Updated on 2024/12/20

Information

 

写真a

 
ALFONSO MARIA BELEN
 
Organization
Research Institute for Applied Mechanics Center for Ocean Plastic Studies Associate Professor
Title
Associate Professor
Profile
Research activities on the Center for Ocean Plastic Studies (COPS) located in Bangkok, Thailand. The field of research is the assessment of plastic pollution in marine environments, including microplastics, and its effect on organisms (bioindicators). One of the main goals of COPS is to strengthen the international bonds in the scientific community, for knowledge exchange, and to improve our information on plastic pollution, which is limited in Southeast Asian marine systems. The final aim is to contribute to the development of policies based on evidence to address plastic pollution
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Degree

  • Bachelor in Biology

  • Ph.D. in Biology

Research Interests・Research Keywords

  • Research theme: Microplastic pollution impact on the Gulf of Thailand: insights from water samples assessment and ingestion by zooplankton as complementary tools

    Keyword: microplastic

    Research period: 2022.4 - 2027.3

  • Research theme: Global microplastic pollution

    Keyword: microplastics

    Research period: 2021.1 - 2021.10

  • Research theme: Microplastic pollution in freshwater environments worldwide

    Keyword: microplastics

    Research period: 2020.1 - 2027.3

Awards

  • Kyushu University Young Female Researchers and Female Graduate School Students Awards (Sanae-I. Itoh Awards)

    2024.10   Kyushu University  

    Outstanding Researcher Award

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    Award type:Award from Japanese society, conference, symposium, etc. 

Papers

  • Plastic debris in lakes and reservoirs Reviewed International journal

    Veronica Nava, Sudeep Chandra, Julian Aherne, María B. Alfonso, Ana M. Antão-Geraldes, Katrin Attermeyer, Roberto Bao, Mireia Bartrons, Stella A. Berger, Marcin Biernaczyk, Raphael Bissen, Justin D. Brookes, David Brown, Miguel Cañedo-Argüelles, Moisés Canle, Camilla Capelli, Rafael Carballeira, José Luis Cereijo, Sakonvan Chawchai, Søren T. Christensen, Kirsten S. Christoffersen, Elvira de Eyto, Jorge Delgado, Tyler N. Dornan, Jonathan P. Doubek, Julia Dusaucy, Oxana Erina, Zeynep Ersoy, Heidrun Feuchtmayr, Maria Luce Frezzotti, Silvia Galafassi, David Gateuille, Vitor Gonçalves, Hans-Peter Grossart, David P. Hamilton, Ted D. Harris, Külli Kangur, Gökben Başaran Kankılıç, Rebecca Kessler, Christine Kiel, Edward M. Krynak, Àngels Leiva-Presa, Fabio Lepori, Miguel G. Matias, Shin-ichiro S. Matsuzaki, Yvonne McElarney, Beata Messyasz, Mark Mitchell, Musa C. Mlambo, Samuel N. Motitsoe, Sarma Nandini, Valentina Orlandi, Caroline Owens, Deniz Özkundakci, Solvig Pinnow, Agnieszka Pociecha, Pedro Miguel Raposeiro, Eva-Ingrid Rõõm, Federica Rotta, Nico Salmaso, S. S. S. Sarma, Davide Sartirana, Facundo Scordo, Claver Sibomana, Daniel Siewert, Katarzyna Stepanowska, Ülkü Nihan Tavşanoğlu, Maria Tereshina, James Thompson, Monica Tolotti, Amanda Valois, Piet Verburg, Brittany Welsh, Brian Wesolek, Gesa A. Weyhenmeyer, Naicheng Wu, Edyta Zawisza, Lauren Zink, Barbara Leoni

    Nature   ( 619 )   317 - 322   2023.7

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    Language:English   Publishing type:Research paper (scientific journal)  

    Plastic debris is thought to be widespread in freshwater ecosystems globally. We sample surface waters of 38 lakes and reservoirs, distributed across gradients of geographical position and limnological attributes, with the aim to identify factors associated with an increased observation of plastics. We find plastic debris in all studied lakes and reservoirs, suggesting that these ecosystems play a key role in the plastic pollution cycle. Our results indicate that two types of lakes are particularly vulnerable to plastic contamination; lakes and reservoirs in densely populated and urbanized areas; and large lakes and reservoirs with elevated deposition areas, long water retention times, and high levels of anthropogenic influence. Plastic concentrations vary widely among lakes; in the most polluted concentrations reach or even exceed those reported in the subtropical oceanic gyres, marine areas collecting large amounts of debris. Our findings highlight the importance of including lakes and reservoirs when addressing plastic pollution, in the context of pollution management and for the continued provision of lake ecosystem services

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06168-4

    Other Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06168-4

  • Possible sink of missing ocean plastic: Accumulation patterns in reef-building corals in the Gulf of Thailand Reviewed International coauthorship

    Suppakarn Jandang, María Belén Alfonso , Haruka Nakano, Nopphawit Phinchan, Udomsak Darumas, Voranop Viyakarn, Suchana Chavanich, Atsuhiko Isobe

    Science of the Total Environment   954   2024.12

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    Language:English   Publishing type:Research paper (scientific journal)  

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.176210

  • Filling the Gap: A Comprehensive Freshwater Network to Map Microplastics across Ecological Gradients in Argentina Reviewed International coauthorship

    María B. Alfonso, Facundo Scordo, Luis B. Epele, Atsuhiko Isobe, Mauricio S. Akmentins, Ricardo Albariño, Katya K. Albarrán, Luz Allende, Alan S. Andrade-Muñoz, Yadira Ansoar-Rodríguez, Andrés H. Arias, Esteban Balseiro, Giselle A. Berenstein, Lidwina Bertrand, Martín C. M. Blettler, Leonardo M. Buria, Joaquín Cochero, Cecilia Y. Di Prinzio, Boris Diaz, Yamila Diaz, Soledad L. Diodato, Santiago A. Echaniz, Marisol Espino Penilla, Mariana Fasanella, Marina O. Fernandez, María S. Fontanarrosa, Mailén Franco, Celeste Franceschini, María S. Gastón, Adonis Giorgi, María Granitto, María L. Gultemirian, Atilio E. Guzmán, Jorge A. Kuroda, Pablo A. Macchi, Guillermo A. Mora, Carolina Nieto, Pamela D. Novarese, Natalia A. Ossana, María L. Padulles, Rocío S. Pazos, Agostina Pecile, Mariana Reissig, María C. Reynaga, Guido N. Rimondino, Juan M. Ríos, Luciana Rocha, Patricia Rodríguez, Maria C. Rodríguez Castro, Lara M. Sabater, Luca Schenone, Carina Seitz, Marina Tagliaferro, Lucila T. Herbert, Marcos Vaira, Alicia M. Vignatti, Naomi C. Yacelga Villavicencio

    Limnology and Oceanography Bulletin   33 ( 2 )   85 - 88   2024.4

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    Authorship:Lead author, Corresponding author   Language:English   Publishing type:Research paper (other academic)  

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/lob.10641

  • Small microplastic ingestion by the calanoid Centropages furcatus in the Gulf of Thailand. Reviewed International journal

    Alfonso, M. B., Nakano, H., Jandang, S., Tanaka, M., Viyakarn, V., Chavanich, S., & Isobe, A.

    Science of The Total Environment   2024.4

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    Authorship:Lead author, Corresponding author   Language:English   Publishing type:Research paper (scientific journal)  

    Microplastics could be ingested by many organisms, including zooplankton, involving bioaccumulation and biomagnification mechanisms a cross food webs. The information about microplastic ingestion by zooplankton keeps increasing worldwide. However, it is still limited for particle sizes under 300 μm (small microplastics, SMPs) and in areas such as Southeast Asia, which is considered one of the hotspots for plastic debris. This study aimed to characterize the size, shape, and polymer types of the SMPs ingested by the copepod Centropages furcatus in Si Chang Island (upper Gulf of Thailand). The study spans offshore and coastal waters, with data collected across wet, intermediate, and dry seasons. Using a semi-automated technique for micro-FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared) scanning spectroscopy for particle analysis, we found ingested SMPs in all samples. A total of 750 individuals of the calanoid Centropages furcatus were analyzed, finding 309 plastic particles and an average ingestion value of 0.41 ± 0.13 particles ind−1, one of the highest recorded values. All the particles were fragments, with a predominant size under 50 μm, and polymer types as Polypropylene (PP, 71 %), followed by Ethylene-Propylene-Diene-Monomer (EPDM, 16 %) and Polyethylene (PE, 7 %). Up to 470.2 particles m−3 were estimated to be retained by this calanoid species and potentially available for trophic transfer. The effect of rainfall on SMPs ingestion was inconclusive, with a non-significant observed tendency to higher ingestion values near the coastal area than offshore area, suggesting a decrease in particle exposure due to the runoff effect. Nevertheless, future studies should increase the frequency of surveys to arrive at better conclusions.

