Beach Sediments Research Articles

Microplastic in Beach Sediment of Nasi Island, Aceh Besar Regency, Indonesia

Microplastic might be a small size of plastic that is directly released into the environment or the result of larger in size of plastic degradations. The presence and effect of microplastic have been reported globally. However, the existence of microplastic trapped in beach sediment of Nasi Island is limited. This research was conducted to analyse the type of sediment, abundance and type of microplastic polymer found in beach sediments in Nasi Island, Aceh Besar Regency, Aceh Province, Indonesia. Sampling was carried out in April 2022 at Nipah Beach and Alue Riyeung Beach in Nasi Island, Aceh Besar Regency. Sediment type was analysed by dry sieve method, using a stratified sieve shaker while the observation of microplastic and its polymer were identified by microscope and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), respectively. The results showed that the types of sediment at both beaches belonged to the sand type. There were three types of microplastics found, namely fragments, films, and fibres. The highest abundance of microplastics was found in a 0.063mm filter at Nipah Beach with an amount of 2651 Particles/Kg while the lowest was found in a 0.125mm filter with an amount of 8 Particles/Kg at Alue Riyeung Beach. As the polymer types, it is found that fragment type microplastics are likely to have PETE (Polyethylene Terephthalate) polymers, film type microplastics are likely to have PS (Polystyrene) polymer types and Fibre microplastics are likely to have LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) polymers.

Identification and Microscopic Classification of Microplastics in Beach Sediment Sample at Dadar Chowpatty

The current study involves the design of a feasible solution for cleaning beach sediments off microplastics. The results of this study will help spread awareness about this micro-menace threatening our societies. It also focuses on otherwise neglected and invisible aspects of plastic pollution. These findings may open up new avenues for research in this area. The long-term impacts of this study may involve the conservation of food quality in fisheries and ecosystems along the coast of Mumbai. During sampling, it was observed that the Dadar Beach was relatively less polluted or disturbed. Albeit having a beach that looks clean and does not look like has a plastic pollution issue, the study results clearly indicate exactly the opposite. The results show that various microplastic particles were identified across the length of the beach and that transect 1, which is shielded by rock reclamation debris, is less affected by active wave action and shows a lower density of microplastics than transect 2, which is readily subjected to active wave action. Based on the major microplastics found in sand, the presence of filaments and disintegration in large quantities, along with foam, can be attributed to fishing activities occurring in nearby oceans, along with some washed off disintegrated plastics whose source cannot be identified.

Microplastic from beach sediment to tissue: a case study on burrowing crab Dotilla blanfordi.

Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive pollutants in the marine environment, exhibiting persistence in coastal sediment over extended periods. However, the mechanism of their uptake by marine organisms and distribution in habitat is less understood. The objective of the present study was to investigate the presence of MP contamination in burrow sediment, feeding pellets, and tissue of Dotilla blanfordi in the Gulf of Kachchh, Gujarat State. A total of 500 g of burrow sediment, 100 g of feeding pellets, and body tissue of 10 resident D. blanfordi were pooled as one replica. Such seven replicas from each site were analyzed for MP extraction from three sites, including Asharmata, Mandvi, and Serena, located in the Gulf of Kachchh. The standard protocol was used during the analysis of the collected samples in order to isolate MPs. The abundance of MP was found higher in burrow sediment, feeding pellets and tissue of D. blanfordi at study site Mandvi, followed by Serena and Asharmata. The abundance of MP was found higher in D. blanfordi tissue, followed by burrow sediment and feeding pellet. A significant variation was observed in MP abundance among burrow sediment, feeding pellets, and tissue. MPs with various shapes (fiber, film, and fragment), sizes (1-2, 2-3, 3-4, and 4-5 mm), and colors (blue, green, black, pink, purple, red transparent) were recorded from all the study sites. Polyurethane and polyvinyl chloride were recognized as the chemical profile of the extracted MPs. The current investigation revealed greater accumulation of MPs in D. blanfordi's tissues compared to sediment and pellets, suggesting a risk of MP contamination in marine benthic fauna with a greater rate of bioaccumulation. D. blanfordi plays a significant role as a structuring agent for MP distribution in the intertidal flat through burrowing activity.

