The Rapids

US EPA's Trash Free Waters Monthly Update

March 2022

epa. gov/trash-free-waters

Introduction

Hello all,

March is already off to an exciting start! Last week in Nairobi, Kenya, the United Nations Environment
Assembly voted unanimously to adopt a new resolution on plastics, titled "End plastic pollution:
Towards an international legally binding instrument". The resolution calls for an International
Negotiating Committee (INC) to "develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution,
including in the marine environment, which could include both binding and voluntary approaches, based
on a comprehensive approach that addresses the full lifecycle of plastics....as well as national
circumstances and capabilities."

The Ocean Conservancy recently published a report titled "Recommendations for Recycled Content:
Requirements for Plastic Goods and Packaging." This resource provides an overview of the current
landscape of recycled content for plastic packaging in the U.S. as well as insight on how to grow end
markets for these materials given their prevalence in the waste stream and in the environment.

In early February, over 180 community and conservation organizations filed a "Petition to the General
Services Administration to Reduce and Eliminate Procurement and Acquisition of Single-Use
Plastic Products."

Please help celebrate Keep America Beautiful"s Great American Cleanup from March 21 through June
22. More details are below in the Upcoming Events section.

Please continue to share any upcoming events with Layne Marshall (marshall.lavne@epa.gov) so that
the Trash Free Waters team can advertise these opportunities with all of you on the first Monday of each
month.

Thanks,

Romell Nandi
US EPA

Trash Free Waters National Program Lead

EPA Announcements


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Best Practices for Solid Waste Management Online Learning Modules

EPA published "Best Practices for Solid Waste Management: A Guide for Decision-Makers in Developing
Countries" in 2020. We are pleased to announce the release of nine online interactive learning
modules designed to complement the guide. The modules allow users to explore specific topics related to
waste management, ranging from stakeholder engagement to prevention and minimization to recycling. A
webinar highlighting the guide is also available in English. Spanish, and French.

Eckerd College Awarded Funding to Tackle Single-Use Plastics

This EPA Gulf of Mexico Division Healthy and Resilient Gulf grant program will provide $499,638 in
funding for Eckerd College to implement their "Communities Count: Single-Use Plastic Data to Change
Policy" project by creating a mobile application that will help Pinellas County residents digitally track
their single-use plastic consumption with the goal of keeping waste out of the Gulf of Mexico. Other grant
awardee announcements are expected soon.

Funding Opportunities

New Mexico Recycling and Illegal Damping tRAlP> lirants

Offered through the New Mexico Environment Department Solid Waste Bureau and Recycling and Illegal
Dumping Alliance, these applications should be used for all recycling, education and non-abatement tire
projects or illegal dumpsite abatement projects (tire and non-tire), and illegal dumping outreach and
education projects. About $800,000 will be available for the 2022-2023 grant cycle. Two-thirds of the
grant fund is available for scrap tire management, and one-third is available for illegal dumping abatement
and recycling projects. The deadline for submissions is March 25.

Alaska Marine Education and Training Mini-Grant Program (NQAA-NMFS-AK-2022-2007143)
The National Marine Fisheries Service is soliciting competitive applications for projects seeking to
improve education and training on marine resource issues throughout the region and increase scientific
education for marine-related professions among coastal community residents. The deadline for
submissions is April 1.

01A Coral Reef and Natural Resou rces Program 2022 (OIAQIA-CRNR2200043)

The U.S. Department of the Interior's Coral Reef and Natural Resources Initiative provides grant funding
for management and protection of coral reels and to combat invasive species in the U.S. insular areas. The
deadline for submissions is April 1.

FY22-FY23 Pollution Prevention Grant Program Funded bv the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

(EPA-l-OCSPP-OPPT-FY2022-001)

EPA is announcing a grant competition to fund two-year Pollution Prevention assistance agreements for
projects that provide technical assistance (e.g.. information, training, tools) to businesses to help them
develop and adopt source reduction practices (also known as "pollution prevention" or "P2"). P2 means
reducing or eliminating pollutants from entering any waste stream or otherwise being released into the
environment prior to recycling, treatment, or disposal. Estimate total program funding is $13,900,000. The
deadline for submissions is April 11.

