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Temporal Distribution of Microplastics and other Anthropogenic Particles in Abiotic Compartments of a Coastal Lagoon from the Atlantic Coast
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Researchers found that wastewater discharged into France's Arcachon Bay releases an estimated 127 million anthropogenic particles — including 30 million microplastics — into the Atlantic Ocean every single day, with seasonal spikes linked to tourism and fishing. The findings highlight wastewater systems as a major ongoing pathway for microplastic pollution reaching open ocean environments.
This study characterizes anthropogenic particles (AP) and microplastics (MP) in treated wastewater, sea surface, water column and intertidal sediments from the Arcachon Bay (France) at four seasons. Their morphometric characteristics, polymer types and concentrations were described. Concentrations showed some seasonal variations that may be related to anthropogenic factors like tourism or fishing. Overall, 2687.4 ± 1335.2 AP.m−3 (614.7 ± 481.4 MP.m−3) were found in wastewater and we estimated that 127.4 ± 41.6 million of AP (30.0 ± 25.2 million of MP) could enter the Atlantic Ocean each day via the wastewater system. Mean concentrations at sea surface, in water column and intertidal sediments were respectively 0.79 ± 1.64 AP.m−3 (0.62 ± 1.30 MP.m−3), 778.90 ± 370.95 AP.m−3 (319.2 ± 214.6 MP.m−3) and 86.93 ± 67.77 AP.kg−1 (16.1 ± 19.1 MP.kg−1 dry weight). Finally, we proposed insights about sources of AP and MP based on their characteristics (e.g. textiles, tyres, fishing).
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Researchers characterized the occurrence, abundance, and physical properties of microplastics in the surface water and sediments of Lagos Lagoon, Nigeria, identifying key polymer types and potential local sources. This study fills an important data gap for West African urban water bodies, demonstrating that rapidly developing coastal megacities face acute microplastic contamination threatening both local fisheries and public health.
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Researchers reviewed how microplastics accumulate in aquatic sediments — particularly the ocean floor — finding that sediments act as a long-term sink where plastics alter microbial communities and harm bottom-dwelling organisms, meaning the ecological damage of plastic pollution extends far beyond what is visible at the water surface.
The First Evaluation of Microplastics in Sediments from the Complex Lagoon-Channel of Bizerte (Northern Tunisia)
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Researchers conducted the first survey of microplastics in sediments from the Bizerte lagoon-channel in Tunisia, finding concentrations of 3–18 items per gram dominated by fibers from fishing and urban discharge, identifying this coastal site as a microplastic hotspot with implications for seafood safety.
Sedimentary records of microplastic pollution from coastal Louisiana and their environmental implications
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Sediment cores from two coastal Louisiana estuaries revealed microplastic fibers, fragments, and sheets accumulating in the sedimentary record, with concentrations highest near the surface and declining with depth. The presence of trace microplastics even in pre-1950 sediment layers — likely from bioturbation — highlights how these pollutants become embedded in coastal ecosystems, creating long-term exposure risks for benthic organisms.
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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.