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Updated: Sep 24, 2025
Protocol for Microplastics Sampling on the Sea Surface and Sample Analysis
Published on: December 16, 2016
Microplastics in Kenya's marine nearshore surface waters: Current status
Charles Mitto Kosore1, Loice Ojwang2, Justin Maghanga2
1Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, P.O. Box 81651-80100, Mombasa, Kenya; Department of Chemistry(,) Pwani University, P.O Box 195-80108, Kilifi County, Kenya.
Abstract:
Microplastics (MPs) were collected at six locations along Kenya's marine nearshore surface waters using a 300 μm mesh-size manta net. The samples were washed over a 125-μm mesh size sieve No.120 into a glass jar and preserved in 70% ethanol. MPs were sorted, counted visually under a dissecting microscope then identified using attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. A total of 1473 particles with an overall mean concentration of 0.58 ± 1.29 MPs m-3, were collected. Fragments were the most common types representing 55% of the total MPs, followed by films (40%) and fibers (2%). Polypropylene (PP) was dominant (52%), high-density polyethylene (HDPE) comprised 38% and low density polyethylene (LDPE) 10% of the total MPs. This study provided baseline information, in which Malindi was identified as a hot spot for MPs pollution. Furthermore, the outcomes will assist policy formulations and management strategies aimed at controlling marine plastics.
Insights
This study investigated microplastic pollution in Kenya's marine waters, finding fragments and polypropylene as dominant types. Malindi emerged as a pollution hotspot, highlighting the need for targeted management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Environmental Science
- Chemical Oceanography
Background:
- Microplastic pollution is a growing global concern, impacting marine ecosystems and potentially human health.
- Understanding the distribution and characteristics of microplastics is crucial for effective mitigation strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify and characterize microplastic pollution in Kenya's nearshore marine surface waters.
- To identify dominant microplastic types, polymers, and pollution hotspots.
- To provide baseline data for informing policy and management strategies.
Main Methods:
- Surface water samples collected using a manta net (300 μm mesh).
- Microplastic isolation via sieving (125 μm) and preservation in ethanol.
- Visual sorting and counting under a dissecting microscope.
- Polymer identification using Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy.
Main Results:
- A total of 1473 microplastic particles were collected, with a mean concentration of 0.58 ± 1.29 MPs m⁻³.
- Fragments (55%) were the most prevalent form, followed by films (40%) and fibers (2%).
- Polypropylene (PP) was the dominant polymer (52%), followed by high-density polyethylene (HDPE) (38%) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) (10%).
- Malindi was identified as a microplastic pollution hotspot.
Conclusions:
- This study provides essential baseline data on microplastic pollution in Kenyan marine waters.
- The findings underscore the prevalence of specific microplastic types and polymers, informing targeted pollution control efforts.
- Identifying Malindi as a hotspot will guide focused interventions and policy development for marine plastic management.
