Methanetriol─Formation of an Impossible Molecule.

Orthocarboxylic acids─organic molecules carrying three hydroxyl groups at the same carbon atom─have been distinguished as vital reactive intermediates by the atmospheric science and physical (organic) chemistry communities as transients in the atmospheric aerosol cycle. Predicted short lifetimes and their tendency to dehydrate to a carboxylic acid, free orthocarboxylic acids, signify one of the most elusive classes of organic reactive intermediates, with even the simplest representative methanetriol (CH(OH)3)─historically known as orthoformic acid─not previously been detected experimentally. Here, we report the first synthesis of the previously elusive methanetriol molecule in low-temperature mixed methanol (CH3OH) and molecular oxygen (O2) ices subjected to energetic irradiation. Supported by electronic structure calculations, methanetriol was identified in the gas phase upon sublimation via isomer-selective photoionization reflectron time-of-flight mass spectrometry combined with isotopic substitution studies and the detection of photoionization fragments. The first synthesis and detection of methanetriol (CH(OH)3) reveals its gas-phase stability as supported by a significant barrier hindering unimolecular decomposition. These findings progress our fundamental understanding of the chemistry and chemical bonding of methanetriol, hydroxyperoxymethane (CH3OOOH), and hydroxyperoxymethanol (CH2(OH)OOH), which are all prototype molecules in the oxidation chemistry of the atmosphere.

Effect of the age of garments used under real-life conditions on microfibre release from polyester and cotton clothing.

The release of microfibres from fabrics during laundering represents an important source of plastic and natural microfibres to aquatic environments. Garment age - how long the garment has been used - could be a key factor influencing the rate of release, yet most studies of microfibre shedding have only assessed newly manufactured products. To this end, we quantified microfibre release during laundering in domestic washing machines from polyester (PES) and cotton garments (n = 38) used in real-life conditions for periods between 1 and 31 years with different use intensities. In addition, to better understand the factors involved in microfibre releases, fibre composition (different PES percentages) and type of garments (T-shirts, polo shirts, uniforms, sports shirts, and sweatshirts) were examined. All garments released microfibres during washing, while the older garments presented higher releases for clothing with a PES/cotton blend. In general, older garments (15-31 years) released nearly twice as many fibres when washed than newer garments (1-10 years). The mass of microfibres released was consistently greater in garments with a higher proportion of cotton than PES (up to 1.774 mg g-1 in 2% PES and 0.366 mg g-1 in 100% PES fabrics), suggesting that cotton might be released more readily such that the relative proportion of PES in the garments could increase over time. Additionally, SEM images showed fibre damage, with fibres from the older garments exhibiting more peeling and splitting. While it is important to note that the overall environmental footprint is undoubtedly reduced by keeping garments in use for longer periods of time, older garments were shown to release more microfibres.