Michigan Recycling Market Development Grants

These Michigan-specific grants are designed to create new markets or expand existing markets and create
supply chains for recycled materials. These grants will also commercialize technologies to replace


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materials with recycled content; to improve the quality, increase the quantity, and grow demand for
utilizing recycled materials in manufacturing or other uses; and facilitate research and development of new
uses for recycled materials. The deadline for submissions is April 20. A separate but related grant
opportunity. Michigan Small Community Education Grants, has a rolling deadline for submissions.

The PADI AWARE Mission Hub ( nniiiiunitv Grants

The PADI AWARE Mission Hub Community Grants (Funding Cycle 0222) are open to funding ocean
protection initiatives and projects that directly advance the PADI Blueprint for Ocean Action, in direct
support of the United Nations Decade of Science for Sustainable Development. Marine debris is one of
the five recommended project proposal categories. The deadline for submissions is April 22.

The Lawrence Foundation Common Grant

The mission of The Lawrence Foundation is support organizations that are working to solve pressing
environmental, human services and other issues. The foundation makes grants to U.S.-based qualified
charitable organizations. Grants typically range between $5,000 - $10,000. The deadline for submissions
is April 30.

Environmental Research and Education Foundation General RFP

Pre-proposal topics must relate to sustainable solid waste management practices and pertain to the
following topic areas: 1) Waste minimization, 2) Recycling. 3) Waste conversion to energy, biofuels.
chemicals or other useful products. 4) Strategies to promote diversion to higher and better uses, and/or 5)
Landfilling. Pre-proposals are required prior to submitting a lull proposal. Previously aw arded grants have
ranged from $15,000 to over $500,000 with the average grant amount in recent years being
$160,000. Typical project durations are about 2 years. The deadline for submissions is May 1.

West Virginia Litter Control Grant

The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection's Litter Control Grant is a matching fund that
assists municipalities and county government agencies with community cleanup and litter enforcement
projects. Funding is provided for this grant through litter fines imposed on those who violate state litter
laws. The maximum amount of funding for a grant is $5,000. The deadline for submissions is May 31.

Clif Family Foundation Operational Support Grant

These grants support daily operating costs. Address two or more of our funding priorities at the same time:
Strengthen our food system. Enhance equitable community health outcomes, and Safeguard our
environment and natural resources. Projects should also demonstrate strong community ties and operate
within viable and clearly defined plans for positive change. The deadline for submissions is June 1.

Kentucky Waste Tire Collection Grant

Kentucky counties can now apply for $4,000 in waste tire recycling and removal grants through the Energy
and Environment Cabinet's Division of Waste Management's (DWM) Waste Tire Trust Fund. "These
grants can assist Kentucky counties in managing waste tires collected in litter cleanups or from other
sources. The deadline for submissions is June 7.

Energize The Environment Grant Program

Quadratec is proud to offer a $3,500 environmental grant to an individual or group currently pursuing a
program or initiative designed to benefit our environment. Some examples of this would be trail building
or restoration projects, park beautification events, litter prevention initiatives, community environmental
educational projects, and youth educational engagement events. Interested individuals or groups should
submit a 1000-1600 word essay to grants@,quadratec.com that paints a picture of who you or your
organi/ation are. what drives and inspires you or your organi/ation. what you or the organization are


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looking to accomplish, and how you plan to apply our grant to your project. The deadline for submissions
is June 30.

Other opportunities...

