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Quantifying microplastics pollution in the Red Sea and Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba: Insights from chemical analysis and pollution load assessment
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This first comprehensive survey of microplastic pollution along Egyptian Red Sea shores found mostly low to medium levels of plastic contamination, with a marine protected area (Ras Mohamed) showing surprisingly high vulnerability. All particles were secondary fragments of weathered plastic, primarily polyethylene and polypropylene, linked mainly to maritime cargo and recreational boat traffic rather than land-based waste. The findings fill a significant geographic gap in global microplastic monitoring and highlight tourism and shipping as key management targets in this ecologically sensitive and endemic-rich region.
Microplastics (MPs) constitute the majority of marine plastic litter. The pollution caused by MPs has been categorized as a gradual and persistent crisis, but little is known about its extent along the shores of the Red Sea, particularly on the Egyptian side. The Red Sea is a rapidly developing region and home to critical ecosystems with high levels of endemism. This study represents the first comprehensive survey investigating the extent of MP pollution along the Egyptian shores of the Red Sea, including the Gulf of Suez and Aqaba. Mean concentrations ranged from 23.3 ± 15.28 to 930.0 ± 181.9 MPs/kg DW. Out of 17 beaches surveyed, 12 had mean concentrations of <200 items/kg, indicating a low occurrence of MPs compared to the shores of the Mediterranean Coast of Egypt. The pollution load index varied from low to medium levels in most locations. Ras Mohamed, a marine protected area, showed high vulnerability to MP pollution. All the investigated particles were fragments of secondary MPs. The sources of pollution mainly come from maritime activities, including cargo shipping and intense recreational activities. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy identified four plastic polymers, with polyethylene and polypropylene being the most common. The surface morphology of plastic particles was examined using scanning electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. All the particles exhibited signs of degradation, which could generate countless plastic pieces with possible deleterious impacts. This work has highlighted the importance of conducting region-specific assessments of mismanaged plastic waste, focusing on the role of tourism and recreational navigation as contributors to plastic litter, to estimate plastic waste inputs into the waters of the Red Sea Coast of Egypt. Efforts are needed to develop strategic plans to reduce the disposal of plastic waste in the region.
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Microplastics were found in surface water, sediment, and fish tissues across Red Sea and Mediterranean sites in Egypt, with the highest concentrations near ports and river mouths, and polyethylene and polypropylene dominating the polymer composition in both water bodies.
Assessment of Microplastics Pollution in Marine Water Along Gulf of Suez, Egypt
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Researchers assessed microplastic pollution at nine beach locations along the Gulf of Suez, Egypt, identifying 1,982 microplastic debris particles in water samples via microscopy and characterizing various morphologies, providing baseline data on spatial fluctuations of microplastic contamination in this Red Sea region.
Microplastic in the marine environment of the Red Sea – A short review
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Researchers review the growing body of evidence on microplastic pollution in the Red Sea, where studies conducted over the past five years reveal significant contamination in the water, sediments, and marine life. This matters because the Red Sea supports major fisheries and tourism, and microplastics that accumulate in seafood can ultimately reach humans who eat it.
Microplastics in marine invertebrates from the Red Sea Coast of Egypt: Abundance, composition, and risks
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This is the first study to document microplastics in marine invertebrates along Egypt's Red Sea coast, examining 11 species of clams, snails, sea urchins, and sea cucumbers. Every animal sampled contained microplastics, with filter-feeding bivalves showing the highest concentrations per gram of tissue. The plastics identified were linked to tourism-related sources, highlighting how coastal recreation contributes to wildlife contamination.
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Floating plastic debris was found at relatively low abundance along 1,500 km of the Saudi Arabian Red Sea coastline, dominated by small plastic fragments. Despite lower densities than some other ocean regions, plastic pollution is present throughout this important semi-enclosed sea.
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