Microplastics in Mexican beaches

Álvarez‐Zeferino, Juan Carlos; Ojeda‐Benítez, Sara; Cruz‐Salas, Arely Areanely; Martínez‐Salvador, Carolina; Vázquez‐Morillas, Alethia

doi:10.1016/j.resconrec.2019.104633

Cited by 75 publications

(30 citation statements)

References 54 publications

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“…Nevertheless, despite all the protective measures, the concentration of plastic debris is significant. 50 In addition, Figure 4 depicts that Caribbean beaches have higher concentrations of pellets than those in the Pacific, which point to the existence of primary MP. Its origin may be associated with the disposal or unintentional loss of packaging materials or raw materials during port activities.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Distribution of Plastic Debris in the Pacific and Caribbean Beaches of Panama

Borrero

Fábrega

Olmos

et al. 2020

Air, Soil and Water Research

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Microplastics are a global ubiquitous problem, which is becoming a major issue of concern at scientific and political levels around the world. This study presents physical and chemical characterizations of microplastic debris and a comparison between the spatial distribution and anthropogenic activities in 4 Panamanian beaches located in both sides of the Isthmus. Two of them (Juan Diaz and San Carlos beaches) are located toward the Pacific Ocean, Panamá Province, whereas the others (Palenque and Punta Galeta beaches) are located at the Caribbean Sea, Colón Province. They were chosen to show different landscape management and environmental impacts: touristic and protected areas; coastal areas that receive pollutants and marine litter from urban rivers or are used for local fishing activities. Plastic debris samples were collected and visually analyzed following the protocol proposed by the Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection (GESAMP). The physical characterization of the samples consisted in the determination of variables associated with the number of plastic particles, shape, color, and size. The characterization of the polymers was performed by the attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy technique. A high concentration of microplastics (353 items/m2) were found at the studied sites at the Caribbean coast, whereas a lesser concentration with a greater diversity of shapes and polymer categories were found at the Pacific Coast (187 items/m2). The results indicate that, in addition to anthropogenic activities, the proximity to Panama Canal installations, as well as seasonality, natural phenomena, winds, and ocean currents may be influencing the increase in microplastic contents and the types of polymers observed.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Distribution of Plastic Debris in the Pacific and Caribbean Beaches of Panama

Borrero

Fábrega

Olmos

et al. 2020

Air, Soil and Water Research

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“…Table 1 shows the location of the beaches selected for the study, referring them to the oceans and marine regions that surround Mexico. The map showing the location of the selected points is presented in the article Microplastics in Mexican beaches [1] .…”

Section: Data Descriptionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Dataset of quantification and classification of microplastics in Mexican sandy beaches

et al. 2020

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“…4 Estimated discarded plastic waste into the ocean is about 4.8−12.7 million metric tons annually which accounts for 1.7−4.6% of global production per year. 5 Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous around the world due to the action of the wind, ocean, and sea current. 6 Mismanaged plastics have a negative impact upon entering the environment, 7 such as causing flooding 8 and spreading of diseases 9 and providing breeding sites for mosquitoes.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This review provides a comprehensive overview of currently employed methods for MP degradation. The main objectives of this study are to (1) summarize the emerging remediation approaches such as biological, photo-, chemical, and mechanical degradation methods for MP decomposition; (2) explore the fundamental mechanisms of MP degradation through different methods; (3) assess their decomposition efficiency; (4) present the limitations and knowledge gaps, and (5) propose suggestions for future research work.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mechanisms and the Engineering Approaches for the Degradation of Microplastics

2021

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Microplastic waste is an emerging global issue due to its environmental effect of accumulation in ecosystems, and waste managing systems have given rise to its presence in the aquatic environment. It is gaining attention due to its persistent nature and potential adverse effects on living organisms. There is an urgent need for the development of efficient degradation methods for microplastic (MP) treatment. In this review, a comprehensive overview of current methods for the degradation of MPs, such as biological, photo, chemical, and mechanical degradation have been summarized and discussed in detail. All the fundamental mechanisms of MP degradation in the natural environment are linked with remediation approaches to accelerate these mechanisms that occur in nature. Decomposition efficiency with the applied system’s limitations has also been mentioned. Furthermore, the current knowledge gaps about MP decomposition, and future research directions are proposed. This work offers a summary of current degradation methods for MP decomposition and provides a reference for the control of MP pollution.

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Microplastics in Mexican beaches

Cited by 75 publications

References 54 publications

Distribution of Plastic Debris in the Pacific and Caribbean Beaches of Panama

Distribution of Plastic Debris in the Pacific and Caribbean Beaches of Panama

Dataset of quantification and classification of microplastics in Mexican sandy beaches

Mechanisms and the Engineering Approaches for the Degradation of Microplastics

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