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Microplastics and associated organic pollutants in beach sediments from the Gulf of Guinea (SE Atlantic) coastal ecosystems
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Researchers assessed microplastic contamination and associated organic pollutants in beach sediments from marine and estuarine lagoon ecosystems in the Gulf of Guinea. The study analyzed over 3,600 microplastic particles for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and other organic contaminants. The findings indicate that microplastics in coastal sediments can carry significant concentrations of sorbed pollutants, with differences between marine and estuarine environments.
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging pollutants of global concern due to their pervasiveness, sorptive capacity for organic and inorganic pollutants, and direct and indirect toxicity to organisms and ecosystems. This study aimed to assess the concentration and the statistical difference in the concentration of microplastic-sorbed organic pollutants from two ecosystems, the marine and estuarine lagoon. Surface sediment from the estuarine lagoon and marine ecosystems were sampled for microplastics (1-5 mm). A total of 3680 MP particles were collected. The plastics were analyzed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). ∑PAHs, ∑PCBs and ∑OCPs were between 0.00 and 0.32 mg/kg, 0.00-0.53 mg/kg and 0.04-2.02 mg/kg, respectively. The results showed a correlation of -0.2, 0.8 and 0.2 between the number of MPs and the concentration of PAHs, PCBs and OCPs, respectively, suggesting that the potential risk of accumulation of plastic-sorbed PCBs is higher than those of OCPs and PAHs. Mann Whitney U test (at 95% confidence level) indicated no statistical difference in the concentration of organic pollutants in lagoon and beach MPs. In addition, we found no significant difference in the accumulation of organic pollutants in MPs from beach drift and high waterlines. The result suggests that the concentration of microplastics-sorbed organic pollutants in both ecosystems is comparable and likely to pose similar potential risks. We recommend that plastic pollution in all ecosystems require attention.
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Data on macro(micro)plastics and hydrophobic organic contaminants in the Gulf of Guinea coastal psammitic beaches
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This data article presents the first measurements of hydrophobic organic contaminants (PAHs, PCBs, and organochlorine pesticides) and microplastics in beach and lagoon sediments along the Gulf of Guinea coastline in West Africa, collected between August and November 2019. Sediment samples from ten sites at each location were analyzed along three waterline transects using density flotation and sieving. The dataset provides primary data on plastic types, polymer composition, and co-occurring organic pollutants in a previously understudied coastal region of the Southeast Atlantic.
Occurrence and distribution of micro(meso)plastic-sorbed heavy metals and metalloids in sediments, Gulf of Guinea coast (SE Atlantic)
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Researchers analyzed the occurrence and distribution of heavy metals and metalloids associated with micro- and mesoplastics in sediments along the Gulf of Guinea coast in Nigeria. The study found that beach microplastics were dominated by polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene, and carried a range of potentially toxic metals, providing baseline data for ecological risk assessment.
Microplastics and associated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface water and sediment of the Bay of Bengal coastal area, India: sources, pathway and ecological risk
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Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in surface water and sediment along two Bay of Bengal coastal beaches in India and found microplastics present at both sites. They also detected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, a group of harmful chemicals, adsorbed onto the microplastic surfaces at concentrations that varied by particle shape. The study highlights that microplastics in coastal waters act as carriers for toxic organic pollutants, potentially increasing ecological risks in the marine environment.
Occurrence and distribution of microplastics-sorbed phthalic acid esters (PAEs) in coastal psammitic sediments of tropical Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Guinea
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Researchers investigated microplastic pollution and phthalate ester (PAE) contamination in littoral sediments at five beaches along the Gulf of Guinea, finding 3424 microplastic particles per square meter dominated by PET fragments. Ecological risk assessment indicated that DEHP and dibutyl phthalate sorbed to microplastics pose medium to high biological risks to marine organisms in the region.
Association between PAH and plastic fragments on Brazilian coast beaches: a baseline assessment
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Researchers conducted a baseline assessment of the association between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and plastic fragments collected from beaches along the Brazilian coast, characterising how microplastics act as adsorption surfaces for these organic pollutants. The study found co-occurrence of PAHs and plastic fragments at sampled sites, establishing contamination baselines and informing understanding of the plastic-pollutant vector pathway.
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.