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Microplastics abundance on sandy beaches of Chiapas, Mexico, during 2023-02-05 to 2023-02-12 (NCEI Accession 0290791)

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This study estimated the abundance of microplastics (i.e. plastics measuring less than 5mm, reported in units of MPs/kg d.w and MPs/m2) in five sampling sites on sandy beaches of Chiapas, Mexico, during 2023-02-05 to 2023-02-12. Beach sand were collected with a stainless-steel spatula for examination of microplastics. This dataset contains the results from all 25 samples, in a spreadsheet format.

Dataset Citation

Cite as: Lopez-Velazquez, Khirbet; Duque-Olivera, Kevin G.; Santiago-Gordillo, David A.; Hoil-Canul, Edwin R.; Guzmán-Mar, Jorge L.; Villanueva-Rodríguez, Minerva; Ronderos-Lara, José G.; Castillo-Quevedo, Cesar; Cabellos-Quiroz, José L. (2024). Microplastics abundance on sandy beaches of Chiapas, Mexico, during 2023-02-05 to 2023-02-12 (NCEI Accession 0290791). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/0290791. Accessed [date].

Dataset Identifiers

ISO 19115-2 Metadata

gov.noaa.nodc:0290791

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	2023-02-05 to 2023-02-12
Spatial Bounding Box Coordinates	West: -92.629714 East: -92.230622 South: 14.533825 North: 14.924383
Spatial Coverage Map

General Documentation

NCEI Dataset Landing Page
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Descriptive Information
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Associated Resources

The NOAA NCEI Global Marine Microplastics Database (1972-present)
- NCEI Collection
  Navigate directly to the URL for data access and direct download.
López-Velázquez, K., Duque-Olivera, K. G., Santiago-Gordillo, D. A., Hoil-Canul, E. R., Guzmán-Mar, J. L., Villanueva-Rodríguez, M., Ronderos-Lara, J. G., Castillo-Quevedo, C., & Cabellos-Quiroz, J. L. (2024). Microplastics on sandy beaches of Chiapas, Mexico. Regional Studies in Marine Science, 70, 103381. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rsma.2024.103381
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rsma.2024.103381
  related journal article

gov.noaa.nodc:NCEI-Marine-Microplastics

Publication Dates	publication: 2024-04-23
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: B0C93N
Purpose	These microplastic concentrations data were collected in order to determine their abundance on sandy beaches of Chiapas, Mexico, during 2023-02-05 to 2023-02-12.
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: Lopez-Velazquez, Khirbet; Duque-Olivera, Kevin G.; Santiago-Gordillo, David A.; Hoil-Canul, Edwin R.; Guzmán-Mar, Jorge L.; Villanueva-Rodríguez, Minerva; Ronderos-Lara, José G.; Castillo-Quevedo, Cesar; Cabellos-Quiroz, José L. (2024). Microplastics abundance on sandy beaches of Chiapas, Mexico, during 2023-02-05 to 2023-02-12 (NCEI Accession 0290791). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/0290791. Accessed [date].
Cited Authors	Lopez-Velazquez, Khirbet Universidad Politécnica de Tapachula Duque-Olivera, Kevin G. Universidad Politécnica de Tapachula Santiago-Gordillo, David A. Universidad Politécnica de Tapachula Hoil-Canul, Edwin R. Universidad Politécnica de Tapachula Guzmán-Mar, Jorge L. Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León Villanueva-Rodríguez, Minerva Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León Ronderos-Lara, José G. Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Azcapotzalco Castillo-Quevedo, Cesar Universidad de Guadalajara Cabellos-Quiroz, José L. Universidad Politécnica de Tapachula
Contributors	Polytechnic University of Tapachula (UPTAP)
Resource Providers	Khirbet López-Velázquez Polytechnic University of Tapachula (UPTAP) Polytechnic University of Tapachula (UPTAP)
Points of Contact	Ebenezer Nyadjro Mississippi State University; Northern Gulf Institute (NGI)
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 Polytechnic University of Tapachula NODC SUBMITTING INSTITUTION NAMES THESAURUS Polytechnic University of Tapachula
Instrument keywords	NODC INSTRUMENT TYPES THESAURUS Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer microscope sediment sieve Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Instrument Keywords FTIR SPECTROMETER > Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer GRANULOMETRIC SIEVES MICROSCOPES > MICROSCOPES Provider Instruments stainless-steel spatula
Place keywords	NODC SEA AREA NAMES THESAURUS North Pacific Ocean Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Location Keywords OCEAN > PACIFIC OCEAN > NORTH PACIFIC OCEAN Provider Place Names Pacific Ocean
Keywords	NCEI ACCESSION NUMBER 0290791

