Coastal ecosystem inventory with characterization and identification of plastic contamination and additives from aquaculture materials

In the early 1970s, studies of marine litter first appeared in the scientific literature. Fifty years later, knowledge of several coastal areas of the Atlantic, the driving forces of oyster farmers and aquaculture, is lacking. This work documents a pilot study on an Atlantic coastal area (France). This study aims to (i) characterize the abundance of macroplastics related to aquaculture tools; (ii) microplastics present in beach sediments and (iii) characterization of pollutants present on aquaculture plastics collected. First, it was observed that 70% of the plastics collected on the beach were characteristic of aquaculture materials. In sediments, MPs most found were Polyamide between 10 and 20 mu m, with a total MP concentration of 397-457 MPs.kg(-1). Pipes collectors (PVC), frequently used in aquaculture, have been shown to have concentrations of dimethylphthalates and naphthalene. Waste management and support policies can then base their actions on such studies, in order to improve their knowledge.

Automated summary

While studies about marine litter have been conducted since the early 1970s, knowledge about the impact of aquaculture tools and practices on coastal areas, particularly in the Atlantic, remains limited. A pilot study in France revealed that a significant portion of plastics found on beaches were related to aquaculture, with microplastics primarily consisting of Polyamide. Pollutants such as dimethylphthalates and naphthalene were also found on PVC pipes commonly used in aquaculture. This information can help inform waste management and policy decisions to improve understanding and address pollution in coastal areas.