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172837

  • Influence of monsoon seasonality and tidal cycle on microplastics presence and distribution in the Upper Gulf of Thailand. Invited Reviewed International journal

    Nakano, H., Alfonso, M. B., Jandang, S., Phinchan, N., Chavanich, S., Viyakarn, V., & Isobe, A.

    Science of the Total Environment   2024.2

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    Language:English   Publishing type:Research paper (scientific journal)  

    Southeast Asian countries are recognized as significant contributors to the discharge of abundant plastic waste into the ocean. In this study, we conducted neuston net surveys on Si Chang Island of the Gulf of Thailand, a coral reef conservation area, to determine the presence of microplastic (MP) pollution. The survey, conducted during the wet (southwesterly monsoon), transition, and dry seasons (northeasterly monsoon), revealed that the MP abundance was in the range of 0.02–42.46 particles m−3. The precipitation, wind, and current direction induced by monsoons influenced the abundance and distribution of MP, presenting a significant seasonality. The cluster analysis for colors and polymer types of MPs suggested that the origin of plastic particles is diverse. Based on our results, a proposal for the generation, sources, and pathways for MPs in the Gulf of Thailand is presented: 1) plastic wastes exposed to strong UV light during the dry season get fragmented around the river, and 2) heavy rains wash away the particles during the wet season. This proposal is applicable to tropical regions, including the Gulf of Thailand. Therefore, this paper concluded that ocean currents induced by monsoons and the unique climate, resulting in the generation of MPs on land, increase MP presence and distribution in the ocean surrounding Southeast Asia countries. Furthermore, coral reef ecosystems can be particularly threatened by MPs in these areas. So, an increase in MP monitoring on coral ecosystems from Thailand and the world is highly recommended.

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170787

  • Response of lake metabolism to catchment inputs inferred using high-frequency lake and stream data from across the northern hemisphere Reviewed International journal

    Corman, Jessica; Zwart, Jacob; Klug, Jennifer; Bruesewitz, Denise; De Eyto, Elvira; Klaus, Marcus; Knoll, Lesley; Rusak, James; Vanni, Michael; Alfonso, Maria Belen; Fernandez, Rocio Luz; Yao, Huaxia; Austnes, Kari; Couture, Raoul-Marie; de Wit, Heleen; Karlsson, Janne; Laas, Alo

    Limnology and Oceanography   9999   1 - 15   2023.11

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    In lakes, the rates of gross primary production (GPP), ecosystem respiration (R), and net ecosystem production (NEP) are often controlled by resource availability. Herein, we explore how catchment vs. within
    lake predictors of metabolism compare using data from 16 lakes spanning 39N to 64N, a range of inflowing streams, and trophic status. For each lake, we combined stream loads of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) with lake DOC, TN, and TP concentrations and high frequency in situ monitoring of dissolved oxygen. We found that stream load stoichiometry indicated lake stoichiometry forC : N and C : P (r2 = 0.74 and r2 = 0.84, respectively), but not for N : P (r2 = 0.04). As we found a strong positive correlation between TN and TP, we only used TP in our statistical models. For the catchment model, GPP and R were best predicted by DOC load, TP load, and load N : P (R2 = 0.85 and R2 = 0.82, respectively). For the lake model, GPP and R were best predicted by TP concentrations (R2 = 0.86 and R2 = 0.67, respectively). The inclusion of N : P in the catchment model, but not the lake model, suggests that both N and P regulate metabolism and that organisms may be responding more strongly to catchment inputs than lake resources. Our models predicted NEP poorly, though it is unclear why. Overall, our work stresses the importance of characterizing lake catchment loads to predict metabolic rates, a result that may be particularly important in catchments experiencing changing hydrologic regimes related to global environmental change.

    DOI: doi: 10.1002/lno.12449

  • Microplastic pollution indexes in the coastal and open ocean areas around Japan Reviewed International journal

    Nakano, H., Alfonso, M. B., Jandang, S., Imai, K., & Arakawa, H.

    Regional Studies in Marine Science   2023.11

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    Language:English   Publishing type:Research paper (scientific journal)  

    Researchers have made a significant effort to reveal plastic pollution's presence and consequences worldwide; however, there are no standard methods to evaluate the level of microplastic pollution. In this context, pollution index assessment in the marine environments contributes to showing a criteria of pollutants. Therefore, the pollution load index (), the polymer risk index (), and the pollution risk index () were estimated based on the MPs abundance and polymer-type information in situ for five areas around Japan's sea. According to H values, the contamination due to MPs presented low to moderate pollution levels in each area. Whereas the classified the pollution levels from low (offshore) to very high (coast). Based on MPs' predicted concentrations for 2030 and 2060, the is expected to increase, reaching a very high-pollution level even for offshore areas. The results of this study emphasize the importance of action to prevent additional plastic pollution and the importance of continued monitoring of the MPs in the environment.

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rsma.2023.103287

  • The future of ocean plastics: designing diverse collaboration frameworks Reviewed International journal

    R P Mofokeng, A Faltynkova, M B Alfonso, I Boujmil, I R B Carvalho, K Lunzalu, N B Mohd Zanuri, E S Nyadjro, P S Puskic, D J Lindsay, K Willis, T M Adyel, C Serra-Gonçalves, A Zolich, T S Eriksen, H-C Evans, D Gabriel, S Hajbane, G Suaria, K L Law, D Lobelle

    ICES Journal of Marine Science   2023.4

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    This paper aims to guide the stakeholder engagement process related to plastic pollution research in marine environments. We draw on advice identified during an online workshop (Ocean Plastic Workshop 2022) organized by Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOPs) from 11 countries, held in April 2022. International experts and workshop participants discussed their experiences in the collaborative development and implementation of ocean plastic pollution projects held worldwide, guided by three main questions: (i) What is the role of scientists in a multi-stakeholder project? (ii) How should scientists communicate with other stakeholders? (iii) Which stakeholders are missing in collaborative projects, and why are they missing? This multidisciplinary, co-learning approach highlights the value of stakeholder engagement for ocean plastic projects with an end goal to identify and implement ocean plastic solutions via innovative technologies, informing policy, community engagement, or a combination of all three approaches. The target outcomes of the workshop described in this paper include the identification of transdisciplinary (academic-stakeholder) engagement frameworks and specific suggestions that can serve as guidelines for the development of future plastic pollution projects.

