Sources, impacts and solutions for plastics in South East Asia coastal environments

Lead Research Organisation: University of Stirling
Department Name: Biological and Environmental Sciences

Abstract

The South East (SE) Asian region releases every year into the ocean more than four million tonnes of plastic waste and is facing one of the most important marine plastic pollution crises on our planet, threatening the biodiversity of marine ecosystems, coastal tourism, fisheries and aquaculture, which are vital for the economic growth of the region. Plastics debris are persistent in the marine environment are dominated by the smaller abundant microplastic (MP) particles, that are of increasing concern. The toxicity of marine MPs vary with their abundance, size, shape, chemical properties, and composition of their microbial biofilm. The surface of MP particles, referred to as the plastisphere, serves as a support for the colonisation of microorganisms where they may be protected area with limited predation. Microbial biofilms inhabiting the plastisphere are specific to this habitat and can include both plastic degraders and/or harmful pathogens. MPs are also potential vectors for other toxic contaminants found in coastal environments that could translate into health issues for society and ecosystems. Marine MPs are inherently complex due to the varying composition of compounds, which will determine the specific buoyancy and surface rugosity, which in turn dictates the extent of microbial colonisation and potential for long distance dispersal. To determine the natural biological and photochemical degradability of marine MPs and to quantify the impacts of marine MPs on marine ecosystems, aquaculture and human health, it is essential to use a combination of fieldwork and advanced molecular techniques in the laboratory, and tackle the plastic pollution crisis with this new angle.
Our team will conduct a comprehensive investigation of the impact of microplastic particles on microorganisms sampled from different regions in SE Asia, spanning a range of different physical and chemical water typologies. Modelling the transport of MP particles will identify a network of sources and sinks across SE Asia and provide a temporal data on the risks associated with microplastics. We will deploy advanced, state-of-the art techniques to quantify the impact the abundant microplastic particles at different trophic levels from the complex microbial communities inhabiting the surface of MPs, to bivalves and fish. We will identify new microbial degraders, key enzymes involved in biodegradation pathways and understand how sunlight can enhance the (bio)degradability of recalcitrant polymers. The overarching aim of this project is to provide new insights on the biological and photochemical degradability of marine MP, deciphering the role of the plastisphere for degrading marine MPs and disseminating pathogens to human and aquaculture receptors. Our project will deliver an important step forward by offering decision-making tools and guidelines for future coastal policies and regulations in relation to: (i) plastic sustainability, banning the most harmful polymers (ii) photocatalysis and wastewater treatments (iii) bio-recycling of plastics and classification of the most hazardous plastic polymers and (iv) food safety and human exposure risks. Our long-term vision is that our results will benefit the overall economy in SE Asia by providing the necessary knowledge to reduce the volume of marine MPs, which will ultimately lead to healthier coastal tourism, fisheries and aquaculture.

Publications

10 25 50

publication icon
Omeyer L (2022) Priorities to inform research on marine plastic pollution in Southeast Asia in Science of The Total Environment

publication icon
Trottet A (2021) Aquaculture in coastal urbanized areas: A comparative review of the challenges posed by Harmful Algal Blooms in Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology

 
Description Our study addresses a critical gap in our understanding of the ecological roles (or functions) of the microorganisms colonising marine plastic pollution. While recent research has provided a comprehensive view of the taxonomic identities of microorganisms colonising the surface of plastic pollution, few studies have determined which metabolic pathways are expressed by these microorganisms. Our approach used state-of-the-art comparative metaproteomics and multi-omics to resolve not only which microorganisms were present on marine plastic pollution, but also which microorganisms were active. This is important because some microorganisms colonising plastic pollution are known to degrade hydrocarbons and other pollutants, some play important roles in biogeochemical nutrient cycling, and others are potentially harmful pathogens. Yet to date we know very little about which, if any, of these key functions are expressed by the microorganisms inhabiting marine plastic pollution.

In a pioneering study, we analysed the proteins in plastic samples taken from Gullane Beach in Scotland. Unlike previous studies carried out in warmer climates that focus on the genetic potential of biofilms inhabiting plastics, this research led by Dr Sabine Matallana-Surget took a unique approach by analysing the proteins expressed by active microorganisms.

Our findings have unveiled a remarkable discovery of enzymes actively engaged in degrading plastic. Moreover, our team has pioneered new methodologies for enhanced predictions in marine microbiology research. We have uncovered the crucial roles of bacteria living on plastic debris, including hydrocarbon degradation, enzymes involved in plastic breakdown as well as intercommunity interactions (known as quorum sensing). The research also identifies rare and understudied bacteria, that could assist in plastic biodegradation, offering new insights for combating global plastic pollution.
Exploitation Route While this study has unveiled exciting new evidence that could determine the eventual degradation of plastics in situ, it underscores the necessity for further research to determine the function of microorganisms colonising marine plastic pollution across larger geographic areas. This requires additional funding, which typically can only be acquired with future large grants.
Sectors Environment

URL https://www.stir.ac.uk/news/2024/february-2024-news/research-reveals-new-insights-into-marine-plastic-pollution/
 
