Microplastic distribution and composition on two Galápagos island beaches, Ecuador: Verifying the use of citizen science derived data in long-term monitoring

A study on two Galápagos beaches reveals that citizen science can effectively monitor microplastic contamination, with 93% of visually identified particles confirmed as microplastics or rubber. The research, conducted by students from high schools and universities, found plastic abundances ranging from 0 to 2524 particles per square meter—among the highest reported in the Galápagos. Significant accumulation gradients were observed near waterlines, with one beach showing four-fold higher concentrations at a sea turtle nesting site. No seasonal trends were detected over a year. This approach offers a cost-effective method for long-term monitoring and conservation efforts.

Jones, J. S., Guézou, A., Medor, S., Nickson, C., Savage, G., Alarcón-Ruales, D., Galloway, T. S., Muñoz-Pérez, J. P., Nelms, S. E., Porter, A., Thiel, M., & Lewis, C. (2022). Microplastic distribution and composition on two Galápagos island beaches, Ecuador: Verifying the use of citizen science derived data in long-term monitoring. Environmental Pollution, 311, 120011. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120011