We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS OF THE WORLD OCEAN TO MARINE MAMMALS
Original title: ЕКОЛОГІЧНІ РИЗИКИ СВІТОВОГО ОКЕАНУ ДЛЯ МОРСЬКИХ ССАВЦІВ
AI summary Read the abstract
This Ukrainian-language review examines multiple anthropogenic threats to marine mammals in the Black Sea and World Ocean, including microplastics found in marine mammal tissues at concentrations of 1 to 88 particles per animal, alongside heavy metal accumulation and biocide pollution. The study highlights how microplastics enter marine mammal bodies through the food chain and how enclosed basins like the Black Sea intensify contamination.
The article analyzes the influence of anthropogenic pollutants on hydrobionts. It is defined that it’s possible to accumulate in their own toxic elements, to bring them to functional disruption in the processes of life. Significant accent is drawn on the difficulty of active toxicants of the Black Sea, as one of the indoor water basins in the World Ocean.According to the analysis, it was found that marine ink biocides adversely affect the coastal ecosystem, in particular non-target organisms, of the test substances, the most toxic is TBT, less toxic are diuron, zinc pyrethione and igarorol. Considerable damage is caused by the microplastics that enter the organisms by the seafood through the food chain, when consuming whole prey. Depending on the region of the oceans, mammals contained from 1 to 88 particles. Most of the established polymeric contaminants are synthetic materials, elastomers: polyethylene (PE), ethylene-propylene rubber, polyester, polyacrylamide, ethylene-propylene-diene monomer rubber (EPDM rubber), hydrogenated butadiene-nitrile rubber, nitrile rubber kevlar), regenerated cellulose fibers (SRCF). The accumulation of heavy metals in the coastal areas of the Black Sea, as an enclosed basin of the oceans, at concentrations higher than the limit values – copper, cadmium, and lead – is noted. Researches have shown that hazardous, excessive bioaccumulation of heavy metals in the aquatic environment and the potential threat to the life of aquatic organisms and consumers of seafood.The increasing of marine discharges into river basins contributes to the accumulation of organic compounds, including phosphorus and nitrogen in the coastal zone. Organic substances contribute to the flowering of algae accumulated in the coastal waters of cyanotoxins. Cyanotoxins lead to severe neuropathological diseases in dolphins. Some chlorine-containing compounds found in industrial discharges are cumulative and adversely affect the health of scavengers, such as top-level predators.
More Papers Like This
Environmental Risks of the Ocean for Marine Mammals
AI summary Read the abstract
This paper reviews how anthropogenic pollutants including plastic-associated chemicals accumulate in marine mammals of the Black Sea, causing physiological disruption. The analysis highlights toxic contamination as a serious and growing threat to marine ecosystem health.
Assessing microplastic pollution in marine mammals: evidence from three cetacean species in the southeastern Black Sea
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined microplastic contamination in the digestive tracts of three cetacean species from the southeastern Black Sea, finding particles in all seven individuals studied. Fiber-shaped microplastics were the most common type, and polymer analysis identified polyester and polyamide as the dominant materials. The study adds to growing evidence that marine mammals accumulate microplastics through the food chain, raising concerns about the health of top ocean predators.
Preliminary Study on Microplastic Contamination in Black Sea Cetaceans: Gastrointestinal Analysis of Phocoena phocoena relicta and Tursiops truncatus ponticus
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted a preliminary study of microplastic contamination in the gastrointestinal tracts of Black Sea harbor porpoises and bottlenose dolphins, documenting microplastic presence and characterizing particle types and polymer compositions.
Research of Plastics and Microplastics in the Black Sea Geoecosystem as a Component of Its Pollution Assessment
AI summary Read the abstract
This overview examines the state of research on plastic and microplastic contamination across the Ukrainian portion of the Black Sea, covering both the water column and seafloor sediments. The authors identify monitoring gaps and call for a standardized, European-aligned observation network to track how synthetic polymers move through and accumulate in this ecologically important regional sea.
The adverse health effects of increasing microplastic pollution on aquatic mammals
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed the current evidence on microplastic contamination in aquatic ecosystems and its adverse health effects on aquatic mammals, which are particularly vulnerable as top predators. The study highlights that microplastics accumulate through the food chain and may cause physical harm, chemical toxicity, and serve as carriers for other pollutants, posing serious concerns for marine mammal populations.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.