Dataset Overview | National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI)

Microplastic concentrations on the beaches of Holbox Island, Mexico from 2018-05-18 to 2018-05-19 (NCEI Accession 0278269)

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This study estimated the concentration of microplastics (i.e. plastics measuring less than 5mm, reported in unit of pieces/m2) on the beaches of Holbox Island, Mexico from 2018-05-18 to 2018-05-19. Microplastic data were collected using a PVC cylinder. This dataset contains the results from all 40 beach sand samples, in a spreadsheet format.

Dataset Citation

Cite as: Cruz-Salas, Arely Areanely; Alvarez-Zeferino, Juan Carlos; Ojeda-Benítez, Sara; Cruz-Sotelo, Samantha Eugenia; Vázquez-Morillas, Alethia (2023). Microplastic concentrations on the beaches of Holbox Island, Mexico from 2018-05-18 to 2018-05-19 (NCEI Accession 0278269). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/0278269. Accessed [date].

Dataset Identifiers

ISO 19115-2 Metadata

gov.noaa.nodc:0278269

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	2018-05-18 to 2018-05-19
Spatial Bounding Box Coordinates	West: -87.39198333 East: -87.3683 South: 21.5162667 North: 21.5317
Spatial Coverage Map

General Documentation

NCEI Dataset Landing Page
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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.
Cruz-Salas AA, Alvarez-Zeferino JC, Ojeda-Benitez S, Cruz-Sotelo SE, Vázquez-Morillas A. Solid waste and microplastics on the beaches of Holbox island, Mexico. Regional Studies in Marine Science. 2022 Jun 01; 53, 102423.
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rsma.2022.102423
  journal article

gov.noaa.nodc:NCEI-Marine-Microplastics

Publication Dates	publication: 2023-05-16
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: GFGLY1
Purpose	These microplastic concentration data were collected in order to determine the abundance of microplastics on the beaches of Holbox Island, Mexico from 2018-05-18 to 2018-05-19.
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: Cruz-Salas, Arely Areanely; Alvarez-Zeferino, Juan Carlos; Ojeda-Benítez, Sara; Cruz-Sotelo, Samantha Eugenia; Vázquez-Morillas, Alethia (2023). Microplastic concentrations on the beaches of Holbox Island, Mexico from 2018-05-18 to 2018-05-19 (NCEI Accession 0278269). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/0278269. Accessed [date].
Cited Authors	Cruz-Salas, Arely Areanely Alvarez-Zeferino, Juan Carlos Ojeda-Benítez, Sara Cruz-Sotelo, Samantha Eugenia Vázquez-Morillas, Alethia Metropolitan Autonomous University
Contributors	Metropolitan Autonomous University (UAM)
Resource Providers	Alethia Vázquez-Morillas Metropolitan Autonomous University (UAM) Metropolitan Autonomous University (UAM)
Points of Contact	Ebenezer Nyadjro Mississippi State University (MSU)
Publishers	NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information

Theme keywords	NODC DATA TYPES THESAURUS microplastic concentration NODC OBSERVATION TYPES THESAURUS in situ laboratory analyses 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 Metropolitan Autonomous University NODC SUBMITTING INSTITUTION NAMES THESAURUS Metropolitan Autonomous University
Instrument keywords	NODC INSTRUMENT TYPES THESAURUS microscope sediment sieve Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Instrument Keywords GRANULOMETRIC SIEVES MICROSCOPES > MICROSCOPES Provider Instruments PVC cylinder
Place keywords	NODC SEA AREA NAMES THESAURUS North Atlantic Ocean Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Location Keywords OCEAN > ATLANTIC OCEAN > NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN Provider Place Names Atlantic Ocean
Keywords	NCEI ACCESSION NUMBER 0278269

