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Polymer Composition and Comparative Analysis of Microplastic Contamination in Tripoli Port Sediments
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Researchers collected sediment samples from three locations along the coast of Tripoli Port in Libya over a year and characterized microplastic abundance, shape, size, and polymer type, finding polyethylene as the dominant polymer and widespread contamination across all sampling sites.
Abstract Microplastic pollution is considered a significant global environmental problem due to its persistence, prevalence, and adverse effects on ecosystems. This study examined the abundance, composition, and spatial distribution of microplastics at three different locations (A, B, and C) along the coast of the Port of Tripoli, Libya. Sediment samples collected between May 2022 and May 2023 were processed through sieving and density separation; microplastics were identified under a stereomicroscope, and polymer analyses were conducted using FTIR spectroscopy. The findings show that polyethylene (PE) was the predominant polymer across all sites, followed by polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene (PS). Microplastic density was directly related to human activities, tourism, and industrial impacts, with the highest values recorded at Location A. The study highlights the importance of targeted waste management, coastal regulations, and awareness-raising programs to reduce microplastic pollution, and provides baseline data for future monitoring and assessment studies.
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FTIR- and GIS-Based Investigation of Microplastic Pollution in Coastal Sediments of Tripoli Port, Libya
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Beach sediment samples from three sites at Tripoli Port in Libya were tested for microplastics using FTIR spectroscopy. Polyethylene was the most common plastic found at all three sites, followed by polypropylene, with polystyrene appearing least often.
Microplastic Contaminants in the Sediment of the East Coast of Saudi Arabia
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Researchers conducted the first measurement of microplastic contamination in sediments along four beaches on Saudi Arabia's east coast, finding 586 microplastic particles with fibers being the dominant shape (96%) and polyethylene terephthalate the most common polymer type, with abundance varying between tidal zones.
Assessment of microplastic pollution in the Gulf of Suez: Abundance and polymeric composition in beach sediments
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This study assessed microplastic abundance and polymer composition in sediments along the Gulf of Suez shores, identifying 268 microplastic particles with an average of 204.3 particles per kilogram of dry sediment, reflecting contamination from the region's intense shipping and industrial activities.
Occurrence and characterization of surface sediment microplastics and litter from North African coasts of Mediterranean Sea: Preliminary research and first evidence
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Researchers conducted the first investigation of microplastic and macro-litter contamination along North African Mediterranean coasts in the Gulf of Annaba, Algeria. Five types of microplastics were identified, with fibers being the most common at 70%, and polyethylene the dominant polymer. The distribution of contamination was linked to proximity to populated areas, wastewater discharges, and industrial installations.
Determination of microplastic pollution in water, sediment, and fish on the northeastern Libyan coast
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Researchers analysed microplastics in surface water, sediments, and fish gastrointestinal tracts at two sites along the northeastern Libyan coast. MPs were detected across all matrices, with fibers and fragments most common, and concentrations in sediments substantially higher than in water, pointing to coastal accumulation driven by poor waste management.
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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.