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Spatio-temporal monitoring of coastal floating marine debris in the Balearic Islands from sea-cleaning boats
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Researchers analyzed a decade of sea-cleaning boat records from the Balearic Islands and found that plastics made up more than half of all floating coastal debris removed, with concentrations peaking in August and clustering in the northwest and southeast coastal zones.
Mismanaged waste is accumulating at an alarming rate in the marine environment. Its presence has caused local authorities in the Balearic Islands to develop a coastal sea-cleaning boat service covering the region, identifying the floating marine debris, and removing it from the coastal areas. This study considered daily monitoring from May to October spanning from 2005 to 2015. Plastic marine debris composed over 54% of all floating marine debris removed daily across the Balearic Islands. The spatio-temporal patterns indicate a heterogeneous distribution of plastic in the coastal areas, with higher concentrations in the north-western and south-eastern regions of the islands and debris peaking during the month of August. Furthermore, floating marine debris was more easily collected during calm seas as well as using an integrated monitoring approach to facilitate its removal. Overall, sea-cleaning boats are highly effective in removing coastal floating marine debris.
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Monthly manta net trawls at seven nearshore sites around Mallorca found plastic debris in every trawl, with microplastics dominating (74% by count), polyethylene as the most common polymer (70%), and August showing nearly double the debris of other months. The study reveals high spatial heterogeneity and seasonal peaks in nearshore Mediterranean microplastic pollution linked to coastal tourism and ocean dynamics.
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Researchers examined floating marine litter composition in two Mallorca port areas using seabin devices over May–September 2021, collecting 15,899 items and 336 kg of litter and finding that microplastics dominated at 60.8% of all collected material, with seasonal peaks in May and significantly higher collection in Port de Cristo.
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High concentrations of floating plastic debris were documented in summer surface water samples from around the Balearic Islands in the western Mediterranean, with microplastics dominating by number and larger fragments by mass. The results highlight the Balearic Islands as a hotspot for surface plastic accumulation, likely influenced by ocean currents and proximity to major population centers.
Floating Microplastics in the Northwestern Mediterranean Sea: Temporal and Spatial Heterogeneities
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Floating microplastic concentrations in the northwestern Mediterranean showed significant spatial and temporal variation at small scales near coastal river mouths, with levels spiking after rainfall events that flush plastics from land into the sea. This heterogeneity means that single-point measurements dramatically underestimate total microplastic loads, calling for more intensive and dynamic monitoring strategies in heavily polluted enclosed seas.
Quarterly variability of floating plastic debris in the marine protected area of the Menorca Channel (Spain)
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Floating plastic debris was monitored quarterly over a year in a marine protected area in the Menorca Channel (Spain), revealing seasonal variation tied to wind patterns and ocean currents. Even protected marine areas are not shielded from plastic pollution, with peaks in certain seasons.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.