Description Our recent paper, titled "Novel functional insights into the microbiome inhabiting marine plastic debris: critical considerations to counteract the challenges of thin biofilms using multi-omics and comparative metaproteomics," authored by Messer, L.F., Lee, C.E., Wattiez, R., and Matallana-Surget, S. (2024), and published in Microbiome 12, 36 (https://doi.org/10.1186/s40168-024-01751-x), has received significant attention from the media. I am pleased to report that the media release, available on our university website (University of Stirling), has attained significant coverage in mainstream media outlets. You can find the media release on the University of Stirling website news section under the title "Research reveals new insights into marine plastic pollution": https://www.stir.ac.uk/news/2024/february-2024-news/research-reveals-new-insights-into-marine-plastic-pollution/ (Published on 23/2/24) Additionally, the study was featured in The Herald, The Independent, The Times, Wales Online (PDFs attached), Fish Focus, Sky News, The Nation (Sri Lanka), and more than 200 other outlets.
First Year Of Impact 2024
Sector Education,Environment
Impact Types Societal

Policy & public services

 
Description MASTS-SFC Saltire Emerging Researcher Scheme (MASTS-SERS)
Amount £9,477 (GBP)
Organisation Saltire Foundation 
Sector Charity/Non Profit
Country United Kingdom
Start 03/2022 
End 10/2022
 
Title Acoustofluidic separation of marine MP particles 
Description A device employing acoustofluidics to sort marine particles by size, density and/or stiffness (i.e. polymer composition) has been fabricated and electrically characterised. The sorting capability was conducted with 10 µm polystyrene particles in water and particle trapping has been demonstrated. It is now under evaluation for microplastic separation (20 -100 µm) using pristine and naturally weathered microplastic sampes from Singapore and Scotland. A finite element model under COMSOL Multiphysics has been developed to study the effect of acoustic radiation force from polyethylene particles ranging from 20 to 300 µm with different shapes such as spheres and spheroids, to represent a range of microplastic sizes encountered in natural samples. An analytical model has been developed for anticipating particles trajectories under the influence of the acoustic radiation force with different media (e.g. seawater, oil, diethyl ether). 
Type Of Material Technology assay or reagent 
Year Produced 2021 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact The acoustofluidics device offers several key advantages for our study: (i) a fast and label-free classification of particles using (ii) a compact and easily transportable device, that is suitable for field work; (iii) unlimited volumes of seawater can be added in the device with a continuous flow, preventing adhesion and contamination between fractions; and iv) live feedback on particle characterisation (size, density and compressibility) is provided to the operator. It is anticipated that the device will be deployed by callaborators and project partners in SE Asia commencing in June 2022. 
 
Title Modelling the transport of marine MPs in coastal waters of SE Asia 
Description The development of the Southeast Asia 3-dimensional ocean circulation NEMO model application has continued under the National Capability International project. A long run for the period 1980 to 2012 at medium horizontal resolution (1/12° ~9 km) has been completed. 5-day means velocity fields suitable for long-term particle tracking modelling to simulate plastic dispersal have been stored. A higher resolution (1/36° ~3 km) version of the same model set up is now ready and we have results for the first year (2000). This model application includes improved atmospheric, and river forcing and will provide improved and more realistic coastal currents. We will store 3D daily velocity fields, which are more suitable to study plastic dispersal at the monthly and seasonal time scales. 
Type Of Material Computer model/algorithm 
Year Produced 2021 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact This model will lead to a publication entitled "Effect of tides on the Indonesia Throughflow" which is now ready for submission in the Journal of Geophysical Research - Oceans. This manuscript improves our understanding of the ocean circulation in the Southeast Asia region and provides key information for the design of the plastic dispersal simulations 
 
Description Collaboration with other members of the Southeast Asia Plastics (SEAP) programme to produce a review on research priorities for the region. 
Organisation University of Exeter
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Members of our team have contributed to the preparation of a manuscript synthesising key research questions to establish the impacts and risks of plastic pollution to marine ecosystems in Southeast Asia. This included intellectual input in the form of identification of priority research areas, contributions to the refinement of ideas and themes, and in writing a short informative narrative for two research questions, as well as editing and commenting on the full manuscript.
Collaborator Contribution The review was lead by University of Exeter collaborators who conducted the horizon-scanning exercise, solicited authors for information, integrated co-authored sections, and have prepared the formal draft of the manuscript for publication.
Impact A draft manuscript is in preparation for submission in the coming months.
Start Year 2020
 