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsad055

    Other Link: https://academic.oup.com/icesjms/advance-article/doi/10.1093/icesjms/fsad055/7110746?login=true

  • A functional definition to distinguish ponds from lakes and wetlands

    David C. Richardson, Meredith A. Holgerson, Matthew J. Farragher, Kathryn K. Hoffman, Katelyn B.S. King, Maria Belen Alfonso, Mikkel R. Andersen, Kendra Spence Cheruveil, Kristen A. Coleman, Mary Jade Farruggia, Rocio Luz Fernandez, Kelly L. Hondula, Gregorio A. López Moreira Mazacotte, Katherine Paul, Benjamin L. Peierls, Joseph S. Rabaey, Steven Sadro, María Laura Sánchez, Robyn L. Smyth, Jon N. Sweetman

    Scientific Reports   12 ( 1 )   2022.12

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    Ponds are often identified by their small size and shallow depths, but the lack of a universal evidence-based definition hampers science and weakens legal protection. Here, we compile existing pond definitions, compare ecosystem metrics (e.g., metabolism, nutrient concentrations, and gas fluxes) among ponds, wetlands, and lakes, and propose an evidence-based pond definition. Compiled definitions often mentioned surface area and depth, but were largely qualitative and variable. Government legislation rarely defined ponds, despite commonly using the term. Ponds, as defined in published studies, varied in origin and hydroperiod and were often distinct from lakes and wetlands in water chemistry. We also compared how ecosystem metrics related to three variables often seen in waterbody definitions: waterbody size, maximum depth, and emergent vegetation cover. Most ecosystem metrics (e.g., water chemistry, gas fluxes, and metabolism) exhibited nonlinear relationships with these variables, with average threshold changes at 3.7 ± 1.8 ha (median: 1.5 ha) in surface area, 5.8 ± 2.5 m (median: 5.2 m) in depth, and 13.4 ± 6.3% (median: 8.2%) emergent vegetation cover. We use this evidence and prior definitions to define ponds as waterbodies that are small (< 5 ha), shallow (< 5 m), with < 30% emergent vegetation and we highlight areas for further study near these boundaries. This definition will inform the science, policy, and management of globally abundant and ecologically significant pond ecosystems.

    DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14569-0

  • Building a Worldwide Freshwater Zooplankton Dataset to Synthesize Patterns of Zooplankton Community Structure and Change Reviewed International journal

    Stephanie E. Figary,Michael F. Meyer,Warren J. S. Currie, Alfonso, M.B, ZIG Participants

    Limnology and Oceanography Bulletin   2022.9

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    Language:English   Publishing type:Research paper (bulletin of university, research institution)  

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/lob.10515

  • Water quality analysis based on phytoplankton and metal indices: a case study in the Sauce Grande River Basin (Argentina) Reviewed International journal

    Josefina Zunino, Noelia S. La Colla, Andrea S. Brendel, Maria Belen Alfonso, Sandra Botte, Gerardo M. E. Perillo, Maria C. Piccolo

    Environmental Science and Pollution Research   2022.6

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    Language:English   Publishing type:Research paper (scientific journal)  

    DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-21349-w

  • Microplastics pollution in salt pans from the Maheshkhali Channel, Bangladesh

    Md Refat Jahan Rakib, Sultan Al Nahian, María B. Alfonso, Mayeen Uddin Khandaker, Christian Ebere Enyoh, Fauziah Shahul Hamid, Abdullah Alsubaie, Abdulraheem S.A. Almalki, D. A. Bradley, Hamidreza Mohafez, Mohammad Aminul Islam

    Scientific Reports   11 ( 1 )   2021.12

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    Microplastics (MP) were recognized as an emergent pollution problem due to their ubiquitous nature and bioaccumulative potential. Those present in salt for consumption could represent a human exposure route through dietary uptake. The current study, conducted in Bangladesh, reports microplastics contamination in coarse salt prepared for human consumption. Sea salt samples were collected from eight representative salt pans located in the country's largest salt farming area, in the Maheshkhali Channel, along the Bay of Bengal. Microplastics were detected in all samples, with mean concentrations ranging from 78 ± 9.33 to 137 ± 21.70 particles kg−1, mostly white and ranging in size from 500–1000 µm. The prevalent types were: fragments (48%) > films (22%) > fibers (15%) > granules and lines (both 9%). Fourier transform mid-IR and near-IR spectra (FT-MIR-NIR) analysis registered terephthalate (48%), polypropylene (20%), polyethylene (17%), and polystyrene (15%) in all samples. These results contribute to the MP's pollution knowledge in sea salts to understand and reduce this significant human exposure route and environmental pollution source in the future.

    DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02457-y

  • Microplastics on plankton samples: Multiple digestion techniques assessment based on weight, size, and FTIR spectroscopy analyses

    María B. Alfonso, Kayoko Takashima, Sayaka Yamaguchi, Mie Tanaka, Atsuhiko Isobe

    Marine Pollution Bulletin   173   113027 - 113027   2021.12

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    Digestion protocols are needed to determine microplastics abundance and features. This study assessed the organic matter (OM) digestion efficiency on plankton samples and the MPs' weight, size, and polymer changes under different digestion techniques. For this, 2-step (KOH and H2O2 + Fe2+) and 3-step (2-step and enzymes) digestion techniques were assessed under different duration and temperature conditions. The results obtained for OM digestion with 2-step and 3-step techniques were satisfactory. Weight changes were registered for polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene foam, polyvinyl chloride, and polycarbonate with 2-step digestion, but with inconsistent values. Significant size changes were registered only for PET applying 2-step digestion techniques at 60 °C. Using 40 °C for 72 h prevailed all polymers from size changes. Polyethylene weathered MPs were also preserved, including an enzymatic step. Polymer fingerprints were not affected by any digestion technique. Based on these results, any method applying high temperatures will damage MPs.

    DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113027

  • Synthetic microfibers and tyre wear particles pollution in aquatic systems: Relevance and mitigation strategies Reviewed International journal

    Andres H. Arias, María B. Alfonso, Lautaro Girones, María C. Piccolo, Jorge E. Marcovecchio

    Environmental pollution   2021.12

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    Evidence shows that the majority of aquatic field microplastics (MPs) could be microfibers (MFs) which can be originated directly from massive sources such as textile production and shedding from garments, agricultural textiles and clothes washing. In addition, wear and tear of tyres (TRWPs) emerges as a stealthy major source of micro and nanoplastics, commonly under-sampled/detected in the field. In order to compile the current knowledge in regards to these two major MPs sources, concentrations of concern in aquatic environments, their distribution, bulk emission rates and water mitigation strategies were systematically reviewed. Most of the aquatic field studies presented MFs values above 50%. MPs concentrations varied from 0.3 to 8925 particles m⁻³ in lakes, from 0.69 to 8.7 × 10⁶ particles m⁻³ in streams and rivers, from 0.16 to 192000 particles m⁻³ estuaries, and from 0 to 4600 particles m⁻³ in the ocean. Textiles at every stage of production, use and disposal are the major source of synthetic MFs to water. Laundry estimates showed an averaged release up to 279972 tons year⁻¹ (high washing frequency) from which 123000 tons would annually flow through untreated effluents to rivers, streams, lakes or directly to the ocean. TRWPs in the aquatic environments showed concentrations up to 179 mg L⁻¹ (SPM) in runoff river sediments and up to 480 mg g⁻¹ in highway runoff sediments. Even though average TRWR emission is of 0.95 kg year⁻¹ per capita (10 nm- 500 μm) there is a general scarcity of information about their aquatic environmental levels probably due to no-availability or inadequate methods of detection. The revision of strategies to mitigate the delivering of MFs and TRWP into water streams illustrated the importance of domestic laundry retention devices, Waste Water Treatment Plants (WWTP) with at least a secondary treatment and stormwater and road-runoff collectors quality improvement devices.

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118607

    Other Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0269749121021898?via%3Dihub

  • Continental microplastics: Presence, features, and environmental transport pathways Reviewed International journal

    María B.Alfonso, Andrés H.Arias, Ana C.Ronda, María C.Piccolo

    Science of the Total Environment   2021.8

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    Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous contaminants of great concern for the environment. MPs' presence and concentration in the air, soil, marine, and freshwater environments have been reported as a matter of priority in recent years. This review addresses the current knowledge of the main pathways of MPs in air, soil, and freshwater reservoirs in order to provide an integrated understanding of their behaviors in the continental environment. Therefore, MPs' occurrence (as particle counts), sources, and how their features as shape, size, polymer composition, and density could influence their transport and final sink were discussed. Wind resuspension and atmospheric fallout, groundwater migration, runoff from catchments, and water flow from rivers and effluents were pointed as the principal pathways. MPs' size, shape, polymer composition, and density interact with environmental variables as soil structure and composition, precipitation, wind, relative humidity, water temperature, and salinity. Sampling designs for MPs research should further consider soil characteristics, climate variability and extreme events, time lag and grasshopper effects, morphological and hydrological features of aquatic systems, and water currents, among others. Furthermore, long-term monitoring and lab experiments are still needed to understand MPs' behavior in the environment. This information will provide a unified understanding of the continental MPs pathways, including the key main findings, knowledge gaps, and future challenges to understand this emerging contaminant.

