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Pelagic Sargassum as a Potential Vector for Microplastics into Coastal Ecosystems
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This research assessed microplastics entrapped within pelagic Sargassum seaweed collected from the Mexican Caribbean coast. The study suggests that Sargassum mats act as vectors transporting microplastics from the open ocean to coastal ecosystems, amplifying plastic pollution in affected shoreline environments across more than 30 nations.
Macroalgal blooms are increasing globally, with those linked to pelagic Sargassum affecting over 30 nations since 2011. As Sargassum mats traverse the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, they entrap and transport plastic to coastal areas, intensifying pollution in diverse ecosystems. This research assessed microplastics (MPs) within Sargassum fluitans III collected from the northern Mexican Caribbean coast (March 2021 to January 2022). The study employed a hydrogen peroxide protocol for macroalgae pretreatment to optimize MP extraction. All samples analyzed contained MPs at monthly mean concentrations that ranged from 3.5 to 15.3 MPs g−1 DW, with fibers constituting ≥90%. Fiber colors, mainly transparent, blue, and black, exhibited diverse sizes and wear stages. The study underscores the pervasive and consistent presence of MPs in pelagic Sargassum reaching the Mexican Caribbean. Considering the documented Sargassum influxes to this coast in recent years (2789–11,297 tons km−1 yr−1), potential annual MP influxes range from 0.1 × 109 to 17.3 × 109 km−1 yr−1. Efficiently removing beach-cast Sargassum and directing it to landfills could serve as a viable strategy for the simultaneous removal of attached MPs from the ocean and coastal waters, offering a promising mitigation strategy to combat plastic pollution in the examined marine environment.
More Papers Like This
Seaweed as a Carrier for Microplastics
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Researchers investigated whether seaweed stranded on beaches in St. Kitts and Nevis serves as a vector for microplastic transport and deposition in coastal environments. They stained and quantified microplastic particles associated with collected seaweed samples, finding that seaweed acts as a carrier that concentrates plastic fragments from the ocean onto shorelines. The study contributes to understanding how natural floating biomass facilitates microplastic accumulation in coastal zones.
Microplastic Abundance, Distribution and Impacts on Sargassum-Associated Juvenile Fishes in the Gulf of Mexico
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Researchers investigated microplastic abundance and distribution in pelagic Sargassum habitats in the Gulf of Mexico and examined ingestion rates by juvenile fish associated with these floating seaweed aggregations. They found high microplastic concentrations associated with Sargassum and elevated ingestion rates in associated fish compared to reference sites. The study highlights Sargassum as a microplastic concentration hotspot that increases exposure risk for early life-stage fish.
Effects of microplastics on typical macrobenthos in sargassum ecosystems
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Researchers studied the distribution and toxic effects of microplastics on macrobenthos organisms living in Sargassum seaweed ecosystems. They found that microplastic accumulation in these organisms increased in a concentration-dependent manner, though no significant bioaccumulation was observed up the food chain. The study revealed that microplastics induced oxidative stress and altered intestinal microflora composition in the exposed organisms.
Multifaceted assessment of the content of potentially toxic elements and microplastics in the sargassum habitats of Caribbean beaches, Mexico
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Scientists studying seaweed (sargassum) that washes up on Mexican Caribbean beaches found it's absorbing concerning amounts of heavy metals and trapping thousands of microplastic particles, especially near tourist-heavy areas like Puerto Morelos. This matters because that same seaweed often gets left on beaches, used in compost, or handled by beachgoers and cleanup crews, meaning these contaminants could work their way into local food systems, soil, or direct human contact over time. While this study doesn't prove direct harm to people yet, it signals that popular beach destinations need better pollution controls and monito
Study of the removal of microplastics in aquatic environments using Sargassum spp. from the Mexican Caribbean
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Researchers tested Caribbean Sargassum seaweed as a low-cost biosorbent for microplastic removal, finding it could capture up to 30% of PET particles but only 10% of PMMA, with the difference attributed to greater chemical affinity between PET and algal surface functional groups.
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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.