EPA Environmental Justice Video Challenge for Students

EPA and partners have launched the Environmental Justice Video Challenge for Students to enhance
communities" capacity to address environmental and public health inequities. The goals of the challenge
are to: Inspire students at accredited colleges and universities in the U.S. and its territories to work directly
with communities in the identification and characteri/ation of EJ challenges using data and publicly
available tools and help communities address EJ challenges and/or vulnerabilities to environmental and
public health hazards using data and publicly available tools. Video submissions should be less than 6
minutes in length. Submissions are due April 1.

Upcoming Events

World Ocean Summit Virtual Week
March l-4'h

Attendees can join Economist's 9th annual World Ocean Summit from anywhere in the world, free of
charge. This global event will bring together the broadest cross-section of the ocean community while
featuring six industry tracks: shipping, fishing, aquaculture. energy, tourism, and plastics. The goal of the
plastics track is to identity new solutions to the growing global problem of marine plastic pollution.

Plastics Recycling Conference 2022
March 7-9th, near Washington, D.C.

The Association of Plastic Recyclers hosts this gathering of plastics recycling and sustainability
professionals, bringing together more than 2,000 industry decision makers for networking and discussion
of key trends annually.

3"1 World Conference on Waste Management
March 10-11th

The theme of this year's Global Waste Management Conference is "Challenges & Practices on Waste
Management and COVID-19 Post-Pandemic." One of the conference tracks will focus on the future of
plastics recycling.

EWRI Operation & Maintenance of Stormwater Control Measures

March 13-16'h, Wilmington, NC

The Environmental & Water Resources Institute of the American Society of Civil Engineers is hosting a
conference where attendees can learn from national leaders in green and gray stormwater infrastructure,
including design for maintenance. O&M training programs, new maintenance approaches, advances in
municipal program management and implementation, life cycle analysis, and lessons learned from the
field.

Local Innovation Systems: Waste and "End of Life" Fishing Gear

March 15th (10AM ET)

This webinar is being hosted by The Centre for Sustainable Design, UCA Business School within the Blue
Circular Economy project. In 2019, the European Union passed the Single-Use Plastics Directive that included


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'Extended Producer Responsibility' (EPR) legislation related to fishing gear that is due to be implemented in
December 2024. This webinar will present the key findings and lessons learnt from two prior workshops which
brought together stakeholders from both business and fishing communities to discuss challenges and
opportunities related to waste and "end of life" fishing gear. It will also present the findings of a new report on
local innovation systems related to waste and "end of life" fishing gear.

Ocean ologv International

March 15-17th

Oceanology International is the leading forum to connect with the world's marine science and ocean
technology communities. Its events provide a platform for participants to learn from ocean leaders from
around the world, boost their technical and blue economy knowledge, and connect with key buyers in
vertical industries. It brings together 500+ exhibitors in the only event that links the three key players in
the industry: businesses, academics and government.

Verra Standards for SuMainabilitv, Resilience, and Carbon

March 16th (1PM ET)

Verra is a nonprofit organization that develops and provides standards that drive investment toward high-
impact activities addressing environmental and social challenges across the globe. This webinar will
present Verra's programs in climate and sustainability focusing on standards in Blue Carbon to sequester
carbon dioxide, Coastal Resilience to improve protection of human and environmental assets, and Plastic
Waste Reduction to reduce waste ending up in the environment and incentivize recycling.

The Global Plastics Treaty: What Yob Weed to Know
March 16th (5PM ET)

This webinar is being hosted by the Plastic Pollution Coalition. What is the Global Plastics Treaty, and
what do we mean when we say it needs to be "legally binding" and "address the lull life cycle of plastic"?
Hear from the experts as we explore the need and opportunity to negotiate a bold and binding global
commitment to address plastic pollution, and find out what happened at UNEA 5.2 from key people who
were on the ground in Nairobi.

State	; Erie Conference (SOLE22)

March 16 -18th, Cleveland, OH (virtual participation option as well)

Hosted by the International Association for Great Lakes Research, this conference will feature two days
of concurrent sessions, plcnarics. field trips, and discussions. The series promotes collaborations between
the science and policy communities—particularly lake-specific research, management, education, and
nonprofit organizations—to broaden the discussion and provide diverse interaction among stakeholders.

