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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Do microplastic loads reflect the population demographics along the southern African coastline?
ClearA quantitative analysis of microplastic pollution along the south-eastern coastline of South Africa
Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in beach sediments and surf-zone water along the south-eastern coast of South Africa, finding significantly higher concentrations in sheltered bays than on open coastlines. The study provides rare Southern Hemisphere baseline data and confirms that bay morphology influences microplastic accumulation.
Effects of urbanisation and a wastewater treatment plant on microplastic densities along a subtropical river system
Researchers quantified microplastic pollution in sediments along a subtropical river system in southern Africa and examined how urbanization and wastewater treatment affect contamination levels. They found that microplastic densities were highest near urban areas and downstream of wastewater treatment plants. The study suggests that urban development and inadequate wastewater infrastructure are key drivers of freshwater microplastic pollution in the region.
Microplastic occurrence and densities in small subtropical reservoirs of Southern Africa
Researchers measured microplastic levels across seasons in small reservoirs in southern Africa, finding that microplastic concentrations were higher during the dry season and in reservoirs near areas with greater human activity. The study establishes baseline data for a region where plastic pollution research is scarce and warns that contamination could worsen without targeted intervention.
Quantifying microplastic pollution in South African mangrove forests: A comparative analysis of abundance, morphotype, polymer composition and toxicity.
Researchers quantified microplastic pollution in South African mangrove forest sediments across multiple sites, providing rare baseline data for African coastal ecosystems that are underrepresented in global microplastic research. Microplastics were detected at all sampled mangrove sites, with contamination levels varying in relation to proximity to urban development and river inputs.
Zonal Distribution Characteristics of Microplastics in the Southern Indian Ocean and the Influence of Ocean Current
Microplastic concentrations were measured in seawater across the southern Indian Ocean along transects influenced by major ocean currents, finding that plastic distribution was shaped by circulation patterns with higher concentrations in convergence zones. The study provides baseline data on microplastic pollution in a relatively understudied and remote ocean region.
Microplastics in intertidal water of South Australia and the mussel Mytilus spp.; the contrasting effect of population on concentration
Researchers confirmed for the first time the presence of microplastics in South Australian intertidal waters and blue mussels, finding a contrasting relationship between human population density and microplastic concentration in this coastal ecosystem.
Proximity to coast and major rivers influence the density of floating microplastics and other litter in east African coastal waters
Using neuston net and bulk water sampling off the east African coast, this study found that proximity to coast and major rivers strongly predicted floating microplastic and litter density, with concentrations far exceeding open ocean background levels near populated coastal zones.
Occurrence, distribution and provenance of micro plastics: A large scale quantitative analysis of beach sediments from southeastern coast of South Africa
Microplastics were found in high abundance across nine tourist beaches in South Africa, with polypropylene and rayon dominating, and concentrations highest in Durban city beaches influenced by coastal currents and urban plastic inputs. Surface analysis revealed weathering features consistent with long-term environmental exposure.
Disentangling the anthropogenic and environmental correlates of microplastic pollution in the coastal waters of a metropolis in Southern China
Researchers surveyed 31 sites across Hong Kong's coastal waters and found microplastics at every location, with concentrations ranging widely depending on local conditions. They analyzed both human activity patterns and environmental factors to identify the main drivers of contamination. The study found that population density and proximity to urban discharge points were strongly associated with higher microplastic levels in surface waters.
Quantifying microplastic pollution in South African mangrove forests: A comparative analysis of abundance, morphotype, polymer composition and toxicity.
Researchers quantified microplastic pollution in South African mangrove forests using a comparative approach across multiple sites, filling a baseline knowledge gap for African coastal ecosystems where prior data is scarce. Microplastics were detected across mangrove sediments at levels that varied with proximity to urban and anthropogenic pressure.
Microplastic occurrence in sediments of informal settlement in Durban, South Africa: assessing the ocean impact in the aftermath of floods
Researchers investigated microplastic occurrence in sediments from informal settlements in Durban, South Africa, examining how flood events may transport plastic waste from land to ocean environments. The study found microplastics derived from waste plastic materials in the settlement sediments, providing evidence of the pathway by which informal urban areas contribute to coastal and marine microplastic pollution.
Microplastic pollution in Southern Atlantic marine waters: Review of current trends, sources, and perspectives
This review examines the current state of microplastic pollution research in the Southern Atlantic Ocean, where contamination levels are among the highest found globally. Researchers found that despite the severity of pollution, relatively few studies have been conducted in this region, and there is still no consensus on standardized sampling methods. The study calls for more research on microplastic distribution, chemical interactions, and potential risks to both marine ecosystems and human health.
