Research Areas > Marine Debris > Debris on Beaches > Plastic Pellets on Beaches

Project: Plastic Pellets on Beaches

Background and Objective

Marine debris is often thought of as large items, found floating in the ocean or strewn along the beaches; however, smaller plastic items (<5mm), which are less noticeable, may present a larger problem to the health of marine organisms and the ecosystem on the whole. A study done in 1998 estimated a total of over 100 million plastic pellets on beaches in Orange County, California. Around one quadrillion of these pellets (60 billion pounds) are produced in the United States annually, and transported via railways, trucks and ships to manufacturers who then mold them into a final product. Some of these pellets are accidentally released during transport and find their way via stormwater drains and rivers to beaches and the ocean.

The California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) and the Regional Water Quality Control Boards are required to implement a program to control the release of pre-production plastic pellets from point and nonpoint sources. However, knowledge of the distribution and amount of plastic pellets on beaches in California is crucial to implementing a plan to control and reduce the discharges. In addition, a baseline study would be useful in determining the effectiveness of any programs or controls adopted by the State.

The goals of this project are twofold, the first to provide baseline information on the distribution and amount of plastic pellets on beaches throughout the state of California. The second goal is to conduct an intensified study in areas the pellets were found in from the baseline study to provide more detailed information on the distribution and amount of pellets in these areas. 

Status

This project was initiated in 2009 with anticipated completion in 2012. The baseline study has been completed and work has begun on the intensified study.

Methods

Researchers will generate a stratified-random sampling design for plastic pellets along the entire coast of California. Sampling protocols will also be developed to ensure consistent collection and data recording. Sampling will then be conducted to quantify pellet abundance throughout California. In addition, focused monitoring will be conducted in coastal areas near likely distribution centers for plastic pellets, e.g., in the vicinity of the Los Angeles and San Gabriel Rivers. Potential focus locations will be identified based on the number of plastics manufacturers, and again, a random sampling design will be followed. After samples are processed and data compiled, researchers will produce a report summarizing the distribution and amount of plastic pellets on beaches in California.

Partners

State Water Resources Control Board
California State University Fullerton