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Environmental Effect of Plastics During the Anthropocene and the Great Acceleration
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This review examines the environmental effects of macroplastics and microplastics across the Anthropocene and the 'Great Acceleration' of plastic production since 1950, with case examples from Tunisian coastal regions including Bizerte, Kerkennah, and Gabes. Researchers found that plastic pollution has become dispersed across continental and marine environments, detectable via infrared spectroscopy, and associated with both aesthetic and ecological damage.
The aim of this chapter is to investigate the environmental effect of plastics (macroplastic and microplastic) during the Anthropocene and the Great Acceleration. Plastic production has worldwide increased since 1950. For instance, many Tunisian regions such as Bizerte, Kerkennah, and Gabes witness a proliferation of plastic and microplastic. The manifestation of the plastic invasion is obviously dispersed within continental and marine environments. The detection of microplastic needs an extraction protocol and the use of the infrared spectroscopy. Added to their esthetic pollution, effect of plastics on environment and human health remains controversial. On the other hand, microplastic fragments obtained after the partial destruction of plastic represent more serious dangers. These fragments are integrated within the pedosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. They may be eaten by animals, including humans. Plastics are also good and safe niches for pathogenic viruses. They are considered as motivators of the Anthropocene virology.
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This review examines the current state of microplastic and nanoplastic pollution along Tunisia's Mediterranean coastline. Researchers summarized the sources, distribution, and environmental impacts of these contaminants on coastal marine ecosystems, as well as recent advances in monitoring and treatment methods. The study identifies critical research gaps and recommends integrated policies and regional cooperation to address plastic particle pollution in the region.
Seasonal and spatial distribution of microplastics in sediments by FTIR imaging throughout a continuum lake - lagoon- beach from the Tunisian coast
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Researchers investigated seasonal and spatial distribution of microplastics in sediments across a lake-lagoon-beach continuum on the Tunisian coast, using FTIR imaging to characterize plastic types, finding microplastics throughout all ecosystems with variations by season, depth, and proximity to pollution sources.
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This study examined micropaleontological records from exoreic wetlands along the Tunisian coast to trace environmental changes during the Late Holocene and Anthropocene, using foraminifera and other proxies to document sea level variation, increasing pollution, and climatic shifts.
Types, occurrence, and distribution of microplastics and metals contamination in sediments from south west of Kerkennah archipelago, Tunisia
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Microplastics and heavy metals were found co-occurring in marine sediments of the Kerkennah archipelago in Tunisia. This co-contamination is a concern because microplastic surfaces can adsorb and concentrate toxic metals, potentially amplifying their environmental and ecological harm.
Microplastics pollution in sediments of Moroccan urban beaches: The Taghazout coast as a case study
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Microplastic pollution was surveyed over two consecutive years in sediments from a heavily urbanized beach in Morocco, finding concentrations increased from 915 to 1,448 particles per kg between 2018 and 2019. The highest contamination was found at the most tourist-frequented southern end of the beach. The study provides baseline data for Moroccan Atlantic beaches and highlights tourism and urban development as key drivers of coastal microplastic accumulation.
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.