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Qualitative and quantitative assessment of Microplastic Pollution in waters and sediments of the Ave River estuary (Portugal)
Summary
This study assessed microplastic pollution levels and distribution in the Ave River estuary and coastal waters of Portugal, characterizing particle types and concentrations to quantify the plastic load transferred from this heavily impacted river to the marine environment. Results showed the estuary acts as both a sink and a source for microplastics depending on tidal and flow conditions.
Plastic pollution is a growing concern that threatens ecosystems and human health. Rivers and estuaries act as pipelines, channelling litter to the ocean, making data collection on these systems crucial to understand how these pollutants reach the marine environment. Ave River was considered one of the most polluted rivers in Portugal as its hydrographic basin is characterised by disorganised land use, including several industries (textiles, rubber, and plastics industries) as well as agriculture practices. As part of the EU funded MAELSTROM (smart technology for MArinE Litter SusTainable RemOval and Management) project, this study aims to assess microplastics (MPs) qualitatively and quantitatively in the water column and, for the first time, in the sediments of the Ave Estuary for two different seasons (summer and autumn) following international guidelines. All the water samples, collected at two different depths, contained MPs (sub-surface 15.32 ± 1.45 items m‑3; water column 17.77 ± 2.85 items m-3). Blue fibres and transparent fragments were dominant in summer and autumn respectively, with a mean size of 1.243 ± 0.008 mm. MPs were also found in all sediment samples (466.27 ± 73.23 item kg-1). A seasonal variation in the abundance of sediment MPs was observed, with a higher abundance in autumn (more than two times), probably related to the increased supply of MPs due to increased river flow (associated to the rain events). Most of sediments MPs identified in autumn and summer were blue fragments and fibres, with a greater abundance of white foam in autumn. In both seasons, most MPs were less than 1 mm, suggesting high bioavailability and potential impact on aquatic biota. Obtained results highlight the urgent need for management actions by including MPs in current water body monitoring regulations - such as the WFD - and contribute to the spatio-temporal monitoring of MPs in estuaries. Also see: https://micro2024.sciencesconf.org/559185/document