Skip to main content

IMIS

A new integrated search interface will become available in the next phase of marineinfo.org.
For the time being, please use IMIS to search available data

 

[ report an error in this record ]basket (0): add | show Print this page

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, more
Peer reviewed article  

Available in  Authors 

Keyword
    Marine/Coastal
Author keywords
    Microplastics; Polymers; Surface waters; East Africa; nearshore

Authors  Top 
  • Kosore, C.M.
  • Ojwang, L.
  • Maghanga, J.
  • Kamau, J., more
  • Shilla, D.
  • Everaert, G., more
  • 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.

All data in the Integrated Marine Information System (IMIS) is subject to the VLIZ privacy policy Top | Authors