Introduced alien species can become invasive when they escape into local ecosystems, outcompeting and reducing numbers of endemic species by competitive exclusion in the absence of predators. Pollutants become more concentrated at higher trophic levels through biomagnification. Large macroplastic and small microplastic debris have accumulated in marine environments and are ingested by many species, entering the food chain. Case studies show how introduced cane toads in Australia and marine plastic affect Laysan albatrosses through stomach blockage and starvation.
Microplastic uptake and retention in Perna perna (L.); Tripneustes gratilla (...MACE Lab
Gemma Gerber, Thembani Mkhize, Robertson-Andersson, Gan Moodley. Presented at the ninth Scientific Symposium of the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) 2015.
Microplastic uptake and retention in Perna perna (L.); Tripneustes gratilla (...MACE Lab
Gemma Gerber, Thembani Mkhize, Robertson-Andersson, Gan Moodley. Presented at the ninth Scientific Symposium of the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) 2015.
Microplastics in marine organisms in KZN: A new conservation threat?MACE Lab
Refilwe Mofokeng, Gemma Gerber, Mathew Coote, Sipho Mkhize, Thembani Mkhize, Deborah Robertson-Andersson, Gan Moodley. Presented at the Symposium of Contemporary Conservation Practice 2015.
Presentation at the ESPP stakeholder meeting concerning the use on farmland of sewage biosolids (04/12/2018) organised by the European Sustainable Phosphorus Platform (ESPP, www.phosphorusplatform.eu)
All outcomes of the meeting can be found here https://www.phosphorusplatform.eu/activities/conference/meeting-archive/1788-espp-meeting-sludge-2018
Microplastics in marine organisms in KZN: A new conservation threat?MACE Lab
Refilwe Mofokeng, Gemma Gerber, Mathew Coote, Sipho Mkhize, Thembani Mkhize, Deborah Robertson-Andersson, Gan Moodley. Presented at the Symposium of Contemporary Conservation Practice 2015.
Presentation at the ESPP stakeholder meeting concerning the use on farmland of sewage biosolids (04/12/2018) organised by the European Sustainable Phosphorus Platform (ESPP, www.phosphorusplatform.eu)
All outcomes of the meeting can be found here https://www.phosphorusplatform.eu/activities/conference/meeting-archive/1788-espp-meeting-sludge-2018
SOC-PRO - Комплексное продвижение в социальных сетяхSOC-PRO
Компания SOC-PRO занимается продвижением ваших проектов и контент-менеджментом в социальных сетях. Наши специалисты помогут наполнить страницу и настроят рекламу вашего сообщества.
Мы работаем с такими соц. сетями: Facebook, Вконтакте, Instagram, Одноклассники, Google+, Mail.Ru, YouTube, Twitter, Linkedin, Vine, LiveJournal, MySpace, Pinterest, Reverbnation, SoundCloud, StumbleUpon.
Также, мы предоставляем дополнительные услуги по разработке и оптимизации вашего сайта. SEO-оптимизация, контекстная реклама, таргетинг, ремаркетинг – все это доверьте нам.
• About 8.3 billion tonnes of plastic has been produced since the 1950s – the weight of roughly a billion elephants or 47 million blue whales.
• Only about 9% of this plastic has been recycled, 12% has been burned and the remaining 79% has ended up in landfills or the environment.
• Up to 12.7 million tonnes of plastic enters the oceans every year
The global production of plastics is increasing, and that increase is accompanied by an increase in plastic waste.
Part of this waste makes its way into the marine environment in the form of micro-plastics, small particles of plastic that can either be produced as plastic pellets, or result from the degradation of plastic objects such as bags, clothes, household items as well as building materials and fishing and aquaculture gear that has been discarded or lost.
What do we know about the extent of this problem?
STUDY ON MICROPLASTIC CHALLENGE – INDIAN STATUS AND SOLUTIONS Srinjoy Chatterjee
1. Microplastic (MPs) now has emerged as an alarming environmental pollutant and its prevalence is now widely observed in various ecosystems.
2. The term “microplastic” coined by Thompson et al in the year 2004 basically represents heterogeneous mixture of smaller plastic fragments in the size range of 0.001-5 mm.
3. They may originate either directly (primary sources) through engineered particles such as microbeads/microfibers widely used in Personal Care Products or through fragmentation of larger plastic particles as a result of various anthropogenic activities (secondary sources).
Examples - Fragments of fishing gear, packages and drink bottles, synthetic textiles, car tyres, paints, and cosmetics. Natural breakdown through UV rays of sunlight, microbial processes, or through thermal oxidative processes also account for fragmentation of large plastic particles into MPs.
