Macro-, meso- and microplastic debris in three sandy beaches of north-eastern Tunisian coasts

Abstract

Beaches are social-ecological systems, which offer various kinds of services that improve human well-being. However, as one of the main coastal connections, they are subject to plastic pollution, which is currently one of the most critical worldwide environmental problems. This study investigates the spatial distribution, types and characteristics of macroplastics (size≥2.5 cm), mesoplastics (5 mm-2.5 cm) and microplastics (≤5 mm) using OSPAR protocol at three sandy beaches of the north-eastern coast of Tunisia. The mean density ± SD of macroplastics at three beaches was 2.57 ± 1.71 items m−2, while the mean density ± SD of mesoplastics was 36.26 ± 49.67 items m-² and 37.33 ± 34.56 items m−2 for microplastics. Cigarette butts were the most dominant macroplastics collected at the beaches. Regarding meso and microplastics, “fragments” shapes were predominant. The colours of the meso and microplastics particles varied. Chemical characterisation of the meso and microplastics utilized FTIR-ATR spectroscopy andthe majority of both the meso and microplastics HDPE polymers. This preliminary assessment aims to present a scientific baseline for better management of plastic litter on Tunisian beaches.