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Abundance, Composition, and Distribution of Microplastics in Amazonical on a Non-urbanized Beach
Summary
Researchers found surprising amounts of microplastic pollution (tiny plastic fragments and fibers, mostly from fishing gear and other human trash) on a remote, undeveloped beach in Brazil, showing that even places far from cities aren't safe from plastic contamination. This matters because these plastic particles can be eaten by fish and other seafood, potentially building up in the food chain and eventually reaching our plates.
Microplastic pollution has become a global environmental issue, affecting all aquatic environments, especially coastal ecosystems. This study investigated the abundance and diversity of microplastics in two coastal environments (restinga and mid-littoral zone) on a non-urbanized beach: Itatinga Beach, in Alcântara, Maranhão. The objective was to understand the distribution and characteristics of these particles deposited in the studied area. A total of 220 particles classified as micro- and mesoplastics were collected and analyzed using flotation, drying, visual inspection, and classification methods based on origin, shape, color, and type. The results showed a higher overall abundance of microplastics in the restinga, with an average of 23.8 ± 8.54 items/m², compared to the mid-littoral zone, which had an average of 20.8 ± 5.56 items/m². The diversity of colors and the Microplastic Diversity Index (MDI) were also higher in the restinga, especially at sampling point P3, indicating multiple sources of pollution, mainly waste from human activities and the degradation of fishing materials. The predominant morphologies were fragments and fibers, associated with fishing debris. The microplastics found pose environmental risks, affecting marine biodiversity and potentially human health due to bioaccumulation and ingestion by marine organisms. The findings highlight the need for appropriate monitoring and management strategies to reduce contamination and the ecological and public health impacts related to the presence of microplastics in non-urbanized coastal environments.