Marine litter along the Peruvian coast: spatiotemporal composition, sources, hazard, and human modification relations.

Marine litter (ML) represents an escalating environmental issue, particularly in Latin America, where comprehensive studies are scarce despite critical solid waste management challenges and continuous human modification occurring on the coasts. To contribute to the knowledge of ML in the southeast Pacific, this study examined contamination across 10 beaches on Peru's extensive coast. Overall, ML contamination was categorized as moderate (with an ML concentration of 0.49 ± 0.64 items∙m-2), while significantly differing between summer (dirty with an ML concentration of 0.56 ± 0.66 items∙m-2) and winter (moderate with an ML concentration of 0.47 ± 0.60 items∙m-2). Three beaches were extremely dirty (concentrations of ML exceeded 1.0 items∙m-2). Predominant materials, items, and sources were plastic, cigarette butts (CBs), and mixed packaging. The Peruvian coast faced CB leachate impact (CBPI = 3.5 ± 3.5), reaching severe levels on two beaches, with considerable hazardous litter (HALI = 3.0 ± 2.9). Additionally, a higher degree of human modification was associated with higher ML levels along the coast.

Floating microplastic pollution in the vicinity of a marine protected area and semi-enclosed bay of Peru.

A baseline survey for floating microplastics (MPs) in the vicinity of a marine protected area and semi-enclosed bay of northern Peru was carried out. An average concentration of 0.22 MPs/L was estimated, primarily dominated by blue polyethylene terephthalate fibers. The distribution of floating MPs suggests that they tend to accumulate within the semi-enclosed Sechura Bay regardless of the sampling season. This behavior may be explained by local surface currents in the bay, which flow inwards and exhibit vorticities that could entrap MPs. Future studies are suggested to investigate the trajectory and fate of floating MPs within semi-enclosed areas. On the other hand, the impact of floating MPs on the trophic chain of coastal marine protected areas requires further research.

Plastic and paint debris in marine protected areas of Peru.

Contamination with anthropogenic debris, such as plastic and paint particles, has been widely investigated in the global marine environment. However, there is a lack of information regarding their presence in marine protected areas (MPAs). In the present study, the abundance, distribution, and chemical characteristics of microplastics (MPs; <5 mm), mesoplastics (MePs; 5-25 mm), and paint particles were investigated in multiple environmental compartments of two MPAs from Peru. The characteristics of MPs across surface water, bottom sediments, and fish guts were similar, primarily dominated by blue fibers. On the other hand, MePs and large MPs (1-5 mm) were similar across sandy beaches. Several particles were composite materials consisting of multiple layers confirmed as alkyd resins by Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy, which were typical indicators of marine coatings. The microstructure of paint particles showed differentiated topography across layers, as well as different elemental compositions. Some layers displayed amorphous structures with Ba-, Cr-, and Ti-based additives. However, the leaching and impact of potentially toxic additives in paint particles require further investigation. The accumulation of multiple types of plastic and paint debris in MPAs could pose a threat to conservation goals. The current study contributed to the knowledge regarding anthropogenic debris contamination in MPAs and further elucidated the physical and chemical properties of paint particles in marine environments. While paint particles may look similar to MPs and MePs, more attention should be given to these contaminants in places where intense maritime activity takes place.

Micro- and mesoplastic pollution along the coast of Peru.

Peru suffers from poor solid waste and coastal management, as well as evidenced plastic pollution in various forms. However, studies in Peru focusing on small plastic debris (i.e., meso- and microplastics) are still limited and inconclusive. Thus, the present study investigated the abundance, characteristics, seasonality, and distribution of small plastic debris along the coast of Peru. The abundance of small plastic debris is predominantly driven by specific locations, where a source of contamination is present, rather than presenting seasonal patterns. Meso- and microplastics were strongly correlated in both seasons (summer and winter), suggesting meso-plastic constantly breaking down as microplastic sources. Additionally, heavy metals (e.g., Cu, Pb) were found in low concentrations (mean concentrations < 0.4%) on the surface of some mesoplastics. Here, we provided a baseline on the multiple factors involving small plastic debris on the Peruvian coast and preliminarily identify associated contaminants.

Rajids ovipositing on marine litter: A potential threat to their survival.

