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Protocol for Microplastics Sampling on the Sea Surface and Sample Analysis
Published on: December 16, 2016
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Superimposed microplastic pollution in a coastal metropolis.
Lei Su1, Simon M Sharp2, Vincent J Pettigrove3
1State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China; School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Victoria, Australia.
Water Research
|October 12, 2019
Summary
Microplastic pollution is widespread in Australian waterways, with fibers and polyester being dominant. Coastal cities contribute significantly to this pollution, which accumulates in sediments and estuaries.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Marine Biology
- Pollution Studies
Background:
- Microplastic pollution is a growing global concern, necessitating research into its sources and transport pathways.
- Understanding the land-to-ocean continuum of microplastic contamination is crucial for effective mitigation strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate microplastic pollution in water and sediment across diverse land-use gradients in the Greater Melbourne and Western Port areas, Australia.
- To identify the primary types, polymers, and sizes of microplastics and explore their correlation with land-use activities and hydrological dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Large-scale sampling of water and sediment across urban, industrial, and conservation areas.
- Chemical analysis to identify microplastic polymers and physical characterization of size and shape.
- Statistical analyses including correlation and redundancy analysis to link microplastic abundance with land-use and environmental factors.
Main Results:
- Microplastics were detected in 94% of water and 96% of sediment samples.
- Fibers (predominantly polyester) were the most common microplastic type, with over 40% being less than 1 mm.
- Higher microplastic concentrations were observed in areas with commercial, industrial, and transport activities, and downstream in rivers, estuaries, and lentic zones.
Conclusions:
- Coastal cities act as significant sources and accumulation points for microplastic pollution, impacting inland waters, estuaries, and potentially the open ocean.
- Hydrological dynamics and anthropogenic influences, particularly from urbanized land uses, drive the formation of microplastic hotspots.
- Effective management of microplastic pollution requires addressing land-based sources and understanding their transport into marine environments.
