Occurrence and fate of polyethylene pellets in the Galician coast (N.W. Spain) after the Toconao spillage: study of associated plastic additives and chemical weathering

Key Points

• Polyethylene pellets significantly impacted marine contamination along the Galician coast after spillage.
• Chemical additives were detected in the pellets, with weathering altering their structure and properties.
• Assessment of coastal ecosystems was performed to quantify the environmental impact and fate of plastic pollution.
• Intervention is crucial to mitigate long-term effects of polyethylene pollution on marine life and habitats.