Description Collaboration with researchers at Heriot Watt University 
Organisation Heriot-Watt University
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Our team have prepared a review article titled, 'The molecular mechanisms underpinning marine plastisphere formation and maintenance' which is currently under review in Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology. This review specifically synthesises molecular drivers of microorganism-plastic interactions, drawing upon literature from microbial physiology and pollutant ecotoxicology to desbribe how the conditions experienced within the 'plastisphere' niche may influence the associated microbial communities. Our teams have also being working collaboratively to expedite methodological optimisation of polymer weathering and colonisation, and providing environmental and experimental samples for characterisation.
Collaborator Contribution Our collaborators at Heriot Watt have provided insightful critiques and intellectual input into the content of the review during the drafting process, and approved the manuscript for final submission. They have also provided us with samples from in-situ experiments from the Firth of Forth for methodological optimisation and the testing of laboratory protocols, and a short field is being planned by our partners for the coming month.
Impact The review article is currently in submission. A second manuscript is currently in preparation detailing optimisation of protein isolation from marine plastics for functional characterisation of the marine plastisphere.
Start Year 2020
 
Description Engagement with Thai Government Department of Fisheries 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Project partner in Thailand - A/Prof Passorn Wonnapinji (PW) and colleagues from Kasetsart University and Sri Racha Fisheries Research Station, have been in contact with the Thai Government Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, to obtain data on the biogeochemical nutrient status and potential pathogen monitoring within the Gulf of Thailand. Water quality data from the previous year (October 2020-Spetember 2021) has been provided regarding potential pathogens found near the sampling and mesocosm experimental site, in addition to macronutrient concentrations and other key environmental metadata.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Local Media, Indonesia Dr. Aida Sartimbul 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact On 2nd December 2020, Dr. Aida Sartimbul was invited as one of the keynote speakers of Bincang Bahari (Marine Talk) by Ministry of Fisheries and Marine of Indonesia to talk about "Fisheries Catch in Bali Strait to face Climate Change and the Pandemic". The main fisheries catch of Bali Strait is Bali Sardine (Sardinella lemuru), which is the sampling target to determine the impacts of microplastics on this important species. Our SEAP project was showcased to the public in Indonesia through this keynote presentation.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNJkj4UhG7w
 
Description Local Media, Singapore PI 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact The project was showcased on Channel News Asia on June 8 2021 as part of the World Oceans Day. Co-PI A/Prof Federico Lauro was interviewed to share about the project's plan to identify sources of plastic in the region's ocean and to map the sources and sinks using models of the ocean currents.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rS3TP8xA94Y
 
Description Media release: Research reveals new insights into marine plastic pollution 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Media release: Research reveals new insights into marine plastic pollution

Our recent paper, titled "Novel functional insights into the microbiome inhabiting marine plastic debris: critical considerations to counteract the challenges of thin biofilms using multi-omics and comparative metaproteomics," authored by Messer, L.F., Lee, C.E., Wattiez, R., and Matallana-Surget, S. (2024), and published in Microbiome 12, 36 (https://doi.org/10.1186/s40168-024-01751-x), has received significant attention from the media.

I am pleased to report that the media release, available on our university website (University of Stirling), has attained significant coverage in mainstream media outlets.

You can find the media release on the University of Stirling website news section under the title "Research reveals new insights into marine plastic pollution": https://www.stir.ac.uk/news/2024/february-2024-news/research-reveals-new-insights-into-marine-plastic-pollution/ (Published on 23/2/24)

Additionally, the study was featured in The Herald, The Independent, The Times, Wales Online, The Irish News, Fish Focus, Sky News, Ireland Live, Glasgow Times, The Nation (Sri Lanka), Yahoo News UK, and more than 200 other outlets.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
URL https://www.stir.ac.uk/news/2024/february-2024-news/research-reveals-new-insights-into-marine-plasti...
 
Description Science Communication: How Plastic Pollution Poses A Risk For Spreading Viral Diseases 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Dr. Erlijn van Genuchten is a science communicator for environmental topics who shares fascinating facts about nature and sustainability on her website: medium.com. Erlijn has a great international audience with 17.3k followers on LinkedIn. The following article published in February 2023, entitled : "How Plastic Pollution Poses A Risk For Spreading Viral Diseases" showcases the following publication authored by Moresco, V., Oliver, D. M., Weidmann, M., Matallana-Surget, S., & Quilliam, R. S. (2021). Survival of human enteric and respiratory viruses on plastics in soil, freshwater, and marine environments. Environmental Research, 199, 111367.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://medium.com/the-environment/how-plastic-pollution-poses-a-risk-for-spreading-viral-diseases-8...
 
Description Short Documentary on Marine Plastic Pollution in Singapore 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact The Singaporean Team of the NRF-NERC-SEAP-2020 grant call 'Understanding the Impact of Plastic Pollution on Marine Ecosystems in Southeast Asia (South East Asia Plastics (SEAP))'. Sources, impacts and solutions for plastics in Southeast Asia coastal environment (NRF Award No. NRF-SEAP-2020-0001, NERC Award No. NE/V009621/1) gave an interview in a short documentary on Marine Plastic Pollution in Singapore, on the Chinese news channel - CGTN. The group and project are featured from minute 15.10 onwards.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oObIOnobhIE
 
Description UK PI Dr. Sabine Matallana-Surget press release 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact The University of Stirling showcased our project across different social media platforms and new collaborations in SEA arose from this post and innovative routes of communication have been initiated through LinkedIn.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL https://www.stir.ac.uk/news/2020/october-2020-news/stirling-expert-part-of-international-team-combat...