Scientists identified a new type of coastal pollution primarily composed of tar and plastic, a unique material in its composition to the extent that researchers suggest it should have its own name: "Plastitar".

A research group from the University of La Laguna in the Canary Islands, a Spanish region located west of Morocco, recently published details of the pollution in the journal Science of the Total Environment. They say it could pose a widespread threat to the marine ecosystem "with unknown environmental consequences".

They found that "Plastitar" arises from crude oil spills from ships. Once the oil reaches the coasts, it covers the rocks, allowing the plastic to embed into the tar.

The study found evidence of "Plastitar" in several areas of the Canary Islands, including a natural reserve and some beaches.

These areas were identified as hotspots due to the large amount of plastic waste they receive as a result of the prevailing northern and northeastern winds throughout the year, the study says.

The researchers say they do not exclude other coastal areas where "Plastitar" might exist. The study states: "One relevant aspect concerning the presence of tar in coastal environments is the fact that it contains hydrocarbons that can undergo photochemical oxidation and negatively affect the marine ecosystem by altering the ecological balance."

The researchers point to examples of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), found in tar and can be toxic to aquatic organisms.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons also disrupt endocrine function and can be carcinogenic. Scientists say the combination of tar and plastic also has a negative visual impact and is likely to be present in other coastal areas around the world."

The researchers clearly say that combining it with plastics represents a double threat to the marine ecosystem with unknown environmental consequences, as marine organisms can ingest plastics causing intestinal blockage, internal injuries, oxidative stress, and damage."

"Therefore, it is essential to conduct further research to fully understand the potential impacts of this plasticaceous formation, which is likely present in many parts of the world."

The plastics found included microplastics of polyethylene and polypropylene, types of low-density polymers that are among the most common polymers globally.

Microplastics ranged in size from one to five millimeters. Additional analysis found that nearly 91 percent of the microplastics studied were polyethylene and more than nine percent polypropylene.

The researchers say this matches previous studies they conducted, which found these types of microplastics on the shores of the Canary Islands.

Wood, glass, rocks, and sand were also found in "plastitar" but to a lesser degree, along with small pieces of rope.

The researchers say "Plastitar" can be classified as one of several other new formations related to plastic waste in the marine environment.

These include plasticglomerates, primarily composed of uncontrolled waste burning and may include melted plastic, beach or sand deposits, basaltic lava, organic debris; plastic shells or plastic fragments embedded in wave-exposed coastal rocks; pyropolymers or melted-looking rocky plastics; and anthropoquinas or sedimentary rocks containing plastic, which derive their name from the Anthropocene, an informal geological epoch defined as when human activity began significantly impacting climate and ecosystems.