We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
From the coast to the shelf: Microplastics in Rías Baixas and Miño River shelf sediments (NW Spain)
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastics were characterized for the first time in sediments from the Rias Baixas and Mino River shelf off the northwest coast of Spain, an area known for intense shellfish aquaculture. The study established baseline contamination levels in a commercially important fishing region and identified terrestrial and marine sources contributing to the sediment microplastic load.
Microplastics (<5 mm; MPs) are globally recognized as an issue of emerging concern in the marine environment. In this study, MPs were determined for the first time in sediments from Rías Baixas and Miño river shelf, to show the baseline contamination levels. The Rías is well known for its intense fishing and shellfish harvesting activities. The sampling stations were selected due to their different exposure to anthropogenic activities and/or pressures. Sediment samples were collected using a box corer dredge and analyzed with density separation and μF-TIR analysis to determine polymer type. The results showed MPs pollution in all stations. The mean concentration was 70.2 ± 74.2 particles/kg DW. The main MPs shape was fibers (88.8%) followed by fragments (5.80%). Regarding the polymers, the most abundant were PP (43%) and HDPE (29%). Once again, MPs are ubiquitous all along Rías and Miño river mouth as previously shown in different works.
More Papers Like This
The seasonal cycle of micro and meso-plastics in surface waters in a coastal environment (Ría de Vigo, NW Spain)
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted a year-long monthly sampling study of microplastic concentrations in surface seawater at Ría de Vigo, a Spanish coastal inlet used for fishing and mussel farming, finding seasonal patterns and documenting 32 samples with 854 plastic particles dominated by fragments and fibers. The presence of microplastics in an area used for shellfish aquaculture raises food safety concerns.
Microplastics in coastal sediments from Southern Portuguese shelf waters
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastics were found in coastal sediments collected from southern Portuguese shelf waters, with the highest concentrations near river mouths and populated coastal areas. The study provides baseline data for this Atlantic European coastline and reinforces the pattern that proximity to human settlements drives sediment microplastic loading.
Microplastic distribution in surface sediments along the Spanish Mediterranean continental shelf
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found microplastic contamination in coastal sediments along the Spanish Mediterranean continental shelf between Algeciras and Barcelona, with densities ranging from below detection limits to 1,380 particles per kilogram dry weight, predominantly fibers and fragments.
Microplastics contamination in sediments from Portuguese inland waters: Physical-chemical characterisation and distribution
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers characterized microplastic contamination in sediments from Portuguese inland freshwater systems, identifying particle shapes, sizes, and polymer types to establish baseline contamination levels and inform strategies for reducing plastic accumulation in freshwater environments.
Microplastics in Marine and Estuarine Species From the Coast of Portugal
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in five marine and estuarine species collected from the coast of Portugal, including mussels, clams, and polychaetes. They found microplastics in all species examined, with fibers being the most common type, and noted differences in contamination levels between sampling sites. The study contributes baseline data on microplastic pollution in commercially relevant Portuguese seafood species.
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.