1
|
Djekoun M, Gaaied S, Romdhani I, Mohamed Rida A, Missaoui Y, Boubekeur MS, Trea F, Lakbar C, Ouali K, Banni M. Abundance and distribution of environmental microplastic in edible fish and mussels from the south Mediterranean coasts. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 206:116705. [PMID: 39047604 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
The present study aims to address a gap of knowledge by evaluating the in-situ ability of edible wild fish (Liza aurata, Sparus aurata and Sarpa salpa) and mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis to serve as environmental vectors of MPs along the eastern Algerian coastline (namely; Sidi Salem, Ain Achir and Saint Cloud). Our data showed the widespread accumulation of MPs in highly consumed fish species and mussels in Annaba coastal area. MPs were found in all investigated organisms from the three studied areas. The most common size range of MPs was between 0,45 μm and 1,22 μm. Six polymers of MPs were identified from the sampling areas; polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene-vinyl acetate (PEVA), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and low-density polyethylene (LDPE). The data provided by this study can serve as a support for assessing the status of MPs pollution in the Algerian coast areas and the associated human health risks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manel Djekoun
- Laboratory of Agrobiodiversity and Ecotoxicology, Sousse University, Sousse, Tunisia; Laboratory of Environmental Biomonitoring, BAdji Mokhtar University, Annaba 23000, Algeria
| | - Sonia Gaaied
- Laboratory of Agrobiodiversity and Ecotoxicology, Sousse University, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Ilef Romdhani
- Laboratory of Agrobiodiversity and Ecotoxicology, Sousse University, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Abelouah Mohamed Rida
- Laboratory of Aquatic Systems: Marine and Continental Environments, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco
| | - Yossra Missaoui
- Laboratory of Agrobiodiversity and Ecotoxicology, Sousse University, Sousse, Tunisia
| | | | - Fouzia Trea
- Laboratory of Environmental Biomonitoring, BAdji Mokhtar University, Annaba 23000, Algeria
| | - Chanez Lakbar
- Laboratory of Environmental Biomonitoring, BAdji Mokhtar University, Annaba 23000, Algeria
| | - Khaireddine Ouali
- Laboratory of Environmental Biomonitoring, BAdji Mokhtar University, Annaba 23000, Algeria
| | - Mohamed Banni
- Laboratory of Agrobiodiversity and Ecotoxicology, Sousse University, Sousse, Tunisia; Higher Institute of Biotechnology, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tahiru AW, Cobbina SJ, Asare W. Evaluation of energy potential of MSW in the Tamale metropolis, Ghana: An assessment of solid waste characteristics and energy content. JOURNAL OF THE AIR & WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (1995) 2024; 74:639-663. [PMID: 39008375 DOI: 10.1080/10962247.2024.2380802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
In the present investigation, a thorough examination of waste composition was undertaken in the Tamale Metropolis, Ghana. The methodology employed was carefully designed, incorporating both commercial and residential sectors as well as various socioeconomic classes. Source-based sampling of waste materials covered a range of locations, including households, markets, hotels, and restaurants, while socioeconomic-based categorization followed the zoning of the metropolis. Waste audit sampling involved collecting a total of 90 batches of solid waste over the three-month period from August to October 2023. The primary objectives were to physically characterize the waste and evaluate its chemical properties through proximate and ultimate analysis of waste fractions, aiming to determine the waste-to-energy potential and compatibility with waste-to-energy technologies. The study revealed that the Tamale Metropolis generates 176.1 tons/day of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) at a rate of 0.47 kg/capita/day.Organic matter constituted the majority (44.9%), followed by inert, miscellaneous, and plastic waste at 20% each. The remaining 14.3% comprised paper, metal, glass, leather, and textile components. Notably, the hospitality sector exhibited the highest organic matter content at 62.3%, contrasting with average households and markets at 44.9% and 13.1%, respectively. Moisture content ranged from 5.4% to 12.6%, volatile solids from 21.8% to 77.2%, and gross calorific values from 7.9 MJ/kg to 28.9 