We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Modeling dispersal and beaching of urban plastic waste along the coastline of Côte d'Ivoire
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists used computer modeling to track how plastic waste moves along Côte d'Ivoire's coast, finding that nearly half of it washes back onto beaches, often piling up near the city of Abidjan, while ocean currents shift pollution hotspots by season. This matters because coastal plastic breaks down into microplastics that can enter seafood and drinking water, so knowing where trash accumulates helps target cleanup efforts where they're needed most.
Plastic pollution is a growing concern in West Africa's marine environment, yet the processes governing its fate remain poorly understood. The coastline of Côte d'Ivoire is particularly vulnerable due to dense coastal populations and significant plastic inputs from rivers and lagoons. This study investigates the dispersal and coastal retention of urban plastic debris using a Lagrangian particle-tracking model (Ichthyop) forced by surface currents from a high-resolution ocean circulation model (CROCO). We provide the first regional-scale assessment of seasonal beaching dynamics along the Ivorian coast using a high-resolution coupled hydrodynamic-Lagrangian framework. Simulations show that while a large fraction of particles is transported offshore (~52%), a substantial proportion (~48%) remains nearshore and beaches at least once. Persistent accumulation hotspots are identified around Abidjan, regardless of the release location. Seasonal variability strongly controls debris pathways. During the minor upwelling season (January-April), beaching occurs predominantly west of Abidjan, associated with weaker currents and enhanced coastal retention. In contrast, during the major upwelling season (June-September), intensified currents and mesoscale activity promote wider dispersal and shift beaching eastward. From October to December, beaching intensifies along the eastern coastline. These results highlight the dominant role of regional hydrodynamics in shaping marine debris distribution and demonstrate the value of high-resolution Lagrangian modeling for identifying pollution hotspots and supporting mitigation strategies in data-scarce coastal regions.
More Papers Like This
Numerical Modelling of Plastic Debris Transport and Accumulation throughout Portuguese Coast
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers applied numerical modelling to simulate the transport and accumulation of plastic debris along the Portuguese coast, assessing how ocean currents drive microplastic dispersal and deposition patterns in this Atlantic coastal region. The study contributes spatial predictions of plastic accumulation hotspots to inform monitoring and management strategies.
Numerical Simulation of River-Borne Debris Trajectories and Dispersion Patterns in Lamong Bay, Indonesia
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists used computer modeling to track how plastic waste moves through Lamong Bay in Indonesia, finding that ocean currents and seasonal wind patterns push floating plastic debris toward river mouths and different parts of the bay depending on the time of year. This matters because that plastic breaks down into microplastics that can enter the food chain through fish and shellfish harvested from these waters, and this kind of pollution-tracking research helps identify where cleanup efforts would have the biggest impact.
A particle tracking model approach to determine the dispersal of riverine plastic debris released into the Indian Ocean
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a particle tracking model to simulate the dispersal of riverine plastic debris released into the Indian Ocean from surrounding landmasses. The study found that plastic accumulation on beaches peaked during monsoon seasons, with ocean currents, wind, and wave action driving distinct transport patterns, providing valuable data for identifying high-risk coastal areas and informing cleanup strategies.
Fate of floating plastic debris released along the coasts in a global ocean model.
AI summary Read the abstract
Using a global ocean circulation model, researchers simulated the fate of plastic debris released from coastlines around the world. They found that plastic accumulates in well-known ocean garbage patches but also washes up on distant shores and sinks to the seafloor. The model highlights that coastal plastic inputs have far-reaching global consequences and that reducing land-based pollution is critical.
Macroplastic fate and transport in an Amazonian Estuarine System: A Lagrangian Modelling Approach
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists used computer models to track how large plastic waste travels from the city of Belém, Brazil through rivers and waterways to the ocean. They found that plastic pollution gets stuck in certain areas during low water periods but moves quickly to the ocean during high water periods, creating pollution hotspots near the city. This research helps identify where plastic waste accumulates so communities can better target cleanup efforts and prevent this pollution from reaching the ocean and potentially entering our food chain.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.