Abstract
This is the first study that investigated the presence, distribution, and composition of microplastics, MPs (1-5mm) 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.
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