We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastic contamination in Auckland (New Zealand) beach sediments
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted the first large-scale investigation of microplastic contamination in beach sediments across 39 sites in Auckland, New Zealand, finding contamination at the majority of beaches surveyed. Mean abundance varied by coastal environment type, with estuarine and harbour sites generally showing higher concentrations than open ocean beaches.
We report the first large-scale investigation of microplastic contamination in beach sediments across Auckland, New Zealand's most populous region. Sediment samples were taken from the high tide and intertidal zones at 39 sites across estuary, harbour and ocean environments of the East and West Coasts. Microplastic contamination was present at the majority of beaches studied with a mean abundance of 459 particles.m ranging from 0 to 2615 particles.m. High variability was observed between the sites, indicating the importance of small-scale factors on microplastic contamination. Samples from high and intertidal zones showed no significant difference in microplastic contamination (p = 0.225). The West Coast beaches exhibited higher microplastic contamination compared with East Coast beaches (p = 0.004). Microplastics were predominately fibres (88%), with lower proportions of fragments (8%) and films (4%). The majority of the microplastics analysed were regenerated cellulose (34%), polyethylene terephthalate (22%) and polyethylene (15%).
More Papers Like This
Abundances and characteristics of small (< 0.3 mm) and large (0.3–5 mm) microplastics found in Aotearoa New Zealand beach sediments
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted the first study of microplastic contamination in New Zealand waters, finding that both small (under 0.3 mm) and large (0.3–5 mm) microplastics were present across beach and water samples, with fragment and fiber morphologies dominating the assemblage.
Preliminary Assessment into the Prevalence and Distribution of Microplastics in North and South Pacific Island Beaches
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted a preliminary investigation into microplastic prevalence on eight beaches across North and South Pacific Island locations in New Zealand and Hawaii, analyzing contamination as a function of beach location, sand type, and microplastic morphology. The study found microplastics at all eight sites, highlighting the widespread distribution of plastic pollution across remote Pacific Island shorelines.
Synthetic shorelines in New Zealand? Quantification and characterisation of microplastic pollution on Canterbury's coastlines
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastic particles were found on beaches across the Canterbury region of New Zealand, in both urban and non-urban coastal settings including exposed beaches, estuaries, and harbors. The widespread presence of microplastics even at non-urban sites confirms that plastic contamination has spread broadly along New Zealand's coastlines.
Microplastic pollution on island beaches, Oahu, Hawai`i
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed microplastic densities on six windward beaches of Oahu, Hawaii, finding very high concentrations of 700-1,700 particles/m2 on high-wave-energy beaches with coarser sands, comparable to other remote island beaches globally.
A Field Investigate on Curent Status of Microplastic Pollution on Sandy Beaches of Osaka Bay, Japan
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated microplastic pollution on sandy beaches across Osaka Bay, Japan, sampling 13 coastal sites and finding concentrations ranging from 50 to 9,500 particles per square meter with most accumulation above the maximum monthly high-tide line. The study found that the innermost areas of the bay had markedly higher contamination, averaging 253-313 particles per square meter compared to a bay-wide mean of 52 particles per square meter.
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.