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Seasonal and Spatial Variation of Microplastics on Alagadi Beach, Northern Cyprus
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Scientists found that a protected sea turtle nesting beach in Cyprus nearly doubles its microplastic pollution in summer compared to spring, with common plastics like polyethylene and polystyrene showing up in the sand, likely from beachgoers, tourism, and nearby commercial areas. This matters because these tiny plastic fragments can work their way into the food chain (affecting fish and seafood we eat) and disrupt the beach ecosystem that endangered sea turtles depend on for nesting, showing that our everyday plastic waste leaves a bigger footprint during peak vacation season.
The pervasive presence of microplastics (MPs) in coastal ecosystems, particularly in ecologically sensitive habitats such as sandy beaches, poses a growing environmental concern due to their potential to effect sedimentary and biological dynamics. This study presents the first comprehensive seasonal and spatial assessment of MP pollution on Alagadi Beach, a protected nesting site for sea turtles in Northern Cyprus. The investigation aimed to quantify MP abundance, characterize seasonal and spatial distribution patterns, and to analyze morphological, chromatic, and polymeric properties using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). MP occurrence was quantified as the number of particles per kilogram of dry sand (PKS) and the weight of the MPs in a kilogram of dry sand (mg/kg). Data were analysed as mean ± SD. Sampling from the site revealed an annual average of 626 ± 75 PKS; 0,2816 mg/kg. Distinct seasonal variation was observed, with lower concentrations in spring (447 ± 65 items/kg; 0.1442 ± 0.021 mg/kg) compared to summer (805 ± 85 items/kg; 0.4189 ± 0.0330 mg/kg). Notably, the physical attributes of MPs also varied seasonally; white MPs predominated in spring (62%), whereas black MPs were markedly more abundant in summer (45.9%). FTIR analysis identified polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), and rayon as dominant polymers for MPs > 0.5 mm, suggesting multiple anthropogenic sources. Spatial analysis indicated a higher MP abundance in inland sand areas relative to the shoreline (660 ± 78 vs. 592 ± 71 PKS), with proximity to commercial zones contributing up to a 2.4-fold increase in number of MP particles. We discuss the complex interplay between seasonal dynamics and anthropogenic pressures in MP characteristics, providing a critical baseline for future monitoring and mitigation strategies.
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