MJ/kg. Household waste demonstrated the highest energy content at 6693.8 kcal/kg, followed by hotels/restaurants (2003.94 kcal/kg) and markets (1883.62 kcal/kg). This study's findings offer valuable insights that can inform the development of effective policies by regulatory bodies such as the Public Utility Regulatory Commission (PURC) and the Ghana Ministry of Energy, as well as city authorities like the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly and the Environmental Protection Agency. These insights can be used to address waste and energy challenges in the metropolis.Implications: The findings reveal critical insights with substantial implications for stakeholders and regulatory bodies. It emphasizes the waste-to-energy potential of various waste fractions, highlighting the need for sustainable municipal waste management strategies. Particularly, the high organic content in the hospitality sector presents significant energy recovery opportunities. For bodies like the Public Utility Regulatory Commission and the Ghana Ministry of Energy, this data is crucial for developing policies that support waste-to-energy technologies. Additionally, the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly and the Environmental Protection Agency can use these insights to improve local waste management practices, customizing interventions to address specific sectoral waste composition. The study also underlines the importance of ongoing monitoring to ensure the effectiveness of these strategies over time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdul-Wahab Tahiru
- Department of Environment and Sustainability Sciences, Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, University for Development Studies, Tamale, TL, Ghana
| | - Samuel Jerry Cobbina
- Department of Environment and Sustainability Sciences, Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, University for Development Studies, Tamale, TL, Ghana
- West African Centre for Water, Irrigation and Sustainable Agriculture (WACWISA), Tamale, Ghana
| | - Wilhemina Asare
- Department of Environment and Sustainability Sciences, Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, University for Development Studies, Tamale, TL, Ghana
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Vlachogianni T, Scoullos M. Baseline assessment of macrolitter on the coastline of Algeria: Fit-for-purpose data for tailor-made measures to navigate the Plasticene Age. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 205:116646. [PMID: 38936004 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Curbing the growing threat of marine litter requires reliable, coherent and fit-for-purpose data. The present study reports the findings of beach macrolitter surveys carried out in seventeen sites along the coastline of Algeria. The median litter density recorded along these sites amounted to 578 items per 100 m of coastline (range: 317-2684 items/100 m). Every surveyed beach exceeded the European threshold value of 20 items per 100 m of coastline by a significant margin. In addition, the evaluation conducted employing the Mediterranean threshold value of 130 items per 100 m of coastline indicated that each of the seventeen surveyed beaches resides within the non-Good Environmental Status spectrum. A significant proportion of the litter, accounting for 43 %, is attributed to food and beverage consumption-related items, highlighting the impact of single-use food packaging, including food and beverage containers resulting from unsustainable practices mainly by beach users and inadequate waste management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomais Vlachogianni
- Mediterranean Information Office for Environment, Culture and Sustainable Development (MIO-ECSDE), Athens, Greece.
| | - Michael Scoullos
- Mediterranean Information Office for Environment, Culture and Sustainable Development (MIO-ECSDE), Athens, Greece; Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
García-Regalado A, Herrera A, Almeda R. Microplastic and mesoplastic pollution in surface waters and beaches of the Canary Islands: A review. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 201:116230. [PMID: 38479326 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
