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Macroplastic and Microparticle Pollution in Beach Sediments from Urias Coastal Lagoon (Northwest Mexico)
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This study characterized macroplastics and polymer microparticles in beach sediments at four sites in the Urias coastal lagoon, northwest Mexico, influenced by fishing, aquaculture, thermoelectric, industrial, and domestic wastewater activities. Macroplastics were dominated by PE, PP, and PET bags, styrofoam, and caps, while microparticles were mainly cotton and polyester fibers from clothing, with higher densities found in areas with reduced water exchange.
This study investigates the occurrence and characteristics of macroplastic and polymer microparticles in the Urias coastal lagoon's beach sediments, in northwest Mexico. Coastal lagoons, productive and vulnerable ecosystems, are impacted significantly by anthropogenic activities, leadings to their pollution by various contaminants, including plastics. Our research involved sampling sediments from four sites within the lagoon that were influenced by different human activities such as fishing, aquaculture, thermoelectric power plant operations, industrial operations, and domestic wastewater discharge. Our methodology included collecting macroplastics and beach sediment samples, followed by laboratory analyses to identify the plastic debris' size, shape, color, and chemical composition. The results indicated a notable presence of macroplastic items (144), predominantly bags, styrofoam, and caps made of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The polymer microparticles were mainly fibers, with cotton and polyester as the most common polymers, suggesting a significant contribution from clothing-related waste. The dominant colors of the microparticles were blue and transparent. High densities were observed in areas with slower water exchange. Our findings highlight the urgent need for better waste management practices to mitigate plastic pollution in coastal lagoons, preserving their ecological and economic functions.
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Researchers classified microplastics in sediment samples from 12 beaches in Colima and Jalisco, Mexico, across urban, suburban, rural, and natural beach types. The study characterized the types, colors, and quantities of microplastic particles to document contamination levels along this coastline.
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Researchers documented microplastic contamination in water, sediment, and tiny marine animals in a protected lagoon in Mexico's Gulf coast. Even though the site has protected status, microplastics were found in all three environmental compartments, with polyester and acrylic fibers being the most common types. The study shows that even remote, protected waterways are not immune to microplastic pollution.
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Microplastics were characterized in samples from a coastal lagoon in Brazil, identifying the dominant polymer types, shapes, and sizes present in the environment. Fragments and fibers were most common, with polyethylene and polypropylene identified as the primary polymers, reflecting inputs from fishing, agriculture, and urban runoff in the watershed. The study establishes baseline data for microplastic pollution in this ecologically sensitive coastal system.
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Researchers estimated the abundance, characteristics, and types of microplastics on three beaches along the northern tourist corridor of Piura, Peru, characterising the size, colour, and polymer types of particles found in beach sediments to assess contamination levels in this coastal region.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.