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Microplastics in Surface Waters and Sediments in the Sebou Estuary and Atlantic Coast, Morocco
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Researchers measured microplastic abundance and characteristics in water and sediment samples along the Sebou Estuary and Atlantic Coast of Morocco, finding MPs at all sites with higher concentrations near urban centers and rivers, and identifying fibers from fishing and domestic wastewater as dominant sources.
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging contaminants and present risks to human and environmental health. Microplastic levels were examined in sediment and surface water samples at stations along the Sebou Estuary and Atlantic Coast of Morocco. The microplastic abundance, distribution, and characteristics were characterized. The microplastics were separated into fragments, fibers, films, and granules. The results at all stations showed that the microplastic abundance in water samples ranged from 10 to 168 particles/m³, whereas in the sediment samples, the levels were from 10 to 300 particles/kg. Stations adjacent to Kenitra City showed significantly high levels of microplastics (p < 0.001) compared with the Atlantic Coast, likely due to population density and human activity. The majority of the detected microplastics was from 0.1 to 0.5 mm, followed by 0.5 to 1 mm. The predominant shape in water and sediments were fragments. The results for the type, size, and color of the microplastics suggest the Sebou Estuary is a hotspot on the Atlantic Coast. The results of this study may contribute to increased awareness and better implementation of solid waste management plans, especially at Kenitra City, to protect the biologically diverse ecosystem of the Moroccan Estuary and Atlantic Coast.
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Identification and quantification of microplastics in surface water of a southwestern Mediterranean Bay (Al Hoceima, Morocco)
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Researchers sampled surface water in a Mediterranean bay in Morocco over three years and found microplastics at concentrations up to 15 particles per cubic meter, with polyethylene being the most common polymer — providing the first baseline data on microplastic pollution along Morocco's Mediterranean coastline.
Microplastics pollution along the central Atlantic coastline of Morocco
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Microplastic surveys of seven beaches on Morocco's central Atlantic coast found densities ranging from 7,680 to 34,200 particles/kg -- higher than many global reports -- with fibers (73%) and polyethylene (59%) dominating, providing baseline data for this previously unstudied coastline.
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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.