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Microplastics associated with stranded macroalgae on an impacted estuarine beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Researchers examined microplastics trapped in seaweed washed up on a beach in Brazil's heavily polluted Guanabara Bay. Red algae captured significantly more microplastic particles than green algae, likely due to their more complex branching structure. The microplastic levels found in these algae were higher than those reported in studies from other locations, suggesting that nutrient-rich, polluted waters increase the amount of plastic debris that accumulates on marine plants.
Microplastics (MPs) are contaminants widely distributed in marine ecosystems. Only few studies approached MP interactions with marine plants, which are considered potential traps for MPs. Here, we determined MPs' densities and types associated with stranded macroalgae on a eutrophic beach in Guanabara Bay. Our results showed that red algae exhibited higher MP densities (1.48 MPs g), possibly due to their more branched thalli, than green algae (0.27 MPs g). The predominant MP types were blue and white fragments <3 mm in size and polymers were classified as polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride in fragments, and polypropylene in fibers. The higher densities of MPs in algae seemed to be influenced by the inner bay waters. The densities of MPs associated with algae from Guanabara Bay surpassed those reported in other studies. High MPs densities increase the chances that organisms associated with algae entangle or ingest MPs, impacting their health and survival.
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Assessment of microplastic in beaches of Guanabara Bay, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Brazilian researchers analyzed beach sediments at three sites around Guanabara Bay in Rio de Janeiro for microplastic contamination, separating and characterizing plastic debris by size, color, and type. The study contributes to understanding microplastic pollution levels in one of Brazil's most urbanized and ecologically stressed coastal bays.
Macroalgae as Marine Microdebris Traps: a Case Study in the Bahía Blanca Estuary
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Researchers examined seven species of macroalgae and surface waters in the Bahia Blanca Estuary, Argentina, to assess marine microdebris including microplastics and antifouling paint particles. Fiber microplastics dominated surface waters, while brown alga P. nakamurae accumulated the highest microplastic concentrations among macroalgae, and green alga B. minima showed elevated paint particle levels, indicating that macroalgae function as passive traps for marine microdebris.
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Researchers quantified microplastic densities on the surfaces of three marine macrophyte species (two macroalgae and one seagrass) collected in situ, finding measurable contamination on all species. The results suggest that macrophytes may serve as an important but underappreciated pathway for microplastics to enter marine food webs.
Plastic debris in coastal macroalgae
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Plastic debris including microplastics was investigated in five macroalgae species along Chinese coastlines, finding contamination in all species with differences in debris type and abundance related to algal morphology and coastal location, revealing macroalgae as both collectors and potential vectors of plastic pollution.
Zooplankton exposure to microplastic contamination in a estuarine plume-influenced region, in Northeast Brazil
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Researchers examined microplastic contamination in estuarine plume waters off the coast of northeastern Brazil and its relationship with zooplankton. The study found significantly higher microplastic abundance during the high rainfall season, with fibers and fragments being the dominant types, and elevated concentrations in river plume areas compared to reef-adjacent waters, indicating land-based sources as major contributors.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.