Dataset Overview | National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI)

Microplastics concentration in benthic sediments in primary fishing grounds around Ireland, northeast Atlantic Ocean, from 2020-06-07 to 2021-02-27 (NCEI Accession 0277497)

Preview graphic

This study was carried out to estimate the microplastics (i.e. plastics measuring less than 5mm, reported in unit of pieces per 100 g of d.w.) concentration in benthic sediments in primary fishing grounds in the northeast Atlantic Ocean. Microplastics data was collected from 2020-06-07 to 2021-02-27 using a Day grab. This dataset contains the results from all 17 sampling efforts, in a spreadsheet format.

Dataset Citation

Cite as: Joyce, Haleigh; Frias, João; Kavanagh, Fiona; Lynch, Rachel; Pagter, Elena; White, Jonathan; Nash, Róisín (2023). Microplastics concentration in benthic sediments in primary fishing grounds around Ireland, northeast Atlantic Ocean, from 2020-06-07 to 2021-02-27 (NCEI Accession 0277497). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/0277497. Accessed [date].

Dataset Identifiers

ISO 19115-2 Metadata

gov.noaa.nodc:0277497

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	2020-06-07 to 2021-02-27
Spatial Bounding Box Coordinates	West: -13.4998 East: -5.50417 South: 49.799484 North: 54.06828
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.
Joyce H, Frias J, Kavanagh F, Lynch R, Pagter E, White J, Nash R. Plastics, prawns, and patterns: Microplastic loadings in Nephrops norvegicus and surrounding habitat in the North East Atlantic. Science of The Total Environment. 2022 Mar 6; 826:154036.
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154036
  journal article

gov.noaa.nodc:NCEI-Marine-Microplastics

Publication Dates	publication: 2023-04-18
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: C1W8UH
Purpose	These data were collected in order to determine the microplastic concentrations in benthic sediments in primary fishing grounds around Ireland, northeast Atlantic Ocean from 2020-06-07 to 2021-02-27
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: Joyce, Haleigh; Frias, João; Kavanagh, Fiona; Lynch, Rachel; Pagter, Elena; White, Jonathan; Nash, Róisín (2023). Microplastics concentration in benthic sediments in primary fishing grounds around Ireland, northeast Atlantic Ocean, from 2020-06-07 to 2021-02-27 (NCEI Accession 0277497). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/0277497. Accessed [date].
Cited Authors	Joyce, Haleigh Frias, João Kavanagh, Fiona Lynch, Rachel Pagter, Elena White, Jonathan Nash, Róisín Atlantic Technological University
Contributors	Atlantic Technological University (ATU)
Resource Providers	Róisín Nash Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Atlantic Technological University (ATU)
Points of Contact	Ebenezer Nyadjro Mississippi State University (MSU)
Publishers	NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
Acknowledgments	Related Funding Agency: European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) Marine Biodiversity Scheme (MB/2018/04)

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 Atlantic Technological University NODC SUBMITTING INSTITUTION NAMES THESAURUS Atlantic Technological University
Instrument keywords	NODC INSTRUMENT TYPES THESAURUS sediment sampler - grab Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Instrument Keywords GRAB SAMPLERS Provider Instruments Day grab
Place keywords	NODC SEA AREA NAMES THESAURUS Celtic Sea Irish Sea and St. George's Channel Northeast Atlantic Ocean (limit-40 W) Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Location Keywords OCEAN > ATLANTIC OCEAN > NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN OCEAN > ATLANTIC OCEAN > NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN > IRISH SEA
Keywords	NCEI ACCESSION NUMBER 0277497

Use Constraints	Cite as: Joyce, Haleigh; Frias, João; Kavanagh, Fiona; Lynch, Rachel; Pagter, Elena; White, Jonathan; Nash, Róisín (2023). Microplastics concentration in benthic sediments in primary fishing grounds around Ireland, northeast Atlantic Ocean, from 2020-06-07 to 2021-02-27 (NCEI Accession 0277497). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/0277497. 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	2023-04-18T16:23:33Z - NCEI Accession 0277497 v1.1 was published.
Output Datasets	NCEI Accession 0277497 v1.1 NCEI Accession 0277497 v1.1 (download) published 2023-04-18T16:23:33Z