Use Constraints	Cite as: Cruz-Salas, Arely Areanely; Alvarez-Zeferino, Juan Carlos; Ojeda-Benítez, Sara; Cruz-Sotelo, Samantha Eugenia; Vázquez-Morillas, Alethia (2023). Microplastic concentrations on the beaches of Holbox Island, Mexico from 2018-05-18 to 2018-05-19 (NCEI Accession 0278269). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/0278269. 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	2023-05-16T19:13:25Z - NCEI Accession 0278269 v1.1 was published.
Output Datasets	NCEI Accession 0278269 v1.1 NCEI Accession 0278269 v1.1 (download) published 2023-05-16T19:13:25Z

Lineage information for: dataset
Processing Steps	Parameter or Variable: microplastic concentration (measured); Units: pieces/m2; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: PVC cylinder; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Holbox island has an extension of approximately 40 km long and 2 km wide and a white sand beach of 34 km in the northwest side. A system of currents resulting from the action of the waves converges in this marine area, in addition to the current that comes from the Caribbean, with a direction from east to west. The island is part of the Yum Balam Protected Natural Area (PNA), declared as a Flora and Fauna Protection Area in 1994. This area, in turn, has the international designation of Ramsar site due to its large extensions of wetlands. Its vast biodiversity characterizes Yum Balam, since it has around 400 plant species and different types of fauna, such as amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals and other groups. A walk was made through the entire beach zone located in the urban area, characterized by hotels, bars, restaurants, boats, the sale of handicrafts, and the practice of recreational activities. From this area, three locations were selected for MP sampling. Sandy beaches with tourist activity, a minimum length of 100 m, easy access, absence of fixed infrastructure such as palapas or chairs and the presence of a defined high tide line were chosen. The three chosen locations are in the northwest extreme of the island and are characterized by high (Location 2), medium (Location 1) or low tourist influx (Location 3). The samplings were carried out in May 2018. The MP samplings in Locations 1 and 3 were carried out only for one day, while in Location 2, both the MP and solid waste sampling were carried out for two consecutive days to evaluate if their concentrations varied. In each location, a transect (where the high tide was well defined) was selected; parallel to it, a 100 m cotton rope was placed (divided every 5 m), fixed at the ends with metal stakes. Subsequently, ten random numbers were generated to select positions; these were located on the rope and then projected towards the high tide line. A cylindrical PVC sampler (5 cm high and 19 cm in diameter) was buried at each random point. The extracted sample was stored in aluminum foil and placed in zip-lock bags for transfer to the laboratory and subsequent classification. Each wet sand sample was weighed, dried in an oven (at 60 ◦C for 48 h), and weighed again. The MPs were extracted through a sequential process. It consisted of sieving the dry sample (mesh of 1.13 mm) followed by flotation tests with a saline solution of CaCl2 with a density of 1.6 g/mL. The fraction retained on the mesh was placed in a beaker, then the CaCl2 solution was added in a volume three times the volume of the sample. The solution was stirred manually for 10 min and allowed to stand for approximately two hours (until the supernatant had no floating sand). The floating particles were removed with stainless-steel tweezers, washed with distilled water, and placed in glass Petri dishes for drying in an oven at 60 ◦C for two hours. To rule out false positives, the extracted particles were first contacted with an acid solution (HCl 0.5 N) to remove the shells and later with an oxidizing solution (30% v/v H2O2), to remove the organic matter. Between each solution, the particles were rinsed and dried. The extracted MP were counted manually with an optical microscope, using the 5X and 10X objectives, and their total mass was determined with an analytical balance.; Data Quality Method: It is important to highlight that the MP studied in this research are large (from 1 to 5 mm) and therefore they are visible, so contamination by particulate matter present in the air of interiors is ruled out; however, the following measures were taken to avoid cross-contamination: use, as far as possible, of non-plastic materials and utensils (for example, glass and metal) during the sampling and extraction of microplastics; inspecting the PVC sampler before use to ensure that there is no detachment of burrs; immediate storage of samples, in the field, in aluminum foil; washing and drying, in an oven, the material prior to its use, and cleaning the work area, before use, with absorbent paper..

