Work

Presence and characteristics of plastics and microplastics on the seabed of the western English Channel

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Little is known about the presence, distribution, origins and characteristics of plastic litter and microplastics on the ocean floor. In this study, plastics trawled from the bed of the western English Channel have been categorised and analysed by a variety of optical and spectroscopic techniques. A total of 90 plastic samples were classified, in descending order of abundance, as food-drink packaging, unknown, homeware, military and fishing. Most samples showed varying degrees of weathering (e.g., discolouration, distortion, cracking, fragmentation) and were visibly fouled by calcareous deposits. The majority of samples were constructed of polymers of negative buoyancy (e.g., polyamides, polyethylene terephthalate and polyvinyl chloride) with one sample identified as positively buoyant (polyethylene). Additives and pigments among the samples included asbestos, glass fibres, Cd-, Pb- and Sn-based stabilisers, Ba- and Ti-based compounds, and antifouling residues. Microscopy revealed the ubiquity of microfibres that were often strongly adhered to the plastic or fouled surfaces and whose polymeric compositions did not match those of the host material. This observation is attributed to encounters of microfibres with a slimy, accruing biofilm on the plastic and suggests that synthetic fibres are highly abundant and persistent in suspension close to the seafloor. The impacts of these fibres are unknown and warrant further investigation. • Plastic litter trawled from the English Channel seabed categorised and characterised. • Items ( n = 90) derived from food packaging, container spills, military activities and fishing. • Plastics constructed of negatively buoyant polymers (e.g., PET, PVC) with various additives. • Samples exhibit calcareous fouling and accumulation of polyamide and rayon microfibres. • Co-existence of plastics and microfibres suggest the latter are abundant near the seabed.

Source: Marine Pollution Bulletin

DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.118779

Authors: Faye Read, Andrew Turner

Institution: University of Plymouth

Language: English

Topic: Microplastics and Plastic Pollution

Subfield: Pollution

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Life below water, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,740