We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
First Evidence of Mesoplastic Pollution in Beach Sediments of the Moroccan Mediterranean Coast
AI summary Read the abstract
This first investigation of mesoplastic pollution along the entire Mediterranean coast of Morocco collected 1,998 mesoplastic items from 33 beaches, finding average concentrations ranging from 0.61 to 20.18 items/kg. Polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and PVC fragments dominated, with fishing activities, coastal recreation, and wastewater discharge identified as primary sources.
The problem of marine plastic pollution is multifaceted and poses a serious threat to the ecosystem and human health. This work is the first investigation of mesoplastics (MEPs, 5 mm–2.5 cm) along the most representative beaches of the whole Mediterranean coast of Morocco. Surface sediment samples (0–5 cm), with 3 replicates each, were collected from thirty-three beaches to identify mesoplastic item characteristics (concentration, weight, type, size, color, and nature). The samples were collected between October and November 2021 and a total of 1998 mesoplastics (59.99 g kg−1) were collected from the thirty-three beaches studied. The average concentrations ranged from 20.18 ± 13.93 MEP kg−1 to 0.61 ± 0.61 g kg−1, showing a great variability within each beach and between the beaches investigated. Mesoplastic fragments accounted for 43.92% of the total mesoplastic items, showed sizes from 5 to 10 mm (56.64%) and were predominantly white/transparent (43.36%). Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed that Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene (PS), and Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) were the most common polymers. The present results revealed a moderate level of mesoplastics pollution along the beaches investigated. Fishing, coastal activities, and wastewater discharges were probably the main sources. Furthermore, this study is likely to serve as a scientific baseline for monitoring and tracking mesoplastic pollution on Moroccan beaches.
More Papers Like This
Presence, Spatial Distribution, and Characteristics of Microplastics in Beach Sediments Along the Northwestern Moroccan Mediterranean Coast
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed fourteen beaches along the northwestern Moroccan Mediterranean coast and found microplastics in every sediment sample, averaging about 59 particles per kilogram of dry sand. Fibers were the dominant shape at nearly 78%, with tourism, fishing, and wastewater discharges identified as the most likely pollution sources. The findings indicate moderate but widespread microplastic contamination along this coastline.
Abundance and distribution of microplastics on sandy beaches of the eastern Moroccan Mediterranean coast
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed 19 sandy beaches along the eastern Moroccan Mediterranean coast and found microplastic concentrations ranging from 40 to 230 particles per kilogram of sand. Fibers were the most common shape, making up about 75 percent of all particles found, with polyethylene, polystyrene, and polypropylene as the dominant polymer types. The findings indicate a moderate level of microplastic contamination along this stretch of coastline.
Detecting and measuring Microplastic pollution in Al Hoceima City's harbor, northern Morocco
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated microplastic pollution in surface water and sediment samples collected from Al Hoceima City's harbor in northern Morocco using manta nets, core samplers, and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. They identified polyethylene (70.2%) and polypropylene (20.5%) as dominant polymers, primarily as fibres, fragments, and films ranging from 0.10 to 6 mm, with higher concentrations in sediment than surface water.
Micro and mesoplastics pollution in beach sediments of Skikda coasts (northeast of Algeria)
AI summary Read the abstract
This study is the first to survey plastic debris in beach sediments along the Skikda Gulf coastline in northeastern Algeria, covering 50 km of Mediterranean shoreline. Fragments and pellets were the dominant forms found, with polyethylene and polypropylene identified as the main polymers. The results fill a data gap for the southwestern Mediterranean and highlight the need for improved coastal waste management in Algeria.
Distribution and characterization of microplastics in marine sediments from al-hoceima bay (southwestern mediterranean, morocco)
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined the presence and distribution of microplastics in marine sediments from nine stations in Al-Hoceima Bay on the Moroccan Mediterranean coast, sampling with Van Veen grabs during 2019, 2020, and 2021 and analyzing particles via optical microscopy. They identified fibers, fragments, foams, and films as the dominant microplastic types, documenting pollution levels in a biodiverse but increasingly anthropogenically pressured coastal zone.
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.