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Evaluation of microplastic and marine debris on the beaches of Niterói Oceanic Region, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
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Researchers evaluated microplastic and marine debris on ocean beaches of Niterói, Brazil, across winter and summer seasons, finding seasonal variation in abundance with fragments and films predominating and highlighting recreational beaches as significant accumulation zones.
The characterization of microplastics helps to improve sustainable management practices in aquatic ecosystems impacted by plastic litter. Plastic litter and microplastics from four ocean beaches in the Niterói municipality was evaluated in winter and summer. The collection and preparation of microplastic sample procedures followed on the protocol developed by the RLA7025 Project of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Marine debris followed to the United Nations Environment Program protocol. The polymer was characterized by ATR-FTIR technique.The Clean Coast Index was used to determine the degree of dirt on the beaches. Polyethylene (43%) and Polystyrene (52%) were the most abundant microplastics. The plastic is the most abundant category; representing 85% in winter and 73% in summer.The main sources are related to the consumption of drinks and food. These results emphasize the importance of reverse logistics and the value chain for packaging material and the need for effective actions managing solid waste.
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Quantification of microplastics on anthropized and little anthropized beaches in Rio Grande do Sul coast, Brazil
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Researchers analyzed microplastics in beach sediments at three sites on the northern coast of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, across all four seasons. Microplastic abundance was higher at more urbanized beaches and varied seasonally, reflecting differences in anthropogenic pressure and local conditions.
Seasonal Variations in Microplastic Pollution in Beach Sediments along the Eastern Coast of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil
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A survey of 27 beaches along Rio de Janeiro's eastern coast found microplastics on every beach, with winter counts (2,987 particles) nearly five times higher than summer (562 particles), driven by seasonal wind and wave dynamics, with fragments and fibers of polyethylene and polypropylene dominating. The seasonal variation reveals that MP exposure for coastal wildlife and beachgoers fluctuates dramatically with environmental conditions, complicating risk assessments tied to any single sampling window.
Spatio-temporal evaluation of macro, meso and microplastics in surface waters, bottom and beach sediments of two embayments in Niterói, RJ, Brazil
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Researchers evaluated macro, meso, and microplastic distribution across surface waters and sediments in two Brazilian embayments, finding microplastics comprised 83% of collected waste with highest concentrations (138.41 items/kg) in beach sediments dominated by HDPE, polypropylene, and styrene. Beach sediments showed elevated microplastic concentrations during the rainy season and were identified as the most informative compartment for tracking plastic waste dynamics over time.
Litter assessment on sandy beaches along the Brazilian coast: a large-scale analysis of macrolitter and microplastics
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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 on Santos Beach: Sources of Pollution, Waste Characteristics and Possible Collection Solutions
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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.
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