4. MPs basically consists of six major types of plastic products namely, Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polyamide (PA), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Polystyrene (PS), Polyurethane (PUR), and Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET).
.
.
.
WHAT ARE THE SOLUTIONS TO THIS MENACE?
1. SOLUTIONS BY REGULATORS, SCIENTISTS, GOVERNMENT AND MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.
Microplastics are tiny and may not be easily noticed as a treat to both sea and human life, therefore there is an urgent need to combat it. The potential risk to food security, and thereby human health, has led:
• regulators to call for better understanding education and public awareness of the fate and effects of microplastic debris on marine life.
• to the call for urgent actions by scientists (researching more) government (putting right policies in place) and the manufacturing industries on the need for the reduction of the production and activities resulting in the availability and spread of microplastic into the marine environment.
• To the need to strengthen international and regional cooperation in this area among: decision-makers researchers and academias to raise awareness in addressing water-related issues.
2. PUTTING IN PLACE APPRORIATE PROHIBITIONS, LAWS AND BANS.
The following should be done:
• For Countries: Prohibiting or disincentivizing land-based materials causing marine litter such as the use of microbead plastics for toothpaste.
• For Manufacturing: National law and sub-national law should be put in place.
• At Retail Level: National Law and sub-national law should be put in place.
3. MEASURES TO DO AS AN INDIVIDUAL.
• Report plastics pollutions e.g by using hashtag #plasticspollution with the photo, date and location.
• Cut down on plastics by staying clear of plastic products. Look for natural alternatives or reuseable containers. Don’t buy cleansers and cosmetics with microbeads.
• Clean-up plastic pollution. When possible use a pool or aquarium skimmer to remove plastics debris from the water and throw the debris in the garbage.
Slides from the Deschutes Land Trust's Nature Night presentation by Dr. Susanne Brander, researcher at Oregon State University considering the impacts of microplastic pollution on our environment.
Plastic in the Food Chain and the Expected Pandemic of Cancer?_Crimson Publis...CrimsonpublishersCancer
The world has a persistent plastic pollution problem and despite tremendously societal awareness we state the efforts of the International Scientific Community (ISC) are heavily lagging behind politics and other organizations, which we will substantiate further. On October 12, 2018, President Trump called out other nations, including China and Japan, for “making our oceans into their landfills” when he signed a legislation to improve efforts to clean up plastic trash from the world’s oceans [1]. Also, The European Parliament voted positively October 26, 2018 to approve a measure to ban single-use plastic across the continent which assignment hopefully could be enforced as early as 2021 [1]. This may be the first time in human history concerning ecological problems that politics and social media are at the forefront and the ISC is lagging behind.
This is a presentation which has ideal details of content related to plastics and its effects.It contains information edited from wikipedia and other sources. Hope its useful for learning kids.
A brief information about the SCOP protein database used in bioinformatics.
The Structural Classification of Proteins (SCOP) database is a comprehensive and authoritative resource for the structural and evolutionary relationships of proteins. It provides a detailed and curated classification of protein structures, grouping them into families, superfamilies, and folds based on their structural and sequence similarities.
Observation of Io’s Resurfacing via Plume Deposition Using Ground-based Adapt...Sérgio Sacani
Since volcanic activity was first discovered on Io from Voyager images in 1979, changes
on Io’s surface have been monitored from both spacecraft and ground-based telescopes.
Here, we present the highest spatial resolution images of Io ever obtained from a groundbased telescope. These images, acquired by the SHARK-VIS instrument on the Large
Binocular Telescope, show evidence of a major resurfacing event on Io’s trailing hemisphere. When compared to the most recent spacecraft images, the SHARK-VIS images
show that a plume deposit from a powerful eruption at Pillan Patera has covered part
of the long-lived Pele plume deposit. Although this type of resurfacing event may be common on Io, few have been detected due to the rarity of spacecraft visits and the previously low spatial resolution available from Earth-based telescopes. The SHARK-VIS instrument ushers in a new era of high resolution imaging of Io’s surface using adaptive
optics at visible wavelengths.
Seminar of U.V. Spectroscopy by SAMIR PANDASAMIR PANDA
Spectroscopy is a branch of science dealing the study of interaction of electromagnetic radiation with matter.
Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy refers to absorption spectroscopy or reflect spectroscopy in the UV-VIS spectral region.
Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy is an analytical method that can measure the amount of light received by the analyte.