Lineage information for: dataset
Processing Steps	Parameter or Variable: microplastic concentration (measured); Units: pieces per 100 g of dry weight sediment; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: Day grab; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Samples were collected from the six primary fishing grounds around Ireland, namely: Irish Sea West, Porcupine bank, Aran prawn ground, Southwest and Southeast coast, Labadie, Jones, and Cockburn, and Smalls. Sediment samples were collected between June 2020 and March 2021 from scientific surveys. All benthic sediment sampling occurred in waters at depths between 38 and 630 m. A Day Grab was deployed to collect benthic sediment samples for MP. All sediment samples were taken from the top 5 cm and placed into decontaminated glass jars with metal lids. The samples were frozen at −20 °C until processing. Sediment was removed from the freezer and washed using ultra-pure water into aluminum trays and dried in an oven at 40 °C for approximately seven days. The dry sediment was weighed and placed into decontaminated jars. MPs were extracted from the sediment matrix using a density separation method using Sodium Tungstate Dihydrate (Na2WO4·2H2O) solution (41% w/v; 1.4 g/cm3). Sodium tungstate solution was added to the sediment (3:1 ratio). The mixture was stirred for 5 min with a stainless-steel stirrer, covered with aluminum foil to prevent contamination, and left to settle for 24 h to allow for the settlement of the silt/clay component. Following the settling period, the supernatant containing floating MPs was pipetted off using a glass pipette and vacuum filtered using a vacuum pump (VCP 130) through a 47 mm Whatman® (GF/C) glass microfiber filter paper. Once the supernatant was filtered, the walls of the filtration device were rinsed using sodium tungstate dihydrate solution to avoid dilution of the solution, and to obtain any particles left on the walls of the funnel. The filter was then transferred onto a labelled petri dish for visual examination and sorting of MPs was performed under a stereo microscope connected to a camera with Olympus CellSens software. This procedure was repeated three times for each sediment sample.; Data Quality Method: Cross–contamination was reduced by using a 100% cotton lab coat and nitrile gloves at all times. Wearing of synthetic clothing under lab coat was avoided. Decontamination of glassware was carried out using dilute (10%) Nitric Acid (HNO₃), followed by rinsing three times using ultra-pure water and left to dry upside down to avoid -accumulation of airborne particles. All surfaces were cleaned prior to use. Air controls were used every day during all stages of processing. Procedural blanks were carried out on ultra-pure water, sodium tungstate and potassium hydroxide to monitor potential contamination..

Lineage information for: dataset

Processing Steps

Parameter or Variable: microplastic concentration (measured); Units: pieces per 100 g of dry weight sediment; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: Day grab; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Samples were collected from the six primary fishing grounds around Ireland, namely: Irish Sea West, Porcupine bank, Aran prawn ground, Southwest and Southeast coast, Labadie, Jones, and Cockburn, and Smalls. Sediment samples were collected between June 2020 and March 2021 from scientific surveys. All benthic sediment sampling occurred in waters at depths between 38 and 630 m. A Day Grab was deployed to collect benthic sediment samples for MP. All sediment samples were taken from the top 5 cm and placed into decontaminated glass jars with metal lids. The samples were frozen at −20 °C until processing. Sediment was removed from the freezer and washed using ultra-pure water into aluminum trays and dried in an oven at 40 °C for approximately seven days. The dry sediment was weighed and placed into decontaminated jars. MPs were extracted from the sediment matrix using a density separation method using Sodium Tungstate Dihydrate (Na2WO4·2H2O) solution (41% w/v; 1.4 g/cm3). Sodium tungstate solution was added to the sediment (3:1 ratio). The mixture was stirred for 5 min with a stainless-steel stirrer, covered with aluminum foil to prevent contamination, and left to settle for 24 h to allow for the settlement of the silt/clay component. Following the settling period, the supernatant containing floating MPs was pipetted off using a glass pipette and vacuum filtered using a vacuum pump (VCP 130) through a 47 mm Whatman® (GF/C) glass microfiber filter paper. Once the supernatant was filtered, the walls of the filtration device were rinsed using sodium tungstate dihydrate solution to avoid dilution of the solution, and to obtain any particles left on the walls of the funnel. The filter was then transferred onto a labelled petri dish for visual examination and sorting of MPs was performed under a stereo microscope connected to a camera with Olympus CellSens software. This procedure was repeated three times for each sediment sample.; Data Quality Method: Cross–contamination was reduced by using a 100% cotton lab coat and nitrile gloves at all times. Wearing of synthetic clothing under lab coat was avoided. Decontamination of glassware was carried out using dilute (10%) Nitric Acid (HNO₃), followed by rinsing three times using ultra-pure water and left to dry upside down to avoid -accumulation of airborne particles. All surfaces were cleaned prior to use. Air controls were used every day during all stages of processing. Procedural blanks were carried out on ultra-pure water, sodium tungstate and potassium hydroxide to monitor potential contamination..

Acquisition Information (collection)
Instrument	sediment sampler - grab

Last Modified: 2023-04-19T06:40:06Z
For questions about the information on this page, please email: ncei.info@noaa.gov

Microplastics concentration in benthic sediments in primary fishing grounds around Ireland, northeast Atlantic Ocean, from 2020-06-07 to 2021-02-27 (NCEI Accession 0277497)

Follow us

Contact us