RESEARCH OF PLASTICS AND MICROPLASTICS IN THE BLACK SEA GEOECOSYSTEM AS A COMPONENT OF ITS POLLUTION ASSESSMENT

This publication presents a series of relevant aspects of the problem of pollution of the Black Sea geoecosystem and its geological and aquatic subsystems with plastics and microplastics. The condition of research on this issue, terms and prospects for creation of an effective system for field observations of plastic waste distribution with a microplastic component within the Ukrainian part of the Black Sea geoecosystem are discussed. Emphasis is placed on the modern, European standard adapted component in organizing research on the pollution of the Black Sea geoecosystem by synthetic polymers. The feasibility of a comprehensive study in the pathways and sources of these pollutants’ entry into its aquatic and geological subsystems is determined, taking into account natural characteristics of the ecological subsystem of the North-Western shelf of the Black Sea, while developing an optimum network of relevant monitoring observations. The research is based on data obtained from comprehensive field observations and subsequent analytical studies of the composition, sources of entry, and distribution of plastics and microplastics in modern sandy beach sediments and suspended in sea waters within the coastal region of Odessa in Ukraine. The results of analysis and generalization of materials on applied research of artificial polymers within the coast and waters of the Black Sea obtained by the authors from archival and published literary sources were also employed. Methodological approaches to organizing research on plastics and microplastics in the Black Sea geoecosystem and its main environmental subsystems are proposed as a necessary component of their pollution assessment.

Iron oxides in the beach sediments of the North-Western part of the Sea of Azov

The morphological features and chemical composition of iron oxides in the beach deposits of the northwestern part of the Sea of Azov were studied on the basis of research materials of 2016-2020, using a scanning electron microscope with an integrated electron-probe analysis system. The chemical composition of iron oxides varies from Fe39O86 to Fe17O8. Most of the individuals surveyed are stoichiometric iron (III) oxide Fe2O3, but only a few of them have morphological features of the natural hematite, usually martite. The vast majority of Fe2O3 individuals and other individuals in the whole range of the chemical composition have specific morphological features of technogenic compounds and generally are ferrous dross particles formed during the rolled steel process. The sharp predominance of the technogenic component of iron oxides in the black sands is an important fact that witnesses the powerful man9made pressure on the ecosystems of the Azov Sea.

Metal pollution status and health risk assessment of beach sediments along the Mersin coast, Turkey

In the present study, the ecological risk assessment of metal contamination in beach sediments along the Mersin coast was determined using the metal contents of beach sediments in Mersin, Kızkalesi, Susanoğlu and Taşucu region obtained between 2006 and 2009. Furthermore, the potential health risk assessment for ingestion and dermal contact pathways of adults and children was determined. Ecological risk assessment of heavy metals showed that there is no pollution in the beach sediments for the metals Cu, Pb and Zn for the all studied coasts. However, the high ecological risk indices calculated in this study strongly suggested an apparent Cd, Cr and Ni pollution in the studied beach sediments due to natural and anthropogenic contamination. Study findings indicated the HI values were greater than 1 for the metal Cr. The TCR values were higher than 1.00E-04 for the metals Cr and Ni calculated for adults, and for the metal Cu, Cr and Ni calculated for children, respectively. All these findings showed that there is a high carcinogenic risk for adults and children resident in the Mersin province from carcinogenic Cr and Ni whilst the studied coasts have additional health risks to children from carcinogenic Cu.

Microplastic Particles in Sandy Beaches of Thessaloniki Gulf, Greece

Microplastic pollution is a major issue for aquatic ecosystems. In this study, an assessment of microplastic pollution in beach sediments of Thessaloniki Gulf is presented. Sand sampling was performed in October 2021, in three different coastal areas along the seashore of Thessaloniki Gulf, in NW Aegean Sea. In total, nine sand samples were collected and examined. The morphology of the detected microplastics was recorded: they were fragments and microfibers. Their abundance ranged from 0-32 items/m3. Higher concentrations of microplastics were observed in Karabournaki Beach, located in the city of Thessaloniki. It is the second largest city in Greece, inhabited by about 1,5 million people. Regarding the color, black, red, blue, green, and transparent microplastic fragments were found. Black and blue particles were the most common. Chemical detection and identification were performed with FT-IR spectroscopy. Four polymers were detected: polyethylene (PE), terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Polyethylene terephthalate was the dominant identified polymer (50%). The need for plastic pollution management in coastal areas, as well as the need to communicate the issue of plastic marine pollution and enhance public awareness, are discussed.

