We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Persistence and potential increasing accumulation of microplastic pollution on the Skikda coast (northeastern Algeria)
Summary
Microplastic surveys of five beaches along the Skikda coast in Algeria found average abundances of over 6,000 items/m in both spring and autumn — the highest recorded in Algeria — dominated by fragments, pellets, foams, and fibers.
This paper describes the microplastic problems on five sandy beaches along the Skikda coastline (southwestern Mediterranean, northeastern Algeria), defining their magnitudes, spatial-temporal distributions, shapes, polymer types, impacts, and potential sources. The data presented in this study were collected during two field surveys in May (spring) and September (autumn/fall) of 2019. Overall, the average abundance of microplastics across all beaches was 6174 items/m in spring and 6183 items/m in autumn, representing the highest level of MPs ever reported in Algeria. The most common microplastic types found were fragments, pellets, foams and fibers, accounting for >98 % of the microplastic shapes collected in this study. Our findings highlight the persistence of MPs on the studied beaches and that environmental factors such as currents, wind directions, beaching, sedimentation, dunes, and fragmentation all significantly impact the distribution and accumulation of plastic debris on beaches.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
First evidence of plastic pollution in beach sediments of the Skikda coast (northeast of Algeria)
Researchers conducted the first survey of plastic pollution in beach sediments along the Gulf of Skikda in Algeria, detecting mesoplastics and microplastics at all seven sampled beaches, with microplastics being the most abundant size fraction and fragments dominating over films and pellets.
Micro- and macro-plastics in beach sediment of the Algerian western coast: First data on distribution, characterization, and source
Researchers conducted the first survey of micro- and macro-plastic pollution on nine beaches along 124 km of Algeria's western coast, finding plastic concentrations varying from 7.6 to 66 items/m2 with fragments dominating at 83% and pellets comprising nearly 15% of microplastics.
Assessment of microplastic abundance and impact on recreational beaches along the western Algerian coastline
Researchers assessed microplastic abundance on three recreational beaches along the western Algerian coastline. The study found an average of about 55 microplastic items per square meter, predominantly fragments, and used a pollution index to characterize contamination levels, contributing important baseline data for understanding plastic pollution along the understudied North African Mediterranean coast.
Occurrence and characterization of surface sediment microplastics and litter from North African coasts of Mediterranean Sea: Preliminary research and first evidence
Researchers conducted the first investigation of microplastic and macro-litter contamination along North African Mediterranean coasts in the Gulf of Annaba, Algeria. Five types of microplastics were identified, with fibers being the most common at 70%, and polyethylene the dominant polymer. The distribution of contamination was linked to proximity to populated areas, wastewater discharges, and industrial installations.
Assessing Microplastic Contamination in Beach Sediments Along the Eastern Algerian Coast: Distribution Patterns, Abundance, and Potential Origins
Researchers assessed microplastic contamination in beach sediments at three sites along the eastern Algerian coast in the Gulf of Bejaia. Using sodium chloride flotation and standardized sampling across 100 square meter transects, they quantified microplastic density, size distribution, and polymer types. The study provides baseline data on coastal microplastic pollution levels in Algeria and highlights the connection between local human activities and beach sediment contamination.