Achieving Plastics Circularity: Technology and Partnerships to Close the Loop
March 17th (1PM ET)

This one-hour GreenBiz webinar will address the ways that technology and partnerships can work hand-
in-hand to overcome persistent challenges related to plastics recycling processes and infrastructure.
Attendees will learn how advanced recycling technologies make it possible to recycle greater volumes of
plastic, why the availability of feedstock is the key to achieving true circularity, how companies can make
investments to meet their recycled plastics commitments, and how cross-industry partnerships can create
a positive feedback loop of collection, recycling, and product production.

Blue Economy Summit

March 18 -19th, Durham, NC

Hosted at Duke University in March 2022, the first-annual Blue Economy Summit will bring together
diverse ocean stakeholders from industry, government, non-profits, and academia to identify the most


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promising opportunities to bring this vision to life. The Blue Economy Summit will create a collaborative
setting where students and professionals can critically reflect on current ocean trends and challenges,
facilitate productive conversations, and enable effective ocean stewardship actions.

Keep America Beautiful's Great American Cleanup
March 21s' - June 22nd

Did you know that cigarette butts are still the most littered item in America? That nine out of ten pieces
of litter on the ground in the U.S. are under four inches in size? The Keep America Beautiful 2020
National Litter Study also found there are 50 billion pieces of litter in the US. That means there are 152
pieces of litter per person in America. So, what can we do? Take part in the Great American Cleanup!
Happening March 21 through June 22, cleanups are taking place across the country.

"Connecting People and Places: A Community Conversation About Litter"

March 23rd (8-10AM ET)

Keep America Beautiful and Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful invite everyone to a first of its kind virtual
conversation about litter and its impact on communities. This interactive discussion will engage citizens
and industry experts in a facilitated conversation to address and prevent littering on a hyperlocal scale.
The conversation also serves as a kickolTevent for the 2022 Great American Cleanup. Attendees are asked
to submit their questions about litter ahead of time, as some of these questions will be selected at random
to drive the event discussion.

Save the dates for future months...

Our Ocean - Palau 2022

April 13- 14th, the Republic of Palau

Our Ocean will focus on six Areas of Action, convening partners from across the globe to identify solutions
to manage marine resources, increase the ocean's resilience to climate change and safeguard its health for
generations to come. One of the key actions is tackling marine pollution. This panel will focus on
opportunities and approaches to stop pollution at its source as well as highlight the need for effective local
management of coastal catchments.

Beyond Plastic Pollution Virtual Class- Spring 2022
April 13th - May 25th (Wednesday evenings from 7-9PMET)

This in-depth seven-week online masterclass on all things plastic pollution-related is offered by the
founder and President of Beyond Plastic Pollution. Judith Enck. via Bennington College's Center for the
Advancement of Public Action. The class is open to anyone, from high school student to concerned
community member. The cost of enrollment is $100. Space is limited so reserve a spot now if interested!

EarthX 2022

April 20-24*', Dallas, TX

EarthX is an international, nonprofit environmental forum whose purpose is to educate and inspire people
to action towards a more sustainable future. We assemble and connect citi/cns. educators, students,
businesses, nonprofits, and global leaders to explore sustainable solutions for today's most pressing
challenges. More details to come.

The Giilf of Mexico Conference 2022
April 25-28th


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The Gulf of Mexico Conference (GoMCon) combines the annual Gulf of Mexico Alliance (GOMA) All
Hands Meeting, the annual Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill and Ecosystems Science (GoMOSES) Conference,
and the triannual State of the Gulf Summit. This conference seeks to promote the integration of science
and management into decision-making. GoMCon will feature a wide variety of session themes including
citi/en science and education, water quality and quantity, and emerging issues including marine debris.

