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Item type:Publication, Historical microplastic records in marine sediments: current progress and methodological evaluation(Elsevier, 2021-07-01)Plastic production has increased continuously since its massification in the 1950s. Microplastics (MPs), plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, are contaminants widespread across all environmental compartments, including remote ecosystems. Thus, MPs could serve as geological proxies of the Anthropocene, a proposed geological epoch characterized for the human-derived influence on the environment. MP investigation in sedimentary records requires specific sampling and analytical procedures exclusive to this line of research. Failing to properly conduct one or many of the standardized procedures compromises the veracity of the data obtained. In the present review, we assessed the current advances and notorious results in studies investigating MPs in the sedimentary record, a recent area of research. Also, a method-based diagnosis was conducted by critically analyzing the sampling and dating, MP extraction, polymer identification, and contamination prevention steps. We aimed to provide recommendations to future research based on critical analyses of the current state of the art and to present prospective outlooks regarding MPs as geological markers of modern civilization. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, A framework for the assessment of marine litter impacts in life cycle impact assessment(Elsevier, 2021-10-01)Marine litter, mostly plastics, is a growing environmental problem. Environmental decision makers are beginning to take actions and implement regulations that aim to reduce plastic use and waste mismanagement. Nevertheless, life cycle assessment (LCA), a tool commonly used to assist environmental decision making, does not yet allow for considering the consequences of plastic waste leaked into the environment. This limits the application of LCA as a tool for highlighting potential tradeoffs between impact categories and the relative significance of their contribution on a specific Areas of Protection (AoP). A coordinated research effort to cover various parts of the marine litter impact pathway is required to ultimately produce characterisation factors that can cover this research gap. Here, we design a consistent and comprehensive framework for modelling plastic litter impact pathways in LCIA models. This framework is to support such coordinated research progress towards the development of harmonized pathways to account for impacts of plastic litter, specifically to the marine environment. The framework includes an overview of life cycle inventory requirements (leakage to the environment; a focus of other research efforts), and a detailed description of possible marine litter impact pathways, modelling approaches and data(-type) requirements. We focus on marine plastic litter and consider the potential contribution of different impact pathways to overall damage in the main operational AoPs, as well as recently proposed ones. Results and conclusions: The proposed framework links inventory data in terms of kg plastic leaked to a specified environmental compartment (air, terrestrial, freshwater, marine) to six AoPs: ecosystem quality, human health, socio-economic assets, ecosystem services, natural heritage and cultural heritage. The fate modelling step, which includes transportation, fragmentation and degradation processes, is common to all included impact pathways. Exposure and effect modelling steps differentiate between at least six exposure pathways, e.g. inhalation, ingestion, entanglement, invasive species rafting, accumulation, and smothering, that potentially compromise sensitive receptors, such as ecosystems, humans, and manmade structures. The framework includes both existing, e.g. human toxicity and ecotoxicity, and proposed new impact categories, e.g. physical effect on biota, and can be used as a basis for coordinating harmonized research efforts. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Binational survey of personal protective equipment (PPE) pollution driven by the COVID-19 pandemic in coastal environments: abundance, distribution, and analytical characterization(Elsevier, 2021-12-11)In the present contribution, two nationwide surveys of personal protective equipment (PPE) pollution were conducted in Peru and Argentina aiming to provide valuable information regarding the abundance and distribution of PPE in coastal sites. Additionally, PPE items were recovered from the environment and analyzed by Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), and compared to brand-new PPE in order to investigate the chemical and structural degradation of PPE in the environment. PPE density (PPE m−2) found in both countries were comparable to previous studies. FTIR analysis revealed multiple polymer types comprising common PPE, mainly polypropylene, polyamide, polyethylene terephthalate, and polyester. SEM micrographs showed clear weathering signs, such as cracks, cavities, and rough surfaces in face masks and gloves. EDX elemental mapping revealed the presence of elemental additives, such as Ca in gloves and face masks and AgNPs as an antimicrobial agent. Other metals found on the surface of PPE were Mo, P, Ti, and Zn. XRD patterns displayed a notorious decrease in the crystallinity of polypropylene face masks, which could alter its interaction with external contaminants and stability. The next steps in this line of research were discussed. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Characterizing plastic disorder in consumption systems: A statistical entropy analysis to target circular economy interventions(Elsevier Inc., 2026-09-01)Addressing plastic pollution requires understanding of the drivers shaping material flows and waste generation. This study applies Statistical Entropy Analysis to evaluate its potential as a circular economy metric to quantify disorder within plastic systems and identify its drivers. Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos Archipelago, was used as a bounded system to empirically test Statistical Entropy Analysis within a real-world plastic consumption system. A mixed methods approach combined maritime imports data, shop audits, litter transects, recycling characterization and human movement tracking. Statistical analyses were used to examine the relationships between system characteristic and plastic systems, followed by Statistical Entropy Analysis to assess system disorder. Results showed that packaging, particularly multi-material, is a major contributor to low circularity and increased system disorder. Litter distribution was more strongly associated with area characteristics rather than with human movement, with higher accumulation in commercial and recreational areas, while the presence of bike paths was linked to reduced littering. Statistical Entropy values were highest in leaked plastic systems, especially in urban areas, and lowest in recycling streams due to material separation. Supermarkets’ products exhibited higher statistical entropy due to packaging complexity. System disorder is shaped by spatial context, retail format, product design and consumption preferences, highlighting the need for targeted upstream and downstream interventions. Compared with conventional circular economy metrics focused on resource efficiency, statistical entropy analysis captures material dispersion and mixing, providing a complementary and comparable indicator of circularity across contexts. This study supports the design of policies and business strategies for circularity.