A temporal assessment of microplastics distribution on the beaches of three remote islands of the Yasawa archipelago, Fiji. (December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Al Nabhani, Khadija; Salzman, Scott; Shimeta, Jeff; Dansie, Andrew; Allinson, Graeme
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 185:Part A(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-12
• Subjects: Microplastics -- Plastic polymers -- ATR FT-IR -- Pacific Island -- Marine pollution -- South Pacific; Marine pollution -- Periodicals; Marine Biology -- Periodicals; Water Pollution -- Periodicals; Mer -- Pollution -- Périodiques; Publications périodiques; Pollution des mers; Lutte antipollution; Electronic journals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114202
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: This is the first study that investigated the presence, distribution, and composition of microplastics, MPs (1-5 mm) on beaches in the Yasawa Islands, Fiji. A temporal assessment over three years on six beaches was undertaken to investigate different beach traits on MP abundance. Average MP concentration was 4.5 ± 11.1 MPs·m −2 with significantly higher concentrations were found on east-facing beaches than west ( p < 0.001), and higher on the storm line compared to the high tide line (p < 0.001). No difference was found between tourist and local beaches ( p = 0.21). These results demonstrate the role of current-driven ocean transport of plastic pollution in this part of The South Pacific. ATR FT-IR analysis showed that across all sites 34 % of MPs were polypropylene (PP), 33 % polystyrene (PS), 25 % polyethylene (PE), and 8 % other polymer types. Further studies are needed to assess the potential impacts of MPs on Fiji's coral reefs and marine life. Highlights: A temporal and first investigation of microplastics on beaches in Fiji. Concentrations were low compared to other tropical beaches. Ocean transport rather than local pollution main mode of beach contamination. East beaches exhibited significantly higher MP concentrations than west beaches. Microplastics were predominantly polypropylene, polystyrene and polyethylene.