This study assesses for the first time the concentrations of microplastics (MPs) in sediments, water and two human-consumed mussels with different ecological traits (Amarilladesma mactroides and ...Brachidontes rodriguezii) in a touristic sandy beach of Argentina. MPs were characterized through FTIR and SEM/EDX techniques. All the samples presented MPs with similar concentrations as other human-impacted coastal areas of the world, being black and blue fibers of < 0.5 and 0.5-1 mm the most abundant. SEM images exhibited cracks and fractures with clay minerals and microorganisms adhered to MPs surface. EDX spectrums showed potentially toxic elements, such as Cr, Ti, and Mo. FTIR identified polymers such as cellulose, polyamides, and polyacrylates in most of the samples analyzed. Our study demonstrates that microplastic pollution is a common threat to sandy beaches in Argentina, worsened by plastic particles carrying metal ions with potential toxic effects to the biota, including A. mactroides, an endangered species.
•Meso/microplastics were found in waters, sediments, and bivalves in Argentina.•Microplastics ranged from 0.15–0.5 item g ww-1 in mussels.•Cr, Mo, Ti, Al, and Fe were detected on the surface of fibers.•The most abundant microplastics were cellulose, polyamides, and polyacrylates.
Microplastics (plastics <5 mm) contamination is of worldwide concern and represents a threat to the environment, biota, and humans. Also, they are potential carriers of other contaminants, increasing ...their adverse effects. In this study, it was analyzed for the first time the chemical composition and abundance of microplastics (MPs) in the commercial shrimp Pleoticus muelleri. Fibers were the predominant plastics (mean: 1.31 fibers g−1 wet weight) in the abdominal muscle of the shrimps being black, the dominant colour. μ-Raman showed that fibers were composed of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and cellulose. Also, weathering and topography of the fibers were analyzed through wide-field confocal microscopy. C, O, Si, Al, K, as well as Fe, Zn, S, Ba, Br, and Ti on the plastic surface were detected with SEM/EDS, indicating potential carriers of contaminants.
The shrimp Pleoticusmuelleri ingests fibers with different chemical elements adsorbed on the plastic surface.
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•First study of the chemical characterization of microplastics in Pleoticus muelleri•Shrimps ingest mainly synthetic fibers.•Ba, Br, Zn, and Fe found in the MPs, could outline a potential health concern.•MPs in the edible part of the shrimps may be transferred to humans.
Microplastics have been a global concern due to their potential and widespread risks to organisms and environments. In this study, we investigated the abundance, distribution, and characteristics of ...microplastics (MPs) in the surface waters of the Bahía Blanca Estuary (BBE), specifically in its inner and middle zone. The results showed the dominant shape of MPs were fibers, being black, transparent, and blue the main colors. The concentrations of MPs ranged from 182 to 33,373 items m–3 with a mean value of 6162 items m–3. The highest concentrations of MPs were detected in the middle zone of the estuary, a site that receives untreated sewage effluents from the city. The most abundant size ranges were from 0.5 to 1.5 mm (44.21%) and ˂0.5 mm (40.21%) and were predominant at all the sampling sites. The concentration of mesoplastics in the inner zone (16 items m–3) presented larger values than in the middle zone (5 items m–3). A wide variety of polymeric materials with predominance of microfibers such as cellulose-based, polyacrylonitrile, polyethylene terephthalate, and polypropylene were identified. Polyester/alkyd resins and poli(vinyl chloride) were also found. The analysis of MPs surface through SEM/EDX detected a variety of elements such as C, O, Si, Al, K, Ca, Cl, Ti, Fe, S, and P, indicating potential contaminant carriers in the water column. Some plastic particles presented a high degree of degradation on their surface morphology. Untreated sewage discharges appear to be a significant input of MPs. Therefore, the results provided in the present study should be considered by stakeholders interested in the management and conservation of this large coastal wetland with significant ecological and economic value.
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•A mean of 6162 items m-3 was found in the surface waters of the estuary.•Cellulose, polyacrylonitrile, and polyesters were the most common polymers.•Mesoplastics (˃5 mm) were more abundant in the inner part of the estuary.•Black and transparent microplastics were the most conspicuous.•Sewage waters seemed to be the main input source of microplastics pollution.
