Microplastics monitoring in mussels and water from the port of sines, portugal

Seaports are particularly susceptible to microplastic (MP) pollution through a series of human activities occurring in these areas. Thus, monitoring the biological communities and water is important to assess the impacts of MP pollution. In this work, we quantify extent of MP pollution in the Port of Sines, the main port in the Iberian-Atlantic coast, capable of receiving any type of vessel, which makes this port a potential source and sink of contaminants, including MP. Adjacent to this port, there are moderate to very exposed marine areas with regional and national importance for fisheries, tourism, and conservation. The present study reports the quantity, shape, colour and polymer type of MP in whole soft tissues of mussels (Mytilus spp.), and seawater samples collected in 2022 and 2023. Here, a baseline evaluation of MP concentration at the seawater surface and column was conducted in triplicate with a manta and bongo nets (150 μm mesh), respectively for horizontal and vertical tows, in a total of six sampling sites outside and inside the port. Mussels and water were collected in the same sampling sites. Samples were digested with 10This work will contribute with baseline data regarding MP pollution and accumulation in biota and water of the Port of Sines and adjacent coastal areas, providing a solid background for future research to assess effects of MP in the marine environment and their potential hazards, helping policymakers to make knowledge-based decisions on plastic litter management. Also see: https://micro2024.sciencesconf.org/557537/document