Linking the Tourism Activity to the Occurrence and Distribution of Microplastics
Researchers assessed microplastic abundance, type, and spatial distribution in coastal water, sediments, and fish across three zones of Gili Trawangan, Indonesia, finding that tourism-related activities concentrated microplastics at recreational beaches with concentrations reaching 19.25 particles/L.
The transport and fate of marine plastics in South Africa and adjacent oceans
Researchers reviewed the transport pathways and fate of marine plastic pollution in South Africa and adjacent oceans, finding that while South Africa is considered a major plastic emitter, beach standing stocks are lower than global model predictions, suggesting much plastic is transported elsewhere or buried.
Stormwater outlets: A source of microplastics in coastal zones of Cape Town, South Africa
Sampling of coastal water, sediment, and biota near Cape Town stormwater outlets in both dry and wet seasons found microplastics in all matrices, confirming urban stormwater runoff as a significant pathway for microplastic delivery to coastal zones.
Characteristics and distribution of litter, mesolitter and microplastics in Table Bay, Cape Town, South Africa
Researchers characterized the size, shape, type, and distribution of litter and microplastics in Table Bay, Cape Town, finding significant contamination in both beach sediments and nearshore waters. The study provides baseline data for monitoring plastic pollution in this South African coastal ecosystem.
Consistent patterns of debris on South African beaches indicate that industrial pellets and other mesoplastic items mostly derive from local sources.
This study surveyed mesoplastic debris at 82 South African beaches over two decades, finding that industrial plastic pellets and rigid plastic fragments dominated beach litter and were strongly linked to nearby urban and industrial areas rather than distant sources. The findings suggest that local plastic pollution management can be effective because most beach debris originates from regional sources.
Influence of tourism on microplastic contamination at wastewater treatment plants in the coastal municipality of Chiclana de la Frontera
Researchers investigated how seasonal tourism affects microplastic contamination at wastewater treatment plants in a Spanish coastal town, finding that summer population surges significantly increased microplastic loads entering marine ecosystems.
Microplastic occurrence and fate in the South African environment: a review
This review summarizes microplastic contamination across South Africa's freshwater, marine, and air environments. Researchers found microplastics in drinking water samples from major cities, with marine sediment levels along the southeast coast reaching particularly high concentrations. The findings emphasize the need for better wastewater treatment, stronger laws on single-use plastics, and more research on how this contamination affects human health.
Microplastic concentrations and risk assessment in water, sediment and invertebrates from Simon's Town, South Africa
Researchers measured microplastic concentrations in water, sediment, and invertebrates at Simon's Town, South Africa, and conducted an associated risk assessment. The study found microplastic contamination across all environmental compartments, reflecting the broader problem of poor waste management contributing to plastic pollution in South African coastal areas.
Impact of pollution sources of microplastics and associated microbial populations in surface water
Researchers examined how pollution sources—including wastewater treatment plants, agricultural areas, urban runoff, and industrial discharge—influence microplastic abundance and associated microbial communities in the uMsunduzi River in South Africa across two seasons.
Plastic pollution in five urban estuaries of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Researchers measured microplastic levels in sediment, surface water, and beach sand across five estuaries near Durban, South Africa, finding that an urban harbor area (Bayhead) had by far the highest concentrations and that plastic types shifted from fragments near the city to fiber dominance in more distant estuaries, confirming estuaries as conduits for terrestrial plastic entering the ocean.
Microplastic levels on sandy beaches: Are tourism and coastal recreational activities effects really important?
Researchers assessed microplastic levels at six sites across three Argentine sandy beaches with varying tourism intensity, finding concentrations averaged 1,133 items/kg in sand and 12.7 items/m3 in seawater, dominated by PE films and PET/cotton fibers. Contrary to expectations, the highest microplastic concentrations and smallest particles were found at a low-activity 'pristine' site, suggesting river proximity and coastal drift rather than tourism are the dominant local pollution drivers.
Urbanization increases microplastic pollution in beach sediments along the Chennai Coast, South India
Surveys of beaches in China found that microplastic concentrations rise with proximity to urban areas, with higher urbanization correlating with more fragments and pellets in sediments. The findings underscore how human population density directly drives coastal microplastic pollution levels.