Synthetic microdebris (particles of <5 mm) are a worldwide concern because they can affect the community structure of the aquatic ecosystems, organisms, and even food webs. For the biomonitoring of ...synthetic microdebris (especially microplastics, MPs), mainly benthic invertebrates are used, but crabs have been less studied in the literature. We studied the synthetic microdebris contamination in water, sediments, and three representative intertidal crabs (Neohelice granulata, Cyrtograpsus angulatus and Leptuca uruguayensis) with different lifestyles from the Bahía Blanca estuary, Argentina. The results obtained show the presence of cotton-polyamide (PA), polyethylene (PE), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in surface waters. In sediments, we identified cellulose modified (CE), polyester (PES), polyethylene (PE), and alkyd resin, while in crabs, cotton-PA and CE were the predominant ones. The MPs abundance ranged from 8 to 68 items L−1 in surface water, from 971 to 2840 items Kg−1 in sediments, and from 0 to 2.58 items g−1 ww for the three species of crabs. Besides, paint sheets ranged from 0 to 17 in the total samples, with Cr, Mo, Ti, Pb, Cu, Al, S, Ba and Fe on their surface. There were significant differences between the microdebris abundances in the abiotic matrices but not among crabs species. The ecological traits of the different crabs helped to understand the accumulation of synthetic microdebris, an important characteristic when determining the choice of a good biomonitor.
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•First multi-compartment approach of MPs and other synthetic microdebris in the BBe•Cr, Mo, Ti, Pb, Cu, Ba, and Fe were detected on the surface of paint sheets.•Cellulose and cotton-PA were the most common synthetic microdebris.•Bioaccumulation in crabs might be dependent on their lifestyle and feeding spectrum.
The worldwide spread of the SARS-CoV-2 caused an unprecedented lockdown measures in most countries with consequences on the world society, economy, and sanitary systems. This situation provided an ...opportunity to identify the effects of human confinement on natural environments, like touristic sandy beaches, which are stressed due to anthropogenic pressures. Based on previous articles about heavy metals sources and levels in these ecosystems, this paper discusses the dynamic of these pollutants and a regulatory scenario associated with COVID-19 sanitation policies. The main findings suggest that 39% of the studies were on Asian sandy beaches, 16% from Europe, while America and Africa with 23% each. Also Co, Cd, Cu, Cr, Zn, Pb, Ni, Fe and Mn were the most frequently analyzed metals in sediments and in several cases their concentrations exceed international guidelines assessment. Finally, even though beaches are under several metals inputs, tourism plays a key role in these ecosystems quality. After analyzing the potential indirect effect of COVID-19 measures on metals dynamics, we propose some key recommendations and management strategies to mitigate heavy metal pollution on sandy tourist beaches. These proposals are useful for decision-makers and stakeholders to improve sandy beach management, mainly those beaches not addressed from a management perspective; and their implementation should be adapted according to the regulations and legislation of each country.
•Because of tourism, heavy metal pollution, threatens sandy beaches' sustainability.•Metal pollution data on touristic sandy beaches still lacks systematization and is scarce.•COVID-19 pandemic measures indirectly affect metals sources and levels in these environments.•Management tools are proposed to mitigate metal pollution in touristic sandy beaches.•The “new normality” offers a unique opportunity to design the transition towards sustainable tourism.
Estuarine environments, which are complex and sensitive coastal system, and are the final receptacle of several human wastes. Consequently, biomonitoring contaminants, such as metals, within these ...environments and developing scientific-based tools to conserve them have become particularly importat in recent years. Therefore, in the present study, we determined the levels of certain metals (Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, Mn, Ni, Cr and Fe) both in sediments and in a key ecological benthic species, the burrowing crab Neohelice granulata, in sites of the Bahía Blanca estuary (SW Atlantic Ocean) with different anthropogenic impacts. We combined these records with geochemical indices and enzymatic and non-enzymatic biochemical biomarkers as early warning signals of contamination and damage to establish an integrated metal contamination profile. Our results indicated that some metals like Cu moderately contaminate the estuary and that the primary input of metals in this area is due to malfunctioning sewage discharges. Crabs exhibited the following pattern of metal accumulation: Fe ≥ Cu > Zn > Mn > Ni > Cd. Pb and Cr were under the method detection limit, and Cu was probably bioaccumulated from sediments. Metal concentrations showed significant differences according to the sites and seasons (p > 0.05) and not strictly to the crab gender. Besides, a similar pattern was observed for biomarkers, and the integrated biomarker response allowed establishing different oxidative stress patterns, according not only to human impacts but also to the seasonal physiological needs of this species and environmental endpoints (salinity, temperature, and pH). This work demonstrates that environmental factors also affect the metal influx in crabs and the activity of biomarkers beyond the source and fate of these elements. This information is vital for future integrated monitoring programs.
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•Neohelice granulata was employed as a biomonitor to assess metal contamination.•Crabs might bioaccumulated high values of Cu from sediments.•Some metals, like Cd, could have repercussions on the biochemical parameters of crabs.•High values of IBR were detected in winter with high antioxidant defenses in crabs (CAT, GST, MT).•Environmental endpoints (salinity, DO) might play an important role in metal accumulation in crabs.