Developing a Novel Web-Based Self-Management Support Intervention for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Mixed Methods Study With Patients and Health Care Professionals.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) represents a significant global health burden requiring urgent attention. This common chronic endocrine and cardiometabolic condition affects around 1 in 10 women and individuals assigned female at birth, with significant adverse effects on well-being, quality of life, and mental health, as well as serious and complex long-term health consequences. International guidelines for best health care practice recommend the provision of comprehensive cognitive behavioral interventions to support self-management and improve health outcomes for those living with PCOS. Web-based health interventions have the potential to meet this need in an accessible and scalable way. OBJECTIVE: We aim to identify barriers to self-management and psychological well-being in women with PCOS and adapt a web-based self-management program to provide a prototype digital support intervention for them. METHODS: We adapted an existing support program (HOPE) for PCOS using the antecedent target measure approach. We conducted qualitative interviews with 13 adult women living with PCOS, 3 trustees of a patients with PCOS advocacy charity, and 4 endocrinologists to identify "antecedents" (barriers) to self-management and psychological well-being. Framework analysis was used to identify potentially modifiable antecedents to be targeted by the novel intervention. At a national conference, 58 key stakeholders (patients and health professionals) voted for the antecedents they felt were most important to address. We used research evidence and relevant theory to design a prototype for the PCOS intervention. RESULTS: Voting identified 32 potentially modifiable antecedents, relating to knowledge, understanding, emotions, motivation, and behaviors, as priorities to be targeted in the new intervention. A modular, web-based prototype HOPE PCOS intervention was developed to address these, covering six broad topic areas (instilling HOPE for PCOS; managing the stress of PCOS; feeding your mind and body well; body image, intimacy, and close relationships; staying healthy with PCOS; and keeping PCOS in its place). CONCLUSIONS: We identified barriers to self-management and psychological well-being in women with PCOS and used these to adapt a web-based self-management program, tailoring it for PCOS, which is a comprehensive group intervention combining education, empowerment, lifestyle management, peer support with cognitive behavioral tools, and goal-setting (to be delivered by peers or codelivered with health care professionals). The modular structure offers flexibility to adapt the program further as new clinical recommendations emerge. The intervention has the potential to be delivered, evaluated for feasibility, and, if effective, integrated into health care services. Self-management interventions are not designed to replace clinical care; rather, they serve as an additional source of support. The HOPE PCOS program conveys this message in its content and activities. Future research should evaluate the prototype intervention using primary outcomes such as measures of psychological well-being, self-management self-efficacy, depression, anxiety, and PCOS-related quality of life. They should also assess the intervention's acceptability, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.

Biomonitoring of microplastics, anthropogenic microfibres and glass retroreflective beads by marine macroalgae.

Microplastics and other microscopic debris are a concern in the coastal environment but measurements in the water column and sediment are often problematic and rely on non-standardised and highly variable methodologies. To this end, we explore the potential of different species of temperate-cold marine macroalgae as passive biomonitors of anthropogenic microparticles at three contrasting locations in southwest England. Specifically, fronds from samples of fucoids and Ulva lactuca (n = 9 in total, and three from each location) have been sectioned and analysed directly under a microscope and anthropogenic microparticles counted and subsequently characterised for chemical composition. Microparticles were heterogeneously distributed throughout sections from the same sample. However, on a dry weight basis, combined microparticle concentrations for each sample ranged from about 7.5 g-1 to 110 g-1, and from about 0.2 cm-2 to 0.9 cm-2, and for a given species were higher in samples from a semi-enclosed harbour and urban beach than in samples from a protected beach facing the open sea. These values compare with published concentrations of microplastics and microfibres reported for the regional water column on the order of 0.1 m-3. Most particles were cellulosic (e.g., rayon) and petroleum-based (mainly polyester and polyethylene terephthalate) fibres but plastic fragments were also present on most samples. Glass retroreflective beads derived from road markings were also present at up to 18 g-1 on fucoids from the urban beach because of its proximity to a stormwater effluent. Most microparticles were adhered to the smooth parts of the macroalgal surface but some displayed wrapping around edges and creases or entrapment by appendages. The practical and environmental implications of macroalgae passively capturing significant quantities of anthropogenic microparticles are discussed.

