We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Meso- and microplastics monitoring in harbour environments: A case study for the Port of Durban, South Africa
AI summary Read the abstract
The abundance and distribution of meso- and microplastics were investigated in the water column and sediments of Durban Harbour, South Africa, using an immersible pump and particle filtration system. The study established baseline contamination data for a major southern African port environment.
An investigation into the abundance and distribution of meso- and microplastics within the Port of Durban was conducted using a static immersible water pump and particle filtration system to collect meso- and microplastics from the water column, microplastics from sediment samples and corresponding CTD. Microplastics were detected in all samples under investigation. Results suggest that sewage overflow, stormwater drains, port operations, followed by rivers are input areas for mitigation to focus on. Identifying meso- and microplastics inputs, baselines and distribution allow for long term monitoring and management in a harbour environment. This can potentially contribute to the control and regulation of small plastics particles in harbours, and the subsequent transport of these pollutants via dredged material into other ecosystems.
More Papers Like This
The number of plastic particles found in estuarine sediment and water samples of five estuaries, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers quantified microplastic concentrations in sediments from five estuaries along the Durban coastline in South Africa and on intervening beaches, finding plastic particles in all sites. The study provides one of the first assessments of microplastic levels in South African estuaries, which are important transitional zones between land and ocean.
Plastic pollution in five urban estuaries of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured microplastic levels in sediment, surface water, and beach sand across five estuaries near Durban, South Africa, finding that an urban harbor area (Bayhead) had by far the highest concentrations and that plastic types shifted from fragments near the city to fiber dominance in more distant estuaries, confirming estuaries as conduits for terrestrial plastic entering the ocean.
Characteristics and distribution of litter, mesolitter and microplastics in Table Bay, Cape Town, South Africa
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers characterized the size, shape, type, and distribution of litter and microplastics in Table Bay, Cape Town, finding significant contamination in both beach sediments and nearshore waters. The study provides baseline data for monitoring plastic pollution in this South African coastal ecosystem.
Characteristics and risk assessment of microplastics in water and mussels sampled from Cape Town Harbour and Two Oceans Aquarium, South Africa
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers characterized microplastics in water and mussel samples from Cape Town Harbour and the Two Oceans Aquarium in South Africa, finding primarily fibrous black or grey particles between 1 and 2 mm in size. The study provides baseline data for microplastic contamination in a major South African port and a controlled aquarium environment.
Spatial distribution and consequences of contaminants in harbour sediments – A case study from Richards Bay Harbour, South Africa
AI summary Read the abstract
Surface sediments from Richards Bay Harbour in South Africa were analyzed for microplastics, metals, and microfaunal assemblages, finding that microplastics concentrated near recreational areas while heavy metals were elevated near bulk goods terminals, with sediment core analysis documenting historical metal contamination and bioindicator stress at contaminated sites.
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.