Microplásticos nas águas do estuário Tramandaí - Armazém, Litoral Norte do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil e relação com a qualidade da água

The accumulation of plastic in aquatic environments is caused by large-scale production and use, as well as incorrect destination as waste. These small fragments, called microplastics (MP), are emerging issues and considered a worldwide problem once it can affect theirs functions. The North Coast of Rio Grande do Sul does not have scientific records that reveal MP in estuarine waters. The Tramanda-Armazm Estuary System (ETA) receives great anthropic pressure especially due to the urban agglomeration caused by tourism, to the use of its waters and because it is the final receiver of waters throughout the Tramanda River Basin (BHRT). The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of MP in the waters of Tramanda and Armazm lagoons to classify by polymeric composition. In addition, it was seeked to establish a relationship between the occurrence of MP and the quality of the water. The results show an area that already has medium contamination by MP, which resulted in 240 und MP/100 m 3 in Armazm Lagoon and 225 und MP/100 m 3 in Tramanda Lagoon. The largest amount was PE, PP and PET / PVC, which are closely linked to activities explored in the region, such as fishing and urban occupation. However, it was not possible to establish a direct relationship between the presence of MP and water quality parameters. Although MP contamination is proven in this area, a longer period assessment is interesting and it may indicates the effect, for example, of massive occupation during the summer season.