The Canary Archipelago is a group of volcanic islands located in the North Atlantic Ocean with high marine biodiversity. This archipelago intercepts the Canary Current, the easternmost branch of the Azores Current in the North Atlantic Subtropical Gyre, which brings large amounts of litter from remote sources via oceanic transportation. It is, therefore, particularly vulnerable to marine plastic pollution. Here, we present a review of the available studies on mesoplastics and microplastics in the Canary Islands over the last decade to evaluate the level and distribution of plastic pollution in this archipelago. Specifically, we focused on data from beaches and surface waters to assess the pollution level among the different islands as well as between windward and leeward zones, and the main characteristics (size, type, colour, and polymer) of the plastics found in the Canary Islands. The concentrations of meso- and MPs on beaches ranged from 1.5 to 2972 items/m2 with a mean of 381 ± 721 items/m2. The concentration of MPs (>200 μm) in surface waters was highly variable with mean values of 998 × 103 ± 3364 × 103 items/km2 and 10 ± 31 items/m3. Plastic pollution in windward beaches was one order of magnitude significantly higher than in leeward beaches. The accumulation of MPs in surface waters was higher in the leeward zones of the high-elevation islands, corresponding to the Special Areas of Conservation (ZECs) and where the presence of marine litter windrows (MLW) has been reported. Microplastic fragments of polyethylene of the colour category "white/clear/uncoloured" were the most common type of plastic reported in both beaches and surface waters. More studies on the occurrence of MLW in ZECS and plastic pollution in the water column and sediments, including small-size fractions (<200 μm), are needed to better assess the level of plastic pollution and its fate in the Canary Islands. Overall, this review confirms that the Canary Archipelago is a hotspot of oceanic plastic pollution, with concentrations of MPs in surface waters in the highest range reported for oceanic islands and one of the highest recorded mean concentrations of beached meso- and microplastics in the world.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Alicia Herrera
- EOMAR, ECOAQUA, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Rodrigo Almeda
- EOMAR, ECOAQUA, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bentaallah MEA, Baghdadi D, Gündoğdu S, Megharbi A, Taibi NE, Büyükdeveci F. Assessment of microplastic abundance and impact on recreational beaches along the western Algerian coastline. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 199:116007. [PMID: 38176161 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.116007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have attracted global attention due to their ubiquity and potential impact on the environment. However, MPs are poorly documented along the Algerian coast. To address this data gap, this study investigated the presence of MPs on three recreational beaches in western Algeria (Stidia, Sablettes and Mersat El Hadjaj). The mean MP abundance for the three beaches was estimated at 55.47 ± 48.01 items/m2. Characterization of MPs shape revealed that fragments (79.81 %) were dominant, followed by pellets (10.58 %), filaments (5.57 %), and foam (3.85 %). An assessment of the Microplastic Pollution Index, the Pellet Pollution Index, and the Coefficient of Microplastic Impact, revealed the presence of very low to moderate levels of MPs on the beaches. This presence was associated with minimal beach pollution and moderate overall impact. The sector analysis approach results confirm that there are two different magnitudes of MPs presence that can negatively impact on the environmental quality of the studied beaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed El Amine Bentaallah
- Laboratory of environment and sustainable development, biological sciences department, Relizane university, Algeria.
| | - Djilali Baghdadi
- Laboratory of environment and sustainable development, biological sciences department, Relizane university, Algeria
| | - Sedat Gündoğdu
- Faculty of Fisheries, Cukurova University, 1330 Adana, Turkey
| | - Ahmed Megharbi
- Laboratory of environment and sustainable development, biological sciences department, Relizane university, Algeria
| | - Nasr-Eddine Taibi
- Laboratory of Protection, Valorisation of Marine and Coastal Resources, and Molecular Systematics, Faculty of Nature & Life Science, Mostaganem university, Algeria
| | - Ferhat Büyükdeveci
