ALFONSO BELEN MARIA
Organization
Research Institute for Applied Mechanics Center for Ocean Plastic Studies Associate Professor
Title
Associate Professor
Contact information
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
Homepage
- https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Maria-Belen-Alfonso
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https://sites.google.com/view/riam-cops/home?authuser=0
website of the center for ocean plastic studies launched in May, 2022
External link
ORCID
Degree
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Bachelor in Biology
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Ph.D. in Biology
Research Interests・Research Keywords
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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
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Research theme：Global microplastic pollution
Keyword：microplastics
Research period： 2021.1 - 2021.10
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Research theme：Microplastic pollution in freshwater environments worldwide
Keyword：microplastics
Research period： 2020.1 - 2027.3
Papers
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Plastic debris in lakes and reservoirs Reviewed International journal
Nature ( 619 ) 317 - 322 2023.7
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Microplastics on plankton samples: Multiple digestion techniques assessment based on weight, size, and FTIR spectroscopy analyses
Marine Pollution Bulletin 173 113027 - 113027 2021.12
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Microplastics pollution in salt pans from the Maheshkhali Channel, Bangladesh
Scientific Reports 11 ( 1 ) 2021.12
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Assessing threats, regulations, and strategies to abate plastic pollution in LAC beaches during COVID-19 pandemic
Ocean and Coastal Management 208 2021.7
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First evidence of microplastics in nine lakes across Patagonia (South America)
Science of The Total Environment 733 2020.9
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Microplastics integrating the zooplanktonic fraction in a saline lake of Argentina: influence of water management
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 192 ( 2 ) 2020.2
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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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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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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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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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The future of ocean plastics: designing diverse collaboration frameworks Reviewed International journal
ICES Journal of Marine Science 2023.4
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A functional definition to distinguish ponds from lakes and wetlands
Scientific Reports 12 ( 1 ) 2022.12
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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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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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Synthetic microfibers and tyre wear particles pollution in aquatic systems: Relevance and mitigation strategies Reviewed International journal
Environmental pollution 2021.12
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Continental microplastics: Presence, features, and environmental transport pathways Reviewed International journal
Science of the Total Environment 2021.8
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The extent and variability of storm-induced temperature changes in lakes measured with long-term and high-frequency data
Limnology and Oceanography 66 ( 5 ) 1979 - 1992 2021.5
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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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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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Spatial and temporal dynamics of the mesozooplankton (Crustacea: Cladocera, Copepoda and Decapoda) in a Pampean shallow hyposaline lake during drought conditions
2020.2
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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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Ecosystem services provision, tourism and climate variability in shallow lakes: The case of La Salada, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Tourism Management 62 208 - 217 2017.10
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Composition and abundance of the mesozooplancton in Sauce Grande shallow lake (Buenos Aires Province, Argentina)
( 39 ) 137 - 147 2017.10
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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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Estimation of ecosystem metabolism from diel oxygen technique in a saline shallow lake: La Salada (Argentina)
Hydrobiologia 752 ( 1 ) 223 - 237 2014.10
Books
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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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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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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）
2019.11
Presentations
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Catalyzing global solutions: The AOMI initiative in unifying data against marine plastic pollution International conference
2nd UN Ocean Decade Regional Conference & 11th WESTPAC International Marine Science Conference 2024.4
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Promotion of AOMI for potential users Invited International conference
Maria Belen Alfonso
2024.3
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Microplastics research in Koh Si Chang: activities update Invited International conference
Maria Belen Alfonso, Haruka Nakano, Suppakarn Jandang
2023.12
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Zooplankton as a suitable bioindicator for small microplastics: perspectives and challenges International conference
Maria Belen Alfonso
2023.5
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EUROqCHARM annual meeting Invited International conference
Alfonso, Maria Belen (in behalf of MOEJ)
EUROQCHARM project 2022.11
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Ocean plastic pollution: What's next? Invited
Maria Belen Alfonso
MEXT 2022.8
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Practical overview of microplastics sampling and analytical methods Invited International conference
Maria Belen Alfonso, Haruka Nakano
SEAFDEC 2022.8
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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
MISC
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Synthetic microfibers and tyre wear particles pollution in aquatic systems: Relevance and mitigation strategies
Environmental Pollution 2022.2
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Continental microplastics: Presence, features, and environmental transport pathways
Science of the Total Environment 2021.12
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Zooplankton as a suitable tool for microplastic research Reviewed
Science of the Total Environment 2023.9
Professional Memberships
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International Society of Limnology
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Global Lake Ecological Observatory Network
Academic Activities
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Screening of academic papers
Role(s)： Peer review
2024
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Screening of academic papers
Role(s)： Peer review
2023
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Science of the Total Environment International contribution
Role(s)： Peer review
2022.3
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Screening of academic papers
Role(s)： Peer review
2022
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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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Collaborator/speaker
1st meeting of the Science for Plastics Impacts Argentina (SEPIA) （ Buenos Aires Argentina ） 2021.11 - 2022.12
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Science of the Total Environment International contribution
Role(s)： Peer review
2021.5
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Tourism Management International contribution
Role(s)： Peer review
2021.2 - 2021.3
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Science of the Total Environment International contribution
Role(s)： Peer review
2021.1
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Screening of academic papers
Role(s)： Peer review
2021
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Science of the Total Environment International contribution
Role(s)： Peer review
2020.11
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Environmental Monitoring and Assessment International contribution
Role(s)： Peer review
2020.9 - 2020.10
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Screening of academic papers
Role(s)： Peer review
2020
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Screening of academic papers
Role(s)： Peer review
2019
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Ecoscience International contribution
Role(s)： Peer review
2018.11 - 2018.12
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PloS One International contribution
Role(s)： Peer review
2018.10
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Science of the Total Environment International contribution
Role(s)： Peer review
2018.9 - 2018.10
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Freshwater ecology International contribution
Role(s)： Peer review
2017.6 - 2017.7
Research Projects
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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
Authorship：Collaborating Investigator(s) (not designated on Grant-in-Aid)
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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
Authorship：Principal investigator Grant type：Scientific research funding
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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)
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)
Authorship：Collaborating Investigator(s) (not designated on Grant-in-Aid)
Assessment of the presence and bioaccumulation of microplastic in aquatic trophic webs from Argentina
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Formation of a Center of Excellence for Marine Plastic Pollution Studies in the Southeast Asian Seas International coauthorship
2020.1 - 2025.12
SATREPS (Japan)
Authorship：Collaborating Investigator(s) (not designated on Grant-in-Aid)
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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)
Authorship：Coinvestigator(s)
Participation in international educational events, etc.
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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
Venue：Thailand
Outline of Social Contribution and International Cooperation activities
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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
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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/
CONICET dialoga 2024.5
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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
Argentina.gob.ar (Argentine government official website) 2024.4
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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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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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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
Activities contributing to policy formation, academic promotion, etc.
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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
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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
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2021.6 - 2027.3 GALACTIC
International monitoring network for the analysis of microplastic pollution in freshwater environments worldwide
Travel Abroad
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2021.4 - 2026.10
Staying countory name 1：Thailand Staying institution name 1：Chulalongkorn University