Virtual Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference 2022

April 26-2 7th

The theme of this year's Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference is "Honoring our Ancestors: Visions for Future
Generations and the Salish Sea." The conference typically attracts about 1,500 participants and has become
the premier scientific research and policy gathering in the Pacific Northwest. Conference presentations
and discussions will serve as a platform to build shared policies, practices and procedures necessary to
guide future actions for protecting and restoring the Salish Sea and its watersheds.

WasteEx.pt)

May 9-12th, Las Vegas, NV

Whether you are from the private sector, a small, medium or large public sector waste management
company, organics management, or food waste management company, or a manufacturer or supplier from
the U.S. or abroad, count on Waste Expo to bring the entire industry together under one roof. 2022
conference tracks include: Operations. Fleet & Safety. Recycling & Landfill. Business Insights & Policy,
and Tcell & Innovation.

Circularity 22

May 17-19'h, Atlanta, GA

As the leading convening of professionals building the circular economy. Circularity 22 offers thought-
provoking keynotes, informative breakouts, a solutions-oriented expo and engaging networking
opportunities. The goal of this conference is to encourage moving beyond individual action to catalyze
systems change and accelerate the circular economy. Tracks include next-gen products and packaging,
bio-based solutions, policy and infrastructure, and more.

RelFoctis Sustainabilitv & Recycling Summit

May 23-25'h, Cincinnati, OH

Hosted by the Plastics Industry Association, the Re foe us Sustainabilitv and Recycling Summit addresses
the real-world challenges you lace as your company pushes recycled content and sustainable
manufacturing from goals and promises to action.

Plastic Waste Free World North Atnerica Conference and Emo

June 8-9'h, Atlanta, GA

The Plastic Waste Free World Conference & Expo is an international conference and exhibition for
companies looking for new technologies, materials, and solutions to help realize their plastic waste targets
and source the latest innovations driving the new circular economy. The event typically attracts major
manufacturers, brand owners, retailers, materials experts, circular economy experts, government
organizations, NGOs, the recycling industry, and the plastics sector to engage in discussions that will help
reduce waste plastic in the environment. Conference tracks include: 1) Eliminating Waste Plastics. 2)
Retail and Consumer Goods Packaging, and 3) Fashion and Textiles.

UN Ocean Conference 2022

June 27th to July Is', Lisbon, Portugal

The Ocean Conference, co-hosted by the Governments of Kenya and Portugal, will mobilize action around
science-based innovative solutions aimed at starting a new chapter of global ocean action. Solutions for a


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sustainably managed ocean involve green technology and innovative uses of marine resources. They also
include addressing the threats to health, ecology, economy and governance of the ocean - acidification,
marine litter and pollution, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, and the loss of habitats and
biodiversity.

In case you missed it...

Outreach and Education for Trash Free Waters - What Makes a Successful Campaign?

The Trash Free Waters Program's January 20th webinar drew 230 attendees from local, state, and federal
government offices, NGOs. universities, and businesses. The webinar featured three expert speakers who
discussed lessons learned and best practices for outreach campaigns aimed at preventing aquatic trash. The
speakers provided the audience with practical information on how to craft an effective anti-littering or
source reduction outreach campaign and discussed common barriers to achieving desired behavior changes
and strategies for overcoming these barriers.

Reckoning with the U.S. Role in Global Ocean Plastic Waste - Beyond Plastics Briefing
On December 1st. the National Academies of Science. Engineering and Medicine released a breathtaking
report titled Reckoning with the U.S. Role in Global Ocean Plastic Waste which could shape the debate
over plastics in the U.S. lor years to come. Watch the recording of Beyond Plastics" February 16th virtual
briefing on the report featuring NASEM members. Margaret Spring and Dr. Rashid Sumaila and
moderated by Beyond Plastics president. Judith Enck.