Effects of rare kidney diseases on kidney failure: a longitudinal analysis of the UK National Registry of Rare Kidney Diseases (RaDaR) cohort.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with rare kidney diseases account for 5-10% of people with chronic kidney disease, but constitute more than 25% of patients receiving kidney replacement therapy. The National Registry of Rare Kidney Diseases (RaDaR) gathers longitudinal data from patients with these conditions, which we used to study disease progression and outcomes of death and kidney failure. METHODS: People aged 0-96 years living with 28 types of rare kidney diseases were recruited from 108 UK renal care facilities. The primary outcomes were cumulative incidence of mortality and kidney failure in individuals with rare kidney diseases, which were calculated and compared with that of unselected patients with chronic kidney disease. Cumulative incidence and Kaplan-Meier survival estimates were calculated for the following outcomes: median age at kidney failure; median age at death; time from start of dialysis to death; and time from diagnosis to estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) thresholds, allowing calculation of time from last eGFR of 75 mL/min per 1·73 m2 or more to first eGFR of less than 30 mL/min per 1·73 m2 (the therapeutic trial window). FINDINGS: Between Jan 18, 2010, and July 25, 2022, 27 285 participants were recruited to RaDaR. Median follow-up time from diagnosis was 9·6 years (IQR 5·9-16·7). RaDaR participants had significantly higher 5-year cumulative incidence of kidney failure than 2·81 million UK patients with all-cause chronic kidney disease (28% vs 1%; p<0·0001), but better survival rates (standardised mortality ratio 0·42 [95% CI 0·32-0·52]; p<0·0001). Median age at kidney failure, median age at death, time from start of dialysis to death, time from diagnosis to eGFR thresholds, and therapeutic trial window all varied substantially between rare diseases. INTERPRETATION: Patients with rare kidney diseases differ from the general population of individuals with chronic kidney disease: they have higher 5-year rates of kidney failure but higher survival than other patients with chronic kidney disease stages 3-5, and so are over-represented in the cohort of patients requiring kidney replacement therapy. Addressing unmet therapeutic need for patients with rare kidney diseases could have a large beneficial effect on long-term kidney replacement therapy demand. FUNDING: RaDaR is funded by the Medical Research Council, Kidney Research UK, Kidney Care UK, and the Polycystic Kidney Disease Charity.

Ecotoxicological impacts of landfill sites: Towards risk assessment, mitigation policies and the role of artificial intelligence.

Waste disposal in landfills remains a global concern. Despite technological developments, landfill leachate poses a hazard to ecosystems and human health since it acts as a secondary reservoir for legacy and emerging pollutants. This study provides a systematic and scientometric review of the nature and toxicity of pollutants generated by landfills and means of assessing their potential risks. Regarding human health, unregulated waste disposal and pathogens in leachate are the leading causes of diseases reported in local populations. Both in vitro and in vivo approaches have been employed in the ecotoxicological risk assessment of landfill leachate, with model organisms ranging from bacteria to birds. These studies demonstrate a wide range of toxic effects that reflect the complex composition of leachate and geographical variations in climate, resource availability and management practices. Based on bioassay (and other) evidence, categories of persistent chemicals of most concern include brominated flame retardants, per- and polyfluorinated chemicals, pharmaceuticals and alkyl phenol ethoxylates. However, the emerging and more general literature on microplastic toxicity suggests that these particles might also be problematic in leachate. Various mitigation strategies have been identified, with most focussing on improving landfill design or leachate treatment, developing alternative disposal methods and reducing waste volume through recycling or using more sustainable materials. The success of these efforts will rely on policies and practices and their enforcement, which is seen as a particular challenge in developing nations and at the international (and transboundary) level. Artificial intelligence and machine learning afford a wide range of options for evaluating and reducing the risks associated with leachates and gaseous emissions from landfills, and various approaches tested or having potential are discussed. However, addressing the limitations in data collection, model accuracy, real-time monitoring and our understanding of environmental impacts will be critical for realising this potential.

Beached plastic and other anthropogenic debris in the inner Seychelles islands: Results of a citizen science approach.

Masses of plastic and other anthropogenic debris on beaches of inner Seychelles and derived from 53 organised clean-ups have been analysed. Debris and plastic densities ranged from 0.0011 to 0.1622 kg m-2 and 0.0004 to 0.1179 kg m-2, respectively, and data from successive cleans of the same beach resulted in respective median accumulation rates of 0.0293 and 0.0137 g m-2 d-1. There was no dependence of density or accumulation on beach location/aspect or season, but there were significant inverse relationships with beach area. This effect was attributed to most debris and plastic being trapped on the backshore by rocks and vegetation, and the areal proportion of backshore increasing with decreasing beach size. Plastic is derived from local littering and more distal sources, with polyethylene terephthalate bottles, flip-flops and Styrofoam fragments making important contributions. Without intervention and an increased risk of coastal flooding with climate change, beached debris on Seychelles is predicted to increase.

