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Papers
4 resultsShowing papers from At Bristol
ClearThe impact of marine debris on cetaceans with consideration of plastics generated by the COVID-19 pandemic
This review examines the impact of marine debris, particularly plastics, on cetaceans (whales and dolphins), finding that approximately 68% of species are affected through entanglement or ingestion. Researchers note an increase in reported interactions over recent decades, with species-specific differences linked to diving and feeding strategies. The study also highlights the potential contribution of COVID-19 pandemic-related plastic waste to marine pollution affecting these animals.
Using a non‐invasive technique to identify suspected microplastics in grey seals ( <i>Halichoerus grypus</i> ) living in the western North Sea
Faecal samples from living wild grey seals in the western North Sea were analyzed for suspected microplastics, representing the first non-invasive record of microplastic exposure in this wild pinniped population. The study demonstrates that faecal analysis can provide indirect evidence of microplastic ingestion in free-ranging marine mammals without requiring capture or euthanasia.
Airborne microplastic monitoring: Developing a simplified outdoor sampling approach using pollen monitoring equipment
Researchers adapted standard pollen monitoring equipment (Burkard spore traps) into a simplified outdoor airborne microplastic sampler, testing it as the first application of this approach for identifying and quantifying outdoor airborne microplastics. The modified setup successfully captured and characterized particles, demonstrating a low-cost method for expanding global airborne microplastic monitoring networks.
LDPE and biodegradable plastics differentially affect plant-soil nitrogen partitioning and microbial uptake
Researchers found that both conventional LDPE and biodegradable plastics at concentrations simulating years of mulch film use altered nitrogen cycling in agricultural soil, reducing microbial nitrogen uptake and affecting nitrogen partitioning between soil and plant biomass without significantly harming barley growth.