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A first assessment of microplastic abundance in sandy beach sediments of the Paranaguá Estuarine Complex, South Brazil (RAMSAR site)
Summary
Researchers conducted the first assessment of microplastic abundance in sandy beach sediments at 19 sites within the Paranaguá Estuarine Complex in South Brazil, finding 398 microplastic particles dominated by foam, hard fragments, and paint chips across this ecologically sensitive RAMSAR-listed wetland.
Here we present the first assessment of microplastic (1-5 mm) abundance in drift line sediments from nineteen sandy beaches at the Paranaguá Estuarine Complex, a subtropical estuarine system from South Brazil. This estuarine system harbors Brazil's second-largest grain port, the Guaraqueçaba Environmental Protection Area, and a RAMSAR site. Sediment samples were washed through a 5 and 1 mm mesh sieve and then visually inspected. We found a total of 398 microplastic particles, of which the majority were foams (63.7%), hard plastic fragments (13.8%), paint fragments (12.8%), and pellets (7.2%). Almost all sampled beaches, including those located within the Guaraqueçaba Environmental Protection Area, were contaminated by microplastics. The most likely microplastic sources for the Paranaguá Estuarine Complex beaches are urban and port activities. However, small communities and marine sources may also contribute to microplastic presence.