We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Factors influencing the vertical distribution of microplastics in the beach sediments around the Ras Rakan Island, Qatar
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated the vertical distribution of microplastics in beach sediments around Ras Rakan Island, Qatar, sampling to 30 cm depth at 9 locations and using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy to characterise plastic types, identifying key factors that control how microplastics partition through sediment layers.
Microplastic (MP) pollution is an emerging environmental problem, particularly in the marine environment, and nations are concerned about this issue. In this study, an attempt has been made to investigate the vertical distribution of MPs present in the beach sediments around the Ras Rakan Island of Qatar. Sampling was conducted at 9 locations, vertically to a depth of 30 cm with an interval of 5 cm. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy was used to chemically identify the subsets of MPs as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polystyrene (EPS). The counts of MPs were found to be higher in the western and northern parts of the island. The vertical distribution of MPs ranged from 0 to 665 particles/kilogram with maximum abundance at the surface layer (0-5 cm). Pellets were the dominant type of MPs in the surface sediments, whereas fibers were dominant in the bottom sediments. The prevailing winds, waves, tides, and currents are the forces responsible for the distribution and transport of MPs from offshore to the island and further to vertical re-distribution as time progresses. The level of MP pollution along the coast of Ras Rakan Island was higher than that found on the coast of mainland Qatar. Thus, informing that remote islands should also be considered for MP pollution monitoring programs to assess the risk associated with MP on the biota.
More Papers Like This
Prevalence of microplastics in the marine environment of Qatar's exclusive economic zone
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed microplastic prevalence in the marine waters of Qatar's Exclusive Economic Zone, characterizing particle polymer types using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. The study documents that synthetic polymer microplastics are present even in the waters of the Arabian Gulf, a region with limited prior data on microplastic contamination.
Prevalence of microplastics in the marine waters of Qatar
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers documented the first evidence of microplastic occurrence in Qatar's Exclusive Economic Zone, identifying 30 polymer types at an average concentration of 0.71 particles per m3 using ATR-FTIR, with polypropylene, polyethylene, and polystyrene most common and highest concentrations near oil rigs and shipping operations.
Horizontal and Vertical Distribution of Microplastics in the Beach Sediments of Qatar
AI summary Read the abstract
A study of Qatar's beaches found microplastics distributed both horizontally and vertically through beach sediments throughout the Arabian Gulf coastline, with sediment confirmed as the primary long-term sink for plastic particles in this region. The findings add to growing evidence that the seafloor and shoreline sediments of the Arabian Gulf are accumulating significant microplastic loads that could affect benthic organisms and human shellfish consumers.
Microplastics in the Beach Sediments around the Ras Rakan Island, Qatar
AI summary Read the abstract
This study examined microplastic accumulation in beach sediments around Ras Rakan Island in Qatar, establishing historical accumulation trends through vertical sediment profiles. Microplastic concentrations ranged from 0 to 665 particles per kilogram of dry sediment, providing baseline data for this Gulf region.
Seasonal and spatial distribution of microplastics in sediments by FTIR imaging throughout a continuum lake - lagoon- beach from the Tunisian coast
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated seasonal and spatial distribution of microplastics in sediments across a lake-lagoon-beach continuum on the Tunisian coast, using FTIR imaging to characterize plastic types, finding microplastics throughout all ecosystems with variations by season, depth, and proximity to pollution sources.
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.