While the production of plastic has been ever-increasing since the 1950s, little is known about the temporal dynamics of plastic pollution. Microplastics (less than 5 mm) represent the majority of total plastic pollution in terms of particle number. Microplastics stem mainly from the breakdown of larger plastic items, and can sink onto the ocean floor due to their own density or after biofilm formation. Consequently, microplastics accumulate on the ocean floor and particularly the deep-ocean floor, turning this poorly understood ecosystem into a major microplastic sink. Microplastics are easily ingested by a broad range of organisms, including benthic organisms. Holothurians (sea cucumbers) are benthic organisms found at all depths and latitudes. A vast majority of holothurian species are deposit-feeders, contributing significantly to bioturbation by ingesting between 9 and 82 kg per individual per year. Hence, we hypothesised that holothurians could be relevant organisms to monitor the evolution of benthic microplastic pollution. We developed a robust method to extract and quantify microplastics from holothurians by Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry. Using an integrative taxonomy workflow, we identified time-series for two species of deep-sea holothurians from the Indo-Pacific (New Caledonia, Papua New-Guinea and Taiwan) Natural History Collection of the Paris Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, sampled between 1985 and today. Sixty specimens were analysed in order to model temporal trends for both species. Through this project, we aim to shed light on the evolution of microplastic pollution of the deep-ocean floor, an understudied ecosystem that harbours among the greatest biodiversity on Earth. This monitoring represents an essential step for informing policies aimed at preserving deep-ocean environments from anthropogenic impacts. 

How to cite: Dettling, V., Laguionie, C., Beck, I., ter Halle, A., Albignac, M., Ratti, C., Fini, J.-B., and Samadi, S.: Monitoring the evolution of deep-sea microplastic pollution in the Indo-Pacific using natural history collection holothurian specimens, One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-22, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-22, 2025.

Coastal and inland aquatic ecosystems are of fundamental interest to society and economy, given their tight link to urbanization and economic value creation. These ecosystems, which are continuously impacted by natural processes and human activities such as litter pollution, including marine plastics, play a significant role in the carbon cycle, and they comprise critical habitats for biodiversity. Particularly, improved knowledge of distributions of marine plastics is becoming critical. Systematic, high-quality and global observations, such as those provided by satellite remote sensing techniques, are key to understand complex aquatic systems. While multitudes of remote sensing missions have been specifically designed for studying ocean biology and biogeochemistry as well as for evaluating terrestrial environments, missions dedicated to studying critical coastal and inland aquatic ecosystems at global scale are non-existent. Thus, these ecosystems remain among the most understudied habitats on the Earth’s surface. A satellite mission called Global Assessment of Limnological, Estuarine and Neritic Ecosystems (GALENE), is proposed to ESA’s Earth Explorer Mission Idea call to respond to current and future challenges linked to coastal and inland ecosystems. The mission concept consists of a synergy of three innovative instruments, namely a hyperspectral sensor, a panchromatic camera and a polarimeter. GALENE will then provide optimized measurements of these aquatic ecosystems by enabling an adaptive spectral, spatial, multidirectional and polarimetric sampling of properties and processes in water column, benthic habitats and associated wetlands. GALENE will substantially contribute to solving global water challenges, including the marine plastic detection, water pollution and ensuring clean drinking water supply for all and protecting coastal areas and populations. In particular, co-located hyperspectral and multi-angular polarized measurements will consolidate the capacity for providing descriptors of plastics. The GALENE science objectives and the main innovative features will be presented. 

How to cite: Chami, M., Bracher, A., Briottet, X., Costa, M., Damm-Reiser, A., Dekker, A., Garaba, S., Gege, P., Giardino, C., Knaeps, E., Kutser, T., Lucas, R., Odermatt, D., Otter, G., Pahlevan, N., Pinnel, N., Sterckx, S., and Turpie, K.: GALENE: A proposed future satellite mission dedicated to the observation of coastal and inland aquatic ecosystems, including the monitoring of water quality and the detection of marine plastics, One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-262, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-262, 2025.

The IAEA-NUTEC Plastics initiative addresses the critical challenge of microplastic pollution in marine environments by developing and promoting advanced methodologies for the detection, monitoring, and characterization of microplastics across regions. This initiative is working to establish a coordinated network of laboratories in over 100 countries to implement standardized sampling and analysis protocols, fostering a globally consistent approach to microplastic research. By utilizing radiometric and other advanced technologies, NUTEC Plastics aims to enhance the accuracy and reliability of microplastic data, enabling more effective cross-regional comparison and collaboration.

This presentation will outline the initiative’s progress toward establishing this network, the development of harmonized protocols, and the support provided for capacity building through training and technical guidance for Member States. These efforts align with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 14.1.1b, by generating robust data to inform policy and management strategies. Through shared knowledge and collaborative practices, the IAEA-NUTEC Plastics initiative seeks to contribute to a comprehensive global response to marine plastic pollution, advancing sustainable ocean conservation.

How to cite: Alonso-Hernandez, C. and Metian, M.: IAEA-NUTEC Plastics Initiative: Advancing Global Understanding of Microplastic Pollution in the Ocean, One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-311, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-311, 2025.

Microplastics are abundant and ubiquitous in marine environments, posing threats to ecosystem health and human well-being. Limitations in current quantification methods lead to unreliable data on concentrations of small microplastics (< 25 µm), which are likely to be the most hazardous. To predict ecological and sanitary risks associated with microplastic pollution, new measuring tools such as biomonitors are essential.

Marine mussels, as non-selective suspension feeders that filter large volumes of water, are already used as biomonitors for other pollutants and appear to be good candidates for monitoring microplastic pollution levels at sea. In this context, we investigated the uptake and depuration of microplastics by the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis, the most widespread mussel species, across varying exposure concentrations and durations.

In a first experiment, mussels were exposed for 48h to increasing microplastic concentrations, ranging from 0 to 2000 MPs/L, followed by 48h of depuration in clean seawater. Results demonstrate a strong linear relationship between microplastic uptake and environmental concentration (R² = 0.91), with high depuration rates for all concentrations (92 ± 3%) after 48h in clean seawater. In a second experiment, mussels were exposed to a single environmental concentration of 200 MPs/L over various durations (24h, 48h, 72h, 10d, 20d, 50d, and 100d). Findings indicate a linear increase in microplastic content in mussels with exposure durations, and consistently high depuration rates (90 ± 6%) after 48h in clean seawater.

These results support the use of M. galloprovincialis as an efficient biomonitoring tool for assessing microplastic levels in marine environments. However, despite their strong depuration ability, microplastics tend to accumulate in mussel tissues over time. Limiting exposure durations in biomonitoring surveys is therefore recommended to prevent overestimation of microplastic concentrations in surrounding waters.

