We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Presence of microplastics in water, sediments and fish species in an urban coastal environment of Fiji, a Pacific small island developing state
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted the first assessment of microplastic levels in surface water, sediments, and fish from the urban coastal environment of Suva, Fiji. The study confirmed the presence of microplastics across all three matrices in this Pacific small island developing state, and evaluated contributions from local sources including wastewater, highlighting that microplastic pollution affects even remote island nations.
Microplastics (MP) in the marine environment are widely reported. However, MP occurrence in some geographical areas such as from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) is missing. The main aim of this study was to assess MP levels in the urban coastal environment of Suva, the capital of the Republic of Fiji. Microplastics were measured from surface water, sediments and fish gastrointestinal tracts (GI) from three sites adjacent to Suva. In addition, an evaluation on the contribution from the local sewage treatment plant to MP levels was undertaken. In general, low levels of MP in water and sediments were detected, but significant differences were observed among sites. The sewage treatment plant was shown to contribute to MP levels in sediment but not in water. Species ingestion of MP was high and associated with MP in sediments. Fibres and fragments were the predominant type of MP, and fifteen different polymers were detected, with higher percentages of polyethylene, latex and polypropylene. In conclusion, MP were found in Suva coastal environment and these MP were associated to land based human activities.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics in subsurface coastal waters along the southern coast of Viti Levu in Fiji, South Pacific
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastics were found in subsurface coastal waters at both urban and rural sites along Fiji's main island, with no significant difference between settings. Even rural and less-developed coastal areas in small island nations experience widespread microplastic contamination.
Occurrence of microplastics within a freshwater aquaculture system in the Pacific Islands, Viti Levu, Fiji
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers quantified microplastics in water, sediment, and fish from a freshwater aquaculture facility in Navua, Fiji, finding consistent concentrations averaging around 3.2 MP/L in water, 2.3 MP/100 g in sediment, and 2.7 MP/fish with fibers dominating all matrices and polypropylene, polyurethane, and nylon as the most common polymers, suggesting shared contamination sources across the facility.
Tracing Industrial Microplastics Footprint in Fiji’s Marine Environment
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested stormwater and runoff water near industrial sites on Fiji's main island for microplastics, finding an average of 2.23 particles per liter. Most particles were small plastic fragments and fibers, mainly polyethylene and polystyrene, materials commonly used in packaging.
Microplastic occurrence in 21 coastal marine fish species from fishing communities on Viti Levu, Fiji
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed microplastic ingestion in 184 fish from 21 species across three coastal communities in Fiji and found microplastics in 74% of fish examined. Fibers were the most common particle type at 66%, with polyethylene and polypropylene the dominant polymers. This dataset, the largest of its kind for Fiji, establishes a critical baseline for monitoring plastic pollution in the region's coastal fishing grounds.
Urbanization Impacts on Microplastic in Benthic Organisms and Sediment of Small Islands
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated how urbanisation on small islands in Indonesia affects microplastic contamination levels in benthic organisms and sediments, examining the impact of land use conversions from pristine ecosystems to settlements and tourism facilities.
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.