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Hull Scrapings and Marine Coatings as a Source of Microplastics Executive summary Through a recent report, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) identified hull scrapings, marine coatings and anti-fouling systems as potential sources of microplastics to the oceans. The impacts of marine plastics and microplastics upon species and communities are increasingly recognised with concomitant regulation and public attention. Accordingly, through its mandate on the protection of the marine environment from shipping operations, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) conducted a literature review to assess current knowledge and data regarding marine coatings as microplastics sources. The global annual production of plastics has increased, and the plastics waste stream exceeds production; up to 95% of marine waste is comprised of plastics. Whereas plastics were previously regarded as an eyesore, but of little significance as a pollutant, it is now recognised that uptake of plastics can impact species and communities directly and that they may bioaccumulate or be directly taken up by humans. Whilst plastics suffer limited microbial degradation, over time they are known to break down to monomers with potential toxic effects. They can also be taken up by planktivorous and particulate filter feeding species where they may affect biophysical processes (e.g. respiration, growth, etc.). Microplastics (generally agreed to be of a size less than 5 mm) have also been shown to sorb contaminants such as heavy metals and organic pollutants, with some organism guts having higher contaminant levels than the surrounding sediment. Microplastic sources include the breakdown of larger terrestrially-based material through light, wave action, general abrasion, and through waste water discharge with material such as micro- fibres from clothing. Shipping is identified as a source of plastics, though limited data are readily apparent and there is little mention of marine coatings as a source of microplastics. It is known that anti-fouling systems and marine coatings in general commonly contain a relatively high content of a polymer material (e.g. epoxy or acrylic). Nonetheless, while the release of biocides and heavy metals from marine anti-fouling systems and, to a lesser extent, other coatings has been considered, the issue of plastics has seen limited attention. Some research has identified microplastics from marine paints in sediment, and other work identified that shipyard maintenance may transport microplastics by air or runoff but in-water hull cleaning was not considered. Further, work shows that general operation emits copper and biocides from vinyl and epoxy coatings, which increases significantly during cleaning maintenance. However, the research reviewed did not consider microplastics release. Limited work does begin to recognize marine coatings as a source of possible microplastics, particularly self-polishing anti-fouling products, which are designed to slough off during a ship’s normal operations. However, specific studies on this matter could not be identified. In-water hull cleaning is known to cause loss of some viable biological material, though collection rates are claimed to be high; it also increases release rates of toxic biocides and metal compounds to surrounding waters. Whether abrasive hull cleaning also causes loss of microplastics is not known, but it is possible, because hull coatings are often designed to slough off, and further research is needed. Additionally, the hull cleaning industry is growing in some geographic areas; therefore studies are needed to determine whether sensitive ecosystems and food webs may be affected by resultant micro-plastic material.PDF Image | HULL SCRAPINGS AND MARINE COATINGS AS A SOURCE OF MICROPLASTICS
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