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Microplastics in the marine environment of St. Mary's Island: implications for human health and conservation
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This study measured microplastic pollution around St. Mary's Island and found contamination from fishing activities and packaging, including six different types of plastic polymers. The environmental risk assessment rated the area as medium risk, and dangerous chemicals were found attached to the plastic particle surfaces. The findings highlight how microplastic pollution in coastal areas used for fishing and tourism can threaten both marine ecosystems and the health of communities that depend on them.
Microplastics have now been identified as a class of emerging pollutants and is considered as a threat to aquatic organisms. This baseline paper investigated the distribution, composition, and potential ecological risks of microplastic (MP) pollution on St. Mary's Island, revealing an average abundance of 0.218 particles/L in water samples. Blue fibres and white foams were the primary MPs identified, and fishing activities and packaging were the main sources of pollution. Six types of polymers were identified: low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polystyrene (PS), polyamide (PA), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The Polymer Hazard Index (PHI) and Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI) indicated a medium environmental risk for the island. Additionally, it was discovered that MPs' surfaces contained dangerous substances that could endanger aquatic life. The research emphasizes the significance of implementing measures such as responsible disposal, management, elimination, regulatory policies, and local administration techniques to mitigate the impact of MP pollution on the island's shores and marine biota. This research provides a baseline for monitoring MP contamination and underscores the need for continuous investigation to assess their impacts on marine life.
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Occurrence, spatial distribution, and risk assessment of microplastics in surface water and sediments of Saint Martin Island in the Bay of Bengal
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Researchers surveyed microplastic occurrence in surface water and sediments around Saint Martin Island in the Bay of Bengal, finding widespread contamination with spatial distribution patterns linked to tourism and fishing activities, and conducted ecological risk assessment.
Occurrence, spatial distribution, and risk assessment of microplastics in surface water and sediments of Saint Martin Island in the Bay of Bengal
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Researchers surveyed microplastic occurrence, spatial distribution, and pollution risk in surface water and beach sediments of Saint Martin Island in the Bay of Bengal, finding 3,166 particles/kg in beach sediments and elevated polymer risk indices indicating significant coastline pollution despite a low overall risk category.
Occurrence, spatial distribution, and risk assessment of microplastics in surface water and sediments of Saint Martin Island in the Bay of Bengal
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Researchers surveyed microplastic occurrence and spatial distribution in surface water and sediments around Saint Martin Island in the Bay of Bengal, identifying multiple morphological types including expanded polystyrene, foam, filaments, fragments, and fibers, and conducted risk assessments finding sediment concentrations of 3,166 particles/kg.
Presence of microplastic in target species of small scale fisheries and possible social implications on the local communities
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A study of small-scale fisheries found microplastics in commercially important fish species, with species that range widely accumulating more plastic particles than more sedentary fish. Interviews with local fishing communities revealed that fishers who rely on these fish for daily food — rather than just for sale — face disproportionate health risks from microplastic exposure. This research links ecological contamination directly to food security and human health vulnerability in coastal communities.
Delving into South China Sea microplastic pollution: Abundance, composition, and environmental risk
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Researchers characterized microplastic abundance, composition, and environmental risk across four typical islands in the South China Sea, filling a knowledge gap in a region of high ecological and fisheries importance. The study found significant microplastic contamination with polymer types and concentrations posing measurable ecological risk to the archipelago's marine ecosystems.
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.