A group of 33 volunteers have conducted forty outings in kayaks between the beaches of Llafranc and Sant Roc. Following this, the Marine Geosciences Research Group at the University of Barcelona analyzed the samples.
The concentration of microplastics on the Palafrugell coast is below the average of the rest of the Catalan coast and the Balearic Islands. This is one of the conclusions of the Surfing for Science study, based on samples collected and analyzed since September 2022. The group of volunteers conducted numerous kayak trips between the beaches of Llafranc and Sant Roc. Subsequently, the Marine Geosciences Research Group at the University of Barcelona analyzed the samples.
In Palafrugell, the average concentration of microplastics is 0.11 mg/m2. In contrast, the average for Catalonia and the Balearic Islands is 0.69 mg/m2. Microplastics smaller than 5 millimeters reach the beaches and the sea directly from fishing vessels, recreational boats, occasional industrial discharges, or wastewater, among other sources.
According to the study, the type of plastic varies at each location and can be consulted on their website. For example, there is a higher concentration of pellet-type microplastics in areas near the petrochemical industry in Tarragona or artificial grass in the Costa Brava. The quantity depends on various factors, but rainstorms facilitate their entry into the sea, while waves prevent them from drifting further out.
Through the analysis of the remains, researchers aim to learn more about the sources, abundance, size, color, polymer type, fragmentation, and dispersion of microplastics. This information will help in finding ways to reduce their presence. Since the project’s inception, over fifty thousand pieces of plastic have been characterized.
Surfing for Science is a citizen science project led by the University of Barcelona and the NGO Surfrider Foundation. In Palafrugell, it has been promoted by the Environmental Department of the City Council and the Association of Neighbors and Friends of Calella de Palafrugell (AVAC). The company Tourist Service in Llafranc provides kayaks to volunteers, and the Llafranc Nautical Club offers facilities for the cleaning of sampling materials.
The third season of sampling in Palafrugell will begin in September. Those interested in participating can send an email to mediambient@palafrugell.cat. This initiative highlights the importance of community involvement in environmental research and the collective effort needed to address plastic pollution in our oceans.
