We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Mapping microplastic distribution in maritime corridors: a continuous sampling approach
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers performed continuous underway microplastic sampling over 120 nautical miles along the maritime corridor in the Gulf of Panama near the Panama Canal, comparing this approach against conventional stationary sampling for characterizing surface water microplastic distribution. They found that continuous sampling revealed heterogeneous accumulation patterns driven by currents and wind that would be missed by point-based monitoring.
Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive in marine environments and originate from both land-based and offshore sources. These pollutants are unevenly distributed in surface waters, forming accumulation patches influenced by currents and wind. Stationary sampling provides discontinuous snapshots of MP contamination. Conversely, continuous underway sampling covers large areas, maximizing research vessel time and offering a comprehensive assessment of microplastic distribution in surface waters. Here, we conducted continuous sampling over 120 nautical miles, following the maritime highway corridor in the Gulf of Panama, a critical area due to its position off the Panama Canal, which handles nearly 5 Also see: https://micro2024.sciencesconf.org/559659/document
More Papers Like This
Mapping microplastic distribution in maritime corridors: a continuous sampling approach
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted continuous underway microplastic sampling over 120 nautical miles along the maritime corridor of the Gulf of Panama, a high-traffic area near the Panama Canal, to map surface water microplastic distribution more comprehensively than stationary sampling allows. The approach revealed heterogeneous accumulation patches influenced by currents and wind, demonstrating the value of continuous sampling for characterizing microplastic distribution in shipping corridors.
Microplastic pollution in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean: Validated and opportunistic sampling
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers combined validated sampling data with opportunistic ship-board observations to characterize microplastic pollution across the Northeast Atlantic Ocean, finding widespread surface contamination and improving spatial coverage with the combined approach.
Macro implications of microplastics: a comparative study of microplastic distribution in Bahía Almirante, Bocas del Toro, Panama
AI summary Read the abstract
This comparative study examined microplastic distribution across multiple natural habitats, finding that anthropogenic plastic waste has spread to environments globally and that accumulation patterns reflect local ocean currents, land use, and proximity to human populations.
Beneath the waves: Vertical and horizontal microplastic distribution in the gulf of panama
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated the vertical and horizontal distribution of microplastics in the Gulf of Lion, examining the factors that govern transport from the ocean surface to the seafloor where plastics ultimately accumulate. Depth-stratified sampling revealed how oceanographic processes distribute microplastics through the water column before their final sedimentation.
Research vessel survey & assessment of surface marine microplastics: a comparative study between international water and the united arab emirates
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted ship-based surveys to assess the diversity and abundance of microplastics in surface seawater, comparing results across different oceanic regions and collection methods. The study identified significant variability in microplastic concentrations related to proximity to land and shipping routes.
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.