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Suspended Microplastics and Black Carbon Particles in the Jade System, Southern North Sea
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Suspended microplastics and black carbon particles were quantified in the Jade system of the southern North Sea, finding average concentrations of 64 granules and 88 fibres per liter, with sewage treatment plant effluents identified as a significant discharge source. The spatial distribution data revealed granular particles dominate near inland sources while fibres concentrate in offshore areas, highlighting the need for improved wastewater treatment to reduce marine microplastic inputs.
Suspended microplastic and black carbon (BC) particles were determined in surface waters of the Jade system, southern North Sea, including freshwater sources. On average, 64 ± 194 granular particles, 88 ± 82 fibres and 30 ± 41 BC particles/L were recorded. Maximum numbers reached 1,770/L for granules, 650/L for fibres and 330/L for black carbon particles. The distribution along a transect from the inner to the outer part of the Jade system indicates granular particles to be dominant in the inner part, while fibres occur more prominently in the outer part. The distribution of BC particles was more uniform. All freshwater sources including sewage treatment plant effluents discharged microplastics, while BC was encountered only at two of nine discharge points.
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