Evaluation of microplastic bioaccumulation capacity of mussel (Perna viridis) and surrounding environment in the North coast of Vietnam

This study aimed to identify the presence of microplastics in green mussels (Perna viridis), surface seawater, and beach sediment on the North Coast of Vietnam. The average concentration of MPs in mussels was 3.67 ± 1.20 MPs/g wet weight and 25.05 ± 5.36 MPs/individual. Regarding surface seawater and beach sediments, the MPs concentration was found at 88.00 ± 30.88 MPs/L and 4800 ± 1776 MPs/kg dry weight, respectively. The dominant microplastics shape was fragment with the fractions ranging from 69.86 to 82.41 %. In addition, the size distribution of MPs was mostly in the range of smaller than 50 μm and 1–150 μm (34.17 % and 45.62 % in mussels; 29.65 % and 43.20 % in surface seawater and 40.22 % and 39.40 % in beach sediment, respectively). Polyethylene terephthalate was the major polymer types 49.93–58.44 % of the detected MPs. The risk assessment results based on the polymer types indicated a warning level in several sites.

Evaluation of potential trace element contamination and ecological risks of beach sediments, Andaman and Nicobar Archipelago, India

This study emphasized the potential contamination level and ecological risk condition of the beach sediments in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago. The mean concentration of acid -leachable trace metals (ALTMs) shows the following descending order: North Andaman sector: Pb > Zn > Ni > Co > Cr > Fe > Cu > Mn; Middle Andaman sector: Fe > Ni > Pb > Zn > Cr > Co > Mn > Cu; South Andaman sector: Fe > Ni > Pb > Zn > Cr > Co > Mn > Cu; Rutland Island sector: Ni > Fe > Pb > Zn > Co > Cr > Cu > Mn; Little Andaman sector: Ni > Pb > Zn > Co > Cr > Fe > Cu > Mn; Great Nicobar Island sector: Fe > Ni > Cr > Pb > Zn > Co > Mn > Cu. The enrichment factor shows the metal enrichment trend as follows: Pb > Ni > Cr > Cu > Mn > Zn. ALTM’s results reveal that Fe, Mn, Pb, and Cu are the most notable trace elements in the beach sediments. The geo-accumulation index of metals shows an unpolluted category for all the metals except Pb. The level of sediment contamination indicates the moderate to strong category. The sediment pollution index and ecological risk reveal that the sediment belongs to the natural category with low pollution risk. The concentration of metal in the beaches was less than the comparative studies and sediment quality guidelines (SQGs). Overall assessment studies on sediment accumulated trace metals and potential ecological studies suggest that the beach sediments of the study area were less contaminated and exposed to low risk.

Using the Coastal Clean Index to assess the impact of anthropogenic pressure on sandy beaches in Ustka, Poland

The article summarizes results of the studies of the Coastal Clean Index (CCI) on selected Polish beaches. In 2022, an attempt was made to estimate the amount of litter on the beach in Ustka. Debris on the beach was collected during a peak season in July and August. An attempt was also made to estimate the daily increase in garbage on the beach. The main part of the research was based on the quality and quantity of litter in beach sediments to the east and west of Ustka. Litter was divided according to a type of material, use, size and origin. The collected material was dominated by a plastic waste. The largest amount of marine litter was collected on the beach, on the eastern side of the Słupia River.

Is atmospheric pathway a significant contributor to microplastics in the marine environment?

Transmission of microplastics (MPs) through aerosolization has been recently realized as an important route. Inspite of the reports of the ubiquitous MP presence in aerosols, the spatio-temporal information is inadequate and has very limited practicality in assessing if aerosol can be a significant source of MPs to the marine environment. Data on marine contribution to atmospheric MPs is exceptionally scarce, and the ocean-air exchange is considered an emerging research area. Evidence of MPs entering the oceans via atmospheric deposition has been recently produced. The idea of ocean-air exchange emanates from the fact that beach sediments can get suspended under sand and dust storms, bubble bursts and sea sprays due to wind and waves in surf zones can lead to the ejection of particles into aerosols. In this succinct review, we have tried compiling the data on atmospheric MPs that can shed some light on the flux from and to the aquatic environment. While the information is too limited never the less its incorporation into the marine MP cycle cannot be neglected.

