Dataset Overview | National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI)

Microplastics concentration across the tropical eastern Pacific and Galápagos collected aboard RV Orion from 2017-10-03 to 2017-10-26 (NCEI Accession 0276018)

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This study was carried out to estimate the microplastics (i.e. plastics measuring less than 5mm, reported in unit of pieces/m^3) concentration across the tropical eastern Pacific and Galápagos. Microplastics data was collected from 2017-10-03 to 2017-10-26 aboard RV Orion. Microplastics samples were collected using plankton nets. This dataset contains the results from all 40 sampling stations, in a spreadsheet format.

Dataset Citation

Cite as: Alfaro‑Núñez, Alonzo; Astorga, Diana; Cáceres‑Farías, Lenin; Bastidas, Lisandra; Villegas, Cynthia Soto; Macay, Kewrin Choez; Christensen, Jan (2022). Microplastics concentration across the tropical eastern Pacific and Galápagos collected aboard RV Orion from 2017-10-03 to 2017-10-26 (NCEI Accession 0276018). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/0276018. Accessed [date].

Dataset Identifiers

ISO 19115-2 Metadata

gov.noaa.nodc:0276018

Full Text · XML

Download Data	HTTPS (download) Navigate directly to the URL for data access and direct download. FTP (download) These data are available through the File Transfer Protocol (FTP). FTP is no longer supported by most internet browsers. You may copy and paste the FTP link to the data into an FTP client (e.g., FileZilla or WinSCP).
Distribution Formats	Excel
Ordering Instructions	Contact NCEI for other distribution options and instructions.
Distributor	NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information +1-301-713-3277 NCEI.Info@noaa.gov
Dataset Point of Contact	NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information ncei.info@noaa.gov

Time Period	2017-10-03 to 2017-10-26
Spatial Bounding Box Coordinates	West: -92 East: -82 South: -3 North: 2
Spatial Coverage Map

General Documentation

NCEI Dataset Landing Page
Navigate directly to the URL for a descriptive web page with download links.
Descriptive Information
Navigate directly to the URL for a descriptive web page with download links.

Associated Resources

The NOAA NCEI Global Marine Microplastics Database (1972-present)
- NCEI Collection
  Navigate directly to the URL for data access and direct download.
Alfaro-Nunez A, Astorga D, Caceres-Farias L, Bastidas L, Villegas CS, Macay KC, Christensen JH. Microplastic pollution in seawater and marine organisms across the Tropical Eastern Pacific and Galápagos. Scientific Report. 2021 Mar 19;11,6424
- https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-85939-3
  journal article

gov.noaa.nodc:NCEI-Marine-Microplastics

Publication Dates	publication: 2022-12-14
Data Presentation Form	Digital table - digital representation of facts or figures systematically displayed, especially in columns
Dataset Progress Status	Complete - production of the data has been completed Historical archive - data has been stored in an offline storage facility
Data Update Frequency	As needed
Supplemental Information	Submission Package ID: 2X9KKU
Purpose	These data were collected in order to determine the microplastics concentrations across the tropical eastern Pacific and Galápagos.
Use Limitations	accessLevel: Public Distribution liability: NOAA and NCEI make no warranty, expressed or implied, regarding these data, nor does the fact of distribution constitute such a warranty. NOAA and NCEI cannot assume liability for any damages caused by any errors or omissions in these data. If appropriate, NCEI can only certify that the data it distributes are an authentic copy of the records that were accepted for inclusion in the NCEI archives.

Dataset Citation	Cite as: Alfaro‑Núñez, Alonzo; Astorga, Diana; Cáceres‑Farías, Lenin; Bastidas, Lisandra; Villegas, Cynthia Soto; Macay, Kewrin Choez; Christensen, Jan (2022). Microplastics concentration across the tropical eastern Pacific and Galápagos collected aboard RV Orion from 2017-10-03 to 2017-10-26 (NCEI Accession 0276018). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/0276018. Accessed [date].
Cited Authors	Alfaro‑Núñez, Alonzo U COPEN Astorga, Diana Cáceres‑Farías, Lenin Bastidas, Lisandra Villegas, Cynthia Soto Macay, Kewrin Choez Christensen, Jan
Contributors	University of Copenhagen
Resource Providers	Alonzo Alfaro‑Núñez University of Copenhagen University of Copenhagen
Points of Contact	Ebenezer Nyadjro Mississippi State University (MSU)
Publishers	NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
Acknowledgments	Related Funding Agency: Red CEDIA - Grant number CEPRA XII-02-18