The composition and the interaction of the suspended particulate matter (SPM) with metal ions, along with the presence and characteristics of microplastics, were analyzed for the first time in the ...water column of the inner zone of Bahía Blanca Estuary during winter (June, July, and August) 2019. Surface analysis techniques (Scanning Electron Microscopy combined with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, and X-ray Diffraction) were employed to obtain an in-depth characterization of the particulate matter, suggesting the presence of Fe in our samples, with a mixture of Fe3+/Fe2+ oxidation states. Microplastics ranged in concentrations between 3 and 11.5 items L−1, with an average of 6.50 items L−1 (S.E: ±4.01), being fibers the most abundant type. Infrared Spectroscopy suggests that these fibers correspond to semi-synthetic cellulose-based and poly(amide) remains. We concluded that the SPM is a significant vehicle for metals which might have adverse effects on marine organisms.
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•First detailed assessment of suspended particulate matter (SPM) and microplastics (MPs) in the Bahía Blanca Estuary.•Metal-phosphates bonds and mixtures of Fe3+/Fe2+ were detected in the SPM.•MPs abundance ranged 3 to 11.5 items.L-1•MPs were mostly represented by semi-synthetic cellulose fibers and poly(amide)•SPM and MPs as the main transport vectors for metals in the Bahía Blanca Estuary.
We studied the depuration mechanisms of metals (Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, Mn, Ni, Cr, Fe) in Neohelice granulata, from sites with different human impacts (PC, a more impacted site and VM, a less impacted one). ...Our objectives included assessing metal concentrations (essential and non-essential) before and after depuration treatment, evaluating biochemical biomarkers (non-enzymatic and enzymatic) pre and post-treatment, and determining the role of metal-rich granules (MRG) in depuration. We observed variability in metals and biomarkers post-depuration, with no significant differences observed in PC, while Cd and Mn increased and Ni, Cu, and Fe decreased in VM. Integrated biomarkers' response indicated the prevailing antioxidant capacity in depurated organisms. Lipid peroxidation changes were insignificant, except in depurated-VM where values increased. MRG showed a significant decrease only for Mn and Fe, suggesting they were not the primary depuration structure. We concluded that depuration might depend on the species, gender and contamination history.
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•We investigated the depuration mechanisms of metals in Neohelice granulata.•We found variability in metal concentrations and biomarker responses after the depuration.•The IBR indicated a prevailing antioxidant capacity in depurated organisms.•Metal-rich granules were not the primary structures involved in metal depuration.•This study highlights the species-specific nature of depuration.
The main objective of this article was to profile the metal accumulation, sources, pollution levels and trends during 6 years in a SW Atlantic coastal system (Bahía Blanca estuary). Subtidal sediment ...samples were taken from six stations with different human impacts, and chemical element analyses were performed using ICP-OES. As a result, metals tended to increase in time and differences were observed between a site profoundly impacted by sewage waters and the rest of the sampling stations. Values range from background levels to those considered toxic for the marine biota, as in the case of Cd and Cu. Besides, the geochemical analyses exhibited low to moderate pollution with probable adverse biological effects. Finally, the physicochemical parameters of the water column like pH and DO significantly decreased in time in all stations and temperature correlated with some metals, indicating a potential interaction.
•Long-term metal concentrations in subtidal sediments were analyzed.•Metal concentrations tended to increase over time.•Water temperature might play a role in metals' dynamics.•Ecological risk due to metal pollution was evaluated.•Untreated sewage discharges were a significant contribution of metals.
Abstract Context Family conferences are conducted to assist with end-of-life discussions and discharge planning. Objectives This study describes the current practices of family conferences in ...palliative care units (PCUs) in France. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive survey was sent to each PCU in France ( n = 113). Members of the interdisciplinary health care team (palliative care physician, nurse, psychologist, and social worker) who were active in each PCU at the time of the survey were asked to respond. Results Two hundred seventy-six of 452 responses (61%) were obtained from members of the health care team in 91 units (81%). Two hundred seventy-two of 276 health care providers (HCPs) (99%) reported conducting family conferences in their clinical practice. Only 13 participants (5%) reported that they followed a structured protocol. Most respondents completed the questionnaire: palliative care physicians ( n = 225; 82%), nurses ( n = 219; 79%), and psychologists ( n = 181; 66%). The three primary goals of family conferences were to allow family members to express their feelings ( n = 240; 87%), identify family caregivers ( n = 233; 84%), and discuss the patient's plan of care ( n = 219; 79%). The primary reasons for conducting a family conference were: the patient's illness was terminal ( n = 216; 78%), family caregivers requested a conference ( n = 208; 75%), or terminal sedation was required ( n = 189; 69%). One hundred six of 452 HCPs (38%) reported that patients were not invited to participate. The primary indications and goals for a family conference were significantly different among the four health care disciplines. Conclusion Most HCPs in our study conducted family conferences. However, most of the family conferences had no structured protocol, half of the participants preferred no patient participation, and a significant variation was noted in the primary indications and goals among disciplines.
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