We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastic concentrations in beach sediments along the German Baltic coast
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured microplastic contamination on beaches along the German Baltic coast near river estuaries and tracked seasonal variation over several months, finding contamination at all sites. The study highlights that river mouths are hotspots for microplastic deposition on coastal beaches.
The contamination with microplastic particles and fibres was evaluated on beaches along the German Baltic coast. Sediments were sampled near the Warnow and Oder/Peene estuaries, on Rügen island and along the Rostock coast to derive possible entry pathways. Seasonal variations were monitored along the Rostock coast from March to July 2014. After density separation in saline solution, floating particles were found to be dominated by sand grains. Water surface tension is shown to be sufficient to explain floatation of grains with sizes less than 1.5mm. Selecting intensely coloured particles and fibres, we find lower limits of the microplastic concentrations of 0-7 particles/kg and 2-11 fibres/kg dry sediment. The largest microplastic contaminations are measured at the Peene outlet into the Baltic Sea and in the North Sea Jade Bay. City discharges, industrial production sites, fishing activity and tourism are the most likely sources for the highest microplastic concentrations.
More Papers Like This
Occurrence and Spatial Distribution of Microplastics in River Shore Sediments of the Rhine-Main Area in Germany
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed river shore sediments and documented the occurrence and spatial distribution of microplastics, finding that sediment accumulation zones along riverbanks are hotspots for microplastic deposition.
Microplastic abundance in beach sediments of the Kiel Fjord
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed microplastic abundance in beach sediments at three sites in Kiel Fjord, Germany, finding plastics at all locations including one near a sewage treatment plant. The study highlights how multiple sources — recreational use, wastewater discharge, and plastic litter — contribute to microplastic accumulation in coastal sediments.
The detection of microplastics in beach sediments
AI summary Read the abstract
This study investigates spatial and temporal variations in microplastic concentrations in beach sediments at multiple locations along the German Baltic and North Sea coasts, finding particle and fiber concentrations of 0-11 colored pieces per kg sediment.
River inflow of microplastics and their distribution in sea areas on the example of the southern Baltic Sea
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tracked the flow of microplastics from rivers into adjacent sea areas in the Baltic region, quantifying concentrations at the river-sea interface. River inflow was confirmed as a major delivery pathway for marine microplastic contamination in enclosed coastal seas.
Occurrence, distribution and sources of microplastics in beach sediments of Miri coast, NW Borneo
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers characterized microplastic pollution in the surface sediments of 10 European rivers, detecting particles at all sites with concentrations ranging from 14 to 895 particles per kilogram of dry sediment. Urban rivers showed the highest contamination levels.
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.