Papers

61,005 results
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Article Tier 2

Ecosystem Effects and Magnitude of Microplastics Pollution in St. Andrew Bay, Florida

This study quantified microplastic pollution in St. Andrew Bay, Florida, examining inputs from wastewater treatment plants and other coastal sources. The research documented ongoing daily microplastic deposition into this coastal system and characterized its sources and spatial distribution.

2024 DigiNole (Florida State University)
Article Tier 2

Influence of wastewater treatment plants and water input sources on size, shape, and polymer distributions of microplastics in St. Andrew Bay, Florida, USA

Researchers found that wastewater treatment plant outflows in St. Andrew Bay, Florida significantly influence the size, shape, and polymer composition of microplastics, with smaller polypropylene fragments dominating near discharge points.

2023 Marine Pollution Bulletin 31 citations
Article Tier 2

Microplastics in Tampa Bay, Florida: Abundance and variability in estuarine waters and sediments

This study provided the first systematic measurements of microplastic abundance and distribution in Tampa Bay, Florida, finding microplastics in both surface water and sediments throughout the estuary, with higher concentrations near urban areas. The data establish baseline contamination levels for one of Florida's largest estuaries and identify stormwater and wastewater as key sources.

2019 Marine Pollution Bulletin 168 citations
Article Tier 2

Wastewater treatment plants as a source of microplastics to an urban estuary: Removal efficiencies and loading per capita over one year

Three South Carolina wastewater treatment plants were monitored for microplastic loads and removal efficiencies monthly over a year, finding removal of 59–98% with concentrations in effluent varying 4.8-fold between samples and no seasonal trend. The study demonstrates that even large, well-operated WWTPs release substantial quantities of microplastics year-round to receiving estuaries.

2019 Water Research X 492 citations
Article Tier 2

Microplastics in mangrove and beach sediments on southeast Florida barrier islands

Researchers quantified and characterized microplastic abundance, distribution, and variation in estuarine mangrove and beach sediments across southeast Florida barrier islands. The study aimed to improve understanding of microplastic hazards in these coastal ecosystems to support conservation efforts for mangrove and beach environments.

2025 Shore & Beach
Article Tier 2

Sources of microplastics pollution in the marine environment: Importance of wastewater treatment plant and coastal landfill

This study assessed a coastal municipal wastewater treatment plant and a nearby beach landfill as sources of microplastic pollution in the marine environment, finding both contributed significantly to coastal contamination. The study supports multi-source pollution control strategies for coastal areas where both wastewater infrastructure and solid waste disposal are inadequate.

2019 Marine Pollution Bulletin 300 citations
Article Tier 2

Assessment of microplastics pollution in Biscayne Bay: Spatial distribution, tidal variability, and polymer hazard analysis

Researchers assessed microplastic pollution in Biscayne Bay, Florida, examining spatial distribution, the influence of tidal cycles, and potential hazards based on polymer type. They found an average abundance of approximately 7 particles per cubic meter of surface water, predominantly low-density polymers like polyethylene and polypropylene. The study indicates that tidal dynamics influence microplastic distribution in the bay and that certain polymer types pose greater ecological risks than others.

2026 Marine Pollution Bulletin
Article Tier 2

Microplastic abundance in beach sediments of the Kiel Fjord

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.

2021 Publishing Network for Geoscientific and Environmental Data (PANGAEA) (Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research)
Article Tier 2

Microplastics in Florida, United States: A Case Study of Quantification and Characterization With Intertidal Snails

Researchers quantified and characterized microplastic contamination in Florida coastal waters using intertidal snails as indicator organisms, documenting the extent of MP pollution along beaches that are subject to heavy tourism and hurricane disturbance.

2021 Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution 26 citations
Article Tier 2

Spatial and seasonal variation of microplastics and possible sources in the estuarine system from central west coast of India

Researchers collected samples from an estuarine system on India's west coast across two seasons, finding significant spatial and seasonal variation in microplastic abundance — with monsoon season delivering higher loads — and identifying local fishing activities and urban runoff as primary sources.

2021 Environmental Pollution 135 citations
Article Tier 2

Nematode Community Structures in the Presence of Wastewater Treatment Plant Discharge

Researchers examined how wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) discharge affects nematode communities in sediments of St. Andrew Bay, Florida. Sites near WWTP outflows showed altered nematode diversity and abundance compared to reference sites. Nematode communities are sensitive indicators of sediment pollution and can be used to assess the ecological impact of wastewater discharge including microplastic contamination.

2023 Research Square (Research Square)
Article Tier 2

Spatiotemporal variation in microplastic contamination along a subtropical reservoir shoreline

Researchers tracked microplastic contamination along the shoreline of a subtropical reservoir over two years and found that microplastic abundance was higher near urban areas and varied with season, with storm-related inputs creating significant temporal spikes.

2020 Environmental Science and Pollution Research 67 citations
Article Tier 2

Abundance and characteristics of microplastics in beach sediments: Insights into microplastic accumulation in northern Gulf of Mexico estuaries

Researchers surveyed microplastic abundance in beach sediments across seven locations in Mobile Bay, a northern Gulf of Mexico estuary. The study found microplastics were ubiquitous at concentrations 66 to 253 times higher than reported for the open ocean, with polypropylene and polyethylene being the most common polymers, highlighting the extent of microplastic accumulation in estuarine environments.