Use Constraints	Cite as: Lopez-Velazquez, Khirbet; Duque-Olivera, Kevin G.; Santiago-Gordillo, David A.; Hoil-Canul, Edwin R.; Guzmán-Mar, Jorge L.; Villanueva-Rodríguez, Minerva; Ronderos-Lara, José G.; Castillo-Quevedo, Cesar; Cabellos-Quiroz, José L. (2024). Microplastics abundance on sandy beaches of Chiapas, Mexico, during 2023-02-05 to 2023-02-12 (NCEI Accession 0290791). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/0290791. 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	2024-04-23T21:15:21Z - NCEI Accession 0290791 v1.1 was published.
Output Datasets	NCEI Accession 0290791 v1.1 NCEI Accession 0290791 v1.1 (download) published 2024-04-23T21:15:21Z

Lineage information for: dataset
Processing Steps	Parameter or Variable: microplastic concentration (measured); Units: MPs/kg d.w; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: stainless-steel spatula; Sampling and Analyzing Method: This study was conducted in the Chiapas state in the southeast of Mexico, which borders to the east with Guatemala, to the south with the Pacific Ocean, and has about 260 km of coastline in the region known as Soconusco. Here, several touristic sandy beaches are located in rural areas, and are the most important tourist destinations, where the presence of microplastic (MPs) also can be related to the mouth of nearby rivers. It is worth noting that among the studied sites Puerto Chiapas Beach is an important cruise terminal and industrial zone, with high levels of cargo movement, offshore and cabotage, industrial fishing, and military activities throughout the year. The sand samples were collected in February 2023 during the dry season, and five beaches were studied in approximately 62 km of coast near the Mexico-Guatemala border region. In this work, a total of 25 sand samples were collected with an average weight of 3.5 kg each. Briefly, in the five studied beaches horizontal transects of 100 m was chosen on the high tide line where MPs tend to accumulate. The transects were divided into five equidistant points, and quadrants of 0.25 m2 (50 × 50 cm) were delimited. In each quadrant the top layer of sand (~1.0 cm thickness) was collected using a stainless-steel spatula and stored in a clean glass container. Once at the laboratory, samples were dried at 60 ◦C for 48 h and sieved using a 5 mm mesh sieve, the retained material (>5 mm) was discarded. MP particles were extracted from the sand samples by a flotation process using a saturated NaCl solution (density of 1.2 g/cm3). 1 kg of sieved sand (particles <5 mm) was transferred to a glass vessel, and 1 L of saturated NaCl solution was added, the mixture of the sand-salt solution was stirred for 5 min and left to rest for 1 h. Subsequently, the supernatant was passed through a 100 μm mesh sieve, and the filtered water was collected and returned to the glass with the sand sample, this extraction process was repeated three times. The particles retained on the sieve were washed with 500 mL of distilled water to remove excess of NaCl, and MP particles were transferred to Petri dishes using stainless steel tweezers and dried at 60 ◦C overnight. The collected MPs were counted and classified by shape (fiber, fragment, pellet, foam, and film) and color categories by using a magnifying glass (4x) and an optical microscope (VE-M1, VELAB).; Data Quality Method: To avoid the potential risk of contamination and erroneous results, the following quality control criteria were applied. All sand samples were collected using a stainless-steel spatula and stored in a clean glass container to protect them from external particle contamination. Moreover, distilled water and saturated NaCl solution was filtered using 0.4 μm pore diameter fiberglass (Whatman 969). Also, all glass vessels used in this work were previously rinsed with filtered distilled water and kept in a covered container to prevent cross contamination. All fiberglass filters, and sand samples were handled with nitrile gloves, and the MP particles were stored properly in sealed petri dishes. A Thermo Scientific Nicolet 6700 Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used for the identification of the most common MP particles found in the sand samples. MP particles with size between 1 – 5 mm were analyzed due to low area of the diamond crystal (0.75 mm2) in the FTIR equipment. The FTIR spectra were recorded in the range of 430 – 4000 cm-1, with a resolution of 4 cm-1 and 32 scans. Subsequently, the OMNIC software version 8.3 was used to identify its composition by comparison with the included FTIR spectral libraries such as Aldrich Sample Library, HR Nicolet Sampler Library, and Hummel Polymer Sample Library. In addition, the experimental FTIR spectra of polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene were also compared with their respective theoretical IR spectra, since it was previously determined that these polymers were the most common in the sand samples. To calculate the IR spectra, we employed Gaussian code with the PBE0/Def2-TZVP level of theory and the D3 version of Grimme’s dispersion.. Parameter or Variable: microplastic concentration (measured); Units: MPs/m2; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: stainless-steel spatula.