METAGENOMICS BASED MICROBIAL BIOPROSPECTING STUDIES AT SELECTED BEACHES OF MUMBAI

Background: Bioprospecting studies play a crucial role in identifying species of specific value in different fields of science. Marine ecosystems are rich biodiverse areas with environmentally and economically viable microbes. The microbes play a prominent role in the sandy beach ecosystem. The microbial composition may reflect the richness, pollution levels, food chain intricacies, and distribution of dependent species. Primary biofilm constituting marine bacteria initiates the colonization pattern and survival of organisms in a food pyramid. Culturable microbes and their industrial applications constitute a major chunk of microbial research till recently. Metagenomics, a new innovative, and powerful approach helps to study the biomes of environmental systems, especially the missing and uncluturable species. Materials and methods: Soil samples collected from the upper 5cm stretch of intertidal sand sediments of Versova, Juhu, and Mahim beaches. Sampling was done fortnightly for three months. The pooled samples were analyzed using metagenomics. Results: The study indicated the richness and distribution of 262 bacterial genera. The common occurrence of 132 genera was observed across three stations. 23 specific genera were noticed at Juhu Beach. A wide variety of microbes were observed across the Versova beach with the predominance of ammonifying bacteria and their metabolic pathways. Conclusions: Rich biodiversity was seen at Juhu and Mahim beaches as well as the presence of common species. The Versova beach showed lower biodiversity at the phylum level and represented more varieties of bacteria.

Quantification and characterization of microplastics in coastal environments: Insights from laser direct infrared imaging

The study identified and quantified nine plastic polymers frequently detected in the environment by collecting sediment and seawater samples from coastal areas in Auckland, New Zealand. Polymer types, size distributions, and number of microplastics (MPs) were analyzed using a laser direct infrared (LDIR) imaging technique. Compared to conventional spectroscopic or microscopic methods, LDIR enabled capturing and quantifying MPs in much lower size ranges (20–5000 μm). The results demonstrated the widespread occurrence of MPs in the Auckland coastal environment, with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) being the most frequently detected plastic polymer. MP contamination levels ranged from 13 to 83 particles per liter of coastal water and from 1200 to 3400 particles/kg of dry sand in beach sediments. Six additional locations were investigated to assess the contribution of MPs from stormwater drains to the coastal environment. The total count of identified MPs extracted from sediments near stormwater drains reached a maximum of 18,000 particles/kg of dry sand, representing an order of magnitude increase compared to MP levels found in beach sediments at the same location. In contrast to the prevalence of PET and polyamide observed in beach sediments and coastal waters, polyurethane and polyethylene emerged as the predominant plastic polymers in the vicinity of stormwater drain sediments, implying that the variation could potentially stem from distinct sources of plastics. This significant disparity in quality and quantity underscored the potential link between urban runoff and MP pollution in marine ecosystems. A sample preparation method using 100 g sediment samples was developed and used to assess and compare MPs detection in sediment samples. The commonly used 5 g sample method showed higher extraction efficiency and better detection of the most abundant MPs, but the new 100 g method enabled the detection of previously missed, less abundant plastics.

Assessment of heavy metal contamination of sediments in popular tourist beaches of the Kerala State, southern India: Implications on textural and mineralogical affinities and mitigation