Lineage information for: dataset

Processing Steps

Parameter or Variable: microplastic concentration (measured); Units: pieces/m2; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: PVC cylinder; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Holbox island has an extension of approximately 40 km long and 2 km wide and a white sand beach of 34 km in the northwest side. A system of currents resulting from the action of the waves converges in this marine area, in addition to the current that comes from the Caribbean, with a direction from east to west. The island is part of the Yum Balam Protected Natural Area (PNA), declared as a Flora and Fauna Protection Area in 1994. This area, in turn, has the international designation of Ramsar site due to its large extensions of wetlands. Its vast biodiversity characterizes Yum Balam, since it has around 400 plant species and different types of fauna, such as amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals and other groups. A walk was made through the entire beach zone located in the urban area, characterized by hotels, bars, restaurants, boats, the sale of handicrafts, and the practice of recreational activities. From this area, three locations were selected for MP sampling. Sandy beaches with tourist activity, a minimum length of 100 m, easy access, absence of fixed infrastructure such as palapas or chairs and the presence of a defined high tide line were chosen. The three chosen locations are in the northwest extreme of the island and are characterized by high (Location 2), medium (Location 1) or low tourist influx (Location 3). The samplings were carried out in May 2018. The MP samplings in Locations 1 and 3 were carried out only for one day, while in Location 2, both the MP and solid waste sampling were carried out for two consecutive days to evaluate if their concentrations varied. In each location, a transect (where the high tide was well defined) was selected; parallel to it, a 100 m cotton rope was placed (divided every 5 m), fixed at the ends with metal stakes. Subsequently, ten random numbers were generated to select positions; these were located on the rope and then projected towards the high tide line. A cylindrical PVC sampler (5 cm high and 19 cm in diameter) was buried at each random point. The extracted sample was stored in aluminum foil and placed in zip-lock bags for transfer to the laboratory and subsequent classification. Each wet sand sample was weighed, dried in an oven (at 60 ◦C for 48 h), and weighed again. The MPs were extracted through a sequential process. It consisted of sieving the dry sample (mesh of 1.13 mm) followed by flotation tests with a saline solution of CaCl2 with a density of 1.6 g/mL. The fraction retained on the mesh was placed in a beaker, then the CaCl2 solution was added in a volume three times the volume of the sample. The solution was stirred manually for 10 min and allowed to stand for approximately two hours (until the supernatant had no floating sand). The floating particles were removed with stainless-steel tweezers, washed with distilled water, and placed in glass Petri dishes for drying in an oven at 60 ◦C for two hours. To rule out false positives, the extracted particles were first contacted with an acid solution (HCl 0.5 N) to remove the shells and later with an oxidizing solution (30% v/v H2O2), to remove the organic matter. Between each solution, the particles were rinsed and dried. The extracted MP were counted manually with an optical microscope, using the 5X and 10X objectives, and their total mass was determined with an analytical balance.; Data Quality Method: It is important to highlight that the MP studied in this research are large (from 1 to 5 mm) and therefore they are visible, so contamination by particulate matter present in the air of interiors is ruled out; however, the following measures were taken to avoid cross-contamination: use, as far as possible, of non-plastic materials and utensils (for example, glass and metal) during the sampling and extraction of microplastics; inspecting the PVC sampler before use to ensure that there is no detachment of burrs; immediate storage of samples, in the field, in aluminum foil; washing and drying, in an oven, the material prior to its use, and cleaning the work area, before use, with absorbent paper..

Acquisition Information (collection)
Instrument	microscope sediment sieve

Last Modified: 2023-05-17T04:52:15Z
For questions about the information on this page, please email: ncei.info@noaa.gov

Microplastic concentrations on the beaches of Holbox Island, Mexico from 2018-05-18 to 2018-05-19 (NCEI Accession 0278269)

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