Scientists' Declaration on the Need for Governance of Plastics: A scientific perspective on a new

This Environmental Investigation Agency webinar formally launched the Scientists' Declaration on the
Need for Governance of Plastics Throughout their Lifecvcles and requested more scientific experts,
research institutes and rightful holders of traditional knowledge to sign the declaration, which will remain
open indefinitely. The event presented perspectives from four international experts who have contributed
to empirical and applied research as part of the multidisciplinary field of plastic pollution and who helped
develop the declaration.

Driving Innovation to Advance Plastics Circularity

The transition to a circular economy requires a host of new solutions to address gaps in the plastics value
chain. The Alliance to End Plastic Waste has identified six priority areas, or gaps, that stand in the way of
circularity. This webcast sought to discuss practical solutions to bridge these gaps and how collaboration,
innovation and investment can help to power the transition.

The Microplastics Breakdown

MICROPLASTIC QUANTIFICATION

Quantification of Microplastics in Sediments fro in Narragaiisett Bay. Rhode Island USA Using A
Novel Isolation and Extraction Method

Michaela A. Cashman, Troy Langknecht, Dounia El Khatib, RobertM. Burgess, Thomas B. Boving,
Sandra Robinson, Kay T. Ho


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In this study, a hybridized method was developed for the extraction of microplastics (45-1000 (.urn) from
sediments using sodium bromide solution for density separation. Method development was tested using
spiked microplastics as internal standards. The method was then used to extract microplastics from
sediments in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island. USA. Suspect microplastics were analy/ed with Raman
spectroscopy. Microplastic abundance ranged from 40 particles/100 g sediment to 4.6 million
particles/100 g sediment (wet weight). Cellulose acetate fibers were the most abundant microplastic.
These results are some of the first data for microplastics in Rhode Island sediments.

HEAL TH IMPACTS OF MICROPLASTIC EXPOSURE
The Emerging Risk of Microplastics and Nanoplastics on the Microstructurc and Function of
Reproductive Organs in Mammals: A Systematic Review of Preclinical Evidence

Rodolfo C. Marcelino, RonanM. Cardoso, ElisaL.B.C. Domingues, Reggiani V. Gongalves, GrazielaD.A.
Lima, Romulo D. Novaes

After conducting a literature search and evaluating the results, the authors reviewed 12 full-text studies
focused on the reproductive impacts of nanoplastic and microplastic (MP) exposure. According to the
authors, these studies identified a broad spectrum of microstructural changes in the male reproductive
system in mice and rats, including testicular atrophy, inflammation of the seminal vesicle, and various
ellects on sperm quality. Effects on the female reproductive system in mice and rats were also found,
including dilatation in of the fallopian tubes and ovarian cysts. The authors evaluated the methodologies
used in these studies and concluded that each study had certain flaws (e.g.. not including descriptions of
how the animals were selected and assigned to treatment groups). However, the authors stated that the
missing elements did not indicate flaws in the experimental protocols, they only point out limitations in
the research report.

HUMAN EXPOSURE TO MICROPLASTICS
Extraction, Identification, and Environmental Risk Assessment of Microplastics in Commercial
Toothpaste

Chidhambaram T. Madhumitha, Natchimuthu Karmegam, Muniyandi Biruntha, Alagarsamy A run,
Abdulaziz A. AI Kheraif Woong Kim, Ponnuchamy Kumar

In this study microplastics from ten different commercially available toothpaste brands were purchased in
supermarkets in India; three samples from each brand were extracted by vacuum filtration and
characterized with microscopic and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopic analyses. The authors
reported that 50% of the toothpaste samples were found to have more than 50% MP particle abundance,
which indicated to them that the MP particles were added by the manufacturers. The smallest si/c of MPs
that was recorded in the study was 3.5 jim w ith the largest si/c exceeding 400 j.un. The largest numbers of
MPs found in the samples were 167,508 and 193 respectively and were classified into three si/e ranges in
the study results: <100 j.un. 100-400 j.un. and >400 j.un. Four major polymer types were identified:
cellophane, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, and poly amide. The authors noted that their study results
were the first time that PP. PVC and PA were identified in a study of MPs in toothpaste. They suggested
that their findings could be used as baseline data for the contribution of toothpaste to the addition of MPs
in the environment and associated impacts.

