Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
6358097 | Marine Pollution Bulletin | 2014 | 10 Pages |
Abstract
Coastal zones and the biosphere as a whole show signs of cumulative degradation due to the use and disposal of plastics. To better understand the manifestation of plastic pollution in the Atlantic Ocean, we partnered with local communities to determine the concentrations of micro-plastics in 125 beaches on three islands in the Canary Current: Lanzarote, La Graciosa, and Fuerteventura. We found that, in spite of being located in highly-protected natural areas, all beaches in our study area are exceedingly vulnerable to micro-plastic pollution, with pollution levels reaching concentrations greater than 100Â g of plastic in 1Â l of sediment. This paper contributes to ongoing efforts to develop solutions to plastic pollution by addressing the questions: (i) Where does this pollution come from?; (ii) How much plastic pollution is in the world's oceans and coastal zones?; (iii) What are the consequences for the biosphere?; and (iv) What are possible solutions?
Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering
Earth and Planetary Sciences
Oceanography
Authors
Baztan Juan, Carrasco Ana, Chouinard Omer, Cleaud Muriel, Gabaldon Jesús E., Huck Thierry, Jaffrès Lionel, Jorgensen Bethany, Miguelez Aquilino, Paillard Christine, Vanderlinden Jean-Paul,