Since the mass production of plastic in 1940, contamination of MARINE ENVIRONMENT by plastics particularly micro plastics has been a growing problem. Micro plastics are little plastic particles, fibers and granules which have been defined in different sizes such as diameter less than 10, 5, 2 and 1 mm. The micro plastics that are made in microscopic size and are used in cleaner and cosmetic materials, are called primary micro plastics and secondary micro plastics are derived from larger particles. Micro plastics are directly transmitted to rivers and then sea via wastewater influent or leachates from refuse sites. Micro plastics are found throughout the water column and due to their small size, micro plastics are considered bioavailable for organisms. Their composition and relatively large surface area make them prone for adhering waterborne organic pollutants such as PAHs, PCBs and DDT. Micro plastics consumption by MARINE organisms have been shown by ENVIRONMENTal and laboratory studies. Although adverse health effects via micro plastics are not obvious alone, but the transition of chemical materials from microplastics to organisms throughout the food-chain is a significant concern. In this article, micro plastics properties, micro plastics production resources, their entering effects on ENVIRONMENT have been considered.

PurposeThe increasing presence of ships and shipping accidents is the most important source of threats and pollution to the Antarctic MARINE ecosystem. This article seeks to evaluate the effectiveness, deterrence and comprehensiveness of Antarctic MARINE ENVIRONMENTal laws governing ships.MethodThis research was conducted using the qualitative method of Trend Impact Analysis research. Trends are a continuous chain of events, especially flow-making events, that determine the current situation and inform about possible future situations. According to its qualitative nature, the sources used in this research are documentary and library type. The required data have been collected from first-hand legal documents, books, authoritative articles and websites related to the subject.FindingsThe research showed that the ENVIRONMENTal threat of ships, especially with the emergence of new threats in the coming years, due to reasons such as climate change, global warming, and the gradual melting of polar ice on the one hand and On the other hand, the geostrategic competition of big powers in Antarctica will increase. Therefore, in order to sustainably protect the Antarctic MARINE ENVIRONMENT, green shipping and the use of ENVIRONMENTally friendly ships should be ordered by related institutions.Conclusionthe multi-level and strict legal system of the Antarctic MARINE ENVIRONMENT, having conditions of harmony and complementarity with the international ENVIRONMENTal law, has a favorable and appropriate efficiency and deterrence in the protection of the Antarctic MARINE ecosystem, but Due to taking for granted the prohibition of military activities in this region, at least until the revision of the Antarctic Treaty in 2048 and as a result, the silence of the relationship between warships and the MARINE ENVIRONMENT of the Antarctic seems to be insufficient in terms of comprehensiveness.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The utilization of disposable masks during and subsequent to the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the emergence of mask waste. The bacteria that thrive on mask waste have special characteristics. The objective of this research was to identify, choose, and analyze the bacteria present in discarded face masks at landfill sites (Piyungan, Yogyakarta and Jatibarang, Semarang), coastal areas (Tanjung Pasir, Tangerang, and Marina, Semarang), as well as mangrove forests (Teluk Naga, Tangerang, and Tirang, Semarang) situated in Java, Indonesia.METHODS: The bacterial isolation was performed using minimal salt medium. Bacterial isolates were screened in a minimal salt medium supplemented with three types of masks (black duckbill, blue medical, white Korean filter) as the sole carbon and energy source at the various potential of hydrogen levels (5, 7, 9), temperatures (10, 30, 50 degrees Celsius), and sodium chloride concentrations (2.5, 5.0, 7.5 percent). The bacterial strains with the highest optical density values across all treatments were determined through the sequencing of the 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid gene. These selected bacteria were then evaluated for their ability to produce biofilms under different potential of hydrogen and salt concentrations. The resistance to heavy metals (lead, copper, iron) and antibiotics (penicillin, chloramphenicol, tetracycline, erythromycin, ciprofloxacin, kanamycin) was also investigated.FINDINGS:  A grand total of 183 bacterial strains were obtained, comprising 80 isolates from landfills, 47 isolates from beaches, and 56 isolates from mangroves. The selected bacteria identified as Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, Staphylococcus sciuri, and Staphylococcus arlettae based on 16 svedberg ribosomal ribonucleic acid gene analysis. The chosen strains exhibited the capacity to generate biofilm across various potential of hydrogen and salinity conditions. Furthermore, these strains displayed resilience to heavy metals (such as lead, copper, and iron) as well as resistance to antibiotics (including penicillin, chloramphenicol, tetracycline, erythromycin, ciprofloxacin, and kanamycin).CONCLUSION: Mask waste discovered in landfills, beaches, and mangroves can promote bacterial growth. This study indicated that the selected bacteria are capable of flourishing through the utilization of various mask types as their exclusive carbon and energy source across a wide range of potential of hydrogen levels, temperatures, and salinity concentrations. The ability to produce biofilms, withstand antibiotics, and endure heavy metal ions provides a protective ENVIRONMENT for bacteria, enhancing their resilience against ENVIRONMENTal stresses, and antimicrobial agents. Analysis of bacterial profiles reveals the intricate connections between microorganisms and their surroundings. The results of this study have implications for public health, ENVIRONMENTal pollution, and ecosystem dynamics.

Background and purpose: In 1978, the Kuwait Regional Convention for Co-operation on Protection of the MARINE ENVIRONMENT from Pollution was signed between the countries of the region.Iran, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, United Arab Emirates, and Qatar are exporting their petroleum from this semi-enclosed sea. According to the convention signatory countries pledged to take all necessary actions to prevent or reduce ENVIRONMENTal pollution. This study aimed to investigate the role of this convention on the protection of MARINE ENVIRONMENT in the Persian Gulf.Materials and methods: In this study, levels of pollution and their effects on the Persian Gulf were investigated using the data from official sources. This investigation was done based on the production of oil in the Persian Gulf then it was compared with MARINE pollution in the world. The data was analyzed using statistical software.Results: The level of oil pollutants including oil spills were less compared with that of the world, however, in 1983 and 1991, the amount of pollution in the Persian Gulf was found to be higher. From 1978 (the year that Kuwait Convention was adopted) until 1982, and from 1984 until 1990, the average pollution rate declined compared to the global level. But the occurrence of two wars in the Persian Gulf increased the pollution rate to 63.63%.Conclusion: Kuwait Regional Convention is incapable of taking appropriate actions if the oil facilities, docks and tankers are attacked. In fact emergency plans for protection of pollutants will lose their efficacy due to the extent of disaster. So it is suggested to amend the Kuwait convention protocol or by setting a separate protocol members should be plighted to refrain from attacking each other's oil installations in wars or to agree with emergency operations if these facilities are attacked.