Beaches form one of the most contaminated sedimentary environments by a myriad variety of anthropogenic activities, including tourism and recreational activities. The concentrations of metals and their pollution levels were studied for four tropical tourist beaches in Kerala state, Southern India. Bulk geochemical and mineralogical analyses of 16 sediment samples were performed to determine the environmental status and the environmental risk level using various geochemical indices. Based on the enrichment of TiO2 and SiO2 concentrations, the samples were grouped into ilmenite-rich samples (IRS) and quartz-rich samples (QRS) respectively and the geochemical signatures are significantly different. Mineralogically, the IRS group is dominated by ilmenite, quartz, sillimanite, zircon and rutile while the QRS group consists of quartz, spinel and calcite and garnets are common in both groups of sediments. Despite the variation in the trends of pollution indices, it has been found that Kovalam beach sediments are enriched with W, Th and U where, IRS with enrichment of W, U and Th while QRS only enriched with W and Th and not U. The mineralogical affinity of W with secondary tungsten-bearing minerals has been documented by the XRD analysis and these metals are mainly controlled by the geogenic sourced minerals. However, in terms of ecological risk, Pb, As and Cu have a considerable to moderate risk in both groups of sediments. Overall, both group of sediments shows a moderate risk. Based on the biological effect assessment the elements of concern are Pb and Zn in IRS and possible effect by the Cr, Cu and As in IRS and only by Cu in QRS. Though the prevalence of geogenic and anthropogenic processes and influences of metal enrichments are documented by the study, their relative influences, mobility and bioavailability need to be systematically studied.

Lithological controls on soil properties, Snow Island, Maritime Antarctica

AbstractSoil–parent material is a critical controlling factor of soil properties in the Antarctic region due to a limited degree of soil development. However, the degree to which soil–parent material can be considered the major controlling factor in pedogenesis and subsequent soil physical and chemical properties in Antarctica should be better understood to improve soil mapping and interpretations. The present study aims to analyze the soil properties of different lithological groups on the President Head Peninsula on Snow Island, Maritime Antarctica. Thirty soil profiles across the major lithological groupings on Snow Island (beach deposits, andesites, basalts/andesites, conglomerate, sandstones, siltstones, and mudstones) were described, and the morphological, physical, and chemical properties of samples from sampled genetic horizons were characterized. Beach deposits were most clearly differentiated from other lithological groups, whereas most other groups overlapped strongly in observed properties. Whereas some lithological groups (e.g., sedimentary rock groups) were characterized largely by immature soils with little degree of pedogenesis, other sampled soils exhibited more development. The soil–parent material relationships of Snow Island revealed a unique setting of a complex heterogeneous landscape and show that the area has a great pedological complexity induced by phosphatization, melanization, and cryoturbation processes that preclude placing primary importance on parent material and lithology as the major controlling factor in Antarctic soils.

Association between PAH and plastic fragments on Brazilian coast beaches: a baseline assessment.

Plastic materials have many destinies on the environment, and one of them is its continuous fragmentation, originating microplastics (MP). MP act as an adsorption surface for organic pollutants like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). Due to its toxic and harmful properties, 16 PAH are defined as priorities in studies. Several works have evaluated the occurrence of MP and PAH individually in environmental matrices, but just a few have investigated their association. The present study aims to investigate PAH occurrence, sources, and concentration in MP from beach sediments of eight Brazilian coastal states. Sixteen PAH were analyzed by gas chromatography, in which 14 PAH were detected, and PAH total concentration (ΣPAH) ranged from 0.25 to 71.60ngg-1. In the North and Northeast regions, the low PAH concentrations in MP appear to be related to the intense hydrodynamic processes. Naphthalene levels on the Styrofoam were above the threshold effect level in two samples and near it on one; therefore, effects in the organisms might occur due to these PAH. The Southeast and South regions are the only ones with previous studies relating PAH with MP, and ΣPAH ranged from 0.34 to 2.52ngg-1. According to the diagnostic ratios, the PAH sources were associated with industrial and port activities, untreated effluent disposal, and urban runoff by pluvial waters. The highest ΣPAH level was found in the Styrofoam samples, suggesting that this MP type might contribute considerable to PAH dispersion on Brazilian coast beaches.