How to cite: Wolinski, A., Lavergne, E., Pruski, A. M., Calvès, I., Lartaud, F., and Meistertzheim, A.-L.: The Mediterranean Mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis as a Biomonitor for Microplastic Pollution, One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-317, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-317, 2025.

Coral reefs and other marine and coastal ecosystems are widely recognized to be seriously threatened by plastic pollution as an emerging issue. Coral is stressed by plastic waste through anoxia, light deprivation, physical damage, toxin release, and increasing disease transmission. Marine plastics impact marine ecological services and biodiversity which are essential to the blue economy. The economic effects of marine plastic pollution on tourists, fisheries, and aquaculture, as well as additional costs like cleanups. This study presents a comprehensive assessment of plastic pollution in coral communities at four underwater pinnacles, i.e., Hin Poom, Hin Chen Thale, Hin Chumphon, and Hin Wong in the Western Gulf of Thailand. SCUBA divers surveyed the study sites to record human-generated objects, including plastics, in the belt transects. Our results show different amounts of plastic items among the study sites. Plastic pollution found at Hin Poom and Hin Chen Thale (7–15 m in depth) was significantly higher than that at Hin Chumphon and Hin Wong (10–29 m in depth). The majority of plastic items were abandoned fishing nets, fishing lines, fish traps, glass bottles, and plastic bags. Hin Chumphon and Hin Wong are important dive sites in the Gulf of Thailand. Dive shops, conservation groups, and tourists participate in marine debris collection activities at the dive sites. The government agencies, private sectors, and local communities have to work in collaboration to minimize the impacts of plastic pollution at Hin Poom and Hin Chen Thale, as well as other unprotected underwater pinnacles in the Gulf of Thailand.

How to cite: Sutthacheep, M., Yeemin, T., Suebpala, W., Jungrak, L., Aunkhongthong, W., and Phutthaphibankun, C.: Assessing plastic pollution on coral communities at four underwater pinnacles in the Gulf of Thailand, One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-349, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-349, 2025.

This study is the first detailed investigation of microplastics (MPs) ranging from 20 µm to 5 mm in surface waters of coral reef ecosystems of the coast of Cuba. A total of 72 samples were collected from 22 stations during the scientific cruise "BOJEO CUBA 2024". The post-sampling treatment was based on enzymatic digestion of organic matter and subsequent analysis of the MPs using laser direct infrared (LDIR) Chemical Imaging Spectroscopy. A total of 2,616 MPs and 11 types of polymers have been identified, with a significant composition of Polypropylene accounting for 27% of the total, followed by Polyethylene (25%), Polytetrafluoroethylene (12 %), Polyurethane (11 %), and Polyethylene terephthalate (10 %). From a size perspective, 94 % of these MPs were smaller than 300 microns, indicating a significant presence of very small particles. Total number concentrations ranged from 11 to 176 microplastic particles per Liter, with an average of 75 MP L⁻¹ and a standard deviation of 41 MP L⁻¹. The spatial analysis clustered the selected sampling sites into three groups based on the abundance and polymer composition, reflecting varying levels of MP pollution and potential sources across the island.

How to cite: Helguera Pedraza, Y., Bernard, N., Reyes Noa, D., Roldán Ramos, A. F., Hernández-Albernas, J. I., Metian, M., Rios Mendoza, L., Oberhaensli, F., and Alonso-Hernández, C. M.: Microplastics (20 µm – 5 mm) in surface waters of Cuban coral reef ecosystems analyzed by Laser Direct Infrared Imaging (LDIR), One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-380, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-380, 2025.

How to cite: Allou, S., Ollion, C., and Leroux, C.: Assessing the Use of AI to Quantify Plastic Pollution in Rivers, One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-457, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-457, 2025.

Marine Microlitter, including microplastic, is considered by multiple policy frameworks as a pollutant that requires mitigation measures. These measures will need to consider quantitative environmental assessments.  The frameworks include the European Union Marine Strategy Framework Directive, the Regional Sea Conventions and also the Global Treaty on Plastic Pollution. While microlitter monitoring guidance has become available and is being implemented, still the quality of data requires attention. Contamination during the sampling and analytical process can alter results, uncertainties of material determination and quantification are often difficult to assess, leading possibly to non-comparable data.

The availability of QA/QC approaches, reference materials, proficiency testing schemes and contamination avoidance concepts has been investigated together with an expert community and an overview will be provided. From an analysis of data quality needs and tools, recommendations for ensuring appropriate quality of microlitter (incl. microplastic) data will be provided. The collaborative approach at large scale will enable the coordinated uptake of the recommendations in different policy frameworks, including at global scale.

How to cite: Ruiz-Orejon, L. and Hanke, G.: Marine Microlitter and Microplastic Quality Assurance and Quality Control - Towards a large scale approach, One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-469, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-469, 2025.

Although it is known that microplastics (MPs) can fluctuate temporally, most studies to date have focused on examining MP levels at a single time-point, thus providing a limited estimate of MP abundance in aquatic ecosystems. The goal of this preliminary research was to investigate the fluctuation of MP abundance in the marine environment and determine maximum MP loading following an extreme weather event. This type of investigation is critical for understanding how MPs can fluctuate temporally in the marine environment and predicting when the MP loading is at its maximum. This is particularly important in relation to commercial and locally harvested fish and shellfish species that may accumulate high MP levels and thereby have a negative effect on human health.

This study sampled intertidal sediments in close proximity to a fresh-water source in a coastal embayment on the west coast of Ireland. Intensive sampling was carried out over a five-week period. The first sampling took place two days before two extreme weather events, Storm Dudley and Storm Eunice in February 2022, with subsequent sampling taking place on a weekly basis for four weeks following the event. Both the high water and low water mark were sampled, with 4 replicates randomly retrieved from a transect at each tidal level.  MPs were extracted from the sediments using density separation techniques.

Analysis on the type, quantification, colour, and length of MPs was carried out using light microscopy with standardised contamination control methods.  Micro-FTIR techniques will be used to identify a subsample of the polymers from each time point. Finally, modelling software will be used to determine the maximum loading of MPs to the marine environment using this data. It is anticipated that the results from this research will help to pinpoint critical periods of MP pollution in the aquatic environment and highlight the importance of developing mitigating measures for such events.

How to cite: Kavanagh, F., Gaudino, M., Rooney, S., Frias, J., Joyce, H., and Nash, R.: The impact of extreme weather events on microplastics in intertidal sediments within a coastal embayment. , One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-566, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-566, 2025.

