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Predicting the ecotoxicological impacts of microplastics in the Northern Salish Sea - a novel approach to marine risk assessment using GIS
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This study used GIS-based risk assessment to predict the ecotoxicological impacts of microplastics on the Northern Salish Sea ecosystem, identifying pollution hotspots near populated coastlines. The novel spatial approach helps prioritize which marine areas are most at risk from microplastic contamination and need protective action.
Microplastics are ubiquitous in the world's oceans and have negatively impacted marine biota and ecosystem health. The Salish Sea, an inland sea ranging from Vancouver to Puget Sound, is an ecologically significant ecosystem. This study determined the areas in the Northern Salish Sea in which microplastics are likely to accumulate and subsequently where they are likely to cause ecological harm. Modelling and weighted raster analysis was performed using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Areas of highest risk were identified, four key ecological areas of concern in relation to the results were investigated, and the potential impacts of microplastics on two key sensitive species (southern resident killer whales and Chinook salmon) were discussed. By identifying vulnerable areas and where microplastics are likely to accumulate, the results could be helpful for conservation managers, fisheries management, and natural resource managers.
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Researchers developed a machine learning framework integrated with geospatial analysis to predict microplastic pollution density across ocean regions. The Gradient Boosting model achieved the highest accuracy with 97% predictive performance, and spatial visualizations revealed pollution hotspots concentrated near industrial coastlines and major ocean current pathways.
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Sediment samples from the Salish Sea (Puget Sound region) were analyzed to determine the abundance, location, and types of microplastics settling in this ecologically important marine area. The study contributes to understanding how microplastics accumulate in seafloor sediments and identifies potential pollution hotspots.
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Scientists examined microplastic ingestion in forage fish and juvenile salmon across different marine habitats in the Salish Sea of the Pacific Northwest. They found that fish from nearshore urban areas had more microplastics in their stomachs than those from offshore or less developed areas. The results suggest that habitat type and proximity to human activity are important predictors of microplastic exposure in marine food webs.
From land to the Salish Sea – Towards an understanding of microplastics source, transport and fate
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.