Exchangeable versus residual metals in naturally aged plastic litter.

Metals may be associated with plastics as additives arising from manufacture or through acquisition from the environment, but these associations are often poorly defined or referred to synonymously when considering metal availability. In this study, samples of plastic litter (n = 22) have been collected from various environmental and industrial compartments of Lublin Province, Poland, and fractionated according to polymer type (polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, nylon, expanded polystyrene, polypropylene, and "mixed") before being micronised to < 2 mm. Composites (n = 89) were subjected to two phases of a standardised and widely employed sequential extraction protocol (Bureau Communautaire de Reference; BCR) in order to define available (acid-soluble and exchangeable) and residual (soluble in boiling aqua regia) concentrations of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn. For a given metal, total content, calculated by summing available and residual components, was highly variable, both between locations and amongst polymer categories, reflecting the heterogeneous distribution of a multitude of different additives. Overall, however, concentrations were greatest for Fe, with medians of several hundred to several thousand mg kg-1 amongst the different polymers, and lowest for Cd, Co, and Ni, where nearly all concentrations were below 10 mg kg-1. Median percentage metal availabilities were greatest for expanded polystyrene and were above 25% for Mn and Zn and below 10% for Cr and Fe in all polymer types. These observations are largely, but not entirely, attributed to the relative contributions of metals acquired from the environment and metals present as additives and residues. Significantly, the approach employed allows direct comparisons of metal availability in plastics with metal availability in environmental solids in order to evaluate the overall impacts of plastics in metal risk assessments.

Seasonal profile of common pharmaceuticals in edible bivalve molluscs.

Pharmaceuticals are recognised as environmental contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) due to their increasing presence in the aquatic environment, along with high bioactivity linked to their therapeutic use. Therefore, information on environmental levels is urgently required. This study examined the presence of a range of common pharmaceuticals in oysters and mussels intended for human consumption from England and Wales using stable isotope dilution tandem mass spectrometry. A range of compounds were detected in bivalve tissue, with the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor antidepressant sertraline being most abundant, reaching a maximum concentration of 22.1 ng/g wet weight shellfish tissue. Levels of all pharmaceuticals showed seasonal and geographical patterns. A dietary risk assessment revealed that the levels of pharmaceuticals identified in bivalve molluscs represent a clear hazard, but not a risk for the consumer. This study highlights the requirement for further monitoring of the presence of pharmaceuticals and other CECs in bivalve molluscs.

Experiences and opinions of general practitioners with patient online record access: an online survey in England.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the experiences and opinions of general practitioners (GPs) in England regarding patients having access to their full online GP health records. DESIGN: Convenience sample, online survey. PARTICIPANTS: 400 registered GPs in England. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Investigators measured GPs' experiences and opinions about online record access (ORA), including patient care and their practice. RESULTS: A total of 400 GPs from all regions of England responded. A minority (130, 33%) believed ORA was a good idea. Most GPs believed a majority of patients would worry more (364, 91%) or find their GP records more confusing than helpful (338, 85%). Most GPs believed a majority of patients would find significant errors in their records (240, 60%), would better remember their care plan (280, 70%) and feel more in control of their care (243, 60%). The majority believed they will/already spend more time addressing patients' questions outside of consultations (357, 89%), that consultations will/already take significantly longer (322, 81%) and that they will be/already are less candid in their documentation (289, 72%) after ORA. Nearly two-thirds of GPs believed ORA would increase their litigation (246, 62%). CONCLUSIONS: Similar to clinicians in other countries, GPs in our sample were sceptical of ORA, believing patients would worry more and find their records more confusing than helpful. Most GPs also believed the practice would exacerbate work burdens. However, the majority of GPs in this survey also agreed there were multiple benefits to patients having online access to their primary care health records. The findings of this survey also contribute to a growing body of contrastive research from countries where ORA is advanced, demonstrating clinicians are sceptical while studies indicate patients appear to derive multiple benefits.

