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Microplastic pollution budget assessment of different integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (imta) systems
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Researchers assessed the microplastic pollution budget of integrated multi-trophic aquaculture systems as part of the ASTRAL project, examining both microplastic release from synthetic materials used in aquaculture infrastructure — including ropes, pipes, and equipment — in open and recirculating systems and the contribution of marine-derived plastic sources. The study aimed to quantify the role of diverse aquaculture operations in local and global microplastic emissions, for which accurate estimates have remained unknown.
The expansion of the industry and increased diversity of materials used to build and maintain open and recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) have paralleled the development and use of synthetic polymers over the last decades. Synthetic materials offer greater strength and durability than natural fibres for construction of ropes, infrastructures, and pipes, whilst often also being less costly and easier to handle. Broken and fragmented equipment as well as debris released from intense use are however sources of plastic emission from aquaculture operations at a local and global level, whilst accurate estimations of their contribution remain unknown. The ASTRAL project focuses on IMTA farming, aiming at defining, supporting, and promoting this type of sustainable aquaculture production across the Atlantic area. ASTRAL is looking at the challenges related to the release of microplastics from aquaculture operations in both open and recirculating systems as well as quantifying the marine derived sources of plastics impacts. Also see: https://micro2024.sciencesconf.org/559319/document
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