We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics on Barra beach sediments in Aveiro, Portugal
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers collected sediment samples from Praia da Barra beach in Aveiro, Portugal and found significant quantities of microplastics, with fragment and fibre morphologies dominating, linking contamination to both tourism activity and maritime traffic in this Atlantic coastal zone.
Microplastic (MPs) pollution has been recognized as a serious threat to marine environment with the growing use of plastics. There is no sufficient data on the extent and characteristics of MPs pollution in the beach sediments and sand in the Atlantic Ocean. The coastal area is one of the main tourist zones in Aveiro in Portugal, thus, impacted by both tourism and maritime traffic, which are major sources of MPs. Considering this issue, 33 sediment samples were collected from the Praia da Barra beach in Aveiro. This pilot study showed that large quantities of MPs are accumulated on this beach with a median concentration of 100 MP kg-1 (15-320 MP kg-1), that is dominated by polyethylene (30%), polypropylene (27%), polystyrene (18%), nylon (12%), and polyester (6%). Size <1 mm constituted 99.5% of particles, mostly of transparent or black colors, with highest concentrations closest to the water line.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics in Sediments from a Sandy Beach in Costa Nova (Aveiro, Portugal)
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers collected and characterized microplastics from sediments at a sandy beach in Costa Nova, Portugal, finding a variety of polymer types and particle shapes. The study documents microplastic accumulation in a European Atlantic coastal environment and provides baseline contamination data.
Microplastics in coastal sediments from Southern Portuguese shelf waters
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastics were found in coastal sediments collected from southern Portuguese shelf waters, with the highest concentrations near river mouths and populated coastal areas. The study provides baseline data for this Atlantic European coastline and reinforces the pattern that proximity to human settlements drives sediment microplastic loading.
Microplastic levels on sandy beaches: Are the effects of tourism and coastal recreation really important?
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured microplastic levels on sandy beaches in Portugal to determine whether tourism and recreation increase contamination. They found an average of about 1,133 microplastic items per kilogram of sand, mostly fibers and films from polyethylene and polypropylene. While tourism did influence contamination patterns, the study shows that microplastics are widespread on beaches regardless of human activity, creating potential exposure risks for beachgoers.
Presence, Spatial Distribution, and Characteristics of Microplastics in Beach Sediments Along the Northwestern Moroccan Mediterranean Coast
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed fourteen beaches along the northwestern Moroccan Mediterranean coast and found microplastics in every sediment sample, averaging about 59 particles per kilogram of dry sand. Fibers were the dominant shape at nearly 78%, with tourism, fishing, and wastewater discharges identified as the most likely pollution sources. The findings indicate moderate but widespread microplastic contamination along this coastline.
Microplastics on the Portuguese coast
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analysed marine litter across 11 Portuguese beaches over two years and found that 99% of all collected items were plastic, with 68% classified as microplastics under 5 mm and resin pellets comprising 79% of microplastics near industrial areas. Higher concentrations were observed in winter and autumn, near industrial zones and ports, suggesting a predominantly land-based origin.
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.