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Microplastics in Kenya's marine nearshore surface waters: Current status
Kosore, C.M.; Ojwang, L.; Maghanga, J.; Kamau, J.; Shilla, D.; Everaert, G.; Khan, F.R.; Shashoua, Y. (2022). Microplastics in Kenya's marine nearshore surface waters: Current status. Mar. Pollut. Bull. 179: 113710. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113710
In: Marine Pollution Bulletin. Macmillan: London. ISSN 0025-326X; e-ISSN 1879-3363
Peer reviewed article  
Available in  Authors 
    Vlaams Instituut voor de Zee: Non-open access 376750 [ request ]
Keyword
    Marine/Coastal
Author keywords
    Microplastics; Polymers; Surface waters; East Africa; nearshore
Authors  Top 
  • Kosore, C.M.
  • Ojwang, L.
  • Maghanga, J.
  • Kamau, J.
  • Shilla, D.
  • Everaert, G.
  • Khan, F.R.
  • Shashoua, Y.
Abstract
    Microplastics (MPs) were collected at six locations along Kenya's marine nearshore surface waters using a 300 μm mesh-size manta net. The samples were washed over a 125-μm mesh size sieve No.120 into a glass jar and preserved in 70% ethanol. MPs were sorted, counted visually under a dissecting microscope then identified using attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. A total of 1473 particles with an overall mean concentration of 0.58 ± 1.29 MPs m−3, were collected. Fragments were the most common types representing 55% of the total MPs, followed by films (40%) and fibers (2%). Polypropylene (PP) was dominant (52%), high-density polyethylene (HDPE) comprised 38% and low density polyethylene (LDPE) 10% of the total MPs. This study provided baseline information, in which Malindi was identified as a hot spot for MPs pollution. Furthermore, the outcomes will assist policy formulations and management strategies aimed at controlling marine plastics.
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