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Frequent sampling of microplastic particles in surface waters in the open parts of the Kattegat and Great Belt, Denmark
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Researchers used a Ferrybox system aboard a passenger ferry to collect high-frequency microplastic samples from the Kattegat and Great Belt, Danish waters. The study contributed to EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive monitoring requirements, extending previous pilot data with more frequent and larger-volume sampling.
The EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive require that EU Member States establish appropriate strategies and sampling programmes for microplastic in the marine environment. We report the results of a second study sampling microplastics in the Inner Danish Water using the Ferrybox system onboard the ‘M/S Color Line Fantasy’ ferry between Oslo and Kiel. This study aimed to supplement and extend a pilot project following recommendations to increase sample frequency and sample volume.
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Monitoring of microplastics in Danish marine waters using the Oslo-Kiel ferry as a ship-of-opportunity
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Researchers used the Oslo-Kiel ferry as a ship-of-opportunity to collect microplastic samples from Danish marine waters, testing the viability of ferry-based monitoring systems. They found that the FerryBox sampling system could effectively collect surface water microplastic samples during routine voyages. The study demonstrates that commercial ferry routes can serve as cost-effective platforms for long-term marine microplastic monitoring.
Exploration of occurrence and sources of microplastics (>10 μm) in Danish marine waters
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Microplastics larger than 10 micrometers were quantified in Danish marine waters of the Kattegat and southern Skagerrak, an area receiving Baltic Sea inflow and urban runoff from Copenhagen and Malmö. The study establishes baseline concentrations and identifies urban and riverine inputs as key sources to these regional seas.
Abundance and distribution of microplastics in surface waters of the Kattegat/ Skagerrak (Denmark)
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Researchers measured microplastic concentrations in surface waters of the Kattegat/Skagerrak area near Denmark using a specialized pump-filter device capable of capturing particles as small as 10 micrometers. They found concentrations ranging from 11 to 87 particles per cubic meter, with 88 percent of the microplastics being smaller than 300 micrometers. The study demonstrates that standard monitoring nets miss the vast majority of marine microplastics due to their inability to capture smaller particles.
Microplastic content variation in water column: The observations employing a novel sampling tool in stratified Baltic Sea
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Researchers developed a novel sampling tool capable of collecting several cubic metres of water from predefined depth layers down to 100 m and used it to investigate microplastic distribution in the stratified Baltic Sea during spring thermocline formation. They found strong vertical microplastic stratification at all stations, with fibre-rich surface layers near terrestrial sources and offshore variability linked to thermohaline structure.
Ferry terminals as hotspots of microplastic contamination in the Aegean Sea: evidence from coastal waters and sediments
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Researchers sampled seawater and sediment near ferry terminals in the Gulf of Izmir, Turkey, over two years, finding nearly 3,000 microplastic particles, mostly fibers and fragments, with more found in sediment and in autumn. Pollution measurements showed high contamination and ecological risk at busy, urban terminal sites, suggesting ferry terminals are major sources of microplastic pollution.
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.