Plankton assemblages from microplastics of tropical coastal environments reveal high diversity and evidence of toxic species

Microplastics are a major constituent of plastic waste and are of an increasing global concern. Although microplastics are prevalent in marine ecosystems, the characterisation of plankton communities has been largely neglected in this aspect, especially in tropical ecosystems. To better understand the role of microplastics as a carrier of harmful plankton in marine ecosystems, epiplastic plankton communities in tropical marine ecosystems were studied from beach sediments along the Johor and Singapore Straits. Complementary analysis of microscopy and high throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA (V3–V4) and 18S (V4) rRNA regions provided evidence that the plastisphere provided an appropriate environment to host a wide range of planktonic organisms. An average of 781 OTUs were identified across the three sampling sites. The structures of plankton communities were distinct across the sampling sites and were generally dominated by dinoflagellates, fungi and chlorophytes. We demonstrate that marine microplastics serve as microhabitats that are a host to harmful phytoplankton species, including viable resting cysts of dinoflagellates. Furthermore, plastics isolated from the location with the greatest anthropogenic influence demonstrated the greatest plankton diversity. This study presents evidence of diverse toxic plankton species present on the plastisphere and highlights its importance as a vector of the transport of harmful opportunistic species in relation to anthropogenic influence, in the marine environment.

Assessing the efficiency of microplastics extraction methods for tropical beach sediments and matrix preparation for experimental controls

IntroductionMicroplastic pollution has become a global issue, eliciting attention not just from the scientific community but also both from the public and governmental bodies. Drawing data-driven policies and interventions, however, remain difficult due to the severely lacking baseline information from different environments such as beaches. One of the challenges in doing baseline studies is the lack of harmonized methodologies that will allow for comparison of results, integration of data, and its effective translation to evidence-based policies. Emphasis on quality control measures among baselining efforts through the proper implementation of experimental controls is also lacking.MethodologyTo address these gaps, we compared methodologies for preparing the sediment matrix for experimental controls, as well as evaluated protocols for extracting microplastics from tropical beach sediments. Beach sediments were collected, dried, sieved, and spiked with known amounts of microplastics of different polymer types. The removal and extraction efficiencies of the protocols being compared were evaluated.Results and discussionOur results showed that subjecting beach sediments to a furnace at 550° C for 4 hours is the most efficient way to remove plastic contamination, implying its applicability for preparing experimental controls. Meanwhile, a modified version of Masura et al. (2015), one of the widely cited methodologies for microplastics extraction, exhibited the highest mean extraction efficiency (99.05 ± 0.82%) among the protocols being compared. Results of this work will be useful in identifying methods that can be adopted and utilized for research and baselining efforts not just in the Philippines but also in Southeast Asia. This will also be helpful in the harmonization of methods, data reporting, and even skills as implemented through the regional and national action plans to address marine plastic pollution.

Spatiotemporal distribution of microplastic debris in the surface beach sediment of the southeastern coast of Bangladesh

This study undertakes a spatiotemporal analysis of microplastic pollution in surface beach sediments, covering 7 coastal beaches in Bangladesh and two seasons-monsoon and winter. The concentration of microplastics extracted from the surface beach sediment is 242.86 particles/kg dw. The results showed both significant seasonal (p value = 0.001) and spatial (p value = 0.004) variation. The abundance and polymer types were significantly higher (57 %) in winter than in the monsoon season (43 %). Touristic and commercial beaches showed higher levels of microplastic pollution than the non-touristic beaches. Polyethylene (28.8 %) and Polypropylene (27.6 %) were the most abundant polymer. The most dominant coloration of microplastics was white (42.6 %). The majority of the microplastics were fibers (33.5 %). Smallest particles measuring <1 mm constituted nearly half of the total microplastics load (48.5 %). This baseline data can be useful in terms of coastal zone management for the southeastern coastal beaches of Bangladesh.

A Quantitative Geomorphological Analysis of Beach Sediments Along the Kanthi Coast of West Bengal and Odisha, India

This research paper shows the beach segment-wise (viz., nearshore, surfing, sub-aerial, and backshore) textural characteristics and their impact on the formation of beach profiles. The grain size of the sediments is the most influential factor in the analysis of the geomorphological structure of sedimentation. The energy which is generated by waves and the grain size of sediments can change the structural pattern of the coastal beach. So it is obvious to study sedimentary textural distribution to know their influence on making coastal beaches. Through this research paper, the sedimentary textual distribution is analyzed and also gives their impact on beach shipping. Along longitudinal beach profile samples are collected. The work has been done based on the primary data source by using the field survey method. From this research work, it has been traced that beaches follow the concave pattern profile due to their fine sedimentary textural distribution. Consequently, the beaches of the Kanthi coast are dominantly facing the erosional configuration.