To understand the full scope of plastic pollution in aquatic environments, continuous and large-scale monitoring techniques are essential, especially for tracking mass balance and long-term trends. Over recent years, advancements in automated monitoring of floating marine debris have gained momentum. Satellite-based mapping of coastal regions has progressed significantly with the development of multispectral, hyperspectral, thermal infrared, polarimetry, and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) methods, among others. 

However, tracking debris in the open ocean presents unique challenges. In this environment, floating debris is widely dispersed, making satellite detection difficult. Large floating macroplastics (>50 cm) represent a significant portion of the ocean plastic mass budget, yet remain under-quantified by traditional methods, such as surface trawls and visual surveys that are costly and labor intensive. 

This presentation highlights recent advancements in the Automated Debris Imaging System (ADIS), a technology developed to tackle these limitations. Designed to be deployed onboard existing vessels of opportunity, ADIS uses optical imaging combined with deep learning algorithms to detect and capture geo-tagged snippets of floating macroplastics (>50 cm) along sailing routes. Recently endorsed as an official UN Decade of Ocean Science action, ADIS offers promising potential for global-scale debris tracking. 

Since the initial proof of concept, we have built a comprehensive global dataset comprising over 10 million images, identifying thousands of floating macroplastics. By comparing ADIS detections with concurrent surface net samples and visual observations from selected transects, we can now rigorously evaluate the system's accuracy and precision, underscoring its value for global marine debris monitoring. 

How to cite: de Vries, R., Dalton, S., Wolter, H., Puskic, P., and Lebreton, L.: Mapping Macroplastics at Scale: Calibration and Multi-Year Global Analysis from the Automated Debris Imaging System (ADIS) , One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-592, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-592, 2025.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has launched the “NUTEC Plastics” flagship project addressing plastic pollution both upstream (irradiation and recycling) and downstream (assessment of scale and effects in marine areas). The UN SDG 14.1.1b addresses floating plastic debris density, including microplastics. The IAEA has initiated regional projects in addition to an International project to harmonize methodologies for microplastic assessment. The efforts have led to several notable outcomes including a harmonized methodology for the assessment of microplastics in 300 – 5000 µm size in beach sand and surface water. Over 99 countries have been trained and have adopted these methods. This exercise will enable countries to report comparable microplastic data for SDG 14.1.1B Level 3. A substantial amount of research has led to the development of a standard reference material for microplastics in beach sediment and an effervescence tablet for sea/freshwater that further enables assessing the efficacy of the method and operators' accuracy. In addition, The IAEA launched coordinated research projects on various aspects of microplastic research some of the significant observations include the presence of microplastics in dated sediment cores, which are consistent with the era of plastic production started, evidence has come from Kuwait and Mexico. The research showed the omnipresence of microplastics across environmental matrixes with MPs reported in bottom sediments, water column, in marine organisms. One of the biggest contributors of microplastic is the wastewater treatment plants with estimates suggesting the global annual contribution of 1.45 × 10¹⁵ MP from treated and 3.85 × 10¹⁶ from untreated wastewater streams. A significant range of MP presence is reported in marine organisms with values ranging from 0 – 5000 MPs/kg of tissue. Other experiments conducted under the IAEA coordinated projects in calanoid copepods suggest ingested MPs were defecated in 180 minutes with 100% recovery raising questions on its toxicity and translocation.

Efforts are being put towards the improvement of methods and assessing the limitations of the methodologies followed. Significant efforts have been made towards the use of Laser Direct Infrared Chemical Imaging System, with excellent recoveries for particles up to 50 µm size. The current findings have also highlighted the presence of MPs (2 – 61 per litre) in Millipore water, highlighting the pathways of sample contamination. Current efforts are on radiolabeling the MPs with gamma emitters to understand the penetration and translocation of MPs in various experiments. The regional baselines and data inconsistencies are assessed. The effectiveness of pyrolysis gas chromatography has been tested and questions are raised on its limitation as we don’t get any size, shape and number information rendering the data generated incomparable with other techniques such as FTIR, micro-RAMAN, LDIR and SEM. We believe it's a long way to understand the comprehensive effect of MP pollution on ecosystem functioning and seafood safety but the steps taken by the NUTEC initiative and achievements are in the right direction.

How to cite: Uddin, S., Alonso Hernandez, C., Behbehani, M., and Habibi, N.: International Atomic Energy Agency’s Efforts towards Marine Plastic Pollution: Where we are with reference to Asia Pacific, One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-632, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-632, 2025.

While in the past decade the number of studies on microplastics (MPs) rapidly increased the meta-analysis of the generated data is hampered by a missing harmonization of the reported results. This hampers the broad scale assessment of the overall risk of these particles. To achieve comparable results to foster policy advice and decision making, the generation of harmonized data is of high importance. In the case of MP analysis, different spectroscopical methods like Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) or quantum cascade laser (QCL) based infra-red (IR) imaging are majorly used. While it allows a bias-free chemical mapping of the sample, a comparable and harmonized spectral data determination is challenging due to the different manufacturers and commercial software tools available. This generates a broad diversity in the reported data for derived material types and particle sizes. To overcome these limitations, we developed the freeware software tool siMPle (www.simple-plastics.eu). It has been applied in a wide variety of studies covering samples from air, biota, waters, sediments and soils. Here, it handled large datasets from various manufacturers by two automated analysis pipelines. We report on different application scenarios of the software ranging from data analysis harmonization in large scientific projects like JPI-Oceans FACTS towards its application in citizen science projects to harmonize the spectral identification of microplastics. This will be combined with a short outlook on lessons learned using a harmonized analytical tool over a broad series of projects and study areas. Finally, due to the increasing number of data analysis tools based on machine learning or artificial intelligence, we will provide a preview on a link between siMPle and the ability to run custom Python code within the program. This will allow the analysis of large datasets containing several million spectra with relative ease using custom-made analysis tools while using the siMPle graphical interface and data reporting tools. At the same time, comparing results to previous studies or projects like is possible allowing the harmonization of MP data analysis for spectroscopic data for future research.

How to cite: Primpke, S., Vianello, A., Gerdts, G., and Vollertsen, J.: One tool to test it all: The harmonized analysis of microplastics by siMPle, One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-725, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-725, 2025.

Sediments are microplastics (MP) sinks, capturing long-term accumulation and historical anthropogenic impacts. The analysis of ²¹⁰Pb-dated sediment cores offers temporal insights for evaluating MP pollution trends in coastal ecosystems, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14.1.1b, which seeks to reduce marine pollution through enhanced monitoring and assessment practices. As part of the Research Network of Marine-Coastal Stressors in Latin America and the Caribbean (REMARCO), our efforts contribute toward harmonizing plastic pollution monitoring across the region using nuclear and isotopic techniques. Through the regional project RLA7025, supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), we examined three sediment cores to assess temporal variations in MP abundance (particles kg¯^¹) and flux (particles m¯^² year¯^¹) over the past century in the coastal lagoon Estero de Urias, in the Mexican Pacific.

