We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics and microfibers in surface waters of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, California
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found microplastics and microfibers at two nearshore and two offshore locations in Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary from 2017 to 2019, contributing data on surface water contamination in a protected marine area along the California coast.
Despite a recent report of high concentrations of microplastics and microfibers in the mesopelagic waters of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS), little is known about these particles in surface waters. From 2017 to 2019, we sampled two nearshore and two offshore locations within MBNMS using a manta trawl and analyzed these samples for microplastics and microfibers. We found an average concentration of 1.32 ± 0.70 (SE) particles per m. We found the highest concentration of particles closest to shore, and the lowest concentration above the remote Davidson Seamount. Fiber-like debris was more common in offshore, as compared to nearshore, sites. Overall, particles in our samples were primarily buoyant synthetic polymers, including polypropylene and polyethylene. Our results provide baseline data on the degree of microplastic and microfiber pollution in MBNMS surface waters and confirm that this pollution can be found in waters from the surface to at least 1000 m depth.
More Papers Like This
Surface layer microplastic pollution in four bays of the central Mexican Pacific
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers sampled surface microplastics monthly across four bays of the central Mexican Pacific over one year, finding median concentrations between 0.26 and 0.40 particles per square meter with polypropylene and polyethylene as the dominant polymers. Fibers dominated most samples, though Manzanillo Bay showed seasonal dominance of fragments during the rainy season.
Microplastic contamination in seawater across global marine protected areas boundaries
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted a comprehensive assessment of microplastic contamination across global Marine Protected Areas, finding that these conservation zones are not immune to plastic pollution and highlighting the need for targeted mitigation strategies.
Microplastic abundance, distribution and composition in the mid-west Pacific Ocean
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed microplastic abundance, distribution, and composition across the mid-west Pacific Ocean, an area with previously limited data, finding widespread contamination across sampled stations. The dominant particle types were fibers and fragments, with concentrations varying by location and depth.
Distribution characteristics of microplastics in surface waters in the western Pacific Ocean
AI summary Read the abstract
Surface water sampling across the western Pacific Ocean detected microplastics at an average of 0.37 particles/m³ in all sampled locations, with fibers and fragments under 1 mm predominating and significantly higher concentrations near seamount areas than the South China Sea. The study establishes baseline contamination data for a vast understudied ocean region and reveals that oceanic circulation patterns actively concentrate microplastics even at remote deep-sea topographic features.
A global snapshot of microplastic contamination in sediments and biota of marine protected areas
AI summary Read the abstract
A global snapshot of microplastic contamination in sediments and biota across marine protected areas (MPAs) found that microplastics are ubiquitous even in these conservation zones, undermining their protective function. The review synthesizes occurrence data and calls for microplastic monitoring to be integrated into MPA management plans.
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.