We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastic concentrations on the urban coastline of KwaZulu–Natal, South Africa, and its impact on juvenile fish.
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured microplastic concentrations along the urban coastline of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, and examined their effects on four species of juvenile fish found in those waters. The study aimed to understand how coastal urbanization drives microplastic pollution and what that means for the health of young fish that are critical to local marine food webs.
Kimerra Goordiyal -Examined the four species of juvenile fish
More Papers Like This
Quantification and characterisation of microplastics ingested by selected juvenile fish species associated with mangroves in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers quantified microplastic ingestion in four species of juvenile fish from mangrove habitats along the South African coast. They found that 52% of fish sampled contained microplastics, predominantly rayon and polyester fibers, with an average of 0.79 particles per fish. The study provides evidence that juvenile fish in mangrove nursery habitats are consuming significant quantities of microplastics, which could affect their development during a critical growth stage.
Effects of urbanisation and a wastewater treatment plant on microplastic densities along a subtropical river system
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers quantified microplastic pollution in sediments along a subtropical river system in southern Africa and examined how urbanization and wastewater treatment affect contamination levels. They found that microplastic densities were highest near urban areas and downstream of wastewater treatment plants. The study suggests that urban development and inadequate wastewater infrastructure are key drivers of freshwater microplastic pollution in the region.
Stormwater outlets: A source of microplastics in coastal zones of Cape Town, South Africa
AI summary Read the abstract
Sampling of coastal water, sediment, and biota near Cape Town stormwater outlets in both dry and wet seasons found microplastics in all matrices, confirming urban stormwater runoff as a significant pathway for microplastic delivery to coastal zones.
Quantifying microplastic pollution in South African mangrove forests: A comparative analysis of abundance, morphotype, polymer composition and toxicity.
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers quantified microplastic pollution in South African mangrove forest sediments across multiple sites, providing rare baseline data for African coastal ecosystems that are underrepresented in global microplastic research. Microplastics were detected at all sampled mangrove sites, with contamination levels varying in relation to proximity to urban development and river inputs.
Do microplastic loads reflect the population demographics along the southern African coastline?
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated whether microplastic contamination levels in the marine environment correlate with population demographics along the southern African coast, examining whether human density and activity patterns predict microplastic loads.
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.