MP particles were extracted via density separation and identified on Nile red-stained filters under visible and UV light. Polymer composition was determined for approximately 10% of the suspected MP particles using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. We observed the predominance of fibers (66-89% of total particles) over fragments (11-34%), with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as the most common polymer, followed by semisynthetic cellulosic fibers. No MP particles were detected in sediments before 1950. An accelerated increase in MP burial rates was observed from the mid-20th century, likely linked to population growth and the expansion of plastic use. The highest MP levels were observed in the lagoon’s innermost areas, where the water residence time is highest. This rising contamination poses risks to subsistence fishing and shrimp aquaculture, emphasizing the need for strengthened waste management and pollution control strategies in rapidly industrializing and urbanizing areas to mitigate adverse impacts on ecosystems and human communities reliant on them. Harmonizing monitoring and assessment protocols for plastic pollution across the Latin American and Caribbean region is essential for producing comparable data that can guide regional policies and inform global efforts to mitigate the escalating impacts of plastic pollution on marine and coastal ecosystems.

How to cite: Ruiz-Fernández, A. C., Pérez-Bernal, L. H., Sanchez-Cabeza, J. A., Valencia-Castañeda, G., Ontiveros-Cuadras, J. F., and Alonso-Hernández, C. M.: Harmonized efforts for the assessment of microplastic contamination trends using 210Pb dated sediment cores from an urbanized coastal lagoon (NW Mexico), One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-752, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-752, 2025.

Microplastic pollution is a growing environmental concern in the Caribbean, threatening both marine biodiversity and human health. In response, regional efforts have been intensifying to monitor and mitigate the impact of microplastics on the region's ecosystems. A significant initiative in this regard is the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) NUTEC Plastics project, which aims to enhance the capacity of Caribbean countries to monitor microplastics and harmonize protocols for data collection and analysis. The NUTEC Plastics project, launched in 2020, is part of a broader international effort to combat plastic pollution using nuclear technology and isotopic techniques. By incorporating innovative nuclear and analytical techniques, the project enables more precise monitoring of microplastic sources, pathways, and accumulation in marine ecosystems. Prior to the initiative, a lack of standardized methodologies made it difficult to compare data across countries, hampering efforts to assess the true extent of microplastic contamination.

Progress in the harmonization of protocols has been notable. Workshops, training programs, and collaborative research efforts have been organized to build capacity and foster knowledge sharing among Caribbean countries. At a recent Technical Cooperation Regional Meeting for the Harmonization of Operational Protocols for the Collection, Identification and Counting of Microplastics in Beach Sands and Seawater in Monaco, from 14 to 18 October 2024, nine countries (Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Belize, Dominica, Jamaica, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines and Trinidad & Tobago) gathered to discuss and standardize the methodologies for determining the abundance of MPs in beach sand and marine waters with a size range from 300 μm to 5 mm.  Training in sample collection, field protocols and laboratory processing exercises was conducted for beach sands and coastal waters. As a result, several nations now have improved technical expertise in microplastics sampling, laboratory analysis, and data interpretation. Additionally, the IAEA has facilitated the procurement of standardized microplastics detection kit for each country and the creation of a regional database for microplastics, which will allow for real-time data sharing and informed decision-making in environmental management. Continued training is planned at the Centre for Marine Sciences of the University of the West Indies Mona Campus for July 2025 where increased numbers of countries and participants are anticipated. Overall, the IAEA NUTEC Plastics project has played a crucial role in strengthening the Caribbean's ability to monitor microplastic pollution. Through the harmonization of monitoring protocols and capacity-building initiatives, the project is enhancing regional cooperation and enabling a more coordinated response to the growing challenge of plastic pollution in the Caribbean.

How to cite: Webber, D., Webber, M., Metian, M., and Alonso Hernandez, C.: The Caribbean Microplastics problem; harmonization of protocols through the IAEA., One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-777, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-777, 2025.

Supported by the Latin American and Caribbean Coastal Marine Stressors Network (REMARCO) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), a standardized protocol for microplastic (MP) monitoring was implemented at two tourist beaches and an urbanized coastal lagoon in Mazatlán, Mexico, an area of significant tourist, commercial, and industrial activity on the northern Pacific coast. Between June 2020 and July 2021, 124 beach sand samples were collected to assess MP pollution (1–5 mm) and its temporal variability. The polymer composition of 15% of the extracted particles was analyzed using Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy (Thermo Scientific Nicolet iS5). The primary types of MP identified were fragments and foam (21–41%), with synthetic polymers—polyethylene (PE; 35–44%), polypropylene (PP; 19–30%), and polystyrene (PS; 9–10%)—being the most prevalent across all sites. Additionally, cellulose (0–2%) and cotton (1–2%) particles were detected, and 14–28% of analyzed particles were confirmed as non-plastic. Thanks to REMARCO, the IAEA's RLA7028 project, and its NUTEC initiative, this monitoring program has now expanded to include additional coastal areas in the Mexican Pacific and the Gulf of Mexico, with plans to analyze smaller MPs (0.3–5 mm) in future beach sand surveys.

How to cite: Ontiveros-Cuadras, J. F., Ruiz-Fernández, A. C., Sanchez-Cabeza, J. A., Pérez-Bernal, L. H., Santiago-Pérez, S., Rivera-Hernández, J. R., Green-Ruiz, C. R., and Alonso-Hernández, C. M.: Evaluating Microplastic Pollution in Beach Sands from the Mexican Pacific Coast: Insights from a Standardized Monitoring Approach, One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-818, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-818, 2025.

The application of nuclear science and new technologies is the keystone strategy of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to address the global challenge of plastic pollution through the NUTEC plastics initiative. In Asia and the Pacific region, the NUTEC initiative is embodied by the project RAS 7038 focusing on the monitoring of the marine environment for enhanced understanding of the abundance and impact of marine plastic pollution. RAS 7038 is participated in by seventeen countries in the region with different technical capabilities for plastic analysis and monitoring. The major goal of the project is to improve plastic management in Asia and the Pacific Region through establishment of downstream baseline surveys, and status and trends of marine plastic pollution impacts. The objectives will be achieved by improving capacity of member states through provision of equipment complemented by continual training and access to harmonized protocols for marine plastic monitoring. The project RAS 7038 sets the stage for inter-institutional coordination mechanisms between participating countries and establishing a network of stakeholders in the Asia and the Pacific region towards monitoring of marine plastic pollution and raising regional awareness on the application of isotopic techniques for marine plastic monitoring.

