Tiny pieces of synthetic materials contaminate 12 beaches of Costa Rica, including some of the most popular destinations for tourists and expats. Jaco Beach is one of a dozen beaches where micro plastic debris can be found in abundance, floating along with plankton and mixing with grains of sand.

According to a report filed by Michelle Soto of daily newspaper La Nacion, micro plastic debris particles measuring between one to 4.7 millimeters are being consumed by marine and shore life in Jaco Beach, and it continues up the food chain to humans. This observation emanates from a research study conducted by Jacquelyn Burmeister for Conservation International.

Ms. Burmeister took samples from 12 beaches in Costa Rica: Naranjo, Zapotal, Camaronal, Cuevas, Gemelas and Uvita in the Guanacaste province; the rest were in Puntarenas: Coco, Sámara, Puntarenas, Tárcoles, Jacó and Cocal.

The methodology of the study involved taking samples from a stretch of beach running from the treeline to the high tide mark. From a spot measuring a square meter, sand was scooped from a depth of three centimeters and later strained. The result was a high count of micro plastic debris; in some cases even higher than shell and coral fragments.

As can be expected, the micro plastic debris count was higher in Jaco Beach since it is a tourism hotspot. Some of the beaches researched are located within nature preserves or national park; the presence of micro plastic debris in these beaches is substantially lower and almost negligible in some cases.

The study includes other observations that can provide valuable insight for waste management program directors. For example, trash receptacles were counted and the proximity of parking lots to the beach was measured.

Ms. Burmeister noticed that the impact to wildlife could be plainly observed. In Jaco Beach, for example, she noticed a hermit crab that confused a large piece of plastic with a shell.