Plastic and anthropogenic microfiber pollution on exposed sandy beaches in Nova Scotia, Canada

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the initial presence of microplastics on two sandy beaches along a rugged coastline in the Northwest Atlantic, an area with limited prior investigation. Sediment samples were collected from High, Mid, and Low intertidal zones at two beaches on the eastern shore of Nova Scotia, Canada. Microplastics were isolated from 100 g sediment samples using density flotation with a sodium iodide solution. Particle characterization included size, shape, and color analysis, with polymer identification performed using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Results indicated that the predominant microplastics were small (< 1.4 mm) transparent microfibers, primarily composed of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), nylon, or alkyd polymers from paints. Mean concentrations were comparable between the two beaches, averaging 5.08 ± 3.20 and 5.58 ± 4.52 microplastics per 100 g of sediment, respectively. Non-plastic microfibers, including natural and semi-synthetic cellulosic materials, were notably more abundant, with mean concentrations ranging from 75.9 ± 60.1 to 97.7 ± 87.9 per 100 g sediment. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in microplastic counts across tidal zones due to high variability over small spatial scales (tens of meters). Sources of microfibers were potentially from high recreational use at these sites. This study highlights the lower-than-expected levels of microplastic pollution compared to earlier research at these sites and global beach studies. Future monitoring efforts could focus on longitudinal studies to track microplastic trends on these exposed sandy beaches.

Keywords

Beach sand / density separation / microplastics / microfibers / cellulosic fibers / Northwest Atlantic / local sources / tourism / recreation

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