Citizen science reveals microplastic hotspots within tidal estuaries and the remote Scilly Islands, United Kingdom

Holly A. Nel, Gregory H. Sambrook Smith, Rogan Harmer, Rebecca Sykes, Uwe Schneidewind, Iseult Lynch, Stefan Krause

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The identification of microplastic hotspots is vital to our long-term understanding of their environmental fate and distribution. Although case studies have increased globally, sampling campaigns are often restricted geographically, with poor spatial resolution. Here, we use citizen science to increase our geographical reach, which improved our understanding of microplastic distribution in estuarine and beach sediment along the south-west coast of England. Hotspots (>700 particles per kg dry sediment) were identified on the Scilly Islands and in close proximity to major metropolitan hubs (i.e. Falmouth and Plymouth). Particles extracted from the Scilly Island sites were composed of polyethylene and polypropylene. With low population density on the Isle of Scilly, hotspots may suggest that microplastics originate from distant sources, while Falmouth and Plymouth, on mainland UK, are locally supplied. This information supports the design of future campaigns and targeted mitigation strategies in areas of highest concentrations.

Original languageEnglish
Article number111776
JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin
Volume161
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2020

Keywords

  • Accumulation zone
  • English Channel
  • Intertidal
  • Island beaches
  • Nile red

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oceanography
  • Aquatic Science
  • Pollution

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Citizen science reveals microplastic hotspots within tidal estuaries and the remote Scilly Islands, United Kingdom'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this