Marine litter is a complex environmental issue threatening the well-being of multiple organisms. In the present study, we present an overlooked pathway by which marine litter interaction with certain ovigerous skates (Family: Rajidae) communities could compromise their survival. We propose that skates from the genus Sympterygia deposit their egg capsules on marine litter substrates by accident, which are then washed ashore still unhatched. We conducted 10 monitoring surveys on three beaches of La Libertad Region, on the north coast of Peru, looking for marine litter conglomerates to determine the presence of egg capsules. We registered a total of 75 marine litter conglomerates, containing 1595 egg capsules, out of which only 15.9 % were presumably hatched, and 15.8 % were still fresh. Fishing materials were identified as the main item in marine litter conglomerates. We conclude that this behavior could contribute to the decline of Sympterygia communities, although further research is needed.

Release of phthalate esters (PAEs) and microplastics (MPs) from face masks and gloves during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Marine pollution with personal protective equipment (PPE) has recently gained major attention. Multiple studies reported the release of microplastics (MPs) and chemical contaminants from face masks, the most used PPE type. However, not much is known concerning the release of phthalate esters (PAEs) in aquatic media, as well as the hazard posed by other types of PPE. In the present study, we investigated the release of MPs and PAEs from face masks and gloves recovered from the environment. The results indicated that both PPEs release MPs comparable to the literature, but higher concentrations were presented by face masks. In turn, the total concentration of six PAEs was higher in gloves than in face masks. The release of these contaminants is exacerbated over time. The present study allows researchers to understand the contribution of PPE to marine pollution while accounting for gloves, a generally overlooked source of contaminants.

Face masks invading protected areas: Risks and recommendations.

Among the indirect environmental impacts generated by the global COVID-19 pandemic, contamination with personal protective equipment (PPE), like face masks, may be one of the most relevant ones. PPE has been found in multiple aquatic, marine, and terrestrial environments, including places of absolute relevancy to biodiversity conservation, such as protected areas (PAs). Here, a brief report of the presence of PPE in six PAs of Peru is presented. PPE pollution in PAs consisted mainly of single-use and reusable face masks, as well as plastics associated with PAs, such as KN95 respirator wrappings. The mean PPE density was estimated as 1.32 × 10-3 PPE/m2. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed that face masks and wrappers mainly consisted of polypropylene and polyethylene, two of the most commonly available synthetic polymers. The material was poorly degraded according to their FTIR spectra, possibly suggesting that they were discarded recently. The recent ban on single-use plastic in Peruvian PAs is regarded as a great step forward toward the efforts made to preserve these invaluable places. However, these measures seemed insufficient to prevent PPE and other types of litter from contaminating areas of ecological importance. Considering the current scenario, several recommendations were proposed to be implemented in PAs in order to prevent PPE from becoming a new plastic issue to tackle. These recommendations are expected to also serve for future events where the use of single-use plastics becomes inevitable, like global pandemics.

Physical and chemical degradation of littered personal protective equipment (PPE) under simulated environmental conditions.

Investigations of the physicochemical degradation of personal protective equipment (PPE) under controlled environmental conditions are largely lacking. Here the chemical and physical changes of face masks and gloves (recovered from the marine environment) were evaluated after exposure time up to 60 days of simulated environmental conditions. The results suggested that the polymer backbone of PPE suffers typical changes induced by sun exposure. Changes in the intensity of diffraction peaks indicated shifts in the crystallinity of PPE, possibly altering their thermal behavior. Signs of physical degradation in PPE, such as ruptures, and rough surfaces, which exacerbated over time were also detected. Additionally, signals of some elements of concern, such as Cu and Mo, and elements typically found in seawater were detected. The results of this study allowed us to better understand the degradation of typical PPE items in the marine environment, ultimately resulting in the release of microplastics and chemical contaminants.

Degradation of plastics associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an unprecedented form of plastic pollution: personal protective equipment (PPE). Numerous studies have reported the occurrence of PPE in the marine environment. However, their degradation in the environment and consequences are poorly understood. Studies have reported that face masks, the most abundant type of PPE, are significant sources of microplastics due to their fibrous microstructure. The fibrous material (mostly consisting of polypropylene) exhibits physical changes in the environment, leading to its fracture and detachment of microfibers. Most studies have evaluated PPE degradation under controlled laboratory conditions. However, in situ degradation experiments, including the colonization of PPE, are largely lacking. Although ecotoxicological studies are largely lacking, the first attempts to understand the impact of MPs released from face masks showed various types of impacts, such as fertility and reproduction deficiencies in both aquatic and terrestrial organisms.