FATE AND TRANSPORT OF MICROPLASTICS
Microplastics in Latin America and the Caribbean: A review on Current Status and Perspectives

Carolina Orona-Ndvar, Raul Garcia-Morales' Frank J. Loge, Jilrgen Mahlknecht, Iris Aguilar-
Hernandez! Nancy Ornelas-Soto

This literature review focused on publications pertaining to: (1) the occurrence and distribution of MPs in
the environment and (2) the environmental impact of MPs. According to the authors there was a high
degree of variability in the MP concentrations found in surface waters in the Latin America and Caribbean
(LAC) region. Fibers and fragments were found to be the predominant types of MPs found in LAC. which


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suggested to them that secondary MPs are an important source of pollution in the region. Results from the
few studies in LAC where the types of MPs were identified indicated that polypropelyne and polyethylene
are frequently detected in coastal areas. MPs in freshwater systems in LAC have not yet been well
investigated, which the authors explained could be due to (a) the fact that MPs were initially identified and
studied in the marine environment and have therefore benefited from decade-long efforts to mitigate
marine pollution, especially plastic litter and (b) higher visibility of their presence and effects (e.g.
occurrence of fragmented plastic litter on beaches) playing a role in public perception and funding
opportunities. Additionally, the article pointed out that sampling campaigns in freshwater
environments may require access to remote locations and more expensive equipment, while studies on the
marine environment can be carried out by the shoreline. The authors observed that existing studies
analyzing MPs sources have been carried out in developed countries with very contrasting socioeconomic
and geographical context compared to LAC. so it is still unknown if LAC differs in (a) main sources, (b)
amount of MPs that enter the environment via wastewater, (c) secondary MPs generated by improper waste
management, (d) if economic disparities within the region affect the degree of MP exposure experienced
by its citizens and wildlife.

The Role of Mesopelagic Fishes as Microplastics Vectors Across the Deep-Sea Layers from the
Southwestern Tropical Atlantic

Anne K.S. Justino, Guilherme VB. Ferreira, Natascha Schmidt, Leandro N. Eduardo, Vincent Fauvelle,
Veronique Lenoble, Richard Sempere, Christos Panagiotopoulos, Michael M. Mincaronee, Thierry
Fredou, Flavia Lucena-Fredou

The authors described this study as the first-time data on MP contamination in mesopelagic fish (which
inhabit the intermediate depths of the sea. approximately 650-3,300 feet below the surface) from the
Southw estern Tropical Atlantic (SWTA) off of the Brazilian coast. Fish from four mesopelagic species
were collected for this study: Sladen's hatchetfish; the diaphanous hatchetfish; the short-headed lantern
fish; and Tailing's lanternfish. A total of 213 MP particles were recovered from the 170 analyzed
specimens; 67% of the four species analyzed had MPs in their digestive tract. Fibres were the common
MP shape for all species (64%), and poly amide, polyethylene, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) were
the most common polymers identified. The number of MPs found differed betw een species with Sladen's
hatchetfish having the most MPs. No relationship between the MPs ingested by fish species and the
biological parameters (standard length and the total weight) was identified. The mean si/c of ingested MPs
also varied according to the species. The authors also found an association betw een the number of MPs
and the depth strata where the fish were sampled. They described their results suggested that when
migrating to the upper layers, these species interact with MPs and. when returning, they probably act as
vectors of MPs to the deeper ocean layers. Their finding that the smallest number of particles were in
species inhabiting the deepest layers is supported by previous hypotheses that the deeper layers are less
contaminated.

