect biomarkers; confounding factors; particulate contaminants (microplastics, engineered nanomaterials); climate change; harmonization of monitoring procedures; and the use of deployed mussels (transplant caging) in pollution monitoring. Lastly, the overall state of the art of blue mussel pollution monitoring is discussed and some important issues for future research and development are highlighted.acceptedVersio

Moving forward in microplastic research: A Norwegian perspective

Given the increasing attention on the occurrence of microplastics in the environment, and the potential envi-ronmental threats they pose, there is a need for researchers to move quickly from basic understanding to applied science that supports decision makers in finding feasible mitigation measures and solutions. At the same time, they must provide sufficient, accurate and clear information to the media, public and other relevant groups (e.g., NGOs). Key requirements include systematic and coordinated research efforts to enable evidence-based decision making and to develop efficient policy measures on all scales (national, regional and global). To achieve this, collaboration between key actors is essential and should include researchers from multiple disciplines, policy-makers, authorities, civil and industry organizations, and the public. This further requires clear and informative communication processes, and open and continuous dialogues between all actors. Cross-discipline dialogues between researchers should focus on scientific quality and harmonization, defining and accurately communi-cating the state of knowledge, and prioritization of topics that are critical for both research and policy, with the common goal to establish and update action plans for holistic benefit. In Norway, cross-sectoral collaboration has been fundamental in supporting the national strategy to address plastic pollution. Researchers, stakeholders and the environmental authorities have come together to exchange knowledge, identify knowledge gaps, and set targeted and feasible measures to tackle one of the most challenging aspects of plastic pollution: microplastic. In this article, we present a Norwegian perspective on the state of knowledge on microplastic research efforts. Norway’s involvement in international efforts to combat plastic pollution aims at serving as an example of how key actors can collaborate synergistically to share knowledge, address shortcomings, and outline ways forward to address environmental challenges.publishedVersio

Occurrence of pearls in mussels (Mytilus spp.) from the Norwegian coast

Project manager Inger Lise Nerland BråteMussels (Mytilus spp.) from the Norwegian coast produce pearls, up to as many >360 pearls per individual, and it seems to be a southern-northern gradient with more pearls in mussels from the south than from the north. Out of the 280 mussels studied, nearly 2000 pearls were found, and the mussels producing pearls were all >4 cm. Size and condition index did correlate with the pearl frequency, while microplastics did not. Mussel health is important to study as they are important actors in the coastal ecosystem, as bioindicators for environmental monitoring, as a food source as well as the recent reports on changes in their distribution across the Norwegian coast.Norwegian Environment AgencypublishedVersio

Occurrence of pearls in mussels (Mytilus spp.) from the Norwegian coast

Mussels (Mytilus spp.) from the Norwegian coast produce pearls, up to as many >360 pearls per individual, and it seems to be a southern-northern gradient with more pearls in mussels from the south than from the north. Out of the 280 mussels studied, nearly 2000 pearls were found, and the mussels producing pearls were all >4 cm. Size and condition index did correlate with the pearl frequency, while microplastics did not. Mussel health is important to study as they are important actors in the coastal ecosystem, as bioindicators for environmental monitoring, as a food source as well as the recent reports on changes in their distribution across the Norwegian coast

Occurrence of pearls in mussels (Mytilus spp.) from the Norwegian coast

Project manager Inger Lise Nerland BråteMussels (Mytilus spp.) from the Norwegian coast produce pearls, up to as many >360 pearls per individual, and it seems to be a southern-northern gradient with more pearls in mussels from the south than from the north. Out of the 280 mussels studied, nearly 2000 pearls were found, and the mussels producing pearls were all >4 cm. Size and condition index did correlate with the pearl frequency, while microplastics did not. Mussel health is important to study as they are important actors in the coastal ecosystem, as bioindicators for environmental monitoring, as a food source as well as the recent reports on changes in their distribution across the Norwegian coast.Norwegian Environment AgencypublishedVersio

Is It or Isn’t It: The Importance of Visual Classification in Microplastic Characterization.