- Faculty of Fisheries, Cukurova University, 1330 Adana, Turkey; Adana Directorate of Provincial Food, Agriculture and Livestock, Adana, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Barhoumi B, Metian M, Zaghden H, Derouiche A, Ben Ameur W, Ben Hassine S, Oberhaensli F, Mora J, Mourgkogiannis N, Al-Rawabdeh AM, Chouba L, Alonso-Hernández CM, Karapanagioti HK, Driss MR, Mliki A, Touil S. Microplastic-sorbed persistent organic pollutants in coastal Mediterranean Sea areas of Tunisia. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2023; 25:1347-1364. [PMID: 37401332 DOI: 10.1039/d3em00169e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging pollutants of global concern due to their pervasiveness, high sorption ability for persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and direct and indirect toxicity to marine organisms, ecosystems, as well as humans. As one of the major coastal interfaces, beaches are considered among the most affected ecosystems by MPs pollution. The morphological characteristics of MPs (pellets and fragments) collected from four beaches along the Tunisian coast and sorbed POPs, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), were investigated in this study. The results showed that the MPs varied greatly in color, polymer composition and degradation degree. The color varied from colored to transparent and the most prevalent polymer identified using Raman spectroscopy was polyethylene. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images exhibited various surface degradation features including cavities, cracks, attached diatom remains, etc. The concentrations of Σ12PCBs over all beaches ranged from 14 to 632 ng g-1 and 26 to 112 ng g-1 in the pellets and fragments, respectively, with a notable presence and dominance of highly-chlorinated PCBs such as CB-153 and -138. Among the OCPs, γ-HCH is the only compound detected with concentrations ranging from 0.4 to 9.7 ng g-1 and 0.7 to 4.2 ng g-1 in the pellets and fragments, respectively. Our findings indicate that MPs found on the Tunisian coast may pose a chemical risk to marine organisms as the concentrations of PCBs and γ-HCH in most of the analysed samples exceeded the sediment-quality guidelines (SQG), especially the effects range medium (ERM) and the probable effects level (PEL). As the first report of its kind, the information gathered in this study can serve as the baseline and starting point for future monitoring work for Tunisia and neighbouring countries, as well as for stakeholders and coastal managers in decision-making processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Badreddine Barhoumi
- Laboratory of Hetero-Organic Compounds and Nanostructured Materials (LR18ES11), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, 7021 Zarzouna, Tunisia.
- Laboratory of Plant Molecular Physiology, Centre of Biotechnology of Borj-Cédria, 2050 Hammam-Lif, Tunisia
| | - Marc Metian
- International Atomic Energy Agency, Marine Environment Laboratories, Radioecology Laboratory, 4a, Quai Antoine 1er, MC-98000 Monaco, Principality of Monaco
| | - Hatem Zaghden
- Laboratory of Plant Molecular Physiology, Centre of Biotechnology of Borj-Cédria, 2050 Hammam-Lif, Tunisia
| | - Abdelkader Derouiche
- Laboratory of Hetero-Organic Compounds and Nanostructured Materials (LR18ES11), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, 7021 Zarzouna, Tunisia.
| | - Walid Ben Ameur
- Laboratory of Hetero-Organic Compounds and Nanostructured Materials (LR18ES11), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, 7021 Zarzouna, Tunisia.
- Ecologie de La Faune Terrestre UR17ES44, Département des Sciences de La Vie, Faculté Des Sciences de Gabès, Université de Gabès, Tunisia
| | - Sihem Ben Hassine
- Laboratory of Hetero-Organic Compounds and Nanostructured Materials (LR18ES11), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, 7021 Zarzouna, Tunisia.
| | - François Oberhaensli
- International Atomic Energy Agency, Marine Environment Laboratories, Radioecology Laboratory, 4a, Quai Antoine 1er, MC-98000 Monaco, Principality of Monaco
| | - Janeth Mora
- International Atomic Energy Agency, Marine Environment Laboratories, Radioecology Laboratory, 4a, Quai Antoine 1er, MC-98000 Monaco, Principality of Monaco
| | | | - Abdulla M Al-Rawabdeh
- Department of Earth and Environmental Science, Yarmouk University, Irbid 21163, Jordan
| | - Lassaad Chouba
- Laboratory of Marine Environment, National Institute of Marine Science and Technology (INSTM), Goulette, Tunisia
| | - Carlos M Alonso-Hernández
- International Atomic Energy Agency, Marine Environment Laboratories, Radioecology Laboratory, 4a, Quai Antoine 1er, MC-98000 Monaco, Principality of Monaco
| | | | - Mohamed Ridha Driss
- Laboratory of Hetero-Organic Compounds and Nanostructured Materials (LR18ES11), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, 7021 Zarzouna, Tunisia.