How to cite: Rodriguez, I. and the RAS 7038 - IAEA: NUTEC Plastics initiative in Asia and the Pacific Region: Insights from IAEA project RAS 7038 on the harmonization of protocols for plastic monitoring, One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-855, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-855, 2025.

This research established robust approaches to understanding and monitoring sources, distribution, and fate of plastic waste generated on the Peruvian coast. Quantifying Lima and Callao inputs, and mapping behaviours to sources, impacts and interventions by the Regional Citizen Science Programme and Research Network of Marine-Coastal Stressors in Latin America and the Caribbean (REMARCO) over the last five years. In addition, the Instituto del Mar del Peru (IMARPE) showed the strengthened capacities for monitoring the presence of microplastics in sandy beaches, through the microplastics APEC course in 2014 and the inter-regional NUTEC plastics network coordination 2024-2028 period. The present study is the first attempt to investigate the occurrence and distribution pattern of macro, meso and microplastics (MPs) in the Costa Azul (CA) sandy beach of Peru. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy was used to identify the MP particle (> 300 µm). The mean abundance of macroplastics in this study site was 1.20 ± 0.80 particles m-2, the predominant types of plastics were fragments of plastic bags, hard plastics, and Styrofoam. The abundance of microplastics (5 -1 mm) was found in the following order: Hard plastics > Foams > fibres> beads > pellets. The greatest abundance of microplastics (5-1 mm) was concentrated in the supralittoral zone, with 3139.20 ± 2131.68 particles/m-2 in CA sandy beach. In addition, the most abundant polymer type was high-density polyethene (HDPE) (50%). The macro, meso and microplastics (MPs) monitoring by IMARPE characteristics are a.-The inter-regional harmonized protocols and standardized methods, increased collaboration between regions by NUTEC plastic, b.-The long-term monitoring supported by the Peruvian government, c.-The regional database platform to data sharing and open science practices.

How to cite: Purca, S., Dioses, R., and Henostroza, A.: Approaches to understanding and monitoring sources, distribution, and fate of plastic waste generated on the Peruvian coast, One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-905, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-905, 2025.

Microplastic particles (MPs) are vectors of many toxic chemicals that are very harmful to all the aquatic organisms. This study aims to assess the contamination of aquatic environments by microplastics, resulting from the fragmentation of plastic waste or the intentional manufacturing of plastic microbeads. Within the framework of the Plastic Busters CAP project, a sampling campaign was carried out during the month of September 2023, a total of 6 stations are sampled along two radials, as mentioned in (fig.1), with spatial resolution from 1.5 to 6 miles. The first transect (T₁) is positioned at Ghar el Melh, facing Sidi Ali El Makki beach and the lagoon of Ghar El Meleh. The subsequent transect (T₂) is situated in Kalaat Al Andalouss, in front of Kalaat Al Andalouss lagoon. MPs concentrations varied between 20325.2032 and 104336.043 items/km², where the highest concentrations were recorded at station S₁ closest to the coast and corresponding to 104336,043 items/km².The analysis showed that the most dominant microplastic particles size varied between 1 and 2.5 mm in the both radials, with a frequent abundance of film form particles and white color. The identification of the polymer type by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy-Attenuated Total Reflectance (FTIR-ATR) showed that the most dominant polymer was high-density polyethylene (HDPE) at all the stations analyzed.

How to cite: Boltane, K., Ben Ismail, S., Jaziri, H., Ben Boubaker, H., Dabboub, S., and El maleh, H.: Assessment of the abundance of microplastics in surface waters, identification and characterization, One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-971, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-971, 2025.

Marine pollution in Colombia is caused by multiple factors, including precarious basic sanitation conditions and deficient treatment systems, which contribute to the inadequate disposal of liquid and solid waste generated in socioeconomic (agriculture, mining, tourism, among others) and domestic activities of the coastal and inland population. Colombia has approximately 1,932 km of coastline in the Caribbean and 1,599 km in the Pacific. In these coastal areas, activities are developed that generate plastic waste, of which it is estimated that about 65% is disposed of in open dumps or in natural bodies of water, where it becomes microplastics, which accumulate in marine and coastal ecosystems, deteriorating environmental quality and generating various impacts that endanger biodiversity, the availability of resources and the economy of the communities.

Between 2017 and 2024, INVEMAR has carried out also studies that show the problem of contamination by marine litter in mangroves, beaches, and coastal waters of Colombia, and the possible ecological impacts. The monitoring of microplastics was consolidated in prioritized an evaluated on 45 sand beaches stations, 47 Marine-coastal wáter stations, 19 estuarine and river wáter stations, and 30 stations in mangroves in the Caribbean and Colombian Pacific, within the framework of the monitoring system of the Surveillance Network for the conservation and protection of marine-coastal waters REDCAM, where the methodologies developed by the Network of stressors of Latin America and the Caribbean - REMARCO have been implemented in 17 Latin American countries. The information collected allows keeping the national technical reports of the state of contamination by microplastics updated, and contributes to the regional vision within the framework of the REMARCO Network, whose activities have been made possible through the technical corporation projects financed by the International Atomic Energy Agency - IAEA, where the technical capacities of the region have been strengthened to generate the data that support the report of indicator 14.1.1b of SDG 14.

Monitoring activities led by INVEMAR show the presence of high amounts of marine debris in ecosystems such as mangroves, beaches and on the seabed, as well as trash floating in the waters of bays in both the Caribbean and the Colombian Pacific. On the beaches, the abundances of microplastics, (particles with sizes between 5 mm and 300 micrometers), ranged from 3.2 to 4,604 ^items/m2. The most abundant types of microplastics were of secondary origin, associated with the fragmentation of larger plastic waste, present in the environment due to inadequate final disposal; fragments were the most abundant microplastics , followed by foams and pellets. These results show that there is plastic pollution in the coastal areas of Colombia; therefore, it is crucial that national policies be developed to establish mitigation measures to address the impacts of these pollutants on ecosystems, based on updated scientific information.

How to cite: Obando Madera, P., Saldarriaga Velez, J. F., and Espinosa Diaz, L. F.: INVEMAR produce scientific information with the implementation of REMARCO protocols for monitoring microplastics in Colombia, One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-1132, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-1132, 2025.

How to cite: Lebreton, L., Royer, S.-J., Pinson, S., Correia, R., Tjallema, A., van den Berg, S., and Mani, T.: Towards Harmonized Assessment of Plastic Pollution: Insights from Large-Scale Cleanup Operations , One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-1155, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-1155, 2025.

