We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Abundance, morphology and chemical composition of microplastics in sand and sediments from a protected coastal area: The Mar Menor lagoon (SE Spain)
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastics were found throughout sand and sediments of the Mar Menor lagoon in southeastern Spain, a protected coastal wetland, with concentrations and polymer types varying by location and depth. The study documents that even legally protected coastal habitats are not shielded from microplastic contamination, raising concerns for the lagoon's fragile ecosystem.
This paper presents the abundance and ubiquitous presence of microplastics in a protected coastal zone located in the southeast of Spain: The Mar Menor lagoon, an important tourist destination in this region. Seventeen sampling sites, corresponding to both intertidal and backshore points, were collected during winter 2017 and 2018, being situated in different protected areas according to international, European and Spanish environmental policies. The main objectives of the study were to examine microplastics in both protected and non-protected areas, and to test the importance of local activities on their presence. Northwest samples reported higher average microplastic concentrations than samples collected in the southeastern part of the coastal lagoon, likely due to the extensive use of sludge from wastewater treatment plants besides the fragmentation of low density polyethylene from plastic greenhouses, being microplastic films also higher for northwest than for southeast samples. Moreover, large inter-site differences observed in microplastic concentrations also demonstrated that local activities, mainly tourism and fishery, may play an important role as microplastic sources. The extensive amount of 17 different polymer types identified in this paper, much higher than most reported in similar studies, together with the variety of colors of microplastics most of them in a fragmented form (59.4%) and mainly detected in urban beaches, should be related to the geographical situation of this coastal lagoon, together with enormous environmental passives accumulated over the past 50 years. Only polyvinyl ester resins proved to be statistically higher in non-protected than in protected zones, probably related to their use in manufacturing boat hulls, although sources and pathways for microplastics are always difficult to assess. Measures to avoid microplastic pollution should be taken through educational programs, with also a clear commitment from plastic producers and transformers.
More Papers Like This
Microplastic contamination in three environmental compartments of a coastal lagoon in the southern Gulf of Mexico
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers documented microplastic contamination in water, sediment, and tiny marine animals in a protected lagoon in Mexico's Gulf coast. Even though the site has protected status, microplastics were found in all three environmental compartments, with polyester and acrylic fibers being the most common types. The study shows that even remote, protected waterways are not immune to microplastic pollution.
Microplastics levels, size, morphology and composition in marine water, sediments and sand beaches. Case study of Tarragona coast (western Mediterranean)
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured microplastic levels, sizes, shapes, and polymer types in coastal water, sediment, and beach sand along the Tarragona coast of the western Mediterranean, finding widespread contamination associated with nearby industrial facilities and a major petrochemical complex.
Marine microlitter in the Mediterranean coast of Málaga, Spain; findings from urban and non-urban beaches including protected area sites
AI summary Read the abstract
Marine microlitter was surveyed on eleven beaches along the Mediterranean coast of Málaga, Spain, including urban, non-urban, and protected area beaches. Microplastics were found at all sites, with higher concentrations on urban beaches. The study confirms that even coastal protected areas in the Mediterranean are not free from plastic pollution and highlights the need for better waste management and public education in coastal tourism areas.
Microplastic Contamination in Protected Areas of the Gulf of Venice
AI summary Read the abstract
Plastic pollution was found in nearly all seven protected marine areas studied in the Gulf of Venice, with microplastics dominating. The findings suggest that official conservation status does not shield coastal sediments from plastic contamination.
Screening and Quantification of Micro(Nano)Plastics and Plastic Additives in the Seawater of Mar Menor Lagoon
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed seawater from Mar Menor lagoon in Spain for micro- and nanoplastics, detecting a wide range of polymer types along with plastic additives including phthalates, UV stabilizers, and flame retardants. Both the plastic particles and the chemical additives they carried were present in the lagoon water. This study demonstrates that plastic pollution in coastal lagoons includes not just physical plastic particles but a complex cocktail of toxic chemical contaminants.
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.