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Unveiling coastal pollution: A multi-technology approach to micro and macro litter assessment for the environmental characterization of beaches
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Researchers conducted a multi-technology environmental characterization of a Mediterranean beach in southern Italy, simultaneously measuring microplastic density and beach litter composition using innovative low-impact procedures, providing a replicable framework for assessing combined micro-to-macro plastic pollution in coastal environments.
Plastic pollution is a significant environmental issue impacting the Mediterranean basin. Plastic debris, ranging from micro- to macro-plastics, is widespread in various marine environments, particularly along the coast. This study proposes an environmental characterization of the beach environment by utilizing innovative, low-impact, and replicable procedures to assess the densities and composition of microplastics (MPs) and beach litter (BL) at Capitolo Beach close to Monopoli (Bari, southern Italy). The area holds remarkable regional environmental and touristic value. Nevertheless, the environmental quality is influenced by the cyclonic Adriatic circulation pattern. The collected data enable the identification of litter accumulation hotspots, for which tailored management practices are needed. Samples analysis showed the presence of MPs with average values of 2167 MPs/kg (89% fibers), while from the visual screening observation, 80 BL items were detected (83% artificial polymers). Finally, the use of environmental indices allowed the classification of the beach as "very clean" according to the Clean Coast Index (CCI), though it exhibits a "very high" concentration of MPs, as indicated by the Microplastic Pollution Index (MPPI).
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Researchers applied portable near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to conduct comprehensive coastal litter analysis spanning both macro- and micro-size fractions, aiming to bridge the information gap between existing monitoring strategies that separately categorize macroplastics and microplastics on beaches.
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An integrated drone, bathymetry, and sediment survey of an urban beach near Naples, Italy found consistent coastal erosion, coarse sand composition, and high levels of anthropogenic debris including microplastics. The study demonstrates a reproducible geotechnology-based method for simultaneously monitoring beach morphology and plastic pollution in degraded coastal environments.
Microplastic Abundance and Polymer Types in a Mediterranean Environment
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Researchers surveyed microplastic abundance and polymer types across multiple compartments of a Mediterranean marine environment, documenting their presence from the sea surface to beach sediments and within marine organisms. The study adds to growing evidence that microplastics are pervasive throughout Mediterranean coastal ecosystems.
The Method of Studying Microplastics Pollution in the Beach and Bottom Sediments of Different Granulometric Composition
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This paper presents a method for studying microplastic pollution on beaches, describing a field sampling and laboratory analysis protocol for characterizing plastic particles in beach sediments. Standardized beach monitoring methods are essential for generating comparable data across different coastal locations.
Microplastics Beach Pollution: Composition, Quantification and Distribution on the Southern Coast of Brazil
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Researchers quantified microplastic pollution on a southern Brazilian beach, finding an average of 650 MPs/kg of sediment with highest concentrations near the Mampituba River mouth, dominated by polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyamide particles in the 50–100 µm range. The findings confirm that riverine transport is a major pathway delivering microplastics to coastlines, underscoring the need for upstream source control to protect coastal ecosystems.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.