Occurrence and Characterization of Microplastics in Coastal Beach Sand: Insights from a Case Study at Praia Vermelha, Brazil

The present study aimed to establish and validate a standardized protocol for the collection, treatment, and characterization of microplastic samples found in beach sands. The methodology was implemented at Praia Vermelha/RJ, demonstrating its effectiveness in identifying and assessing microplastics originating from improper plastic waste disposal in coastal environments. The flotation method showed high efficiency in extracting microplastics, and the subsequent sample treatment, including thorough cleaning and drying processes, ensured reliable results. Through systematic sampling across multiple sections of the beach, a total of 32 microplastics were identified, with polystyrene being the predominant polymer. Optical microscopy effectively confirmed the presence of microplastics, revealing that the most common form was foam, with average sample diameters ranging from 2.1 mm to 4 mm. Fourier Infrared spectroscopy further confirmed the polymer composition, highlighting the dominance of polystyrene among the samples. This study underscores the importance of standardizing collection and analysis protocols for microplastics to enable consistent comparisons across regions and scales. Furthermore, the findings emphasize the urgent need for preventive measures and management strategies to reduce the influx of microplastics into coastal and marine ecosystems. Raising public awareness and promoting sustainable practices are critical steps toward mitigating the environmental impact of plastic pollution.