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149447

  • Assessing threats, regulations, and strategies to abate plastic pollution in LAC beaches during COVID-19 pandemic

    María B. Alfonso, Andrés H. Arias, María C. Menéndez, Ana C. Ronda, Agustín Harte, María C. Piccolo, Jorge E. Marcovecchio

    Ocean and Coastal Management   208   2021.7

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    Plastic use and production have dramatically increased globally over the past 65 years with the improvement of life quality by the daily use of plastic products. Still, around 50% of the plastic produced is disposable products that generate substantial waste. Several reports pointed out the adverse effects of plastic litter in coastal environments in recent years, emphasizing single-use plastics (SUP). In this manner, Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) coastal environments are highly vulnerable due to wastewater treatment facilities scarcity and poor plastic waste management strategies. Since COVID-19 pandemic, the single-use plastic waste/person rate is expected to rise due to the use of personal protective equipment and SUP as health care measures. Based on literature research and the review of plastic waste regulations, this paper will assess the main COVID-19 plastic pollution threats and LAC beaches' regulations to suggest possible measures to abate this problem. The main findings suggest that unifying the ongoing fragmented and overlapped policies is key to abate plastic pollution, including plastic industry regulations and circular economies. In addition, increasing public risk perception about plastic pollution is critical to reducing plastic waste generation. Research advances in the adverse effects of plastic debris could improve the public's perception of plastic pollution risk, pushing forward global marine plastic governance.

    DOI: 10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2021.105613

  • The extent and variability of storm-induced temperature changes in lakes measured with long-term and high-frequency data

    Jonathan P. Doubek, Orlane Anneville, Gaël Dur, Aleksandra M. Lewandowska, Vijay P. Patil, James A. Rusak, Nico Salmaso, Christian Torsten Seltmann, Dietmar Straile, Pablo Urrutia-Cordero, Patrick Venail, Rita Adrian, María B. Alfonso, Curtis L. DeGasperi, Elvira de Eyto, Heidrun Feuchtmayr, Evelyn E. Gaiser, Scott F. Girdner, Jennifer L. Graham, Hans Peter Grossart, Josef Hejzlar, Stéphan Jacquet, Georgiy Kirillin, María E. Llames, Shin Ichiro S. Matsuzaki, Emily R. Nodine, Maria Cintia Piccolo, Don C. Pierson, Alon Rimmer, Lars G. Rudstam, Steven Sadro, Hilary M. Swain, Stephen J. Thackeray, Wim Thiery, Piet Verburg, Tamar Zohary, Jason D. Stockwell

    Limnology and Oceanography   66 ( 5 )   1979 - 1992   2021.5

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    The intensity and frequency of storms are projected to increase in many regions of the world because of climate change. Storms can alter environmental conditions in many ecosystems. In lakes and reservoirs, storms can reduce epilimnetic temperatures from wind-induced mixing with colder hypolimnetic waters, direct precipitation to the lake's surface, and watershed runoff. We analyzed 18 long-term and high-frequency lake datasets from 11 countries to assess the magnitude of wind- vs. rainstorm-induced changes in epilimnetic temperature. We found small day-to-day epilimnetic temperature decreases in response to strong wind and heavy rain during stratified conditions. Day-to-day epilimnetic temperature decreased, on average, by 0.28°C during the strongest windstorms (storm mean daily wind speed among lakes: 6.7 ± 2.7 m s−1, 1 SD) and by 0.15°C after the heaviest rainstorms (storm mean daily rainfall: 21.3 ± 9.0 mm). The largest decreases in epilimnetic temperature were observed ≥2 d after sustained strong wind or heavy rain (top 5th percentile of wind and rain events for each lake) in shallow and medium-depth lakes. The smallest decreases occurred in deep lakes. Epilimnetic temperature change from windstorms, but not rainstorms, was negatively correlated with maximum lake depth. However, even the largest storm-induced mean epilimnetic temperature decreases were typically <2°C. Day-to-day temperature change, in the absence of storms, often exceeded storm-induced temperature changes. Because storm-induced temperature changes to lake surface waters were minimal, changes in other limnological variables (e.g., nutrient concentrations or light) from storms may have larger impacts on biological communities than temperature changes.

    DOI: 10.1002/lno.11739

  • Impact of heatwaves events on latent and sensible surface heat flux and future perspectives in shallow lakes based on climate change models Invited Reviewed International journal

    ALFONSO, M. B; BRENDEL, A. S.; VITALE, A. J.; PICCOLO, M. C.

    Geographical Research Letters   2021.1

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    Language:English   Publishing type:Research paper (scientific journal)  

    According to model projections, increases in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves are expected all over the world. This study analyzed, for the first time, the effect of heatwaves events on long-term surface latent (LE) and sensible heat fluxes (H) from two shallow lakes: La Salada lake (LS - 39°27′ S, 62°42′ W) and Sauce Grande lake (SG - 38°57′ S, 61°24′ W). The main drivers of LE and H are wind speed and direction, relative humidity, and the difference between air and water temperature. We found that the daily values of both fluxes were highly fluctuating. Mean daily H values ranged between -309.4 to 200.5 W m-2 and -78.6 to 104.8 W m-2 in LS and SG, respectively. LE oscillated between -152 and 463.9 W m-2 and between -59.2 and 360.1 W m-2 in LS and SG, respectively. Both fluxes decreased with the passage of heatwaves events, presenting a high variation in its amplitude. Changes up to 96% in mean daily LE and 671% in mean daily H for LS and up to 25% in LE and 987% in H for SG were accounted in days with heatwaves respect to regular ones. We analyzed the air temperature increase for both lakes under future global warming scenarios (RCP 4.5 y RCP 8.5), expecting higher amplitudes in heat fluxes. These results contribute to the development of lake models, as well as to water resources management in the future.

    DOI: http://doi.org/10.18172/cig.4456

  • Effect of weather-related episodic events over chlorophyll-a in a shallow lake: an analysis based on high-frequency data. Invited Reviewed International journal

    ZUNINO, J.; ALFONSO, M. B; VITALE, A. J.; PICCOLO, M. C..

    WATER RESOURCES   2021.1

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    Language:English   Publishing type:Research paper (scientific journal)  

  • First evidence of microplastics in nine lakes across Patagonia (South America)

    Alfonso María Belén

    Science of The Total Environment   733   2020.9

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    Language:English   Publishing type:Research paper (scientific journal)  

    Microplastics (MPs) on lakes have been reported mainly from Europe, Asia, and North America. Then, this study aimed to address the quantification and identification of MPs in nine lakes from the Argentine Patagonian Region. Blue colored fibers were dominant, with a size range between 0.2 and <0.4 mm. The mean MPs concentration was 0.9 ± 0.6 MPs m−3, suggesting a low pollution state when compared to other worldwide lakes. Raman microscopy analysis showed a predominance of Indigo Blue Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) particles. The upper-gradient runoff from urban settlements, textiles, and fisheries were identified as the main MPs sources and levels positively correlated with the higher area, shallower depth, and with an end-position in the watershed. These findings fill a gap in the geographical distribution knowledge, setting a baseline that emphasizes the need for better treatment of urban and fisheries wastes in continental lakes.

    DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139385

  • Microplastics integrating the zooplanktonic fraction in a saline lake of Argentina: influence of water management

    María Belén Alfonso, Andrés Hugo Arias, María Cintia Piccolo

    Environmental Monitoring and Assessment   192 ( 2 )   2020.2

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    Language:Others   Publishing type:Research paper (scientific journal)  

    This study address for the first time in Argentina and the South American continent the effect of water management on the presence of microplastics (MPs) in a shallow lake, assessing their contribution to the zooplankton fraction. Water samples were collected in the lake and its principal affluent, an irrigation channel, from winter 2018 to summer 2019 with a zooplankton net (47 μm). MPs were present in all analyzed samples, with a dominance of fibers, black color, and ≤ 1000 μm range size. MPs concentration was maximum during summer at the lake (180 MPs m−3) while during spring (140 MPs m−3) at the channel. Rotifers and cyclopoids dominated the zooplanktonic fraction at both sites which range sizes (< 200 to 600 μm) included most of the size range found for MPs (50–950 μm). According to our results, the MPs found represents a potential risk for the first levels of the food web. In the lake, the concentration of MPs concerning total zooplankton abundance was higher when the channel was closed. Nevertheless, when the channel was open, the higher concentration in summer matches with the increase of tourism and an extraordinary rainfall. Our results suggest that while the runoff of agro-industrial waste regulates the MPs concentration in the channel, its water management, the touristic activities, and the runoff of MPs from nearby urban settlements regulate the concentration of MPs in the lake. These findings emphasize the need for better treatment of urban and agro-industrial waste that develops near continental aquatic systems, mainly in those where tourism activities are frequent and treatment facilities scarce.