Investigating the current status of COVID-19 related plastics and their potential impact on human health.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a sudden global increase in the production, consumption, and mismanagement of personal protective equipment (PPE). As plastic-based PPE such as disposable face masks and gloves have become widely used, human exposure to PPE-derived pollutants may occur through indirect and direct pathways. This review explores the potential health impacts related to plastic-based PPE through these pathways. Face masks release microplastics, which are directly inhaled during use or transported through the environment. The latter can adsorb chemical contaminants and harbor pathogenic microbiota, and once consumed by organisms, they can translocate to multiple organs upon intake, potentially causing detrimental and cytotoxic effects. However, more research is required to have a comprehensive overview of the human health effects.

Marine macroinvertebrates inhabiting plastic litter in Peru.

Marine litter, such as plastic bags, bottles, fabrics, or fishing gear, serve as a shelter for many marine organisms that are likely to colonize artificial substrata. Such assemblages can potentially turn marine litter into vectors of alien invasive species (AIS). Here, we report the abundance and diversity of macroinvertebrates inhabiting marine litter in Peruvian beaches. Results indicate that most of the fouled items found came from land-based sources (81.5%) and Bivalvia was the most abundant class (53.5%), mainly composed of the mussel Semimytilus algosus. No significant differences were found in the abundance and diversity of macroinvertebrates (class level) among sampling sites or sources of litter. Polypropylene and low-density polyethylene items were most frequently found with fouled biota. Although none of the identified species were non-native to the coast of Peru, we discuss marine litter as a potential source of AIS in this region.

Occurrence of personal protective equipment (PPE) associated with the COVID-19 pandemic along the coast of Lima, Peru.

The use and disposal of face masks, gloves, face shields, and other types of personal protective equipment (PPE) have increased dramatically due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Many governments enforce the use of PPE as an efficient and inexpensive way to reduce the transmission of the virus. However, this may pose a new challenge to solid waste management and exacerbate plastic pollution. The aim of the present study was to report the occurrence and distribution of COVID-19-associated PPE along the coast of the overpopulated city of Lima, Peru, and determine the influence of the activities carried out in each study site. In general terms, 138 PPE items were found in 11 beaches during 12 sampling weeks. The density was in the range of 0 to 7.44 × 10-4 PPE m-2. Microplastic release, colonization of invasive species, and entanglement or ingestion by apex predators are some of the potential threats identified. Recreational beaches were the most polluted sites, followed by surfing, and fishing sites. This may be because recreational beaches are many times overcrowded by beachgoers. Additionally, most of the PPE was found to be discarded by beachgoers rather than washed ashore. The lack of environmental awareness, education, and coastal mismanagement may pose a threat to the marine environment through marine litter and plastic pollution. Significant efforts are required to shift towards a sustainable solid waste management. Novel alternatives involve redesigning masks based on degradable plastics and recycling PPE by obtaining liquid fuels through pyrolysis.

Arcobacter butzleri, un agente zoonótico en leche bovina / Arcobacter butzleri, a zoonotic agent in bovine milk / Arcobacter butzleri, um agente zoonótico em leite Bovino

Para la búsqueda de especies de Arcobacter fueron estudiadas 50 muestras de leche bovina obtenidas de los centros de acopio de la empresa láctea Ecolac, de las provincias de Loja y Zamora Chinchipe, Ecuador, y se aisló un total de ocho cepas de Arcobacter butzleri (16%). Esta frecuencia de aislamiento concuerda y está dentro de los rangos descriptos en la literatura. Todas las cepas aisladas fueron sensibles a gentamicina. Se encontró alta frecuencia de resistencia a tetraciclina (6/8 cepas) y a ciprofloxacina (4/8 cepas). Se verificó la ocurrencia de multirresistencia en tres de las ocho cepas aisladas.

A total of 50 samples of bovine milk obtained from bulk tanks milk of the collection centers belonging to the company ECOLAC, of the provinces of Loja and Zamora Chinchipe, Ecuador, were studied for Arcobacter species diagnosis, being isolated 8 strains of Arcobacter butzleri (16%). This frequency of isolation agrees and falls within the ranges described in the literature. All the isolated strains were susceptible to gentamicin. High resistance levels to tetracycline and ciprofloxacin were found with 6/8 and 4/8 resistant strains respectively. Multi-resistance was found in three of the eight isolated strains.

Foram estudadas, para a pesquisa de espécies de Arcobacter, 50 amostras de leite bovino, obtidas dos centros de coleta da empresa de laticínios ECOLAC, das províncias de Loja e Zamora Chinchipe, Equador, sendo isoladas em total 8 cepas de Arcobacter butzleri (16%). Esta frequência de isolamento concorda e está dentro dos níveis descritos na literatura. Todas as cepas isoladas foram sensíveis à gentamicina. Foi encontrada alta frequência de resistência à tetraciclina (6/8 cepas) e à ciprofloxacina (4/8 cepas), sendo verificada a ocorrência de multirresistência em três das oito cepas isoladas.

