Antifouling paint particles: Subject of concern?

Antifouling paints have a lengthy history of environmental controversies and efforts toward developing safer formulations. However, recent attention from researchers has been directed toward the particles that detach from these paint coatings, known as antifouling paint particles (APPs). These APPs share similarities with other anthropogenic particles, such as microplastics, but exhibit distinct behaviors and comprise a more complex mixture of chemical components, including highly toxic biocides. Given the composition of APPs and their prevalence in marinas and boatyards, several environmental implications may arise. Nevertheless, field and ecotoxicological studies on this subject are still scarce. In this contribution, we examine the current state of knowledge regarding APPs and endeavor to address the following question: Should APPs be a subject of concern

Degradation of plastics associated with the COVID-19 pandemic

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an unprecedented form of plastic pollution: personal protective equipment (PPE). Numerous studies have reported the occurrence of PPE in the marine environment. However, their degradation in the environment and consequences are poorly understood. Studies have reported that face masks, the most abundant type of PPE, are significant sources of microplastics due to their fibrous microstructure. The fibrous material (mostly consisting of polypropylene) exhibits physical changes in the environment, leading to its fracture and detachment of microfibers. Most studies have evaluated PPE degradation under controlled laboratory conditions. However, in situ degradation experiments, including the colonization of PPE, are largely lacking. Although ecotoxicological studies are largely lacking, the first attempts to understand the impact of MPs released from face masks showed various types of impacts, such as fertility and reproduction deficiencies in both aquatic and terrestrial organisms

Distribution and behavior of zinc in estuarine environments: an overview on Bahía Blanca estuary (Argentina)

Zinc concentrations and distribution have been fully studied within Bahía Blanca estuary, an area which is strongly influenced by urban and industrial stress. Not only metal dissolved in estuarine water were measured but also measured were sediments and suspended particulate matter (SPM), as well as associated with estuarine organisms. In all cases, internationally standardized protocols were applied to metal measurements, including analytical quality check test through analysis of certified reference materials. Total metal contents from surface sediments and SPM were compared with those from a historical database of the area, as well as with values representing the natural geochemical baseline within the system. Results showed that heavy metal pollution is mainly localized in the areas close to both industrial effluents discharge system and urban sewage outfall discharge. Data from sequential extractions indicate that metals from anthropogenic sources are potentially more mobile than those inherited from geological parent material. The influences of other potential sources of metals (i.e., streams, runoff) were also considered. SPM was clearly identified as the main carrier of the studied heavy metals within the system, and its significance to metals input into sediments and/or biota was verified. Zinc has been accumulated within the different biological species from Bahía Blanca estuary, and their kinetics of accumulation have also been considered. Finally, the combination of the obtained results allowed suggesting the maintenance of a surveillance program to assess the environmental quality of this environment.Fil: Marcovecchio, Jorge Eduardo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía; Argentina. Universidad FASTA "Santo Tomas de Aquino"; Argentina. Universidad Tecnológica Nacional; ArgentinaFil: Botté, Sandra Elizabeth. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia; ArgentinaFil: Fernandez Severini, Melisa Daiana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía; Argentin