Gas-phase preparation of the dibenzo[e,l]pyrene (C24H14) butterfly molecule via a phenyl radical-mediated ring annulation.

A high temperature phenyl-mediated addition-cyclization-dehydrogenation mechanism to form peri-fused polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) derivatives-illustrated through the formation of dibenzo[e,l]pyrene (C24H14)-is explored through a gas-phase reaction of the phenyl radical (C6H5˙) with triphenylene (C18H12) utilizing photoelectron photoion coincidence spectroscopy (PEPICO) combined with electronic structure calculations. Low-lying vibrational modes of dibenzo[e,l]pyrene exhibit out-of-plane bending and are easily populated in high temperature environments such as combustion flames and circumstellar envelopes of carbon stars, thus stressing dibenzo[e,l]pyrene as a strong target for far-IR astronomical surveys.

Cigarette filter fibres as a source and sink of trace metals in coastal waters.

Cellulose acetate fibres from cigarette filters represent a form of microplastic that has received little attention in the environment. In this study, a ground composite of spent, smoked filter material (FM) has been used to investigate the role of cellulose acetate fibres as a source and a sink of trace metals (Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) in coastal waters. FM suspended in river water and seawater and mixtures thereof representative of an estuarine gradient resulted in the leaching of pre-existent metals derived from the combustion of tobacco, with mean percentages of release ranging from about 40 for Pb to nearly 90 for Cd, Co and Zn. Addition of 40 µg L-1 of each metal to FM suspensions incubated for 48 h yielded mean partition coefficients (KDs) ranging from <10 L kg-1 for Co to > 100 L kg-1 for Cu, Pb and Zn, with Cu and Ni displaying a net increase in KD with increasing salinity. Adsorption is interpreted in terms of hydrophobic interactions between metal-organic complexes and the cellulose acetate surface, and in support of this assertion KDs exhibited a significant, positive relationship with published metal-humic acid binding constants. The findings of this study improve our understanding of the role of cellulosic microfibres more generally in transporting trace metals in aquatic systems.

Contamination of Thames Estuary sediments by retroreflective glass microbeads, road marking paint fragments and anthropogenic microfibres.

Surface and subsurface sediment samples (n = 16) from the highly urbanised inner Thames Estuary (UK) have been physically and chemically characterised and analysed for anthropogenic microdebris. Sediments were gravelly sands throughout and were heavily contaminated by lead (Pb, up to 12,500 mg kg-1) and zinc (Zn, up to 9500 mg kg-1). Microfibres of mm-dimensions and retroreflective glass microbeads (median diameter = 188 µm) used in road markings were the most abundant types of microdebris present, and concentrations (as numbers, N) on a dry weight basis were spatially heterogeneous (ranging from about 4000 to 60,000 N kg-1 and 100 to 28,000 N kg-1, respectively). Nevertheless, concentrations of the two types of particle were significantly correlated and both displayed an inverse, non-linear relationship with sediment grain size. Road marking paint fragments of different colours were detected in most cases (n = 13) but quantification was difficult because of analytical constraints related to size, shape, colour, fragmentation and encrustation. Concentrations of up to about 500 mg kg-1 Pb were determined in isolated paint fragments but road paint particles are unlikely to make a significant contribution to Pb pollution in Thames Estuary sediments. Overall, our observations suggest that stormwater runoff is a significant source of multiple types of anthropogenic microdebris in urban estuaries, with additional, direct atmospheric deposition contributing to microfibre accumulation. More generally, it is recommended that studies of microplastics consider additional debris and sediment characteristics for a better understanding of their sources and transport.

Skipping of FCER1G Exon 2 Is Common in Human Brain But Not Associated with the Alzheimer's Disease Genetic Risk Factor rs2070902.