Lineage information for: dataset

Processing Steps

Parameter or Variable: microplastic concentration (measured); Units: MPs/kg d.w; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: stainless-steel spatula; Sampling and Analyzing Method: This study was conducted in the Chiapas state in the southeast of Mexico, which borders to the east with Guatemala, to the south with the Pacific Ocean, and has about 260 km of coastline in the region known as Soconusco. Here, several touristic sandy beaches are located in rural areas, and are the most important tourist destinations, where the presence of microplastic (MPs) also can be related to the mouth of nearby rivers. It is worth noting that among the studied sites Puerto Chiapas Beach is an important cruise terminal and industrial zone, with high levels of cargo movement, offshore and cabotage, industrial fishing, and military activities throughout the year. The sand samples were collected in February 2023 during the dry season, and five beaches were studied in approximately 62 km of coast near the Mexico-Guatemala border region. In this work, a total of 25 sand samples were collected with an average weight of 3.5 kg each. Briefly, in the five studied beaches horizontal transects of 100 m was chosen on the high tide line where MPs tend to accumulate. The transects were divided into five equidistant points, and quadrants of 0.25 m2 (50 × 50 cm) were delimited. In each quadrant the top layer of sand (~1.0 cm thickness) was collected using a stainless-steel spatula and stored in a clean glass container. Once at the laboratory, samples were dried at 60 ◦C for 48 h and sieved using a 5 mm mesh sieve, the retained material (>5 mm) was discarded. MP particles were extracted from the sand samples by a flotation process using a saturated NaCl solution (density of 1.2 g/cm3). 1 kg of sieved sand (particles <5 mm) was transferred to a glass vessel, and 1 L of saturated NaCl solution was added, the mixture of the sand-salt solution was stirred for 5 min and left to rest for 1 h. Subsequently, the supernatant was passed through a 100 μm mesh sieve, and the filtered water was collected and returned to the glass with the sand sample, this extraction process was repeated three times. The particles retained on the sieve were washed with 500 mL of distilled water to remove excess of NaCl, and MP particles were transferred to Petri dishes using stainless steel tweezers and dried at 60 ◦C overnight. The collected MPs were counted and classified by shape (fiber, fragment, pellet, foam, and film) and color categories by using a magnifying glass (4x) and an optical microscope (VE-M1, VELAB).; Data Quality Method: To avoid the potential risk of contamination and erroneous results, the following quality control criteria were applied. All sand samples were collected using a stainless-steel spatula and stored in a clean glass container to protect them from external particle contamination. Moreover, distilled water and saturated NaCl solution was filtered using 0.4 μm pore diameter fiberglass (Whatman 969). Also, all glass vessels used in this work were previously rinsed with filtered distilled water and kept in a covered container to prevent cross contamination. All fiberglass filters, and sand samples were handled with nitrile gloves, and the MP particles were stored properly in sealed petri dishes. A Thermo Scientific Nicolet 6700 Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used for the identification of the most common MP particles found in the sand samples. MP particles with size between 1 – 5 mm were analyzed due to low area of the diamond crystal (0.75 mm2) in the FTIR equipment. The FTIR spectra were recorded in the range of 430 – 4000 cm-1, with a resolution of 4 cm-1 and 32 scans. Subsequently, the OMNIC software version 8.3 was used to identify its composition by comparison with the included FTIR spectral libraries such as Aldrich Sample Library, HR Nicolet Sampler Library, and Hummel Polymer Sample Library. In addition, the experimental FTIR spectra of polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene were also compared with their respective theoretical IR spectra, since it was previously determined that these polymers were the most common in the sand samples. To calculate the IR spectra, we employed Gaussian code with the PBE0/Def2-TZVP level of theory and the D3 version of Grimme’s dispersion..
Parameter or Variable: microplastic concentration (measured); Units: MPs/m2; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: stainless-steel spatula.

Acquisition Information (collection)
Instrument	Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer microscope sediment sieve

Last Modified: 2024-04-24T15:27:23Z
For questions about the information on this page, please email: ncei.info@noaa.gov

Microplastics abundance on sandy beaches of Chiapas, Mexico, during 2023-02-05 to 2023-02-12 (NCEI Accession 0290791)

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