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Microplastics (20 µm – 5 mm) in surface waters of Cuban coral reef ecosystems analyzed by Laser Direct Infrared Imaging (LDIR)
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Researchers conducted the first detailed investigation of microplastics ranging from 20 micrometers to 5 mm in surface waters of Cuban coral reef ecosystems, collecting 72 samples from 22 stations during the BOJEO CUBA 2024 cruise and identifying 2,616 microplastic particles across 11 polymer types using laser direct infrared chemical imaging spectroscopy, with polypropylene (27%) and polyethylene (25%) dominating.
This study is the first detailed investigation of microplastics (MPs) ranging from 20 µm to 5 mm in surface waters of coral reef ecosystems of the coast of Cuba. A total of 72 samples were collected from 22 stations during the scientific cruise "BOJEO CUBA 2024". The post-sampling treatment was based on enzymatic digestion of organic matter and subsequent analysis of the MPs using laser direct infrared (LDIR) Chemical Imaging Spectroscopy. A total of 2,616 MPs and 11 types of polymers have been identified, with a significant composition of Polypropylene accounting for 27% of the total, followed by Polyethylene (25%), Polytetrafluoroethylene (12 %), Polyurethane (11 %), and Polyethylene terephthalate (10 %). From a size perspective, 94 % of these MPs were smaller than 300 microns, indicating a significant presence of very small particles. Total number concentrations ranged from 11 to 176 microplastic particles per Liter, with an average of 75 MP L⁻¹ and a standard deviation of 41 MP L⁻¹. The spatial analysis clustered the selected sampling sites into three groups based on the abundance and polymer composition, reflecting varying levels of MP pollution and potential sources across the island.
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