Microplastic and tar pollution on three Canary Islands beaches: An annual study

Area of Science:

• Marine pollution
• Oceanography
• Environmental science

Background:

• Marine debris poses a significant threat to coastal ecosystems worldwide.
• The Canary Islands, influenced by oceanic currents, are susceptible to accumulating pollutants from distant sources.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the accumulation patterns of marine debris, specifically microplastics and tar, on three Canary Islands beaches.
• To investigate the spatial and temporal variability of this pollution and identify potential sources.

Main Methods:

• Monthly assessments of large microplastics (1-5mm), mesoplastics (5-25mm), and tar pollution over one year.
• Analysis of debris collected from Lambra, Famara, and Las Canteras beaches.
• Correlation of debris concentration with local wind and wave conditions.

Main Results:

• Significant spatial and temporal variability in marine debris concentration was observed across the studied beaches.
• Seasonal patterns varied by location, with debris levels mainly dependent on local wind and wave dynamics.
• The remote Lambra beach exhibited the highest pollution levels, predominantly composed of preproduction resin pellets, plastic fragments, and tar, indicating an oceanic origin.

Conclusions:

• The Canary Islands serve as a significant accumulation zone for microplastics and tar transported via the North Atlantic Ocean's Canary Current.
• Pollution levels are comparable to those found in highly industrialized and contaminated regions globally.
• Debris composition suggests that the primary source of pollution is not local but rather from the open sea.