Microplastics C ontamination of Groundwater: Current Evidence and Future Perspectives. A
Review

Stefano Viaroli, Michele Lancia, Viviana Re

This article included a critical analysis of MPs in groundw ater and a review of existing studies on MPs in
groundwater systems. The characterization of both the groundwater dynamics and the heterogeneity of
MPs is suggested, and the article proposed a new framework/conceptual model named "Hydrogeoplastic
Model." This model is described as an amendment of the classic conceptual model involving MPs
dynamics and their late in the subsoil. It is not limited to groundwater, but also encompasses surface
waters, soils, the anthroposphere (land use. landfills, seepage of septic tanks and WWTP effluents) and
the atmosphere. The authors observed that characteri/ation and quantification of MPs in groundw ater is
challenging, and existing water sampling techniques are mainly related to surface waters. They pointed
out that study results are not comparable due to the lack of common analytical procedure and to the absence


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of hydrogeological information which can deeply affect the groundwater dynamics. Of the literature they
found, only five articles provided experimental data about the presence of plastic fragments together with
a description of the hydrogeological framew ork. Based on their review, the authors suggested that future
studies supporting the characterization of the subsoil are necessary to comprehensively assess the
occurrence of MPs in groundwater and they also highlighted the need for more coordinated action among
researchers working in the field.

Micraplastics Contamination Associated with Land-Application of Biosolids - A Perspective
Goldy De Bhowmick, Ajit K. Sarm ah

This article sought to provide insight into the current status of the application of biosolids containing MPs
to soils and identity its potential risks to human and ecological health whilst also providing solutions to
mitigate them. Authors pointed out that soil texture and characteristics like roughness, bio-filtration, the
level of organics. saturation, and hydrodynamic condition a fleet MPs' migration and mobility along with
the MPs si/e and aggregation state. Other determinative factors in the late and MP behavior in soil were
temperature, soil variable condition, soil type, and water status. The authors recommend that more studies
should focus on the MP mobility and transportation late particularly under complex soil matrices. This
article included a discussion of case studies focused on biosolid application to agricultural land, which
indicated there were impacts on plant performances and microbial activities. The article also listed a set of
mitigation actions to reduce the contamination of soils by MPs: (a) legislative action focused on sew age
application to agricultural farmland; (b) in-depth studies on MPs late and transport; (c) introduction of
more critical assessment of MPs contamination; (d) penalty on dumping mulched plastic items; (e) design
environmental taxes; (f) raising awareness of MPs contamination through education and social media
coverage; (g) life cycle assessment of plastic products and (h) identifying alternatives to plastics.

MICROPLASTICS AND WASTEWATER

Alteration in Microbial Community and Antibiotic Resistance Genes Mediated By Microplastics
During Wastewater Ultraviolet Disinfection

Zeyuan Yang, Peng Liua, HaoyuWei, Huang Li, Jian long Li, Xinran Qiu, Rui Ding, Xuetao Guo
This study was based on the idea that MPs could serve as vectors to colonize microorganisms and antibiotic
resistance genes (ARGs) in the context of wastew ater treatment. The authors examined the ellects of
different concentrations and sizes of polystyrene microplastics (PSMPs) on the distribution and removal
of microbial communities and ARGs under ultraviolet disinfection of urban sewage. Manufactured PSMPs
particles were exposed to wastewater and were observed under two conditions. UV disinfection and
without UV disinfection. Microbial communities and ARGs in the absence of MPs were also observed.
Results showed the presence of MPs affected the species, abundance and functions of microorganisms in
wastew ater treatment; specifically, the genetic information processing and metabolism were altered by the
presence of PSMPs. The UV disinfection efficiency of microorganisms and ARGs were found to be
alYected by PSMPs since they provided coloni/ation sites and increased the water turbidity. The findings
indicated that PSMPs altered the distribution and removal of microbial communities and ARGs in
ultraviolet disinfection of wastewater. The authors recommended that increased removal of MPs to
improve the sterilization e fleet of ultraviolet rays and reduce the environmental risks of resistant bacteria
and resistant genes.

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