2016 Marine Pollution Bulletin 310 citations
Article Tier 2

Contribution of Stormwater Outfalls to Microplastic Pollution in a Subtropical Estuary Using Data Collected with the Assistance of Citizen Scientists

Researchers used citizen scientists to collect monthly water samples from 24 stormwater outfalls and 6 control sites in the Indian River Lagoon, Florida for 12 months to assess microplastic contributions from stormwater discharge into a subtropical estuary. A total of 958 microplastics were identified from 1,800 L of water, with outfall sites (mean 0.53 MP/L) discharging significantly smaller and more numerous microplastics than control sites, with highest concentrations in fall hurricane season.

2023 Environments 4 citations
Article Tier 2

Seasonal variation of microplastics in tropical mangrove waters of South-western India

Researchers measured seasonal variations in microplastic contamination within tropical mangrove waters in South-Western India. They found that post-monsoon concentrations were highest at 1.42 microplastics per liter, while monsoon season had the lowest levels at 0.19 per liter. Fibers were the most common particle type, with polymers including polypropylene, PET, and polyethylene identified, likely originating from local tourism, aquaculture, and marine industries.

2023 Regional Studies in Marine Science 30 citations
Article Tier 2

Factors driving the abundance and distribution of microplastics on sandy beaches in a Southwest Atlantic seaside resort

Researchers investigated factors driving microplastic abundance on sandy beaches along the Southwest Atlantic coast, finding that both natural forces like wave energy and anthropogenic inputs influenced the distribution of fiber and fragment microplastics in surface sediments.

2021 Marine Environmental Research 41 citations
Article Tier 2

The distribution and ecological effects of microplastics in an estuarine ecosystem

Researchers surveyed 22 intertidal sites and found that microplastic abundance, size, and diversity correlated with benthic microalgal communities and sediment biostabilization properties in an estuarine ecosystem.

2021 Environmental Pollution 36 citations
Article Tier 2

Microplastics: Sources and distribution in surface waters and sediments of Todos Santos Bay, Mexico

Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in surface water, sediments, and wastewater treatment plant effluents in Todos Santos Bay, Mexico, detecting microplastics in all matrices with fragments and fibers as the dominant morphologies and polypropylene and polyethylene among the identified polymers. Wastewater treatment plant effluents were identified as a key source, contributing fibers to the bay, while surface currents and sediment grain size governed spatial distribution.

2019 The Science of The Total Environment 109 citations
Article Tier 2

Study on the Mass Concentration Distributions of Marine Microplastics in Estuaries and Coastal Areas

Researchers characterized the mass concentration distribution of marine microplastics in estuarine and coastal environments, measuring spatial gradients between river mouths and open coastal waters and identifying estuaries as major transition zones for microplastic flux.

2025 Water 4 citations
Article Tier 2

Influence of environmental and anthropogenic factors on the composition, concentration and spatial distribution of microplastics: A case study of the Bay of Brest (Brittany, France)

Researchers surveyed microplastic concentrations in surface water and sediment at nine locations across the Bay of Brest, France, and found that pollution levels were highest near population centers and wastewater outfalls. The study identified both polymer types and size distributions, helping to trace the sources of microplastic contamination in this coastal bay.

2017 Environmental Pollution 422 citations
Article Tier 2

Characteristics and seasonal variation of microplastics in the wastewater treatment plant: The case of Bursa deep sea discharge

Researchers monitored microplastic characteristics and seasonal variation in wastewater and sludge from a treatment plant in Bursa-Gemlik, Turkey over 12 months, finding that the plant is a significant point source of microplastic release into the sea with seasonal fluctuations in abundance and composition.

2023 Marine Pollution Bulletin 23 citations
Article Tier 2

Microplastics in Mediterranean coastal wastewater treatment plants: Seasonal trends driven by tourism and weather conditions

Researchers monitored microplastics at two Mediterranean coastal wastewater treatment plants in Spain, finding influent concentrations of 30-75 particles/L with seasonal peaks in warmer months, removal efficiencies of 73-86%, and significant correlations between microplastic concentrations and both temperature and precipitation, with polypropylene and polyethylene dominating polymer profiles.

2025 Journal of Environmental Management
Article Tier 2

Temporal patterns in the abundance, type and composition of microplastics on the coast of the Río de la Plata estuary

Researchers monitored microplastic abundance, type, and composition monthly for one year in water and intertidal sediment at an urbanized site on the Río de la Plata estuary in Argentina, finding temporal patterns linked to environmental factors including river flow and seasonal variation.

2021 Marine Pollution Bulletin 37 citations
Article Tier 2

Seasonal microplastic variations in estuarine sediments from urban canal on the west coast of Thailand: A case study in Phuket province

Researchers investigated seasonal variations in microplastic contamination in estuarine sediments from an urban canal in Phuket, Thailand. They found microplastic abundance was higher in the dry season than the rainy season, with rayon and polyester being the most common polymer types, suggesting that seasonal hydrological patterns and human activities both influence microplastic distribution in urban estuaries.

2021 Marine Pollution Bulletin 70 citations