Microplastics are a diverse category of pollutants, comprising a range of constituent polymers modified by varying quantities of additives and sorbed pollutants, and exhibiting a range of morphologies, sizes, and visual properties. This diversity, as well as their microscopic size range, presents numerous barriers to identification and enumeration. These issues are addressed with the application of physical and chemical analytical procedures; however, these present new problems associated with researcher training, facility availability and cost, especially for large-scale monitoring programs. Perhaps more importantly, the classifications and nomenclature used by individual researchers to describe microplastics remains inconsistent. In addition to reducing comparability between studies, this limits the conclusions that may be drawn regarding plastic sources and potential environmental impacts. Additionally, where particle morphology data is presented, it is often separate from information on polymer distribution. In establishing a more rigorous and standardized visual identification procedure, it is possible to improve the targeting of complex analytical techniques and improve the standards by which we monitor and record microplastic contamination. Here we present a simple and effective protocol to enable consistent visual processing of samples with an aim to contribute to a higher degree of standardization within the microplastic scientific community. This protocol will not eliminate the need for non-subjective methods to verify plastic objects, but it will standardize the criteria by which suspected plastic items are identified and reduce the costs associated with further analysis.acceptedVersio

Undersøkelse av giftigheten til plastinfiltrert jordmasser samlet inn fra Fredagshølet, Hvaler.

Ni prøver av jordmasser fra Fredagshølet på Seilø vest for Vesterøy i Hvaler kommune, i Ytre Hvaler Nasjonalpark ble sortert for plastfragmenter. Jordprøvene inneholdt mellom 0,5 – 25% volum plast per prøvepunkt. Plastfragmentene bestod av i hovedsak av polyetylen (PE; 74%) og polypropylen (PP; 21%), mens andre plasttyper utgjorde (5%). Det ble utført tre OECD tester, hver til sitt trofiske nivå i næringskjeden, for å undersøke eventuelle toksiske påvirkninger av plastinfiltrerte jordmasser; en 72 timers algetest for virkning på algevekst, en 48 timers akutt dafnie-test for immobilisering/død og en kronisk 28-dagers fjærmygglarvetest for utvikling fra egg via larve til flue. Denne studien har ikke avdekket noen toksisk effekt av ekstrakter av plast fra plastinfiltrert jord på de testede organismene. På dette grunnlaget er det ikke grunn til å tro at den plastinfiltrert jorden fra Fredagshølet utgjør fare for toksiske effekter. Dette utelukker ikke at den plastinfiltrerte jorden kan ha negativ innvirkning på økosystemet på andre måter ikke dekket av denne studien. Studien har synliggjort et behov for å standardisere vurderings- og beslutningsverktøy for oppryddingstiltak

Undersøkelse av giftigheten til plastinfiltrert jordmasser samlet inn fra Fredagshølet, Hvaler.

Prosjektleder Inger Lise Nerland BråteNi prøver av jordmasser fra Fredagshølet på Seilø vest for Vesterøy i Hvaler kommune, i Ytre Hvaler Nasjonalpark ble sortert for plastfragmenter. Jordprøvene inneholdt mellom 0,5 – 25% volum plast per prøvepunkt. Plastfragmentene bestod av i hovedsak av polyetylen (PE; 74%) og polypropylen (PP; 21%), mens andre plasttyper utgjorde (5%). Det ble utført tre OECD tester, hver til sitt trofiske nivå i næringskjeden, for å undersøke eventuelle toksiske påvirkninger av plastinfiltrerte jordmasser; en 72 timers algetest for virkning på algevekst, en 48 timers akutt dafnie-test for immobilisering/død og en kronisk 28-dagers fjærmygglarvetest for utvikling fra egg via larve til flue. Denne studien har ikke avdekket noen toksisk effekt av ekstrakter av plast fra plastinfiltrert jord på de testede organismene. På dette grunnlaget er det ikke grunn til å tro at den plastinfiltrert jorden fra Fredagshølet utgjør fare for toksiske effekter. Dette utelukker ikke at den plastinfiltrerte jorden kan ha negativ innvirkning på økosystemet på andre måter ikke dekket av denne studien. Studien har synliggjort et behov for å standardisere vurderings- og beslutningsverktøy for oppryddingstiltak.publishedVersio