We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics and Geotechnical Characteristics of the Sand at Praia Do Futuro, Ceará, Brazil
Summary
A survey of microplastic concentrations in beach sediments at Praia do Futuro, Brazil found levels that exceeded those in other Brazilian studies but were lower than many international benchmarks, with no significant difference between tourist-heavy and quieter zones. The study also characterized the sand's physical properties, providing baseline data for future monitoring in a region where coastal microplastic research has been limited.
ABSTRACT Microplastic pollution and its environmental impacts are under investigation in marine and coastal environments. However, in Ceará state, Brazil, the impacts of microplastic pollution in coastal areas have not been evaluated. This study assesses the quantity, composition, and physical forms of microplastics in sediment at Praia do Futuro and determines the sand’s geotechnical characteristics. Three study zones were defined, with 21 samples collected. Normality tests were conducted for statistical analyses, comparing results using ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests. No significant differences were found between locations with and without tourist activity. The concentration of microplastics exceeded levels observed in other Brazilian studies, but it was lower than that typically registered in international studies. Additionally, geotechnical characteristics of Praia do Futuro’s sand indicated grain size with diameters under 600 µm and void ratios aligned with literature expectations. The porosity varied along the coast, as is typical of natural sandy soils.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Microplastic occurrence, distribution, and zonation at Paraná’s beaches—South of Brazil
Researchers conducted the first survey of microplastic distribution and zonation on beaches in Paraná state, southern Brazil, characterizing MP concentrations, polymer types, and morphologies across multiple beach zones to establish a baseline for this understudied South American coastline.
Litter assessment on sandy beaches along the Brazilian coast: a large-scale analysis of macrolitter and microplastics
Researchers conducted a large-scale assessment of macrolitter and microplastic contamination on sandy beaches along the Brazilian coast, characterizing pollution patterns, dominant polymer types, and potential anthropogenic sources across multiple sites.
Analysis of the occurrence of microplastics in beach sand on the Brazilian coast
Researchers evaluated microplastic occurrence in beach sand along the Brazilian coastline using a simplified methodology. The study found widespread microplastic contamination and identified potential pollution sources linked to coastal urbanization and ocean currents.
Microplastics in brazilian marine environments: a study on beaches in São Francisco do Sul - SC
Beach surveys along São Francisco do Sul in southern Brazil confirmed widespread microplastic presence in coastal sediments, with polymer composition reflecting regional plastic waste streams. The study adds to the body of evidence that Brazilian coastlines are significantly contaminated and calls for national monitoring standards to track and manage the problem.
Rethinking the Environmental Quality of Brazilian Beaches: The Incidence of Microplastics as Indicator for Sea Water and Sand Quality
This paper proposes using microplastic levels in beach sand and seawater as indicators of beach environmental quality, arguing that current assessments in Brazil focus too narrowly on microbial contamination. The authors present evidence that microplastic contamination poses health risks to swimmers and coastal communities that should be incorporated into beach quality standards.