    DOI: 10.1007/s10661-020-8080-1

  • Spatial and temporal dynamics of the mesozooplankton (Crustacea: Cladocera, Copepoda and Decapoda) in a Pampean shallow hyposaline lake during drought conditions

    Alfonso María Belén

    Biología Acuática   2020.2

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    <jats:p>The Sauce Grande Lake, a shallow, eutrophic, and hyposaline lake, was studied through monthly samplings during a year (December 2009- November 2010). The drought that affected the region since 2009 and during the entire study period interrupted the regular inflow from the river and outflow to the Atlantic Ocean. The lake presented an increase of salinity values and highly turbid conditions as a result of the drought conditions and wind resuspension. Small cladocerans such as Moina micrura and the copepod Boeckella poopoensis dominated the mesozooplankton community. The salinity determined the mesozooplankton composition; meanwhile, the abundance dynamic was ruled by temperature in conjunction with the eutrophic conditions during the study period. In a global context of climate change, and in a region where drought and wet cycles are frequent, these results further contribute to understanding the processes affecting the zooplankton community structure and dynamics during extreme climate events.</jats:p>

    DOI: 10.24215/16684869e008

  • Drivers of ecosystem metabolism in two managed shallow lakes with different salinity and trophic conditions: The Sauce Grande and La Salada Lakes (Argentina). Invited Reviewed International journal

    ALFONSO, M. B; BRENDEL, A. S.; VITALE, A. J.; SEITZ, C.; PICCOLO, M. C.; PERILLO, G.M.E.

    WATER (Switzerland)   2018.8

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    Understanding the drivers and how they affect ecosystem metabolism is essential for
    developing effective management policy and plans. In this study, net ecosystem production (NEP),
    ecosystem respiration (R), and gross primary production (GPP) rates were estimated in relation to
    physicochemical, hydrological, and meteorological variables in La Salada (LS) and Sauce Grande
    (SG), two shallow lakes located in an important agricultural region with water management.
    LS is a mesosaline, mesotrophic-eutrophic lake, whereas SG is a hyposaline and eutrophic lake.
    GPP and R showed daily and seasonal variations, with R exceeding GPP during most of the
    study period in both lakes. Net heterotrophic conditions prevailed during the study period (NEP
    LS: 􀀀1.1 mmol O2 m􀀀2 day􀀀1 and NEP SG: 􀀀1.25 mmol O2 m􀀀2 day􀀀1). From data analysis,
    the temperature, wind speed, and lake volume are the main drivers of ecosystem metabolism
    for both lakes. Despite the significant differences between the two lakes, the NEP values were similar.
    The different hydrological characteristics (endorheic vs. flushing lake) were crucial in explaining why
    the two different systems presented similar ecosystem metabolic rates, emphasizing the importance
    of water management.

    DOI: doi:10.3390/w10091136

  • Ecosystem services provision, tourism and climate variability in shallow lakes: The case of La Salada, Buenos Aires, Argentina

    Mariana I. Zilio, M. Belén Alfonso, Federico Ferrelli, Gerardo M.E. Perillo, M. Cintia Piccolo

    Tourism Management   62   208 - 217   2017.10

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    Water ecosystem services have been widely explored within the context of climate change studies, becoming a key piece in addressing local water challenges and designing possible strategies for diminishing climate risks. This paper explores how ecosystem services provision in La Salada shallow lake, Argentina, including maintenance of the landscape for touristic and recreational activities, have been affected by changes in climate conditions according to the local stakeholders´ perception. After mapping and prioritizing ecosystem services using participatory research activities, it analyzes how this provision has evolved in response to the different precipitation scenarios already observed in the area. The results for the case of La Salada shallow lake indicate that there is not a clear relationship between precipitations and the key ecosystem services provided by the lake and their surrounding ecosystem, mainly due to the anthropogenic lake management, and that tourism does not seem to directly depend on climate conditions.

    DOI: 10.1016/j.tourman.2017.04.008

  • Composition and abundance of the mesozooplancton in Sauce Grande shallow lake (Buenos Aires Province, Argentina)

    Carla Alejandra Baleani, María Clara Menéndez, María Belén Alfonso, Claudia Fernanda Fornerón, María Cintia Piccolo

    Anales de Biología   ( 39 )   137 - 147   2017.10

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    <jats:p xml:lang="es">
    El objetivo del estudio fue analizar la composición y abundancia del mesozooplancton en la laguna Sauce Grande (Provincia. de Buenos Aires, Argentina) durante el invierno y primavera (Hemisferio Sur) de 2010. Las muestras se colectaron mensualmente en tres estaciones, utilizando una red cónica de 200 μm de poro. El zooplancton estuvo representado por siete taxa. La abundancia varió entre 15,9±0,15 (agosto) y 71,7±31,77 ind/L (noviembre). Los grupos mejor representados fueron Copepoda y Cladocera, siendo Boeckella poopoensis y Moina micrura las especies dominantes respectivamente. Copepoda dominó en los meses más fríos del año mientras que Cladócera, lo hizo sobre fines de primavera. Esto último, podría asociarse a la marcada estacionalidad que experimenta la región.
    </jats:p>
    <jats:p xml:lang="en">
    The aim of this study was to analyze the composition and abundance of mesozooplancton in Sauce Grande shallow lake (Buenos Aires Province, Argentina) in winter and spring-2010 (Southern Hemisphere). Three stations were sampled monthly using a conic net of 200 µm mesh size. Mesozooplankton was represented by seven taxa. Mean abundance ranged from 15.9±0.15 (August) to 71.7±31.77 ind/L (November). Groups best represented were Copepoda and Cladocera, with Boeckella poopoensis and Moina micrura as dominant species, respectively. While Copepoda dominated in the coldest months of the year, Cladocera was dominant in the late spring. This could be associated with the marked seasonality of the region.
    </jats:p>

    DOI: 10.6018/analesbio.39.15

  • Impact of water input on plankton temporal dynamics from a managed shallow saline lake. Invited Reviewed International journal

    ALFONSO, M. B; ZUNINO, J.; PICCOLO, M. C.

    ANNALES DE LIMNOLOGIE-INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LIMNOLOGY   2017.9

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    Language:English   Publishing type:Research paper (scientific journal)  

    La Salada is a shallow saline lake located in the SWof the Pampas subject to significant water
    management, so the primary objective was to assess whether the water input and physicochemical
    parameters have an impact on the plankton assemblages over a two year period (2013–dry and 2014–wet).
    The plankton community structure and physicochemical variables showed substantial changes over the
    study period. La Salada hosted a plankton community characterized by low diversity and small sized
    organisms. The nanoplanktonic fraction organisms (2–20 mm) dominate the phytoplankton community.
    Ochromonas sp. showed the maximum abundance throughout the whole study period. The zooplankton
    community was dominated by rotifers, with a lack of cladocerans. Halotolerant species, e.g. the rotifer
    Brachionus plicatilis and the cyclopod Apocyclops sp. were the main species. The seasonal temperature and
    conductivity dynamics influence the plankton abundance dynamics in La Salada. The increment of nutrients
    and decrease of conductivity caused by the water input led to an increase in plankton biomass and shaped its
    composition. These findings emphasize that interactions between plankton, salinity, and nutrients are
    sensitive to the water input and they improve the understanding of the impact of adequate management
    decisions.