Background: Understanding the mechanisms whereby genetic variants influence the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) may provide insights into treatments that could reduce AD risk. Objective: Here, we sought to test the hypothesis that a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) associated with AD risk, rs2070902, influences splicing of FCER1G exon 2. Methods: AD and non-AD brain samples were analyzed for FCER1G expression by genotyping, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and qPCR. Results: The protein encoded by FCER1G, FcRγ, is robustly expressed in microglia in both AD and non-AD brain. The FCER1G isoform lacking exon 2 (D2-FCER1G) was readily detectable. Moreover, the proportion of FCER1G expressed as this isoform was increased in brains with high AD neuropathology. However, the proportion of FCER1G expressed as the D2-FCER1G isoform was not associated with rs2070902 genotype. Conclusions: In summary, the proportion of FCER1G expressed as the D2-FCER1G isoform is increased with AD neuropathology but is not associated with rs2070902.

Assessing the effects of single and binary exposures of copper and lead on Mytilus galloprovincialis: Physiological and genotoxic approaches.

It is becoming increasingly recognised that contaminants are not isolated in their threats to the aquatic environment, with recent shifts towards studying the effects of chemical mixtures. In this study, adult marine mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) were exposed to two aqueous concentrations of the essential trace metal, Cu (5 and 32 µg L-1), and the non-essential metal, Pb (5 and 25 µg L-1), both individually and in binary mixtures. After a 14-day exposure, metal accumulation was determined in the digestive gland, gill and mantle tissues by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry following acid digestion, and a number of biochemical, neurotoxic and physiological markers were assessed. These included measurements of DNA damage using comet assay, total glutathione concentration, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and clearance rate. Metal accumulation was greater in the digestive gland and gill than in the mantle, and based on computed free ion concentrations, was greater for Pb than for Cu. Copper exhibited an inhibitory effect on Pb accumulation but Pb did not appear to affect Cu accumulation. Comet assay results revealed DNA damage (i.e., genotoxic effects) in all treatments but differences between the exposures were not significant (p > 0.05), and there were no significant differences in AChE activities between treatments. The most distinctive impacts were a reduction in clearance rate resulting from the higher concentration of Cu, with and without Pb, and an increase in glutathione in the gill resulting from the higher concentration of Cu without Pb. Multivariate analysis facilitated the development of a conceptual model based on the current findings and previously published data on the toxicity and intracellular behaviour of Cu and Pb that will assist in the advancement of regulations and guidelines regarding multiple metal contaminants in the environment.

Abandonment of fibreglass reinforced plastic fishing boats in Kerala, India, and chemical emissions arising from their burning.

Little information exists on the fate and impacts of boats constructed of fibreglass reinforced plastic (FRP) once they reach their end-of-life. In this study, the number of abandoned fishing boats constructed of FRP or constructed of plywood-wood and sheathed by FRP has been determined along the coast of Kerala, India, and chemical emissions have been estimated when boats are burned as a means of disposal. A total of 292 abandoned boats were observed across eight coastal transects constructed around selected landing centres, with abandonment ranging from 13 to 48 per km (average = 29 km-1). This results in the generation of 1420 kg of FRP debris (glass mat and epoxy resin) per km of coastline. A controlled combustion experiment, simulating open burning, revealed that 63% of original boat mass is emitted to the atmosphere, with the remainder forming a burnt residue. Total concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans emitted and remaining were found to be 2.6 ng Nm-3 and 249.6 µg kg-1, respectively, with respective calculated toxicity equivalence (TEQ) levels of 437.6 pg TEQ Nm-3 in air emissions and 26.6 µg TEQ kg-1 in the residue. These figures are equivalent to the total emission from FRP boat burning of about 17,000 µg TEQ t-1. Burning also generates significant quantities of potentially toxic metals, with resulting concentrations of Co, Cr and Cu close to or exceeding soil guideline values. The study calls for a greater awareness of the impacts arising from boat abandonment and burning amongst fishermen, and guidelines or regulatory protocols regarding safe and sustainable boat disposal or recycling.

Pasteurella sp. associated with fatal septicaemia in six African elephants.

