Publications
3 results found
Olivelli A, Murphy K, Bridgestock L, et al., 2023, Decline of anthropogenic lead in South Atlantic Ocean surface waters from 1990 to 2011: new constraints from concentration and isotope data, Marine Pollution Bulletin, Vol: 189, Pages: 1-14, ISSN: 0025-326X
Anthropogenic emissions have severely perturbed the marine biogeochemical cycle of lead (Pb). Here, we present new Pb concentration and isotope data for surface seawater from GEOTRACES section GA02, sampled in the western South Atlantic in 2011. The South Atlantic is divided into three hydrographic zones: equatorial (0–20°S), subtropical (20–40°S), and subantarctic (40–60°S). The equatorial zone is dominated by previously deposited Pb transported by surface currents. The subtropical zone largely reflects anthropogenic Pb emissions from South America, whilst the subantarctic zone presents a mixture of South American anthropogenic Pb and natural Pb from Patagonian dust. The mean Pb concentration of 16.7 ± 3.8 pmol/kg is 34 % lower than in the 1990s, mostly driven by changes in the subtropical zone, with the fraction of natural Pb increasing from 24 % to 36 % between 1996 and 2011. Although anthropogenic Pb remains predominant, these findings demonstrate the effectiveness of policies that banned leaded gasoline.
Mihai F-C, Gündoğdu S, Markley LA, et al., 2021, Plastic Pollution, Waste Management Issues, and Circular Economy Opportunities in Rural Communities, Sustainability, Vol: 14, Pages: 20-20
<jats:p>Rural areas are exposed to severe environmental pollution issues fed by industrial and agricultural activities combined with poor waste and sanitation management practices, struggling to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in line with Agenda 2030. Rural communities are examined through a “dual approach” as both contributors and receivers of plastic pollution leakage into the natural environment (through the air–water–soil–biota nexus). Despite the emerging trend of plastic pollution research, in this paper, we identify few studies investigating rural communities. Therefore, proxy analysis of peer-reviewed literature is required to outline the significant gaps related to plastic pollution and plastic waste management issues in rural regions. This work focuses on key stages such as (i) plastic pollution effects on rural communities, (ii) plastic pollution generated by rural communities, (iii) the development of a rural waste management sector in low- and middle-income countries in line with the SDGs, and (iv) circular economy opportunities to reduce plastic pollution in rural areas. We conclude that rural communities must be involved in both future plastic pollution and circular economy research to help decision makers reduce environmental and public health threats, and to catalyze circular initiatives in rural areas around the world, including less developed communities.</jats:p>
Olivelli A, Hardesty BD, Wilcox C, 2020, Coastal margins and backshores represent a major sink for marine debris: insights from a continental-scale analysis, Environmental Research Letters, Vol: 15, Pages: 074037-074037
<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p>Marine debris represents a major threat for the environment. Plastic production is increasing exponentially and causing an unprecedented growth of plastic pollution entering the marine environment. Hence, a thorough assessment of debris accumulation areas is required to address the longstanding question about where is all the missing plastic. Most research on marine debris sinks to date has focused on oceanic gyres, the water column, seabeds and wildlife. Relatively little has focused on the potential of coastal areas as debris sinks. To address this knowledge gap, the spatial distribution of debris from the waterline to the backshore was modelled from a continental-scale dataset of coastal debris distribution from 635 surveys across Australia. Results showed that the distribution of debris is significantly correlated with oceanic and atmospheric processes (i.e. onshore Stokes drift and wind), and coastal usage for recreational activities (i.e. regional population and distance to the nearest road). Debris density and size increased from the waterline to the backshore, indicating that the backshore area represents an important debris sink, especially for larger sized items.</jats:p>
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