| | - Ahmed Mliki
- Laboratory of Plant Molecular Physiology, Centre of Biotechnology of Borj-Cédria, 2050 Hammam-Lif, Tunisia
| | - Soufiane Touil
- Laboratory of Hetero-Organic Compounds and Nanostructured Materials (LR18ES11), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, 7021 Zarzouna, Tunisia.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Onay H, Karslı B, Minaz M, Dalgıç G. Seasonal monitoring of microplastic pollution in the Southeast Black Sea: An example of red mullet (Mullus barbatus) gastrointestinal tracts. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 191:114886. [PMID: 37043931 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated seasonal presence of microplastic (MP) in gastrointestinal tracts of red mullet (Mullus barbatus) sampled from the Southeast Black Sea Region. A total of 335 MPs were detected in 120 individuals. While the most MP was observed in the winter and autumn seasons, quite few MPs were found in the summer and spring seasons. MP size did not show significant difference among seasons. While all of the MPs in the autumn and spring and most of the MPs in the winter were fiber-shaped, most of the MPs in the summer were fragments. The most observed MP color for all seasons was white. While polymer structures did not show much variation in spring and summer, six different polymers were determined for both autumn and winter. In general, less MPs were detected during fishing ban period (summer) and the characteristic properties of the detected MPs suggest a MP pollution in the region due to intense fishing activities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hatice Onay
- Faculty of Fisheries, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Rize, Turkey
| | - Barış Karslı
- Faculty of Fisheries, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Rize, Turkey
| | - Mert Minaz
- Faculty of Fisheries, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Rize, Turkey.
| | - Göktuğ Dalgıç
- Faculty of Fisheries, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Rize, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Tanaka K, Takahashi Y, Kajiwara T, Matsukami H, Kuramochi H, Osako M, Suzuki G. Identification and quantification of additive-derived chemicals in beached micro-mesoplastics and macroplastics. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 186:114438. [PMID: 36473243 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Although marine plastic debris are expected to retain various chemical additives, little is known about the additives that are retained. We conducted a screening analysis of additives in 261 macroplastic and micro-mesoplastic debris from two beaches. We detected 52 chemicals-antioxidants, phthalates, ultraviolet stabilizers, hindered amine light stabilizers, and flame retardants-and quantified the concentrations of 15 of them. Comparison of the concentrations of Irgafos 168, an antioxidant stabilizer, among sample categories indicated that leaching had occurred from micro-mesoplastics. Differences in diffusion rates between polymer types may explain faster leaching from polyethylene than polypropylene. The significant amounts of Irgafos 168 retained in even micro-mesoplastics indicated the importance of plastics as a vector of additives. This study provides fundamental data needed to assess the risks to organisms from exposure to plastic additives and to understand the effect of stabilizers on the aging behavior of marine plastics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kosuke Tanaka
- Material Cycles Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba 305-8506, Japan.
| | - Yusuke Takahashi
- Material Cycles Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba 305-8506, Japan
| | - Takehiro Kajiwara
- Yamaguchi Prefectural Institute of Public Health and Environment, Yamaguchi 753-0871, Japan
| | - Hidenori Matsukami
- Material Cycles Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba 305-8506, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Kuramochi
- Material Cycles Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba 305-8506, Japan
| | - Masahiro Osako
- Material Cycles Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba 305-8506, Japan
| | - Go Suzuki
- Material Cycles Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba 305-8506, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Rubin AE, Omeysi L, Zucker I. Mediterranean microplastic contamination: Israel's coastline contributions. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 183:114080. [PMID: 36057156 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This study provides an analysis of the current state of microplastic (MP) contamination along the Mediterranean coastline of Israel. Six strategic sites were monitored in this study - each representing a unique coastal environment. We conclude that Tel Aviv and Hadera, both located near stream estuaries, were highly contaminated (18,777 particles/m3) with MP compared to the other locations. The MP detected included both secondary MP and pristine polymeric pellets. In-depth characterization of the MP illustrated a large percentage of both fragmented and film MP morphologies and the most common MP polymers were polyethylene and polypropylene. Further particle analysis showed that MPs were contaminated with biofilm, including microorganisms such as diatoms, as well as metal residues. Through the spatial analysis presented herein we suggest that local rivers are significant contributors to MP contamination along the Mediterranean Sea coastline of Israel and may pose a direct threat to environment and human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrey Ethan Rubin
- Porter School of Earth and Environmental Studies, Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Limor Omeysi
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Ines Zucker
- Porter School of Earth and Environmental Studies, Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|