The sudden mortality of African elephants (Loxodonta africana) in Botswana and Zimbabwe in 2020 provoked considerable public interest and speculation. Poaching and malicious poisoning were excluded early on in the investigation. Other potential causes included environmental intoxication, infectious diseases, and increased habitat stress due to ongoing drought. Here we show evidence of the mortalities in Zimbabwe as fatal septicaemia associated with Bisgaard taxon 45, an unnamed close relative of Pasteurella multocida. We analyse elephant carcasses and environmental samples, and fail to find evidence of cyanobacterial or other intoxication. Post-mortem and histological findings suggest a bacterial septicaemia similar to haemorrhagic septicaemia caused by P. multocida. Biochemical tests and 16S rDNA analysis of six samples and genomic analysis of one sample confirm the presence of Bisgaard taxon 45. The genome sequence contains many of the canonical P. multocida virulence factors associated with a range of human and animal diseases, including the pmHAS gene for hyaluronidase associated with bovine haemorrhagic septicaemia. Our results demonstrate that Bisgaard taxon 45 is associated with a generalised, lethal infection and that African elephants are susceptible to opportunistically pathogenic Pasteurella species. This represents an important conservation concern for elephants in the largest remaining metapopulation of this endangered species.

The Presence of Pseudo-nitzschia australis in North Atlantic Aquaculture Sites, Implications for Monitoring Amnesic Shellfish Toxins.

The farming of shellfish plays an important role in providing sustainable economic growth in coastal, rural communities in Scotland and acts as an anchor industry, supporting a range of ancillary jobs in the processing, distribution and exporting industries. The Scottish Government is encouraging shellfish farmers to double their economic contribution by 2030. These farmers face numerous challenges to reach this goal, among which is the problem caused by toxin-producing microplankton that can contaminate their shellfish, leading to harvesting site closure and the recall of product. Food Standards Scotland, a non-ministerial department of the Scottish Government, carries out a monitoring programme for both the toxin-producing microplankton and the toxins in shellfish flesh, with farms being closed when official thresholds for any toxin are breached. The farm remains closed until testing for the problematic toxin alone, often diarrhetic shellfish toxin (DST), shows the site to have dropped below the regulatory threshold. While this programme has proved to be robust, questions remain regarding the other toxins that may be present at a closed site. In this study, we tested archival material collected during site closures but only tested for DSTs as part of the official control monitoring. We found the presence of amnesic shellfish toxin (AST) in low concentrations in the majority of sites tested. In one case, the level of AST breached the official threshold. This finding has implications for AST monitoring programmes around Europe.

Suspended and deposited microplastics in the coastal atmosphere of southwest England.

Atmospheric microplastics (MPs) have been sampled from coastal southwest England during twelve periods over a 42-day timeframe in late autumn. MPs were dominated by fibres, with foams, fragments and pellets also observed. The majority of fibres were identified as the semisynthetic polymer, rayon, while other shapes were dominated by various petroleum-based thermoplastics (including polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyamide and polyester) and paints. MP concentrations suspended in air ranged from 0.016 to 0.238 items per m3 but displayed no clear dependence on wind speed or direction. Total depositional fluxes ranged from 0.47 to 3.30 m-2 h-1 and showed no clear dependence on wind conditions or electrical conductivity of precipitation (as a measure of maritime influence). However, the concentration of deposited MPs in rainwater was inversely related to rainfall volume, suggesting that incipient precipitation acts to efficiently washout microplastics. A comparison of deposited and suspended MPs by size, shape and polymer type suggests that larger fibres constructed of rayon, polyamide and acrylic are preferentially removed from the atmosphere relative to smaller, non-fibrous MPs and particles constructed of polyester. A quantitative comparison of deposited and suspended MPs provided estimates of location- and environment-specific net settling velocities of between about 7 and 180 m h-1 and corresponding residence times for an air column of 5000 m of between about 30 and 700 h. The findings of the study contribute to an improved understanding of the occurrence, transport and deposition of MPs in the atmosphere more generally.