A large-scale investigation of microplastic contamination: Abundance and characteristics of microplastics in European beach sediment

MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN

卷:123

Article

Lots, Froukje A. E.¹  Behrens, Paul^1,2  Vijver, Martina G.²  Horton, Alice A.^2,3  Bosker, Thijs^1,2 

[1] Leiden Univ, Leiden Univ Coll, POB 13228, NL-2501 EE The Hague, Netherlands

[2] Leiden Univ, Inst Environm Sci, POB 9518, NL-2300 RA Leiden, Netherlands

[3] Ctr Ecol & Hydrol, Maclean Bldg,Benson Lane, Wallingford OX10 8BB, Oxon, England

关键词: Citizen science;    Microplastics;    Beach sediment;    Europe;    Plastic pollution;   

DOI  :  10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.08.057

来源: Elsevier

【 摘 要 】

Here we present the large-scale distribution of microplastic contamination in beach sediment across Europe. Sediment samples were collected from 23 locations across 13 countries by citizen scientists, and analysed using a standard operating procedure. We found significant variability in the concentrations of microplastics, ranging from 72 +/- 24 to 1512 +/- 187 microplastics per kg of dry sediment, with high variability within sampling locations. Three hotspots of microplastic accumulation (> 700 microplastics per kg of dry sediment) were found. There was limited variability in the physico-chemical characteristics of the plastics across sampling locations. The majority of the microplastics were fibrous, < 1 mm in size, and blue/black in colour. In addition, using Raman spectrometry we identified particles as polyester, polyethylene, and polypropylene. Our research is the first large spatial-scale analysis of microplastics on European beaches giving insights into the nature and extent of the microplastic challenge.

【 授权许可】

Free