THE IMPORTANCE OF MARTIAN ATMOSPHERE SAMPLE RETURN.Sérgio Sacani
The return of a sample of near-surface atmosphere from Mars would facilitate answers to several first-order science questions surrounding the formation and evolution of the planet. One of the important aspects of terrestrial planet formation in general is the role that primary atmospheres played in influencing the chemistry and structure of the planets and their antecedents. Studies of the martian atmosphere can be used to investigate the role of a primary atmosphere in its history. Atmosphere samples would also inform our understanding of the near-surface chemistry of the planet, and ultimately the prospects for life. High-precision isotopic analyses of constituent gases are needed to address these questions, requiring that the analyses are made on returned samples rather than in situ.
This pdf is about the Schizophrenia.
For more details visit on YouTube; @SELF-EXPLANATORY;
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAiarMZDNhe1A3Rnpr_WkzA/videos
Thanks...!
Multi-source connectivity as the driver of solar wind variability in the heli...Sérgio Sacani
The ambient solar wind that flls the heliosphere originates from multiple
sources in the solar corona and is highly structured. It is often described
as high-speed, relatively homogeneous, plasma streams from coronal
holes and slow-speed, highly variable, streams whose source regions are
under debate. A key goal of ESA/NASA’s Solar Orbiter mission is to identify
solar wind sources and understand what drives the complexity seen in the
heliosphere. By combining magnetic feld modelling and spectroscopic
techniques with high-resolution observations and measurements, we show
that the solar wind variability detected in situ by Solar Orbiter in March
2022 is driven by spatio-temporal changes in the magnetic connectivity to
multiple sources in the solar atmosphere. The magnetic feld footpoints
connected to the spacecraft moved from the boundaries of a coronal hole
to one active region (12961) and then across to another region (12957). This
is refected in the in situ measurements, which show the transition from fast
to highly Alfvénic then to slow solar wind that is disrupted by the arrival of
a coronal mass ejection. Our results describe solar wind variability at 0.5 au
but are applicable to near-Earth observatories.
Professional air quality monitoring systems provide immediate, on-site data for analysis, compliance, and decision-making.
Monitor common gases, weather parameters, particulates.
(May 29th, 2024) Advancements in Intravital Microscopy- Insights for Preclini...Scintica Instrumentation
Intravital microscopy (IVM) is a powerful tool utilized to study cellular behavior over time and space in vivo. Much of our understanding of cell biology has been accomplished using various in vitro and ex vivo methods; however, these studies do not necessarily reflect the natural dynamics of biological processes. Unlike traditional cell culture or fixed tissue imaging, IVM allows for the ultra-fast high-resolution imaging of cellular processes over time and space and were studied in its natural environment. Real-time visualization of biological processes in the context of an intact organism helps maintain physiological relevance and provide insights into the progression of disease, response to treatments or developmental processes.
In this webinar we give an overview of advanced applications of the IVM system in preclinical research. IVIM technology is a provider of all-in-one intravital microscopy systems and solutions optimized for in vivo imaging of live animal models at sub-micron resolution. The system’s unique features and user-friendly software enables researchers to probe fast dynamic biological processes such as immune cell tracking, cell-cell interaction as well as vascularization and tumor metastasis with exceptional detail. This webinar will also give an overview of IVM being utilized in drug development, offering a view into the intricate interaction between drugs/nanoparticles and tissues in vivo and allows for the evaluation of therapeutic intervention in a variety of tissues and organs. This interdisciplinary collaboration continues to drive the advancements of novel therapeutic strategies.
(May 29th, 2024) Advancements in Intravital Microscopy- Insights for Preclini...
C3 impact of humans
1. C3: Impacts of humans on ecosystems
Option C: Ecology and
conservation
2. Understandings Applications/Skills
Introduced alien species
can escape into local
ecosystems and become
invasive.
Competitive exclusion and
absence of predators can
lead to reduction in the
numbers of endemic
species when alien
species become invasive.
Pollutants become
concentrated in the tissues
of organisms at higher
trophic levels by
biomagnification.
Macroplastic and
microplastic debris has
accumulated in marine
A: Study of the introduction of
cane toads in Australia and
one other local example of
the introduction of an alien
species.
A: Discussion of the trade off
between control of the
malarial parasite and DDT
pollution.
A: Case study of the impact of
marine plastic debris on the
Laysan albatrosses and one
other named species.
S: Analysis of data illustrating
the causes and
consequences of
biomagnification.
S: Evaluation of eradication
programs and biological
9. Competitive exclusion principle: Two species cannot occupy the same niche
in a community, as there will be competition for the same resources. When
one species has even the slightest advantage or edge over another then the
one with the advantage will dominate.