Theme keywords	NODC DATA TYPES THESAURUS microplastic concentration NODC OBSERVATION TYPES THESAURUS in situ WMO_CategoryCode oceanography Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Science Keywords EARTH SCIENCE > OCEANS > WATER QUALITY > SEA SURFACE CONTAMINANTS > MICROPLASTIC CONCENTRATION
Data Center keywords	NODC COLLECTING INSTITUTION NAMES THESAURUS University of Copenhagen NODC SUBMITTING INSTITUTION NAMES THESAURUS University of Copenhagen
Platform keywords	NODC PLATFORM NAMES THESAURUS ORION ICES/SeaDataNet Ship Codes ORION (ICES code: 28OR) Provider Platform Names RV Orion
Instrument keywords	NODC INSTRUMENT TYPES THESAURUS net - plankton net Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Instrument Keywords PLANKTON NETS
Place keywords	NODC SEA AREA NAMES THESAURUS North Pacific Ocean South Pacific Ocean Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Location Keywords OCEAN > PACIFIC OCEAN > NORTH PACIFIC OCEAN OCEAN > PACIFIC OCEAN > SOUTH PACIFIC OCEAN Provider Place Names Eastern Pacific Ocean Galápagos
Keywords	NCEI ACCESSION NUMBER 0276018

Use Constraints	Cite as: Alfaro‑Núñez, Alonzo; Astorga, Diana; Cáceres‑Farías, Lenin; Bastidas, Lisandra; Villegas, Cynthia Soto; Macay, Kewrin Choez; Christensen, Jan (2022). Microplastics concentration across the tropical eastern Pacific and Galápagos collected aboard RV Orion from 2017-10-03 to 2017-10-26 (NCEI Accession 0276018). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/0276018. Accessed [date].
Access Constraints	Use liability: NOAA and NCEI cannot provide any warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of furnished data. Users assume responsibility to determine the usability of these data. The user is responsible for the results of any application of this data for other than its intended purpose.
Fees	In most cases, electronic downloads of the data are free. However, fees may apply for custom orders, data certifications, copies of analog materials, and data distribution on physical media.

Lineage information for: dataset
Processing Steps	2022-12-14T21:11:27Z - NCEI Accession 0276018 v1.1 was published.
Output Datasets	NCEI Accession 0276018 v1.1 NCEI Accession 0276018 v1.1 (download) published 2022-12-14T21:11:27Z

Lineage information for: dataset
Processing Steps	Parameter or Variable: MICROPLASTIC CONCENTRATION (measured); Units: pieces/m3; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: net - plankton net; Sampling and Analyzing Method: This study was conducted onboard the RV Orion during October 2017, sailing across the Tropical Eastern Pacific and Galápagos archipelago covering an approximated area of 453,000 square-kilometers. The route included a 4000 km-trajectory with 40 sampling stations. Environmental water samples were collected under permit # MAE-DNB-CM-2016-0045 in collaboration with the National Institute of Biodiversity granted by the local Ecuadorian Ministry of Environment and Water. In order to collect the oceanic water samples, two plankton nets with a 60 cm-diameter, 3 m-length, and 150 μm- and 500 μm pore size, respectively, were used. Both nets were simultaneously launched at a distance of 30 m from the stern of the ship in order to prevent any oil or litter contamination from the main vessel. The nets were superficially dragged for a period of 5 min at each station, with a speed of 2 knots (3.70 km/h). A rough calculation using the volume flow rate formula (Q = [A × s] × t; where Q = volume flow rate, A = area, s = speed or velocity, and t = dragging time) allows estimating that, on average, at least 550,000 L (550 m3) of seawater were filtrated at each station. Then, the nets were picked up using a pot line hauler and washed employing a high-pressure seawater hose to collect all organic and inorganic matter into the top end of each net. Later, the content of the top end was transferred to a 500 mL glass flask, preserved in 70% ethanol and stored for further analysis. At each station, 500 mL water control samples were taken from the tube hose from ocean water pumped into the water circulation system to confirm this was not a potential source of microplastic particles contamination. Between stations, the nets were thoroughly rinsed with ultrapure water to get rid of any residues and were let to dry to guarantee and avoid cross-contamination between samples. Back in the lab, the samples were sifted, using distilled water, into a filtration system consisting of a Glenammer sediment testing set (5000, 1000, 750, 500 and 150 μm). All the organic and inorganic particles that were trapped in test sieves were inspected and separated. Microplastic particles were identified and counted under a stereomicroscope. All remaining organic and inorganic material after the last filtration with the lowest diameter test sieve (150 μm) were treated with 30%-hydrogen peroxide to get rid of organic matter, and were then further filtered in a vacuum system employing 100 μm micro cellulose filters (Whatman). The micro cellulose filters were inspected in an AmScope trinocular stereoscope with digital camera, and visual counting of microplastic particles and fibers was done using millimetric background glass filter especially designed for this purpose (Petroff–Hausser counters). Filters were then inspected and a microplastic particle counting was done using a BX53 Olympus microscope.; Data Quality Method: The entire system was rinsed with ultrapure water and 70% ethanol between each sample filtration to avoid cross-contamination. Extreme care was taken to not contaminate the samples by keeping the filtration system covered and washing the transfer apparatus with ultrapure water and 70% ethanol multiple times. All washing and purification solutions were filtered through to minimize any sample loss due to adhesion of microplastics on the wall of any part of the filter apparatus. The microplastic isolation was repeated three times for each sample to ensure recovery. The presence of microplastic fibers and particles were confirmed by using UV-light lamps implemented in the same microscope instrument. Negative blank controls were collected, inspected, and quantified at each station after rinsing the filtration system..

