First observation on neustonic plastics in waters off NW Spain (spring 2013 and 2014). (October 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gago, Jesus; Henry, Maryvonne; Galgani, François
• Is Part Of: Marine environmental research. Volume 111(2015:Oct.)
• Page Start: 27
• Page End: 33
• Publication Date: 2015-10
• Subjects: Marine litter -- Floating plastics -- Microplastics -- European MSFD -- NW Spain; Marine pollution -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Marine ecology -- Periodicals; Mer -- Pollution -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; Écologie marine -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 577.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2015.07.009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0141-1136

Abstract

Abstract: This paper examines the presence and distribution of plastic particles in waters off the NW Spanish Atlantic coast. A pilot sampling program was initiated in 2013 to study the presence of plastic particles in surface waters. A total of 41 neuston samples were collected using a manta trawl fitted with a 333 μm mesh (21 samples in 2013 and 20 samples in 2014). Several types of plastic particles were observed in 95% of the stations. A total of 1463 plastic microparticles (<5 mm; mps ) and 208 mesoparticles (>5 mm and <20 mm; MPS ) were counted. Average concentrations recorded were 0.034 ± 0.032 and 0.176 ± 0.278 mps m −2 and 0.005 ± 0.005 and 0.028 ± 0.043 MPS m −2, respectively for 2013 and 2014. Results on this emerging topic are discussed as a preliminary step towards implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive in the region. Harmonization of protocols for determination of plastic particles is urgently needed in order to compare results between regions and to ensure coherence in the implementation of the MSFD. This aspect is also important at a worldwide scale. Highlights: Plastic particles (micro and meso) were sampled in surface waters with a Manta trawl. Values are reported for the first time in NW Iberian coast during spring 2013–2014. Plastics concentrations were very variable, spatially and temporally. Microplastics (<5 mm) constituted 93% of total plastics by number of items.