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Microplastic contamination in marine sediment from different regions of the Blue Amazon, Bahia, Brazil
Summary
Researchers surveyed marine sediment microplastic contamination across four coastal regions of Bahia, Brazil, finding widespread pollution averaging 270 items per kilogram with fibers predominating and higher concentrations near densely populated areas like Salvador. The study fills an important data gap for South American coastal ecosystems and shows that population density is a strong predictor of sediment microplastic load.
Microplastics (MPs) have been widely detected in various marine compartments with significant ecological impacts. Despite the global evidence of MP contamination in sediments, the marine sediments of the littoral of Bahia remain underexplored. This study investigates the presence of MPs in marine sediment from the Blue Amazon, focusing on four regions of Bahia varying in population densities. Sediment samples were collected from the northern and southern littoral regions, and from Todos os Santos Bay (TSB) (Itaparica and Salvador). Microplastics were extracted using density separation with K2CO3 and NaCl solutions, chosen for their cost-effectiveness, environmentally friendly properties, and compatibility with sediment characteristics. MPs were identified, quantified, and categorized into different types. Statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate the spatial variation of MP types in regions and to investigate the relationship between contamination levels, regions and population density. The results revealed widespread MP contamination across all sampled regions, with an abundance of 270 items kg− 1, varying from 8 to 90 items kg− 1, with fibers being the predominant type. The results suggest that the abundance of MP concentration correlates with regions with denser population levels, around TSB area. The presence of polystyrene fibers indicates the potential for biofouling and sediment deposition. This investigation highlights the MP contamination in unreported coastal areas in Brazil, showing its association with the urbanization of ecologically sensitive regions within the Blue Amazon, such as Todos os Santos Bay.