A temporal assessment of microplastics distribution on the beaches of three remote islands of the Yasawa archipelago, Fiji

Nabhani, Khadija Al; Salzman, Scott; Shimeta, Jeff; Dansie, Andrew; Allinson, Graeme

doi:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114202

Cited by 9 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 46 publications

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“…Although there is no guarantee that the breakdown of plastics produced will match the breakdown of MPs on beaches, it is expected that PP and PE will account for the majority of MPs on beaches. Of the MPs found on beaches, PP and PE account for 89% [40], 87% [41], 77% [42], 74% (PS: 25%) [43], 59% (PS: 33%) [44], and 57% (PS: 38%) [45]. PS may be Styrofoam [44].…”

Section: Mps That Sink In Seawatermentioning

confidence: 99%

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Accuracy of a Simple Microplastics Investigation Method on Sandy Beaches

Asakura

2023

Microplastics

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Environmental pollution by microplastics (MPs) has become a growing concern, and not only professional researchers but also the citizenry are needed to understand the pollution situation and to confirm the decreasing trend of MP pollution as a result of the global reduction in plastic use. In this study, the author evaluated the accuracy of a simple method of investigating MPs on sandy beaches that can be conducted even by high school students. In a land survey using simple tools such as a tape measure and cardboard, the maximum coefficient of variation is approximately 1%. Even without heavy liquid, 89% of MPs could be recovered using only seawater. An investigation of MP content by sampling 0.5 cm of the surface layer of sand could explain more than half of the MP content when the sand was sampled to a depth of approximately 50 cm below the surface layer. A method in which the recovered MPs are not visually sorted but floating matter after boiling is considered as MPs is acceptable. If there was no concern about pumice contamination, the overestimation was approximately 1.5 times. Simple laboratory equipment such as buckets, sieves, seawater, hot plates, dryers, and electronic balances could achieve lower limits of quantification of MPs of 13 mg-MPs/m2-sand and 2 mg-MPs/kg-sand.

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Section: Mps That Sink In Seawatermentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Of the MPs found on beaches, PP and PE account for 89% [40], 87% [41], 77% [42], 74% (PS: 25%) [43], 59% (PS: 33%) [44], and 57% (PS: 38%) [45]. PS may be Styrofoam [44]. Styrofoam has a density of 0.02-0.64 g/cm 3 [32] and thus floats in seawater.…”

Section: Mps That Sink In Seawatermentioning

confidence: 99%

Accuracy of a Simple Microplastics Investigation Method on Sandy Beaches

Asakura

2023

Microplastics

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“…NMPs contaminate drinking water [19] and food via contaminated soils [20], contaminated aquatic ecosystems [21,22], and through food packaging [23]. Waste mismanagement and transport of plastics debris are considered a source of NMPs due to maritime activities, recreational fishing, and debris thrown by cruise or private ships between remote islands [24]. Wear and tear of car tyres and fibres from synthetic textiles are considered major sources of NMP contamination [5].…”

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confidence: 99%

Microplastics in the Asia-Pacific Region in the Plasticene Era: Exposures and Health Risks

Sly,

Nabhani,

Sripada

et al. 2024

Annals of Global Health

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Within the broader Anthropocene Epoch resides the Plasticene Era, where humans are subjected pervasively to nano-and microplastics (NMPs). Human's widespread exposure with NMPs occurs through the air we breathe, water we drink, and food we eat. NMP sources are wide and varied; atmospheric NMPs are largely attributed to fibres from car tyres and synthetic clothing, while particles from food packaging, personal care products, and plastic manufacturing contribute significantly to food and water contamination. NMPs have become inherent within the human body and have been found in every organ. As such, the evidence base around adverse health effects is fragmented but growing. This article presents a mini-review and report of sessions presented about NMPs at the 19th International Conference of the Pacific Basin Consortium for Environment and Health, held on Jeju Island, in 2022. Abundant evidence of substantial exposure to NMPs in the Asia-Pacific region has been exhibited. Addressing this issue necessitates the collaboration of policymakers, manufacturers, and researchers to develop safer alternatives and implement mitigation and remediation strategies. The ongoing development of a new United Nations-led global plastic treaty presents a crucial opportunity that must be acted on and not be compromised.

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