Assessing the impact of simulated ocean acidification on the photodegradation of selected microplastics.

This study investigated the impact of ocean acidification on the photodegradation of three microplastics (MPs): polypropylene (PP), expanded polystyrene (EPS), and ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), under accelerated UV radiation at three pH levels (i.e., 8.

Influence of UV exposure time and simulated marine environment on different microplastic degradation.

This study investigated the influence of environmental factors (UV radiation and salinity) in the degradative process of microplastics (MPs). MPs derived from polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), and ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) were subjected to accelerated photodegradation while being submerged in distilled water or artificial seawater. Depending on the polymer, changes in surface properties, new functional chemical group formation and oxidative index, and thermal characteristics of samples were observed.

Antifouling paint particles cause toxicity to benthic organisms: Effects on two species with different feeding modes.

Antifouling paint particles (APPs) are residues generated primarily during maintenance of vessels and marine structures, and usually occur in boat maintenance areas that are adjacent to aquatic environments, such as estuaries. APPs end up in sediment layers after their release into aquatic systems and represent a threat to benthic invertebrates, which have different habitat and feeding modes. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the toxicity of APPs-spiked sediment to the benthic microcrustaceans Monokalliapseudes schubarti (a tanaid) and Hyalella azteca (an amphipod), testing whole sediment and elutriate solutions under estuarine conditions.

Spent lubricant oil-contaminated soil toxicity to Eisenia andrei before and after bioremediation.

Bioremediation is very efficient in biodegrading petroleum hydrocarbons. However, the decrease in these target contaminants in soils is not necessarily followed by a decrease in toxicity. The remaining contaminants can be enough to retain toxicity, while incomplete degradation of several compounds can generate sub-products, which can be even more toxic.

Antifouling paint particles: Sources, occurrence, composition and dynamics.

Sources, occurrence, composition and dynamics of antifouling paint particles (APPs) were assessed in Patos Lagoon estuary (PLE), Southern Brazil. Ten areas including boatyards, a marina and artisanal fishing harbors were identified in the estuarine system as potential sources of APPs. The APPs generated in these areas were highly heterogeneous considering the size, shape and composition.

Potential ecotoxicity of metals leached from antifouling paint particles under different salinities.

Antifouling paint particles (APPs) are residues generated during maintenance of vessels. In boat maintenance areas of South America, waste generation and disposal are not completely regulated. Therefore, APPs can enter into the aquatic environment and act as a source of contamination by metals and other biocides.

Are antifouling paint particles a continuous source of toxic chemicals to the marine environment?

Antifouling paint particles (APPs) are generated during periodical maintenance of boat hulls. Chemical composition and toxicity (either chronic or acute) of APPs found in the sediment was evaluated using the epibenthic copepod Nitokra sp. The APPs analyzed showed the presence of high levels of metals such as Cu (234,247±268μgg), Zn (112,404±845μgg) and the booster biocide DCOIT (0.

Effects of single and mixed estrogens on single and combined cultures of D. subspicatus and P. subcapitata.

This paper investigates the effect of estrone (E1), 17β-estradiol (E2) and 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) individually and mixed at equal proportions (1:1:1) on Desmodesmus subspicatus and Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata in single and combined cultures (S+) at different exposure times based on algal growth (in vivo chlorophyll fluorescence and cell counting) and coenobium formation. EE2 and E2 were more toxic to individual and combined (S+) cultures than was E1. The frequency of coenobium formation by D.