Argentina ranks among the Latin American countries with the highest per capita plastic consumption, producing 1,162,000 tons annually and importing an additional 882,600 tons. This high level of consumption leads to the accumulation of plastic waste in both terrestrial and aquatic environments. The environmental assessment of plastic debris pollution is essential for identifying the sources and fate of these particles. Microplastics (MPs; particles <5 mm) cause a great environmental concern due to their potential ecological impacts and increased capacity for transport within ecosystems. Nevertheless, the lack of standardized methodologies for their quantification presents a significant challenge in accurately assessing their regional and local pollution status. This work, reports the occurrence and characteristics of MPs in sand beach  along the main coastal city of Argentina (Mar del Plata city)  and surrounding areas using a harmonized methodology implemented by the regional network REMARCO (Research Network of Marine-Coastal Stressors in Latin America and the Caribbean). The used protocol is supported by the 18 member states of the network. Samples were obtained in five different beaches from south to north along 50 km of the coast and differing in their anthropic impact. After MPs extraction from the 0.3-1 mm and 1-5 mm fractions, the polymer was confirmed by its spectroscopic characterization using Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR). The total abundances of MPs (mean ± std. dev; 1-5 mm) in beach sand ranged from 00 ± 00 to 966 ± 1169 items per m². Primary and secondary MPs were observed, contributing 7-23% and 77-93 % of the total amount, respectively. Six polymers were identified: ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), and polyurethane (PU). PS particles predominated across all beach sand, contributing between 54% and 86% of the total particles analyzed. The results show a differentiated impact among local beaches in terms of MPs abundance, with higher values in beach sand under the influence of urban runoff discharges. The PS dominance highlights the intensive use of products derived from this polymer in the studied area. This information is crucial for guiding future control and management plans aimed at reducing marine plastic pollution. Founding. ANPCyT Argentina PICT 2021-0060; IAEA: RLA-7025; RLA-7028; INT-7021,CRP-K41024-26933.

How to cite: Díaz Jaramillo, M., Islas, M. S., Silva Barni, M. F., and Gonzalez, M.: Assessment of microplastic pollution in sand beach from SW Atlantic coast (Argentina) using a regional harmonized method. , One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-1309, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-1309, 2025.

Plastics are ubiquitous in the environment causing pollution recognized as a marker of the Anthropocene era. All environments are concerned including coastal and rivers ecosystems, where it has been shown that plastic waste contamination is proportional to the level of urbanization. This study investigated, for the first time in France to our knowledge, the spatial and temporal distribution of litter at the urban scale, by using debris classifications based on OSPAR (Oslo-Paris Convention 1992) vs. EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility). Two samplings involving the local population and various non-governmental associations were carried out in 2022 and 2023, in the coastal town of Banyuls-sur-Mer, France, located close to the Spanish border, with the Baillaury River running through it. The entire town as well as the port and Central Beach were sampled. A total of 30,899 debris (1,357 kg) were collected over 47.7 km of streets, riverbanks, port, and beach. Most of the debris collected in the port are tires. The amount of waste collected in the town is less than that observed on the riverbanks or at Central Beach, suggesting that the beaches and coastal areas serve as the final receptacle for mismanaged waste. Plastics represent around 70% of the collected debris and exceed alone the precautionary protection threshold defined for European Union (EU) beaches against ecological and socio-economic nuisances (i.e. 20 debris per 100 m) set by the Technical Group on Marine Litter of the Framework Directive "Strategy for the Marine Environment" (FD SMM). The data collection and standardization methods used in this study allowed direct comparison between cities, riverbanks and beaches, and with other studies, demonstrating the usefulness of participative science to help decision makers.

How to cite: Lavergne, E., Calvès, I., Chapron, L., Lartaud, F., Ghiglione, J.-F., and meistertzheim, A.-L.: Plastics in the city: spatial and temporal variation of urban litter in a coastal town of France, One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-1366, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-1366, 2025.

The increasing prevalence of plastic pollution in marine environments has necessitated a paradigm shift in seafloor monitoring methodologies. Efforts to compile information  and current state of the art for seafloor litter monitoring has highlighted the urgent need for innovative solutions to enhance and upscale current capabilities for assessing plastic pollution on the ocean floor. Traditional methods, particularly trawling, have been widely employed in opportunistic fashion to monitor seafloor litter; however, they pose significant challenges and drawbacks. Trawling not only disrupts benthic ecosystems but also leads to the destruction of habitats and non-target species, thereby exacerbating the very issues it aims to address. This is one of the main arguments supporting the cessation of trawling as a monitoring method and advocateing for the establishment of dedicated surveys and monitoring programs that leverage advanced technological solutions. Mapping and surveying the ocean's seafloor presents a multitude of challenges, including the vastness of marine environments, the complexity of underwater topography, and the limitations of existing technologies. Current estimates suggest that over 80% of the ocean floor remains unmapped, largely due to the high costs and logistical difficulties associated with traditional survey methods. This knowledge gap hampers effective management and mitigation strategies for plastic pollution, which poses a significant threat to marine biodiversity and ecosystem health.

To address these challenges, we review and explore the evolution of relavant technolgical solutions for seafloor litter detection and mapping. Our review emphasizes current technological and methodological advances that will greatly facilitate the future of seafloor litter monitoring, including video surveys conducted by scuba divers, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), and tow cameras. These platforms offer the potential for high-resolution data collection while minimizing ecological disturbance. Additionally, sonar-based technologies, including multibeam, side-scan sonar, and imaging sonar, provide comprehensive mapping capabilities that can significantly enhance our capability to map seafloor litter distribution in relevant spatial scales. Paired with recent and upcoming advances in AI and deep-learning, imagery based surveys will be greatly streamlined and become increasingly less demanding. The future of seafloor litter monitoring hinges on the adoption of cutting-edge technologies that can provide reliable, high-resolution data while preserving benthic ecosystems. Currently available technological solutions are often prohibitively costly to deploy regularly and at meaningful scales, however, innovations in marine robotics, sensor technology, data processing, and automation can lead to more cost-effective solutions, making large-scale monitoring programs feasible. This is particularly important given the growing urgency to address plastic pollution, which requires sustained and systematic monitoring efforts to diagnose its impacts on benthic habitats.

By moving away from destructive methods like trawling and embracing dedicated monitoring programs that utilize advanced underwater platforms, we can enhance our understanding of plastic pollution's impacts on marine environments. Our findings and outlined position underscores the critical need for interdisciplinary collaboration among scientists, technologists, and policymakers to develop and implement cost effective innovative solutions that will shape the future of seafloor monitoring and contribute to the health of our oceans.

How to cite: Gama Monteiro, J., Sepulveda, P., Gouveia, M., Luis Gómez, J., de Pablo, H., Ayensa, G., Pérez, V., Lacroix, C., Allanos, C., Dabrowski, T., Otero, P., Moutinho, S., Gerigny, O., Jones, O., Canning-Clode, J., and Fernandez, M.: Transforming Seafloor Litter Monitoring: Innovative Technologies for Greater Reach, One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-1387, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-1387, 2025.