Abundance and distribution of microplastics on sandy beaches of Lima, Peru.

Microplastic pollution is a problem of global scale, posing a threat to marine biota. To determine the current state of microplastic pollution on four popular sandy beaches of the coast of Lima, Peru, a sampling campaign was carried out in both intertidal and supralittoral zones. Microplastic abundance, type, size, color and distribution were recorded. The overall microplastic abundance was of the same order of magnitude as previous data obtained in Peru. Foams were the most abundant (78.3%) microplastic type. Statistical analyses revealed significant differences between sites and zones. High variability of microplastic abundance was found among adjacent beaches and zones. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed that all foams were identified as polystyrene. The present results revealed an alarming level of microplastics present on Peruvian sandy beaches, but information about the sources, local dynamics and impacts of microplastics in this region are scarce, and thus further research is needed.

Incidence of alcohol use disorders among Hispanic subgroups in the USA.

OBJECTIVE: Hispanics are the largest ethnic minority group in the USA and a fairly heterogeneous group. But this heterogeneity has usually been ignored by grouping them into a single category. The objective of this study is to challenge that practice by providing alcohol use disorders (AUD) incidence and risk estimates across Hispanic subgroups. METHODS: A subsample of Hispanics (n = 2371) and non-Hispanic whites (n = 7741) at risk for AUD who participated in the first and second wave of the National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions was analyzed. Weighted incidence for AUD was calculated across Hispanic subgroups. A weighted modified Poisson generalized linear model was used to estimate relative risks. RESULTS: Compared with non-Hispanic whites, Puerto Ricans have the highest AUD incidence (3.6%; 95% CI: 0.5, 6.7) followed by Mexican-Americans (2.5%; 95% CI: 1.5, 3.6), Other Hispanics (1.6%; 95% CI: 0.1, 3.1) and Cuban-Americans (0.6%; 95% CI: 0.1, 1.2). In contrast, weighted adjusted relative risk estimates for Mexican-Americans were (RR = 3.2; 95% CI: 1.7, 6.2) but for Puerto Ricans (RR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.0, 5.0) it was somewhat attenuated but still significant (P = 0.049). No difference was found for Cuban-Americans or Other Hispanics. CONCLUSIONS: The annual incidence and risk for AUD varies greatly among Hispanic subgroups. Nonetheless, the practice of categorizing Hispanics as a homogenous ethnic group still continues. Our findings suggest that this practice is not only inappropriate, but also hinders a better understanding of AUD etiology, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation in the largest ethnic minority group in the USA.

Tuberculosis pulmonar, esofágica y laríngea / Pulmonary, esophageal and laryngeal tuberculosis

Resumen La tuberculosis es una de las enfermedades que más ha impactado en la sociedad a nivel mundial siendo influenciada por la pandemia del VIH, los patrones migratorios y el uso de la medicación antituberculosa. La forma extrapulmonar es rara siendo más característica en los pacientes inmunocomprometidos, cuyas manifestaciones clínicas son inespecíficas, por lo que constituye un reto diagnósticopara los clínicos, en la mayoría de los casos retardando su detección y tratamiento. Se presenta el caso clínico de un paciente aparentemente inmunocompetente que consulta por cuadro de seis años de evolución de disfagia progresiva, pérdida de peso inexplicada, en quien se encontró compromiso por tuberculosis a nivel esofágico y laríngeo que explicaban los síntomas de ingreso, así como compromiso pulmonar sin clara sintomatología. Cuadro llamativo y de relevancia por su forma de presentación de alto riesgo de diseminación de la infección en un paciente sin inmunocompromiso. (Acta Med Colomb 2014; 39: 85-89).

Abstract Tuberculosis is one of the diseases that has more impacted the global society, being influenced by the HIV pandemic, migration patterns and the use of anti-TB drugs. Extrapulmonary tuberculosis is rare, being more characteristic in immunocompromised patients, whose clinical manifestations are nonspecific, thus constituting a diagnostic challenge for clinicians and in most cases delaying its detection and treatment. The case of a patient apparently immunocompetent consulting for a six years history of progressive dysphagia and unexplained weight loss, in whom involvement of esophagus and larynx by tuberculosis was found explaining the symptoms of admission, as well as the pulmonary involvement with no clear symptoms, is presented. It is a striking and relevant clinical picture by its presentation with high risk of dissemination of the infection in a patient without immunocompromise. (Acta Med Colomb 2014; 39: 85-89).