Lineage information for: dataset

Processing Steps

Parameter or Variable: MICROPLASTIC CONCENTRATION (measured); Units: pieces/m3; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: net - plankton net; Sampling and Analyzing Method: This study was conducted onboard the RV Orion during October 2017, sailing across the Tropical Eastern Pacific and Galápagos archipelago covering an approximated area of 453,000 square-kilometers. The route included a 4000 km-trajectory with 40 sampling stations. Environmental water samples were collected under permit # MAE-DNB-CM-2016-0045 in collaboration with the National Institute of Biodiversity granted by the local Ecuadorian Ministry of Environment and Water. In order to collect the oceanic water samples, two plankton nets with a 60 cm-diameter, 3 m-length, and 150 μm- and 500 μm pore size, respectively, were used. Both nets were simultaneously launched at a distance of 30 m from the stern of the ship in order to prevent any oil or litter contamination from the main vessel. The nets were superficially dragged for a period of 5 min at each station, with a speed of 2 knots (3.70 km/h). A rough calculation using the volume flow rate formula (Q = [A × s] × t; where Q = volume flow rate, A = area, s = speed or velocity, and t = dragging time) allows estimating that, on average, at least 550,000 L (550 m3) of seawater were filtrated at each station. Then, the nets were picked up using a pot line hauler and washed employing a high-pressure seawater hose to collect all organic and inorganic matter into the top end of each net. Later, the content of the top end was transferred to a 500 mL glass flask, preserved in 70% ethanol and stored for further analysis. At each station, 500 mL water control samples were taken from the tube hose from ocean water pumped into the water circulation system to confirm this was not a potential source of microplastic particles contamination. Between stations, the nets were thoroughly rinsed with ultrapure water to get rid of any residues and were let to dry to guarantee and avoid cross-contamination between samples. Back in the lab, the samples were sifted, using distilled water, into a filtration system consisting of a Glenammer sediment testing set (5000, 1000, 750, 500 and 150 μm). All the organic and inorganic particles that were trapped in test sieves were inspected and separated. Microplastic particles were identified and counted under a stereomicroscope. All remaining organic and inorganic material after the last filtration with the lowest diameter test sieve (150 μm) were treated with 30%-hydrogen peroxide to get rid of organic matter, and were then further filtered in a vacuum system employing 100 μm micro cellulose filters (Whatman). The micro cellulose filters were inspected in an AmScope trinocular stereoscope with digital camera, and visual counting of microplastic particles and fibers was done using millimetric background glass filter especially designed for this purpose (Petroff–Hausser counters). Filters were then inspected and a microplastic particle counting was done using a BX53 Olympus microscope.; Data Quality Method: The entire system was rinsed with ultrapure water and 70% ethanol between each sample filtration to avoid cross-contamination. Extreme care was taken to not contaminate the samples by keeping the filtration system covered and washing the transfer apparatus with ultrapure water and 70% ethanol multiple times. All washing and purification solutions were filtered through to minimize any sample loss due to adhesion of microplastics on the wall of any part of the filter apparatus. The microplastic isolation was repeated three times for each sample to ensure recovery. The presence of microplastic fibers and particles were confirmed by using UV-light lamps implemented in the same microscope instrument. Negative blank controls were collected, inspected, and quantified at each station after rinsing the filtration system..

Acquisition Information (collection)
Instrument	net - plankton net
Platform	ORION

Last Modified: 2023-03-15T01:15:53Z
For questions about the information on this page, please email: ncei.info@noaa.gov

Microplastics concentration across the tropical eastern Pacific and Galápagos collected aboard RV Orion from 2017-10-03 to 2017-10-26 (NCEI Accession 0276018)

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