A comparison of sampling methods for seawater microplastics and a first report of the microplastic litter in coastal waters of Ascension and Falkland Islands

Green, Dannielle S.; Kregting, Louise; Boots, Bas; Blockley, David J.; Brickle, Paul; Costa, Marushka da; Crowley, Quentin

doi:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.11.004

Cited by 108 publications

(44 citation statements)

References 39 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…In fact, fibers represented only 4% of the total of MP found in our study, after the exclusion of airborne contamination (11%) from the original MP amount. The small abundance of fibers reported here may rely on the retention efficiency of treatment processes of WWTW (Gies et al, 2018) at both Setúbal (advanced secondary treatment) and Sesimbra (tertiary treatment) Municipalities, or be related to the sampling method applied, as neuston nets are suggested to underestimate the concentrations of fibers when compared with other methods (Barrows et al, 2017;Green et al, 2018).…”

Section: Distribution Variations According To Particle Shapementioning

confidence: 85%

Distribution Patterns of Microplastics in Seawater Surface at a Portuguese Estuary and Marine Park

Rodrigues

Antunes

Otero

et al. 2020

Front. Environ. Sci.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Measuring local levels of marine pollution by microplastics (MP) and identifying potential sources in coastal areas is essential to evaluate the associated impacts to environment and biota. The accumulation of floating MP at the sea surface is of great concern as the neustonic habitat consists of a feeding ground for primary consumers (including filter-feeders) and active predators, which makes these organisms a relevant via of MP input into the marine trophic chain. Here, a baseline evaluation of MP accumulation at the sea surface was conducted with a neuston net (335 μm mesh) at the Arrábida coastal area, in Portugal. The study site encompasses a marine protected area and an estuary, both under strong anthropogenic pressures due to multiple activities taking place. A short-term investigation on local spatiotemporal distribution, concentration and composition of MP was performed for the first time, through the monthly collection (summer 2018 to winter 2019) of samples at 6 stations. All the neuston samples contained MP and their mean concentration was 0.45 ± 0.52 items m−3 (mean ± SD). Both the averaged MP:neuston and MP:ichthyoplankton ratios were higher in December, when concentrations of organisms decreased. Temporal distribution patterns followed expected trends, as MP concentration was clearly higher in winter months due to precipitation and runoff. Although mean MP concentrations did not vary significantly between sampling stations, there was a spatial distribution of MP in relation to particle shape and size. Fragments were the most abundant shape and MP belonging to 1–2 mm size class were dominant. Amongst a diversity of 10 polymers identified by FTIR analysis, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and copolymer PP/PE were the most abundant. Potential links between local sources/activities and the different polymers were suggested. Altogether, the information provided in this study aims to raise awareness among the identified sectors and consequently to act toward the prevention of MP inputs in the region.

show abstract

Section: Distribution Variations According To Particle Shapementioning

confidence: 85%

Distribution Patterns of Microplastics in Seawater Surface at a Portuguese Estuary and Marine Park

Rodrigues

Antunes

Otero

et al. 2020

Front. Environ. Sci.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Plastics recorded in water and sediments are typically significantly larger than microplastics recorded in marine biota. These smaller microplastics that go undetected may cause impacts in marine organisms [15] and potentially lead to in human health effects [2]. Counting particles under a microscope has limitations.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Are litter, plastic and microplastic quantities increasing in the ocean?

et al. 2021

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Whilst both plastic production and inputs at sea have increased since the 1950s, several modelling studies predict a further increase in the coming years in these respective quantities. We compiled scientific literature on trends in marine litter, consisting largely of plastic and microplastics in the ocean, understanding that monitoring programs or assessments for these aspects are varied, frequently focusing on limited components of the marine environment in different locations, and covering a wide spectrum of marine litter types, with limited standardization. Here we discuss how trends in the amounts of litter in the marine environment can be compared with the information provided by models. Increasing amounts of plastic are found in some regions, especially in remote areas, but many repeated surveys and monitoring efforts have failed to demonstrate any consistent real temporal trend. An observed steady state situation of plastic quantities in many marine compartments and the fate and transport of plastic in the marine environment remain areas for much needed further research.

show abstract

“…However, a study comparing different net-based sampling devices with different mesh sizes including bongo nets (>500 μm), manta nets (>300 μm), and plankton nets (>200 and >400 μm) to filtration of grab samples (0.45 μm) established that MP concentrations using net-based methods were ∼3 orders of magnitude less than those obtained by filtration of 1 L grab samples. 26 Mesh size is a critical point that determines the minimum size and the number of MPs detected. Furthermore, synthetic fibers and particles (as nanoplastics) having dimensions <25 μm easily bypass these devices.…”

Section: Methods Of Sampling and Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

Analysis and Prevention of Microplastics Pollution in Water: Current Perspectives and Future Directions

2019

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The analysis, prevention, and removal of microplastics (MPs) pollution in water is identified as one major problem the world is currently facing. MPs can be directly released to water or formed by the degradation of bigger plastics. Nowadays, it is estimated that annually between 4 and 12 million tonnes of plastic go into the seas and oceans—with a forecast for them to outweigh the amount of fish in 2050. Based on the existing studies, the characterization of MPs in waters is still one of the remaining challenges because they can be easily confused with organic or other types of matter. Consequently, there is an urgent necessity to establish pathways for the chemical identification of the MP nature. In this perspective, the recent techniques and instrumentation for MP characterization (Raman and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopies and microscopies, pyrolysis and thermal desorption gas chromatography, imaging techniques, etc.) are discussed including considerations to the multidimensionality of the problem. This perspective also summarizes and provides updated data on the sources and occurrence, transport and fate of MPs in aquatic ecosystems, as well as influencing conditions and factors affecting dispersal. Additionally, how engineering and biotechnological tools, such as advanced water treatments, would help to control, reduce, or even eliminate MP pollution in the near future is outlined.

show abstract

A comparison of sampling methods for seawater microplastics and a first report of the microplastic litter in coastal waters of Ascension and Falkland Islands

Cited by 108 publications

References 39 publications

Distribution Patterns of Microplastics in Seawater Surface at a Portuguese Estuary and Marine Park

Distribution Patterns of Microplastics in Seawater Surface at a Portuguese Estuary and Marine Park

Are litter, plastic and microplastic quantities increasing in the ocean?

Analysis and Prevention of Microplastics Pollution in Water: Current Perspectives and Future Directions

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About