    DOI: DOI: 10.1051/limn/2017023

  • Estimation of ecosystem metabolism from diel oxygen technique in a saline shallow lake: La Salada (Argentina)

    María Belén Alfonso, Alejandro José Vitale, María Clara Menéndez, Vanesa Liliana Perillo, María Cintia Piccolo, Gerardo Miguel Eduardo Perillo

    Hydrobiologia   752 ( 1 )   223 - 237   2014.10

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    Studies based on continuous monitoring of diel changes in dissolved oxygen concentration allow the estimation of ecosystem metabolism and provide a measure of the overall trophic processes of an ecosystem. In this study, net ecosystem production (NEP), community/ecosystem respiration (R), and gross primary production (GPP) rates were estimated in relation to physicochemical and climatic variables for 18 months in La Salada, a saline shallow lake. Net autotrophic conditions prevailed during the study period (NEP: 64.05 ± 44.22 mmol O<inf>2</inf> m−2 day−1). GPP and R were positively correlated and were synchronized on a daily timescale, with GPP typically greater than R. Principal component analysis revealed that monthly rates of GPP, R, and NEP responded, as expected, to temperature and light seasonal patterns. Water level and conductivity fluctuations, because of evapoconcentration and water management, were relevant as a driver of the physicochemical and biological characteristics of the lake. In saline lakes as La Salada, an adequate management of water resources will be relevant to maintain the ecosystem equilibrium and the quality of its resources.

    DOI: 10.1007/s10750-014-2092-1

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Books

  • MARINE ENVIRONMENTS: DIVERSITY, THREATS AND CONSERVATION

    Maria Belen Alfonso, Ana Carolina Ronda, Maria Cintia Piccolo, Andres H. Arias(Role:Joint author)

    NOVA science publishers  2021.1 

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    Language:English  

  • Utilidad del monitoreo lagunar ambiental con boyas multiparamétricas en la región pampeana: Laguna La Barrancosa In: La Barrancosa. Una invitación a conocer lagunas pampeanas

    Maria Belen Alfonso, Alejandro José Vitale, Gerardo M. E. Perillo, Maria Cintia Piccolo(Role:Joint author)

    2019.11 

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    Language:Others   Book type:Scholarly book

  • Animales abundantes y diminutos en la laguna: el zooplancton; In: La Barrancosa. Una invitación a conocer lagunas pampeanas

    María Soledad Fontanarrosa, Florencia Rojas Molina, Maria Belen Alfonso, Javier Garcia de Souza, Nadia Diovisalvi(Role:Joint author)

    Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires  2019.11 

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    Language:Others  

Presentations

  • Atlas of Ocean MIicroplastics (AOMI) database: a collaborative initiative to unify microplastic data International conference

    Maria Belen Alfonso

    MICRO 2024, Plastic pollution from macro to nano  2024.9 

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    Event date: 2024.9

    Language:English   Presentation type:Oral presentation (general)  

    Country:Spain  

  • Catalyzing global solutions: The AOMI initiative in unifying data against marine plastic pollution International conference

    María Belén Alfonso

    2nd UN Ocean Decade Regional Conference & 11th WESTPAC International Marine Science Conference  2024.4 

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    Event date: 2024.4

    Language:English   Presentation type:Oral presentation (general)  

    Venue:2nd UN Ocean Decade Regional Conference & 11th WESTPAC International Marine Science Conference   Country:Thailand  

  • Promotion of AOMI for potential users Invited International conference

    Maria Belen Alfonso

    2024.3 

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    Event date: 2024.3

    Language:English   Presentation type:Symposium, workshop panel (public)  

    Venue:International Expert Meeting on Marine Plastic Litter Monitoring Data Sharing Project. Ministry of the Environments of Japanese Government (MOEJ).   Country:Japan  

    promotion strategies for the stakeholders involved in the use of the new dtabase for ocean floating microplastics developed by the Ministry of the Environment, Japan

  • Microplastics research in Koh Si Chang: activities update Invited International conference

    Maria Belen Alfonso, Haruka Nakano, Suppakarn Jandang

    2023.12 

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    Event date: 2023.12

    Language:English   Presentation type:Public lecture, seminar, tutorial, course, or other speech  

    Venue:Symposium on marine plastic studies in Thailand under the Project for Formation of a Center of Excellence for Marine Plastic Pollution Studies in Southeast Asian Seas. Bangkok, Thailand   Country:Thailand  

  • Zooplankton as a suitable bioindicator for small microplastics: perspectives and challenges International conference

    Maria Belen Alfonso

    2023.5 

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    Event date: 2023.5

    Language:English   Presentation type:Oral presentation (general)  

    Venue:Japan Geoscience Union Meeting 2023. Chiba, Japan   Country:Japan  

  • EUROqCHARM annual meeting Invited International conference

    Alfonso, Maria Belen (in behalf of MOEJ)

    EUROQCHARM project  2022.11 

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    Event date: 2022.9

    Language:English   Presentation type:Symposium, workshop panel (public)  

    Venue:VU University, Amsterdam   Country:Netherlands  

  • Ocean plastic pollution: What's next? Invited

    Maria Belen Alfonso

    MEXT  2022.8 

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    Event date: 2022.8

    Language:English   Presentation type:Oral presentation (general)  

    Country:Japan  

  • Practical overview of microplastics sampling and analytical methods Invited International conference

    Maria Belen Alfonso, Haruka Nakano

    SEAFDEC  2022.8 

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    Event date: 2022.8

    Language:English   Presentation type:Public lecture, seminar, tutorial, course, or other speech  

    Venue:SEAFDEC Training Center   Country:Thailand  

    Explanation of the current methods for the monitoring and sample analysis of microplastics on water, sediment, and biological samples

  • Center for Ocean Plastic Studies: addressing plastic pollution from an international perspective Invited International conference

    ALFONSO, Maria Belen

    DITTO: Digital Twins of the Ocean  2022.5 

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    Event date: 2022.4

    Language:English   Presentation type:Symposium, workshop panel (public)  

    Venue:4-Dimensional Virtual Ocean for Sustainable Development and Smart Applications, A satellite event to DITTO Summit at London Organized online by JAMSTEC   Country:Japan  

    presenting a summary of the research activities and goals to be developed in the Center for Ocean Plastic Studies in Bangkok in the 4-Dimensional Virtual Ocean for Sustainable Development and Smart Applications, organized by JAMSTEC

  • Global efforts in freshwater microplastics: insights from international and local studies Invited

    Maria Belen Alfonso

    RIAM forum 2024  2024.7  Kyushu University

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    Language:English  

    Venue:Research Institute for Applied Mechanics   Country:Japan  

  • Virtual Training on Microplastic Sampling and Analysis for the Manyame River, Zimbabwe from the experiences in Thailand from the experiences in Thailand Invited International conference

    Maria Belen Alfonso

    2024.10  UNEP and JICA

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    Language:English   Presentation type:Public lecture, seminar, tutorial, course, or other speech  

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MISC

  • Aquatic microplastics research in the ASEAN region: Analysis of challenges and priorities Reviewed International coauthorship

    Nakano, H., Alfonso, M. B., Phinchan, N., Jandang, S., Manap, M. A., Chavanich, S., ... & Isobe, A.

    Marine Pollution Bulletin   2025.1   ISSN:0025-326X eISSN:1879-3363

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    Language:English   Publishing type:Article, review, commentary, editorial, etc. (scientific journal)  

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.117342

  • Zooplankton as a suitable tool for microplastic research Reviewed

    Maria Belen Alfonso, Dhugal J. Lindsay, Andrés H. Arias, Haruka Nakano, Suppakarn Jandang, Atsuhiko Isobe,

    Science of the Total Environment   2023.9

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    Language:English   Publishing type:Article, review, commentary, editorial, etc. (scientific journal)  

    In recent years, significant efforts have been dedicated to measuring and comprehending the impact of microplastics (MPs) in the ocean. Despite harmonization guidelines for MPs research, discrepancies persist in the applied methodologies and future challenges, mostly for the smaller fractions (< 100 μm). Whether intentional or accidental, ingesting plastic particles by zooplankton can lead to incorporating this pollutant into aquatic food chains. Therefore, zooplankton can serve as a suitable proxy tool for assessing the presence of plastic particles in ocean waters. However, reliable information is essential for conducting experimental laboratory studies on the impact of MPs ingestion by zooplankton organisms. Using zooplankton as a research tool for MPs offers numerous advantages, including similar sampling methodologies and study techniques as MPs and particle data integration over space and time. The scientific community can gain novel perspectives by merging zooplankton studies with MPs research. This review explores key aspects of using zooplankton as a tool for MPs research in water samples, encompassing various views such as particles ingestion in natural environments, particle quantification in zooplankton samples (past and future), ecotoxicological and toxicology model studies. By leveraging the potential of zooplankton research, advancements can be made in developing innovative techniques for MPs analysis.

    DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167329

    Other Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969723059569?via%3Dihub

  • Synthetic microfibers and tyre wear particles pollution in aquatic systems: Relevance and mitigation strategies

    Andrés H. Arias, María B. Alfonso, Lautaro Girones, María C. Piccolo, Jorge E. Marcovecchio

    Environmental Pollution   2022.2

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    Language:Others  

    Evidence shows that the majority of aquatic field microplastics (MPs) could be microfibers (MFs) which can be originated directly from massive sources such as textile production and shedding from garments, agricultural textiles and clothes washing. In addition, wear and tear of tyres (TRWPs) emerges as a stealthy major source of micro and nanoplastics, commonly under-sampled/detected in the field. In order to compile the current knowledge in regards to these two major MPs sources, concentrations of concern in aquatic environments, their distribution, bulk emission rates and water mitigation strategies were systematically reviewed. Most of the aquatic field studies presented MFs values above 50&#37;. MPs concentrations varied from 0.3 to 8925 particles m−3 in lakes, from 0.69 to 8.7 × 106 particles m−3 in streams and rivers, from 0.16 to 192000 particles m−3 estuaries, and from 0 to 4600 particles m−3 in the ocean. Textiles at every stage of production, use and disposal are the major source of synthetic MFs to water. Laundry estimates showed an averaged release up to 279972 tons year−1 (high washing frequency) from which 123000 tons would annually flow through untreated effluents to rivers, streams, lakes or directly to the ocean. TRWPs in the aquatic environments showed concentrations up to 179 mg L−1 (SPM) in runoff river sediments and up to 480 mg g−1 in highway runoff sediments. Even though average TRWR emission is of 0.95 kg year−1 per capita (10 nm- 500 μm) there is a general scarcity of information about their aquatic environmental levels probably due to no-availability or inadequate methods of detection. The revision of strategies to mitigate the delivering of MFs and TRWP into water streams illustrated the importance of domestic laundry retention devices, Waste Water Treatment Plants (WWTP) with at least a secondary treatment and stormwater and road-runoff collectors quality improvement devices.

    DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118607

  • Continental microplastics: Presence, features, and environmental transport pathways

    María B. Alfonso, Andrés H. Arias, Ana C. Ronda, María C. Piccolo

    Science of the Total Environment   2021.12

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    Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous contaminants of great concern for the environment. MPs' presence and concentration in the air, soil, marine, and freshwater environments have been reported as a matter of priority in recent years. This review addresses the current knowledge of the main pathways of MPs in air, soil, and freshwater reservoirs in order to provide an integrated understanding of their behaviors in the continental environment. Therefore, MPs' occurrence (as particle counts), sources, and how their features as shape, size, polymer composition, and density could influence their transport and final sink were discussed. Wind resuspension and atmospheric fallout, groundwater migration, runoff from catchments, and water flow from rivers and effluents were pointed as the principal pathways. MPs' size, shape, polymer composition, and density interact with environmental variables as soil structure and composition, precipitation, wind, relative humidity, water temperature, and salinity. Sampling designs for MPs research should further consider soil characteristics, climate variability and extreme events, time lag and grasshopper effects, morphological and hydrological features of aquatic systems, and water currents, among others. Furthermore, long-term monitoring and lab experiments are still needed to understand MPs' behavior in the environment. This information will provide a unified understanding of the continental MPs pathways, including the key main findings, knowledge gaps, and future challenges to understand this emerging contaminant.

    DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149447

Professional Memberships

  • International Society of Limnology

  • Global Lake Ecological Observatory Network

Committee Memberships

  • Integrated marine debris observing system: IMDOS   IMDOS Steering Comittee   Foreign country

    2024.12 - Present   

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    Committee type:Academic society

  • Global Partnership on Plastic Pollution and Marine Litter GPML-UNEP   Community of Practice on Data Harmonization   Foreign country

    2023.1 - Present   

Academic Activities

  • Screening of academic papers

    Role(s): Peer review

    2024

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    Type:Peer review 

    Number of peer-reviewed articles in foreign language journals:4

  • Screening of academic papers

    Role(s): Peer review

    2023

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    Type:Peer review 

    Number of peer-reviewed articles in foreign language journals:6

  • Science of the Total Environment International contribution

    Role(s): Peer review

    2022.3

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    Type:Academic society, research group, etc. 

  • Screening of academic papers

    Role(s): Peer review

    2022

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    Type:Peer review 

    Number of peer-reviewed articles in foreign language journals:3

  • Planning, management, etc., Panel moderator, session chair, etc., Planning/Implementing academic research International contribution

    The Future of Ocean Plastics: Designing Diverse Collaboration Frameworks  ( Japan ) 2021.12 - 2022.5

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    Type:Competition, symposium, etc. 

    Number of participants:1,400

  • Collaborator/speaker

    1st meeting of the Science for Plastics Impacts Argentina (SEPIA)  ( Buenos Aires Argentina ) 2021.11 - 2022.12

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    Type:Competition, symposium, etc. 

    Number of participants:60

  • Science of the Total Environment International contribution

    Role(s): Peer review

    2021.5

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    Type:Academic society, research group, etc. 

  • Tourism Management International contribution

    Role(s): Peer review

    2021.2 - 2021.3

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    Type:Academic society, research group, etc. 

  • Science of the Total Environment International contribution

    Role(s): Peer review

    2021.1

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    Type:Academic society, research group, etc. 

  • Screening of academic papers

    Role(s): Peer review

    2021

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    Type:Peer review 

    Number of peer-reviewed articles in foreign language journals:2

    Number of peer-reviewed articles in Japanese journals:0

    Proceedings of International Conference Number of peer-reviewed papers:0

    Proceedings of domestic conference Number of peer-reviewed papers:0

  • Science of the Total Environment International contribution

    Role(s): Peer review

    2020.11

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    Type:Academic society, research group, etc. 

  • Environmental Monitoring and Assessment International contribution

    Role(s): Peer review

    2020.9 - 2020.10

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    Type:Academic society, research group, etc. 

  • Screening of academic papers

    Role(s): Peer review

    2020

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    Type:Peer review 

    Number of peer-reviewed articles in foreign language journals:2

    Number of peer-reviewed articles in Japanese journals:0

    Proceedings of International Conference Number of peer-reviewed papers:0

    Proceedings of domestic conference Number of peer-reviewed papers:0

  • Screening of academic papers

    Role(s): Peer review

    2019

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    Type:Peer review 

    Number of peer-reviewed articles in foreign language journals:2

    Number of peer-reviewed articles in Japanese journals:0

    Proceedings of International Conference Number of peer-reviewed papers:0

    Proceedings of domestic conference Number of peer-reviewed papers:0

  • Ecoscience International contribution

    Role(s): Peer review

    2018.11 - 2018.12

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    Type:Academic society, research group, etc. 

  • PloS One International contribution

    Role(s): Peer review

    2018.10

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    Type:Academic society, research group, etc. 

  • Science of the Total Environment International contribution

    Role(s): Peer review

    2018.9 - 2018.10

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    Type:Academic society, research group, etc. 

  • Freshwater ecology International contribution

    Role(s): Peer review

    2017.6 - 2017.7

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    Type:Academic society, research group, etc. 

