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Plasma Project
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The PLASMA project is a multidisciplinary study of microplastic pollution in the Mayotte lagoon, one of the world's most biodiverse but increasingly threatened marine environments. Initial results characterize microplastic abundance, polymer types, and spatial distribution in the lagoon, providing a baseline for an ecosystem facing growing human population pressure.
The PLASMA project (Pollution aux microplastiques du lagon de Mayotte) is a multidisciplinary project that began in 2022. It is funded by the Mayotte National Marine Park and aims to gain a better understanding of the state of microplastic pollution in what can be considered one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world. Indeed, the Mayotte lagoon, known for its exceptional biodiversity, is currently facing major threats from human pressure and overpopulation, and the quantity of these micropollutants and their effects on the environment (fauna, marine flora, coral, etc.) need to be assessed. This project is underpinned by a key question. Where do these microplastics come from? Do they come from the local practices of local people? Or do they come from far away, transported by marine currents and accumulated in the lagoon by the particular hydrodynamic circulation of channel lagoons?Modelling work has shown the existence of zones of accumulation and, conversely, zones of dispersion. In addition, a participatory science initiative has been launched to better understand the origin of these microplastics and to raise awareness of the consequences of their presence, first in river water and then in the lagoon. Pupils from Mayotte's secondary schools became budding researchers, sampling (and counting) microplastics in the river near their school, and carrying out ethnographic surveys of the lagoon.
More Papers Like This
Risk Assessment and Spatiotemporal Variation of Microplastic Concentration, Size, and Polymer Type in Mayotte Lagoon’s Surface Water (Comoros Archipelagos)
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Researchers measured microplastic concentrations in the surface water of Mayotte lagoon in the Western Indian Ocean across dry and rainy seasons, finding concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 1.23 MP per cubic meter, with higher levels during the rainy season, and characterized MPs by size and polymer type for risk assessment.
PLASMA (Microplastic pollution in the Mayotte lagoon): participatory science to access closed investigation areas
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Researchers from the PLASMA project used participatory science with island school students to assess microplastic pollution in the rivers and lagoon of Mayotte, France, combining 'low tech' filter construction and river sampling by students with ethnographic surveys in underserved communities. The dual approach established a scientific baseline for microplastic contamination in rivers feeding the lagoon while revealing social relationships with waste management in areas otherwise inaccessible to researchers due to insecurity.
Spatial distribution of microplastics around an inhabited coral island in the Maldives, Indian Ocean
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Researchers investigated microplastic accumulation across fore reef, reef flat, and beach sediment environments surrounding a small inhabited coral island in the Maldives, finding 1,244 individual microplastic pieces across 22 sampling sites. The study reveals that even remote inhabited islands in the Indian Ocean show significant microplastic contamination, with spatial distribution patterns reflecting local hydrodynamics and human activities.
Microplastics in Lagoon Ecosystems: A Review on Occurrence and Methods for Microplastic Detection
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This review synthesizes global evidence on the occurrence and abundance of microplastics in lagoon ecosystems across water, sediment, and biota, identifying critical knowledge gaps and recommending improved sampling and detection methods for more effective pollution management.
Microplastics contamination in pearl-farming lagoons of French Polynesia
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Microplastic contamination was documented in pearl-farming lagoons of French Polynesia, establishing a pollution baseline for these economically important tropical ecosystems and identifying local aquaculture activities as a contributing source.
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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.