Advantages can come in different forms for example:
• High reproductive rate
• Larger size / more aggressive
• Faster / more efficient forager
• Absence of predator
http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/0/8/8/0/ar124327558908801.jpghttps://s.yimg.com/fz/api/res/1.2/LVPr4YUnt1sRhNqDuqPBKg--
/YXBwaWQ9c3JjaGRkO2g9NTM0O3E9OTU7dz04MDA-
/http://www.privateislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Brown-Anole.jpg
10.
11.
12.
13. Sources of DDT
• DDT in soil can be absorbed by some growing plants and by the animals or people who eat
those plants
• DDT in water is absorbed by fish and shellfish in those waterways
• Atmospheric deposition
• Soil and sediment runoff
• Improper use and disposal
http://www.epa.gov/pbt/pubs/ddt.htm
What is DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)?
Prior to 1972 when its use was banned (in the US), DDT was a commonly
used pesticide.
What is it used for now?
Some parts of the world continue to use DDT in disease-control programs.
Why Are We Concerned About DDT?
Even though DDT has been banned since 1972, it can take more than 15 years to break down in
our environment.
What harmful effects can DDT have on
us?
• Human carcinogen (e.g. liver cancer)
• Damages the liver
• Temporarily damages the nervous system
(damages developing brains)
• Reduces reproductive success (lower fertility
and genital birth defects)
• Damages reproductive system
How are we exposed to DDT?
• By eating contaminated fish and shellfish
• Infants may be exposed through breast
milk
• By eating imported food directly exposed
to DDT
• By eating crops grown in contaminated
soil
14. Pros Cons
• Affordable and effective at killing
mosquitoes that carry malaria
• It is sprayed inside homes and
buildings and people exposed
may suffer serious health effects
(inc. reduced fertility, genital birth
defects, cancer and damage to
developing brains)
• Where the use of DDT was
discontinued for malaria vector
control malarial rates and deaths
increased.
• Alternative strategies were not as
successful.
• Persists in the environment for
long periods of time (more than
15 years)
• Health costs (of treating malaria)
greatly reduced
“DDT should really be the last resort against malaria,
rather than the first line of defense”http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/ddt-use-to-combat-malaria/
3 Billion and Counting
15. http://youtu.be/-M9t2fm__K0
“Many birds accidentally eat plastic
and other marine debris floating in
the ocean, mistaking it for food. But
the problem is intensified in Laysan
albatrosses because of the way
they catch fish, squid and other
seafood: by skimming the surface of
the water with their beak. Along the
way, they accidentally pick up a lot
of floating plastic, which they then
feed to their chicks. Adults can
regurgitate plastic they’ve
swallowed, but chicks are unable to,
so it fills up their stomachs.”
“The effects of plastic on the chicks
hasn't been scientifically proven. It’s
probable that it injures or kills the
birds by cutting their stomachs or
taking up space, making them feel
“full” when they are starving.”
http://ocean.si.edu/slideshow/laysan-
albatrosses%E2%80%99-plastic-problem
16. Plastic is a broad term
that describes a number of
different polymers
Plastic debris < 5 mm is defined as
Microplastic. It is harder to see but it is
estimated to account for 65% of all ocean
debris
large visible plastic debris > 5 mm (e.g.
bottles, nets, bags, buoys) is defined as
Macroplastic
Sources include:
• plastic bottles and bags
• detergent containers
• food wrapping
• synthetic clothes (fibres
released after every wash)
Majority of debris is litter
blown or disposed of into
water systems
Ocean currents concentrate
plastic debris in large circular
currents called gyres.
Most plastics are not
biodegradable and may
persist for centuries.
https://s.yimg.com/fz/api/res/1.2/GLU1kn1Ri.NGCQHhI8md5A--
/YXBwaWQ9c3JjaGRkO2g9NjYwO3E9OTU7dz05OTA-
/http://images.nationalgeographic.com/wpf/media-live/photos/000/816/cache/natgeo-ocean-
trash-graphic_81628_990x742.jpg
17. Poisons – some plastics
contain toxic chemicals
Both macroplastic and microplastic debris are
ingested by many marine organisms, which
mistake debris for food.
Suffocation – if inhaled or
wrapped around the throat
Blocks the
intestine/stomach (animals
ceases feeding, this leads
to starvation)
accumulates in
cells
enters the food chain
(biomagnification)
http://savetheplasticbag.com/STPB/UploadedFiles/turtle.jpg
18. What can we do?
http://youtu.be/xzklQprO59g http://youtu.be/6IjaZ2g-21E
19. Grab a book, go to pg 679
We are going to work on the challenge yourself
question together.
