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Proximity to coast and major rivers influence the density of floating microplastics and other litter in east African coastal waters
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Using neuston net and bulk water sampling off the east African coast, this study found that proximity to coast and major rivers strongly predicted floating microplastic and litter density, with concentrations far exceeding open ocean background levels near populated coastal zones.
Floating anthropogenic litter occurs in all ocean basins, yet little is known about their distribution and abundance in the coastal waters off east Africa. Neuston net and bulk water sampling shows that meso- and micro-litter (8567 ± 19,684 items∙km, 44 ± 195 g∙km) and microfibres (2.4 ± 2.6 fibres∙L) are pervasive pollutants off the coasts of Tanzania and northern Mozambique, with higher litter loads off Tanzania. Densities of meso- and micro-litter at the start of the rainy season were greater close to the coast and to major river mouths, suggesting that much litter likely originates on land. However, the mass of litter increased with distance from the six major coastal cities. By number, 95% of meso- and micro-litter was plastic, but only 6% of microfibres. Our results highlight the need to reduce plastic use and improve solid waste management in the region.
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Researchers investigated whether microplastic contamination levels in the marine environment correlate with population demographics along the southern African coast, examining whether human density and activity patterns predict microplastic loads.
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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.