Macroplastic pollution is a pervasive global environmental challenge, adversely affecting marine ecosystems, wildlife and human health. Understanding temporal variations is crucial for identifying pollution sources and developing effective mitigation policies. However, in-situ data from beach surveys are often irregular, both spatially and temporally, and highly variable, complicating robust statistical conclusions. Here we employ a Bayesian machine learning framework to investigate seasonal variations, identify regional hotspots and elucidate their anthropogenic drivers. Using data from 3,866 surveys across 168 western European beaches, we leverage a spatial log-Gaussian Cox Process to enhance statistical inference by integrating information from nearby beaches. Distinct seasonal patterns emerge, with winter and spring exhibiting the highest pollution levels, while pronounced regional differences highlight seasonal pollution hotspots in the western Iberian Peninsula, French coastline, Irish Sea and Skagerrak region. These peaks are attributed to riverine emissions and aquaculture activities, highlighting the potential impact of these sources on beach pollution. Our findings advocate for enhanced, time-specific monitoring to effectively manage litter hotspots, emphasizing the importance of aquaculture-related plastic emissions.

How to cite: Rieger, N., Olmedo, E., Thiel, M., Salvo, V. S., Honorato-Zimmer, D., Vásquez, N., Turiel, A., and Piera, J.: Seasonal hotspots of beach litter in the North-East Atlantic linked to aquaculture and river runoff, One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-1407, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-1407, 2025.

Marine litter (ML) is accidentally removed by fishing gear every day, a fact that is being capitalized in strategies known as Fishing for Litter (FFL). In the Mediterranean Sea, this removal effect plays a particularly important role due to its enclosed nature and the reportedly high values of benthic ML abundance. In 2018, ICATMAR, the Catalan Institute of Research for the Governance of the Sea, launched a continuous fisheries monitoring program along the Catalan coast (NW Mediterranean Sea), which includes the study of ML collected from bottom trawlers. The program consists of monthly samplings on board commercial vessels from the 9 main bottom trawl ports of the area and, since 2024, it is endorsed by the UN Ocean Decade. Understanding the importance of detecting the origin of ML to provide science-based advice in waste policy, this study investigated the potential source of the ML collected by the bottom trawl fleet.

The present study analyzed data from 2018 to 2022. The ML collected was weighted and classified into six different categories including metal, plastic, rubber, textile, wood, and other waste. Benthic ML was present in 97 % of the hauls performed, and its composition varied along the coast. The overall mean density was 7.91 ± 0.96 kg km^-2. The highest densities were found in highly urbanized areas, i.e., Barcelona metropolitan area, where some hauls reached 201.94 kg km-2. Plastic represents the 63.42% of the total ML density observed in the whole area, with a mean density of 5.35 ± 0.79 kg km-2, although in some hot spots, the mean ML density was as high as 158.07 kg km-2.

Results showed that ML density was directly related to distance to river mouths, submarine outfalls, and highly populated areas. In addition, no correlation was found between ML and fishing effort, meaning that Fishing for Litter strategies can be useful sources of information, but they are not to be considered as a problem-solving strategy. The present study confirms that waste management policies must be implemented on-land, especially in highly anthropic areas with large populations.

How to cite: Galimany, E., Blanco, M., Balcells, M., Martín-Vélez, V., Sala-Coromina, J., Ribera-Altimir, J., Bustos, F., Carreton, M., and Company, J. B.: Long-term marine litter monitoring program for best waste management policies in the NW Mediterranean Sea, One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-1442, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-1442, 2025.

Marine Litter (ML) is one of the challenges identified in the United Nations Triple Planetary Crisis. ML has a significant economic impact and poses a threat to aquatic biodiversity (Richardson et al., 2023). One of the main challenges for managing this ML environmental crisis is a lack of scientific evidence-based information on the plastic leakage budget from source-to-sink in all aquatic environments, due to limited monitoring capabilities (Haarr et al., 2022; UNEP, 2016). Consequently, one of the resolutions following the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) was on the importance of including remote sensing, when possible and pertinent, as a priority complementary tool among the current monitoring strategies (UNEP, 2019).

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has been at the forefront of promoting and establishing quantitative indicators to support member states in monitoring environmental health by means of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SDG 14 - Life below water - sets the aim to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources. SDG target 14.1 aims to achieve, by 2025, the prevention and significant reduction of marine pollution of all kinds and specially from land-based activities, which includes ML, as the sub-indicator 14.1.1b plastic debris density (UNEP, 2021). This indicator is expected to be relevant for the Global Plastic Treaty. Earth Observation data has been recommended as the primary source of data to derive SDG 14.1.1b sub-indicators (UNEP, 2021).

Remote sensing of aquatic litter is an emerging area of R&D that has been going through a rapid evolution over the last few years (GIZ, 2023; Maximenko et al., 2016). The Copernicus Sentinel-3 mission, carrying the Ocean and Land Colour Imager (OLCI) and Sea and Land Surface Temperature Radiometer (SLSTR) has been recommended by UNEP as a potential data source for relevant plastic patches data in international waters. The capabilities of monitoring ML using Sentinel-3 are yet to be well documented, in contrast with efforts that have been done with the Copernicus Sentinel-2 Multi Spectral Instrument (MSI), which has received wide attention and demonstrated promising findings (Cózar & Arias et al., 2024; Lavender, 2022; Topouzelis et al., 2019). However, Sentinel-2 has a limited geographic coverage, restricted to within 100 km from most coastlines covering part of member state exclusive economic zone (EEZ, ~370.4 km), and a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) not optimized for marine observations.

The scope of this study was to review and evaluate EO technologies that have the potential to address the data needs for deriving SDG 14.1.1b sub-indicators. We conducted an extensive assessment that involved mission-level trade-off and Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analyses. The research objective was to explore the suitability of the currently available EO sensors for reporting on ML in international waters. A candidate EO-based system is also recommended regarding a sensor or set of sensors that could yield the best level of descriptors. The analysis also led to identifying promising processing techniques that may respond to the expectations of SDG 14.1.1b sub-indicators. Exact capabilities and performance are expected to be assessed in future research.

How to cite: Arias, M., Garaba, S. P., Lavender, S., and Ghafary, D.: Towards the UN SDG14.1.1b plastic debris density indicator from Earth Observation, One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-1472, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-1472, 2025.

