We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics on Santos Beach: Sources of Pollution, Waste Characteristics and Possible Collection Solutions
Summary
This Brazilian study mapped and characterized microplastic contamination on Santos beach near submarine sewage outfalls and storm drains, finding plastic pollution hotspots linked to coastal discharge infrastructure. The authors estimated that ~60 tons of solid waste enter the sea daily in the region and identified possible collection solutions.
The research focused on plastic pollution on Santos' beaches, particularly microplastics in the areas of the Submarine Outfall, Canal 04, and Ponta da Praia. It is estimated that approximately 60 tons of solid waste, predominantly plastic, are dumped into the sea daily, with increases during holidays. The study mapped and characterized microplastics, collecting particles smaller than 5 mm and classifying them into six categories. Interviews were conducted with experts from the Instituto do Mar (Unifesp) to understand the sources and impacts of microplastics. In addition, an experiment with the Danio rerio fish investigated how the presence of microplastics affects the health and behavior of marine animals. To mitigate pollution, the use of garbage collection boats and awareness-raising initiatives were proposed.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics on Santos Beach: Sources of Pollution, Waste Characteristics and Possible Collection Solutions
Researchers characterized microplastics collected from three zones of Santos beach in Brazil, finding contamination dominated by fragments and films near sewage outfalls. The study highlights inadequate waste management as the primary driver of beach microplastic accumulation and assessed feasibility of mechanical collection interventions.
Microplastic Hotspots on a Tropical Estuarine-Bay System
Researchers mapped microplastic hotspots in the Santos Estuarine System in Brazil — the most populous estuary and largest seaport in the country — characterizing accumulation and export dynamics of microplastics in a high-traffic coastal environment.
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.
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.
Microplastics in surface waters of tropical estuaries around a densely populated Brazilian bay
Researchers found extremely high microplastic concentrations (up to 33,000 items per cubic meter) in ten estuaries around Todos os Santos Bay, Brazil, largely driven by deficient domestic wastewater treatment serving over 3 million residents.