Abstract
Plastic pollution is threatening aquatic ecosystems and wildlife. Understanding the characteristics and extent of plastic pollution is the first step towards improving management and therefore the environmental impacts. Pre-production pellets are used in the manufacture of a range of consumer items. The Avon–Heathcote Estuary/Ihutai in Aotearoa–New Zealand, an important wildlife habitat, was assessed for the presence and characteristics of pre-production pellets. Following a visual survey of the estuary’s perimeter to establish overall levels, seven accumulation hotspots were identified, and surveyed in more detail. The enumeration and characterisation of pellet colour, size, morphology, degree of weathering and polymer type was undertaken. A total of 3819 pellets were identified, with pellets present at all sites. The pellets were predominantly clear (86%), 3 mm in size (54%), cylindrical in shape (62%), showed moderate weathering (41%) and were made of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) (53%). Pellet abundance and characteristics varied between sites. Accumulation and abundance may be influenced by river inflows along which plastic manufacturers are located, weather conditions, locality to stormwater outlets and pellet characteristics. Pellet pollution is a notable problem in the Avon–Heathcote Estuary/Ihutai and it highlights the need to better understand the sources and improve best management practices.
Highlights
Published: 17 January 2022Since the 1940s–1950s, plastic has been mass produced to create a range of everyday items [1,2] that have greatly benefitted society
If plastic is deposited in sediment, it can persist for hundreds to thousands of years [7]
The seven sites were grouped according to their geographical location in relation to wind direction
Summary
Since the 1940s–1950s, plastic has been mass produced to create a range of everyday items [1,2] that have greatly benefitted society. Its lightweight and durable design matched with a low price point [3] has seen plastic’s popularity grow, with 368 million tonnes of plastic produced in 2019, an increase of over 20 million tonnes since 2017 [4]. Around 79% of used plastic products are discarded into landfill or the environment, 12% are incinerated and only 9% are recycled [6]. Plastic debris is susceptible to long distance travel via wind and currents, assisted by its low density and high resilience. If plastic is deposited in sediment, it can persist for hundreds to thousands of years [7]
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