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Study of plastic pollution and its potential sources on Gran Canaria Island beaches (Canary Islands, Spain)
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A study of Gran Canaria beaches found that larger microplastic and mesoplastic fragments are primarily of foreign origin transported by currents, while smaller synthetic fibers are locally produced. The findings have implications for designing targeted policies to reduce microplastic pollution from both imported and locally generated sources.
In order to understand the origin of plastic debris pollutants that accumulate in the Canary Islands coastline, six beaches of Gran Canaria Island were studied during different seasons to estimate the abundance and the types of two microplastics fraction sizes (0.01-1 mm and 1-5 mm) and mesoplastics fraction (5-25 mm). For the larger fraction of microplastics and mesoplastics, a high percentage of fragments and foams were found; moreover, both fractions show the same accumulation pattern in relation with the wave, wind, and current. The debris was checked for exogenous and local origins. Moreover, for the smaller fraction of microplastics, only natural, semi-synthetic, and synthetic fibres were found, showing a totally different spatial distribution from the others fractions. This result suggests a possible endogenous origin of the contamination, in relation to the type and amount of wastewater discharges and beach users.
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Microplastic and mesoplastic pollution in surface waters and beaches of the Canary Islands: A review
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This review assesses a decade of research on microplastic and mesoplastic pollution in the waters and beaches of the Canary Islands. The study highlights how the archipelago's position in the North Atlantic Subtropical Gyre makes it particularly vulnerable to oceanic transport of plastic debris from remote sources.
Microplastics in the Canary Islands: A Case Study on Transport and Tourist Pressure
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Researchers assessed microplastic contamination in the Canary Islands, a region heavily influenced by Atlantic Ocean currents, and found that remote sources contributed significantly to local beach and water accumulation. The study also evaluated emerging contaminants on an EU regulatory watch list, finding limited but concerning data on ecological risks.
Microplastic debris in beaches of Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain)
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Researchers surveyed microplastic abundance and composition at six beaches on Tenerife in the Canary Islands, finding widespread contamination with pellets and fragments dominated by polyethylene and polypropylene, with higher concentrations on exposed north-coast beaches.
Protected areas in the Atlantic facing the hazards of micro-plastic pollution: first diagnosis of three islands in the Canary Current.
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Microplastic concentrations were measured at 125 beaches on three Atlantic islands (Lanzarote, La Graciosa, and Fuerteventura) in the Canary Current using partnerships with local communities. The study found substantial microplastic pollution in protected Atlantic coastal areas, raising concerns about the adequacy of marine protected areas in the face of plastic contamination.
Beneath the water column: Uncovering microplastic pollution in the sublittoral coastal sediments of the Canary Islands, Spain
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This study examined microplastic prevalence and distribution in sublittoral coastal sediments around the Canary Islands, Spain, sampling 26 locations to characterize both synthetic and cellulosic particle contamination. The results establish a baseline for microplastic pollution in this Atlantic archipelago.
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.