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Research Projects

  • Assessing the rainfall and tide effect on the presence and exposure of microplastics to zooplankton in subtropical estuaries intensely polluted by plastics

    Grant number:JP23K17048  2023.12 - 2025.3

    JSPS  Kakenhi 

    Maria Belen Alfonso

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    Authorship:Principal investigator  Grant type:Scientific research funding

  • Con taminantes orgánicos prioritarios en la interfaz continente-océano, plataforma y talud del Sur Bonaerense y Norte Rionegrino: exportación, comportamiento y destino International coauthorship

    2022.1 - 2026.12

    Proyecto Pampa Azul, Ministry of science technology and innovation (Argentina) 

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    Authorship:Collaborating Investigator(s) (not designated on Grant-in-Aid) 

  • Microplastic pollution impact on the Gulf of Thailand: insights from water samples assessment and ingestion by zooplankton as complementary tools

    Grant number:JP22K21328  2022 - 2023

    Japan Society for the Promotion of Science  Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research  Grant-in-Aid for Research Activity start-up

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    Authorship:Principal investigator  Grant type:Scientific research funding

  • Transport, balance, and impact of microplastics in the biotic and abiotic components from the Buenos Aires coastal area, Argentina International coauthorship

    2021.1 - 2022.12

    CONICET National Scientific and Technical Research Council (Argentina) 

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    Authorship:Collaborating Investigator(s) (not designated on Grant-in-Aid) 

    1- To quantify the presence of plastic microparticles in abiotic components (different depths of the water column and bottom sediments) and biotic components (fish, crustaceans, and bivalves) in different coastal environments of the Southwest region of Buenos Aires: Bahía Blanca Estuary ( EBB) and San Blas Bay (BSB).
    2- Classify the contributions of plastics found according to their shape, size, color, and possible origin (fabrics, foams, rubber, plastic elements themselves, etc.) according to their chemical composition (PU, LDPE, HDPE, PPTE, PVC, etc).
    3- Characterize the impact of MPs on the coastal ecosystems under analysis, emphasizing the communities of fish, crustaceans, and bivalves. Carry out projections and mass balances of the discharge of plastics.
    4- Prepare an executive report including proposals to transfer to local communities integrating various social actors (NGOs and others). Establish a dialogue and participation in the generation of recommendations for the management of this waste.

  • Microplastics in the trophic web of coastal marine environments of the southwest of Buenos Aires and North Patagonia: bioaccumulation and association with persistent organic compounds and trace metals. International coauthorship

    2021.1 - 2022.12

    CONICET (Argentina) 

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    Authorship:Collaborating Investigator(s) (not designated on Grant-in-Aid) 

    Assessment of the presence and bioaccumulation of microplastic in aquatic trophic webs from Argentina

  • Formation of a Center of Excellence for Marine Plastic Pollution Studies in the Southeast Asian Seas International coauthorship

    2020.1 - 2025.12

    SATREPS (Japan) 

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    Authorship:Collaborating Investigator(s) (not designated on Grant-in-Aid) 

    Create a satellite center for the study of plastic ocean pollution, core for international joint research

  • Coastal and marine contamination in the Southeast of Buenos Aires Province: pollutants (PAHs and plastic) exportation, impact, and evolution according to catchment use International coauthorship

    2018.4 - 2022.12

    CONICET National Scientific and Technical Research Council (Argentina) 

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    Authorship:Coinvestigator(s) 

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Participation in international educational events, etc.

  • 2024.5

    Japan International Cooperation Agency, Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development (JICA-SATREPS) Center for Ocean Plastics, Research Institute for Applied Mechanics (COPS-RIAM), Kyushu University, Japan Aquatic Resources Research Institute (ARRI), Chulalongkorn University, Thailand and the Marine Sciences Department, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand

    Best Practices for Microplastic Research

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    Venue:Thailand

    Number of participants:120

  • 2022.8

    SEAFDEC Research and Development Division, Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center, Training Department

    Onsite Regional Training Course on Marine Debris and Microplastics Sampling collection and Analysis

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    Venue:Thailand

Outline of Social Contribution and International Cooperation activities

  • Participation in the formation of a Center of Excellence for Marine Plastic Pollution Studies in the Southeast Asian Seas (SATREPS)" directed by P.I. Atsuhiko Isobe and financed by the Japanese Science and Technology Agency (JST). The Center for Ocean Plastic Studies (COPS) was established in Bangkok, Thailand, in April 2022, after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Kyushu University (KU, Japan) and the University of Chulalongkorn (CU, Thailand). The former center will contribute to the development of solid international bonds for ocean plastic research, the first overseas satellite research center from KU. The COPS is expected to set a good precedent for the internationalization of not only KU but also Japanese universities and the strengthening of overseas cooperation.

Media Coverage

  • https://www.mendoza.conicet.gov.ar/blog/estudian-la-presencia-de-microplasticos-en-ecosistemas-de-agua-dulce-a-lo-largo-y-a-lo-ancho-de-argentina/

    CONICET dialoga  2024.5

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    https://www.mendoza.conicet.gov.ar/blog/estudian-la-presencia-de-microplasticos-en-ecosistemas-de-agua-dulce-a-lo-largo-y-a-lo-ancho-de-argentina/

  • https://www.argentina.gob.ar/noticias/evaluan-la-presencia-de-microplasticos-en-cuerpos-y-cursos-de-agua-dulce-de-santa-cruz

    Argentina.gob.ar (Argentine government official website)  2024.4

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    https://www.argentina.gob.ar/noticias/evaluan-la-presencia-de-microplasticos-en-cuerpos-y-cursos-de-agua-dulce-de-santa-cruz

  • Short interview about my career formation and my research on microplastics in Asia TV or radio program

    radio Uns  2023.11

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    Short interview about my career formation and my research on microplastics in Asia

  • https://www.infobae.com/america/ciencia-america/2023/10/28/de-america-latina-a-asia-quien-es-la-cientifica-que-rastrea-en-lagos-y-mares-la-contaminacion-por-microplasticos/ Newspaper, magazine

    Infobae  2023.11

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    https://www.infobae.com/america/ciencia-america/2023/10/28/de-america-latina-a-asia-quien-es-la-cientifica-que-rastrea-en-lagos-y-mares-la-contaminacion-por-microplasticos/

  • http://www.uns.edu.ar/noticias/2023/6851#de-la-laguna-de-epecu%C3%A9n-a-los-mares-de-tailandia-en-defensa-de-la-ecolog%C3%ADa

    Universidad Nacional del Sur  2023.11

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    http://www.uns.edu.ar/noticias/2023/6851#de-la-laguna-de-epecu%C3%A9n-a-los-mares-de-tailandia-en-defensa-de-la-ecolog%C3%ADa

  • First comprehensive monitoring of microplastics in freshwater ecosystems Internet

    UN Ciencia  UNCiencia  Argentina 

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    Author:Other 

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Activities contributing to policy formation, academic promotion, etc.

  • 2024.12 - Present   Integrated marine debris observing system: IMDOS

    Co-Chair position on the Steering committe for "floating plastics" from the Integrated marine debris observing system: IMDOS

  • 2023.4 - 2025.12   Community of Practicy (CoP) Oceans & Coasts Dimension organized by the Global Partnership On Plastic Pollution and Marine Litter (GPML) UNEP

    Chair possition in the Community of Practicy (CoP) Oceans & Coasts Dimension organized by the Global Partnership On Plastic Pollution and Marine Litter (GPML) UNEP. The main aim is to give advice on plastic pollution indicators for the creation of a data base for marine litter to inform policy makers globally

  • 2023.3 - 2027.3   Monitoring and Analysis of Plastic Pollution in Aquatic Environments (MappA)

    International monitoring network for floating microplastics in freshwater environments from the Global South

  • 2021.6 - 2027.3   GALACTIC

    International monitoring network for the analysis of microplastic pollution in freshwater environments worldwide

Educational Activities for Highly-Specialized Professionals in Other Countries

  • 2024.10   Virtual Training on Microplastic Sampling and Analysis for the Manyame River, Zimbabwe from the experiences in Thailand

    Main countries of student/trainee affiliation:Zimbabwe

    Other countries of student/trainee affiliation:Thailand

Travel Abroad

  • 2021.4 - 2026.10

    Staying countory name 1:Thailand   Staying institution name 1:Chulalongkorn University