Plastic pollution is a significant environmental issue, with plastics comprising a large portion of municipal and industrial waste. These materials do not decompose easily, leading to severe environmental problems. A four-year project under the African Regional Cooperative Agreement for Research, Development, and Training Related to Nuclear Science and Technology (AFRA) is aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14, which aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources. The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14, focused on life below water, through the target 14.1, urges nations to prevent and significantly decrease marine pollution, particularly from land-based activities, including marine litter by 2025; and through the target 14.a, to increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology, to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of developing countries. The regional project builds on previous International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) projects and national programs, aiming to enhance the capabilities of member states to monitor microplastics (0.3 – 5mm) in beach sand and surface seawater. The project involves collaboration among member states with varying levels of expertise, fostering knowledge transfer and capacity building. Key activities include project setup, harmonizing national programs with the project’s objectives, and developing training and capacity-building. Sampling and laboratory kits are standardized, and a common protocol is used by all member states to generate data. These efforts aim to create a regional network of laboratories equipped to monitor and assess plastic pollution to supply UN SDG with comparable data for 16 African countries. This regional project is part of an IAEA inter-regional project which aims to provide comparable microplastics data to UN SDG14.1.1.b, currently from 99 countries. The harmonised protocols of IAEA for microplastics (0.3 – 5mm) for UN SDG reporting and the progress made within the African region are presented here.

How to cite: Pillay, K., Hernandez, C., Johnson, A., Metian, M., and Worship, M. and the Regional Team: African implementation of harmonized operational protocols for microplastics in beach sand and surface seawater under the IAEA NUTEC plastic initiative, One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-1487, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-1487, 2025.

The problem of plastic pollution is receiving increasing attention worldwide, but there are still gaps in addressing the problem due to a lack of sufficient awareness, knowledge, technology, funding and effective policy. Analyses and evidence show that nuclear applications can complement existing technologies and thus accelerate the transition towards a circular economy for plastics. However, the potential contribution of nuclear science and technology to address the plastic waste problem is not well known and therefore rarely included in proposals for sustainable, scalable solutions. To address this issue, the IAEA has recently developed the Nuclear Technology for Controlling Plastic Pollution initiative (NUTEC Plastics), based on its previous and existing work, to support IAEA Member States (MSs) in integrating nuclear techniques into their efforts to address the challenges of plastic pollution. Techniques such as gamma and X-ray imaging and isotope tracers have unique capabilities for monitoring MP pollution and assessing its impact on ecosystems and consequently on human health. They are also very useful to verify the effectiveness of implemented mitigation measures against MP pollution and its environmental impact.
Here we present the activities so far undertaken within the NUTEC Plastics for European and Central Asia Region, that started in 2024 as part of the IAEA TC RER7016 project. In particular, we present a recently developed and accepted methodology to determine the abundance of MPs in beach sand and marine waters ranging in size from 0.3 mm to 5 mm, with the aim of harmonizing the monitoring of MP pollution in the marine coastal zones in all IAEA regions. The results obtained from applying this methodology will be comparable and valid for the report on indicator 14.1.1b of the SDG of the UN 2030 Agenda. The harmonization of MP monitoring protocols and methods represents the first phase of the planned NUTEC Plastics activities aimed at creating a global network of laboratories capable of providing MP monitoring at a basic level. This includes the purchase and installation of MP sampling and analysis kits for the monitoring of 0.3-5 mm MP as well as the training of researchers and technical staff. The second project phase envisage the development of a network of intermediate and advanced level laboratories capable of using highly sensitive technologies for the analysis of MP <0.3 mm in size, combined with geochronological dating technologies such as Pb-210 and Cs-137 for marine and lake sediments geochronological dating.
The NUTEC Plastics project will strengthen and expand a network of laboratories to assess the type of MPs and their spatial and temporal abundance. The IAEA's regional activities enable the comparison and assessment of MP pollution globally and in different environmental compartments (rivers, lakes, oceans, soils, water, groundwater, biota) for a better understanding of the origin, transport mechanisms, fate and impact of MP. The data obtained will be validated and made publicly available through the IAEA and other relevant environmental databases. This is considered essential to define environmental protection measures, adopt appropriate regional action plans and evaluate their effectiveness.

How to cite: Obhodas, J. and Alonso Hernandez, C. M. and the IAEA Technical Cooperation Programme RER7016: Development of harmonized operational protocols for the collection, identification and counting of microplastics within the IAEA NUTEC Plastics initiative, One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-1549, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-1549, 2025.

The occurrence of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics in the environment is global issue that requires the collaboration of multiple stakeholders to ensure the life cycle of plastics is properly monitored and managed. Most international efforts have focused so far on the standardization and validation of detection techniques, including Raman and FTIR spectroscopy and Py-GCMS. However, now that regulations for MPs are being developed and more environmental laboratories are starting their routine analysis, effective sample preparation is crucial for their success. Current approaches for eliminating organic content from samples or for separating inorganic materials rely on manual digestion and density separation, and the performance of these steps depends on the operator's proficiency. To obrtain more accurate data between laboratories, the homoginized method must be required. In this presentation, we will provide an overview of a universal sample preparation process suitable for the follow-up analysis by Raman, FTIR or Py-GCMS. 

How to cite: Ikezawa, Y.: Automatic Sample Preparation Device proposed as one of homoginized methods to collect natural microplastics in environmental waters , One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-435, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-435, 2025.

In 2024, Blue Organization (BO) released its first report on plastic pollution in Eastern Canada, aiming to raise awareness and foster collaboration against plastic waste. This five-year research, partially funded by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), involved 131 clean-ups across the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence River, estuary, and Gulf, collecting and analyzing 24 tons of waste. With the support of over 100 partners and 3,000 volunteers, BO also examined factors like consumer habits and waste management, providing insights into Eastern Canada’s plastic pollution.

In spring 2024, BO launched a Portal on plastic pollution in Eastern Canada’s coastal zones. The Portal includes an interactive map, a detailed five-year report, and datasets hosted by the St. Lawrence Global Observatory and the Integrated Ocean Observing System. BO's work has revealed the pressing need to address macroplastic pollution on Canada’s shorelines, countering beliefs that plastic pollution is primarily an international issue. The impacts extend beyond ecosystems and human health to economic and social costs, even affecting remote, protected, and UNESCO-designated areas.

After presenting findings at the Plastic Pollution Summit (INC-4) in Ottawa, BO began training over fifty regional organizations to apply its characterization protocol, encouraging collaborative data sharing. Partners include Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Parks Canada, regional ZIP committees, First Nations groups, and municipalities. BO’s work highlights the need for a coordinated national effort to address plastic waste, helping stakeholders identify pollution sources and implement effective reduction strategies.

How to cite: Asselin, A.-M. and Martel, L.: The state of plastic pollution in Eastern Canada : From the Great Lakes to Newfoundland, One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-1518, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-1518, 2025.