We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Macroplastics in the Bottom of the Veracruz Reef System National Park
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed macroplastic accumulation on the seafloor of the Veracruz Reef System National Park, finding that fishing gear comprised 57% of macroplastic debris, followed by plastic fragments (14%) and textiles (9%). The study found that material density relative to seawater and proximity to economic activities near reefs were the strongest determinants of macroplastic distribution and classification, leading to a theoretical distribution model.
The presence of macroplastics in the marine ecosystem is one of the most serious types of pollution today. On the seabed of reef ecosystems, macroplastics are an indicator of contamination because they are easily observable due to their size greater than 2.5 cm. When these wastes sink, they cause serious damage, such as physical changes to the seabed, entanglement, ingestion and transport of invasive species, and can serve as vectors for other pollutants. The main types of macroplastics found in this research work correspond to 57% fishing gear, 14% plastic fragments and 9% textiles. Most of the macroplastics were located in the Veracruz reef subsystem, in the Gallega, Anegada de adentro, Ingenieros, Pájaros and Hornos reefs; In the Antón Li-zardo reef subsystem, macroplastics were found in the Anegadilla reef and in the middle. In reference to the concentration of macroplastics at the bottom of the PNSAV, it is possible to point out that the higher the density of the material with respect to seawater, the economic activities carried out near the reefs have a greater influence, both in the distribution and in the classification of macroplastics, compared to the hydrodynamics. Finally, with all these elements, a theoretical model of distribution and concentration of macroplastics in reef bottoms is proposed.
More Papers Like This
Accumulation, Composition, Density, and Volume of Marine Litter on Palu Bay
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed macro-debris accumulation at four coastal sites in Palu Bay, Indonesia, and found that residential and river-influenced sites accumulate heavier waste dominated by household items, while tourism zones generate higher item densities of lightweight single-use plastics — with plastic exceeding 94% of debris at tourism beaches.
Linking the Tourism Activity to the Occurrence and Distribution of Microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed microplastic abundance, type, and spatial distribution in coastal water, sediments, and fish across three zones of Gili Trawangan, Indonesia, finding that tourism-related activities concentrated microplastics at recreational beaches with concentrations reaching 19.25 particles/L.
Microplastics in beaches within the influence area of the Veracruz Reef System National Park (PNSAV), Mexico
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers quantified and characterised microplastics from five beaches within the influence area of the Veracruz Reef System National Park, Mexico, using FTIR spectroscopy and SEM analysis on sieved sand samples. A total of 180 plastic pieces (4.5 pieces/m2) were identified, dominated by irregular fragments (92%) composed primarily of high-density polyethylene (27%), low-density polyethylene (27%), and polypropylene (23%).
Are seafloor habitats influencing the distribution of microplastics in coastal sediments of a Marine Protected Area?
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined whether seafloor habitat type influences microplastic distribution in coastal sediments of the Cabrera Marine National Park, finding that habitat structure and hydrodynamic conditions at protected sites affect microplastic accumulation patterns even within a marine protected area.
Composition and spatial distribution of floating plastic debris along the estuarine ecocline of a subtropical coastal lagoon in the Western Atlantic
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found microplastic densities of 7.32 particles per square meter in a subtropical Brazilian coastal lagoon, with plastic filaments — primarily polyester, polypropylene, and polyethylene — being the most abundant type, concentrated near the access channel.
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.