Microplastic abundance, distribution and composition along a latitudinal gradient in the Atlantic Ocean

Area of Science:

• Marine Biology
• Environmental Science
• Oceanography

Background:

• Microplastic pollution poses a threat to marine ecosystems globally.
• Understanding microplastic distribution is crucial for assessing ecological risks.
• Oceans are significant sinks for microplastic debris.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate microplastic abundance, distribution, and composition in the Atlantic Ocean.
• To analyze microplastics along a transect from the Bay of Biscay to Cape Town.
• To compare microplastic levels in upwelled versus non-upwelled waters.

Main Methods:

• Sub-surface water sampling using the RV Polarstern underway system.
• Isolation and identification of microplastic particles via FT-IR spectroscopy.
• Quantification of microplastic abundance and polymer composition.

Main Results:

• Rayon (63%) and synthetic polymers (37%) constituted the analyzed microplastics.
• Polyesters (49%) and polyamide/acrylic/polyester blends (43%) were the dominant synthetic types.
• Fibers (94%) were the predominant microplastic form, with an average abundance of 1.15 particles/m³.

Conclusions:

• Microplastic pollution, primarily in the form of fibers, is present in the Atlantic Ocean.
• Polyester and rayon are significant components of microplastic pollution in the studied region.
• No significant difference in microplastic abundance was observed between upwelling and non-upwelling sites in the Benguela region.