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Hull Scrapings and Marine Coatings as a Source of Microplastics ● In-water cleaning areas, dry-docks and outlets of dry-dock flushing systems as possible “hotspots” of microplastics associated with AFS and marine paints; ● The possible pathway of dispersion of plastics from all at potential risk source activities towards ecologically sensitive ecological communities and species and through food webs, potentially to human receptors; ● The pathway of soil to sea (from on-land cleaning of AFS / marine paints) of cleaned plastics and associated contaminants from shipyards / marinas; ● Options for control and management and related commercial implications. 4.2 Recommended research Recognising that research is generally funding-limited, the findings given above regarding data gaps and knowledge limitations regarding microplastics release from AFS / marine paints are presented here as possible priority studies to inform the potential need for future management and/or policy development. This is based on impressions gained through this review and comments from primary researchers in the field. It is important to understand if activities such as hull cleaning, replacement of hull coatings, and the normal wear of anti-fouling hull coatings contribute to the presence of microplastics in the ocean. This has implications for many of the other data gap areas. If, for example, microplastics are not released from marine coatings via normal use or abrading (in whatever form) in significant quantities, then further research on pathways, partitioning, pollutant uptake, risk to ecosystems / species and to humans through the food pathway may be negated. Recognising that microplastics are present in the food supply and marine species in general, if there is not proven to be a significant source from marine paint use / in-water cleaning, etc., research such as partitioning, pollutant uptake, etc., may be negated. However, should further work be deemed appropriate, it is recommended that: ● An initial study be undertaken on differing copolymer AFS / marine paint types to assess microplastics loss from normal use and in-water / onshore cleaning / cleaning types; ● Research be carried out to establish if the size of material lost is significant in relation to biological / ecological significance; ● An assessment be undertaken to consider commercial implications from possible management options to the shipping maintenance industries. From the above recommendations it is intended that the necessity for subsequent more detailed studies may be established, though this is not presented as a definitive list and may be considered for additional areas of research. Accordingly, it is recognised that there may be other factors requiring further consideration not discussed here, which may influence necessary studies and preferences (e.g. potentially with input from ship maintenance industries and regulatory bodies with experience of managing these issues). 15PDF Image | HULL SCRAPINGS AND MARINE COATINGS AS A SOURCE OF MICROPLASTICS
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