We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Seasonal Variations in the Content of Microplastic Particles in the Sands of the Beach Swash Zone
AI summary Read the abstract
This study tracked seasonal changes in microplastic particle concentrations in beach sands along the Vistula Spit on the Baltic Sea over multiple sampling periods. Microplastic content varied by season and particle size, providing baseline data for understanding how plastic pollution fluctuates in dynamic coastal environments.
The paper considers the seasonal dynamics of the content of microplastic particles with a size from 0.5 to 5 mm in the sands of the surf zone of the Vistula Spit (the Baltic Sea). Microplastic particles are classified by size and color. The results are compared with the data for the Curonian Spit. It is concluded that the level of contamination with small microplastics (0.5–2 mm) of the sands of the swash zone can be used as a "background" value for the entire region and during all seasons of the year. The current level of sand contamination in the wave swash zone in the South-Eastern Baltic by small microplastic particles (0.5–2 mm) is 30–60 pieces per kg of dry weight throughout the year, while more than 90% are fibers.
More Papers Like This
Spatio-temporal variability in the abundance and composition of beach litter and microplastics along the Baltic Sea coast of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
AI summary Read the abstract
Beach litter and microplastics (20-5000 microns) were co-assessed along the Baltic Sea coast of Schleswig-Holstein in spring and autumn 2018, finding no correlation between macro and microplastic abundances, with a median of 2 microplastic particles per 500 g dry sediment and six polymer types identified.
Micro- and Mesoplastic Monitoring on Beaches: Understanding Seasonal and Spatial Distribution Patterns
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers monitored microplastic abundance and composition across 11 Latvian Baltic Sea beaches over four seasons from autumn 2022 to summer 2023, finding that seasonal climate patterns and proximity to the Gulf of Riga influence both microplastic load and spatial distribution along the northeastern European coastline.
Why sampling season and location matter for monitoring micro and mesoplastics on the beach
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed microplastic pollution across 11 marine beaches in Latvia over four seasons from autumn 2022 to summer 2023, demonstrating how sampling season and location significantly influence measured pollution levels in the Baltic Sea region due to seasonal weather patterns and local hydrodynamics.
Changes in (micro and macro) plastic pollution in the sediment of three sandy beaches in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, in relation to seasonality, beach use and granulometry
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured plastic and microplastic pollution in sediment from three Mediterranean beaches across seasons, finding that smaller microplastics accumulate at the backshore while larger items concentrate near the waterline. Seasonal patterns and beach use intensity affected plastic abundance, with implications for beach management and cleanup strategies.
Microplastic concentrations in beach sediments along the German Baltic coast
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured microplastic contamination on beaches along the German Baltic coast near river estuaries and tracked seasonal variation over several months, finding contamination at all sites. The study highlights that river mouths are hotspots for microplastic deposition on coastal beaches.
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.