We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Occurrence and spatial distribution of microplastics in sediments from Norderney
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed sediments from Norderney in the North Sea and found widespread microplastic contamination, documenting spatial distribution patterns and particle characteristics across this tidally influenced coastal environment.
The spatial distribution of small potential microplastics (SPM) (<1 mm) in beach sediments was studied on a 500 m stretch of the North Sea island of Norderney. Their correlation with visible plastic debris (VPD) (>1 mm) was also examined. Small microparticles were extracted from 36 one kg sediment samples and analysed by visual microscopic inspection and partly by thermal desorption pyrolysis gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The smallest particle size that could be analysed with this method was estimated to be 100 μm. The mean number of SPM at the three sampling sites (n = 12) was 1.7, 1.3 and 2.3 particles per kg dry sediment, respectively. SPM were identified as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinylchloride, polystyrene and polyamide. The organic plastic additives found were benzophenone, 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, dimethyl phthalate, diethylhexyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, phenol and 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol. Particles were distributed rather homogenously and the occurrence of SPM did not correlate with that of VPD.
More Papers Like This
Occurrence and distribution of microplastics in marine sediments along the Belgian coast
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed marine sediments along the Belgian coast and found microplastics distributed across all sampled sites, documenting their occurrence and characteristics in this heavily trafficked North Sea coastal environment.
Spatial distribution of microplastics in sediments and surface waters of the southern North Sea
AI summary Read the abstract
A systematic survey of microplastic distribution in sediments and surface waters of the southern North Sea found widespread contamination across the region, with spatial patterns reflecting currents, water depth, and proximity to shipping lanes and coastal inputs. The study provides a regional baseline for microplastic pollution in one of the world's busiest shipping and fishing areas.
Microplastics Baseline Surveys at the Water Surface and in Sediments of the North-East Atlantic
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured microplastic concentrations at the sea surface and in sediments across the southern North Sea and northwestern Europe, finding highly variable but widespread contamination. Sediments contained far higher concentrations than surface waters, confirming that the seafloor acts as a major sink for microplastic pollution.
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.
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.