Prevalence and characterisation of microfibres along the Kenyan and Tanzanian coast

Kechi-Okafor, Chimdia, Khan, Farhan R., Al-Naimi, Usama, Béguerie, Victor, Bowen, Libby, Gallidabino, Matteo D., Scott-Harden, Simon and Sheridan, Kelly (2023) Prevalence and characterisation of microfibres along the Kenyan and Tanzanian coast. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 11. p. 1020919. ISSN 2296-701X

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Official URL: https://doi.org/10.3389/fevo.2023.1020919

Abstract

Microplastic pollution is ubiquitous, with textiles being a major source of one of the dominant microplastic types—microfibres. Microfibres have been discovered in the aquatic environment and marine biota, demonstrating direct infiltration in the environment. However, the impact of non-plastic microfibres has been overlooked until recently despite their prevalence and the ecotoxicological risk posed by chemical dyes and finishes used during processing. During an expedition from Lamu to Zanzibar (East Africa), a citizen science strategy was employed to innovate, educate and influence microfibre pollution reform through the Flipflopi project, a circular economy effort to stop the use of single-use plastic. Simple sampling methods were developed to replace costly equipment, which local citizens could use to partake in the collection and sampling of surface water samples from the previously understudied Kenyan and Tanzanian coast. To maintain the reliability of samples and to minimise contamination, a forensic science strategy was embedded throughout the methodology of the study, collection and analysis of the samples. A total of 2,403 microfibres from 37 sites were recovered and fully characterised with 55% found to be of natural origin, 8% regenerated cellulosic and 37% synthetic microfibres. Natural microfibres were in higher abundance in 33 of the 37 sampled sites. Congruent with recent studies, these findings further support the need for greater understanding of the anthropogenic impact of natural microfibres.

Item Type: Article
Additional Information: Funding information: Consumables were supplied by Northumbria University. Materials used in sample collection in Kenya were funded by The Flipflopi project.
Uncontrolled Keywords: microplastics, plastic pollution, forensic science, microfibres, citizen science, Africa, natural fibres and biodegradability
Subjects: F800 Physical and Terrestrial Geographical and Environmental Sciences
J400 Polymers and Textiles
Department: Faculties > Arts, Design and Social Sciences > Design
Faculties > Health and Life Sciences > Applied Sciences
Depositing User: John Coen
Date Deposited: 24 Feb 2023 10:40
Last Modified: 24 Feb 2023 10:45
URI: https://nrl.northumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/51487

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