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Microplastics in ports worldwide: Environmental concerns or overestimated pollution levels?
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This review analyzed microplastic pollution data from 78 ports worldwide and found that port environments can harbor significant concentrations of microplastics in water, sediment, and marine life. About 23% of studied ports had microplastic levels in sediment above the threshold predicted to cause ecological harm. Since ports are connected to fisheries and coastal communities, this pollution could affect both marine ecosystems and the seafood supply chain.
Plastic pollution, a pervasive environmental crisis, arises from the improper disposal of non-biodegradable plastics, endangering species and ecosystems worldwide. While microplastics (MPs) have been extensively studied in various ecosystems, they have received scant attention in port environments, despite their pervasive presence. This review selected published articles conducted in ports worldwide between 2010 and 2024 to determine the concentration, accumulation characteristics, and driving factors. A total of 57 studies across 78 ports met the selection criteria, examining water, sediment, and biota in 49, 51, and 23 ports, respectively. The average concentrations of MPs in water collected by net and grab sampling, sediment, fish, and invertebrates were approximately 39.2 ± 68.4 items/m3, 4100.7 ± 5761.8 items/m3, 243.6 ± 240.2 items/kg, 26.1 ± 21.1 items/individual, and 9.4 ± 8.1 items/individual in ports worldwide, respectively. Asia and the Americas exhibited the highest concentration of MPs in ports across all media. The dominant MP morphotypes included fibers, fragments, films, foams, pellets, and spheres, with sizes frequently between 1 and 1000 μm in biota and water and between 1 and 5 mm in sediments. Port structures and the presence of rivers are key drivers of MP accumulation. MP pollution in ports poses potential ecological and health risks. Among the studied ports, 23% had MP numbers in sediment greater than the predicted no effect concentration (PNEC). The presence of MP in biota and the capability of MP to adsorb other contaminants pose a threat to human health.
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This meta-analysis reviews microplastic pollution levels in seawater and harbors worldwide, finding that contamination is widespread and persistent. The research matters for human health because marine microplastics enter the food chain through fish and shellfish, representing a significant route of exposure for seafood consumers.
Interrelationship of microplastic pollution in sediments and oysters in a seaport environment of the eastern coast of Australia
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Microplastics were found in sediments and oysters in and around a major Australian seaport, with concentrations higher in port environments than reference sites and correlated with local shipping and industrial activity. The study demonstrates that seaports are significant local sources of microplastic contamination in coastal ecosystems.
Microplastics in seawater: sampling strategies, laboratory methodologies, and identification techniques applied to port environment
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A review of 74 global studies on microplastics in port environments was conducted as part of the EU Interreg SPlasH! project, synthesizing sampling strategies, laboratory methods, and results on abundance and distribution. The review highlights ports as significant hotspots for microplastic concentration and potential dispersal to the open sea.
Ecological footprint of microplastics in coastal and estuarine environments of India: Sediment-water interface analysis
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This study mapped microplastic pollution across 16 coastal and estuarine sites along India's coastline, finding contamination everywhere with concentrations varying based on local human activities like port operations, tourism, and fishing. The microplastics were mostly small fibers and fragments under 500 micrometers, and certain plastic types were especially good at absorbing heavy metals. This means microplastics in coastal waters serve as carriers that can transport toxic metals into the seafood chain and ultimately into human diets.
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