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Microplastics at the ocean-atmosphere interface in Mexican coastal areas of two major oceans
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This study measured microplastics in both the ocean surface and the air at two major Mexican ports — Veracruz on the Gulf of Mexico and Manzanillo on the Pacific — providing rare simultaneous data on plastic particles at the ocean-atmosphere boundary. Nine polymer types were identified, with polyester and polypropylene dominating, and concentrations varied between the two locations and between air and water samples. The findings reveal that microplastics are actively exchanged between the ocean surface and the atmosphere, contributing to airborne plastic exposure in coastal communities.
The rapid increase in global plastic production has accelerated the dissemination of microplastics (MP), impacting urban and coastal environments. This study quantifies and categorizes MP in two major Mexican ports: Veracruz (Gulf of Mexico) and Manzanillo (Pacific Ocean). Nine polymer types were identified through micro-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (micro-FTIR) analysis of air and seawater samples. Polyester (PES) was the most prevalent polymer, followed by acrylic polymers (ACR) and polyethylene (PE). At Veracruz, the airborne MP concentrations were 3.9 (1.9) MP m in the morning and 2.2 (1.4) MP m in the afternoon. In Manzanillo, morning and afternoon concentrations were 3.2 (1.8) MP m and 2.6 (1.6) MP m, respectively. Surface concentrations of marine MP were elevated near the coast, averaging approximately 14.4 (1.4) MP m. Additionally, artificial non-plastic particles (ANPP) were identified and were even more abundant than MP in both matrices. In all locations and matrices, fibers constituted at least 70 % of detected MP, while fragments comprised the remainder. Identified MP ranged in size (equivalent diameter) from 82 μm to 160 μm. The observed variations in MP composition and concentrations across sites, depths, and sampling times underscore the significant influence of proximity to port activities and local meteorological conditions. Furthermore, these findings provide compelling evidence supporting the transfer of MP from the ocean to the atmosphere via ocean-atmosphere interactions. These baseline data will inform targeted management and risk-assessment frameworks for Mexican coastal regions.
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Researchers detected microplastics in both air and seawater samples at the ports of Veracruz and Manzanillo, Mexico, identifying nine polymer types and confirming these major trade hubs as significant microplastic contamination sites. The study provides baseline data on atmospheric and marine microplastic pollution in Mexican port environments, highlighting port activities as a key emission source.
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Researchers quantified microplastic distribution in both the atmosphere and seawater around a Caribbean island, finding that polyethylene dominated airborne particles while polyester prevailed in seawater. Morning airborne concentrations were 37% higher than afternoon values, consistent with sea-breeze circulation, and seawater concentrations increased sevenfold moving toward the continental shelf. Drift modeling showed over 40% nearshore retention of microplastics within 24 hours, with rapid export via the Yucatan Current.
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