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Microplastic and charred microplastic in the Faafu Atoll, Maldives

Microplastics are recognized as a growing threat for the marine environment that may even affect areas generally considered pristine. In this work we surveyed the microplastic contamination in the Faafu Atoll (Maldives, Indian Ocean) across twelve sampling station, located either inside or outside t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Marine pollution bulletin 2018-11, Vol.136, p.464-471
Main Authors: Saliu, Francesco, Montano, Simone, Garavaglia, Maria Grazia, Lasagni, Marina, Seveso, Davide, Galli, Paolo
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:Microplastics are recognized as a growing threat for the marine environment that may even affect areas generally considered pristine. In this work we surveyed the microplastic contamination in the Faafu Atoll (Maldives, Indian Ocean) across twelve sampling station, located either inside or outside the reef rim. Sediments and seawater samples were collected. Despite the remoteness of the atoll, the scarce local population and low touristic annual afflux, the detected average abundance were 0.32 ± 0.15 particles/m3 in the surface water and 22.8 ± 10.5 particles/m2 in the beach sediments. Polymers identified through Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy were mostly polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinylchloride, polyethyleneterephtalate, and polyamide. Elastomeric residues and charred microparticles were also found. In particular, the charred microparticles were prevalently located nearby the inhabited island and they might be considered a peculiarity of the area, related to local practice of burning plastic waste at the shoreline. [Display omitted] •Microplastic abundance was surveyed in the Faafu Atoll (Maldives).•Microplastic particles and charred microparticles were found in sediments and seawater.•Contamination was higher in the inner reef area.•Chemicals associated to the microparticles were highlighted.
ISSN:0025-326X
1879-3363
DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.09.023