We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastic contamination in bathing areas in the Central Amazon, Itacoatiara, Brazil
Summary
The first microplastic study in the Central Amazon found 202 plastic particles — mostly blue fibers and fragments — in the sediments of five recreational bathing areas in Itacoatiara, Brazil. Contamination was significantly higher inside the bathing zones than in adjacent areas, suggesting human recreational activity itself is a meaningful source of microplastic pollution even in remote and ecologically critical freshwater environments.
Due to the visible abundance of plastic improperly disposed of in the environment, the number of investigations has increased worldwide in different water bodies and biota. Despite this, studies of contamination by microplastics in freshwater environments in the Amazon are scarce. This study investigated microplastic contamination in sediment samples of bathing areas in the Central Amazon, in Itacoatiara, Amazonas, Brazil. A total of 202 microplastic particles were recorded in the five investigated areas that are used for recreation. These results indicate no significant difference in the number of microplastic particles among the establishments; however, the size of the microplastic particles differed significantly between the establishments. Both blue and red microplastic particles were recorded, with blue particles being the most abundant. The microplastic particles were in the form of fibers and fragments. The number of microplastic particles was significantly different between the areas within and adjacent to the bathing areas, though the size of the microplastic particles was not significantly different in the areas within and adjacent to the bathing areas. There was no significant correlation in the establishments in regard to their frequency of use and contamination (number of microplastic particles). This is the first study that indicates the anthropogenic impacts associated with microplastic contamination in recreation areas within the Amazon Forest, an area considered by the world to be of vital importance for conservation. The results of this study indicate that microplastics are present in these bathing areas of the Central Amazon and that contamination in areas used for recreation may be significantly higher than in areas not used for this purpose.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
First assessment of microplastic and artificial microfiber contamination in surface waters of the Amazon Continental Shelf
Researchers characterized microplastics in surface water of the Amazon Continental Shelf for the first time, finding particles at all 57 sampling sites with higher concentrations during the rainy season. Polyamide, polyurethane, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene were the most common polymer types, and concentrations were highest near river mouths and coastal cities.
Microplastics in the Amazon biome: State of the art and future priorities
This review examines microplastic pollution in the Amazon region and finds contamination levels comparable to heavily polluted areas worldwide. Poor sanitation is a major source, with fibers being the most common particle type found in water, sediment, and wildlife. Despite the Amazon's global ecological importance, research on microplastics there has been very limited, and the authors call for urgent expansion of scientific monitoring.
Microplastic distribution and risk assessment in estuarine systems influenced by traditional villages and artisanal fishery activities
Researchers mapped microplastic pollution in estuaries along the Amazon coast and found that areas with more people and fishing activity had the highest concentrations. Most of the microplastics were tiny fibers, likely from synthetic clothing and fishing gear. While risk levels were currently rated low, the study shows that even remote coastal communities are contributing to microplastic buildup in sensitive ecosystems.
Widespread microplastics distribution at an Amazon macrotidal sandy beach
Researchers found widespread microplastic contamination at a macrotidal sandy beach on the Amazon coast of Brazil, detecting an average of 492.5 particles per square meter with fibers dominating across three depth strata down to 60 cm.
Microplastics in Freshwater River in Rio de Janeiro and Its Role as a Source of Microplastic Pollution in Guanabara Bay, SE Brazil
Researchers found widespread microplastic contamination in three rivers flowing into Guanabara Bay, Brazil, with an average of 3,651 particles per cubic meter dominated by fibers, identifying these freshwater systems as major sources of coastal microplastic pollution.