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Preliminary Assessment of Plastic Litter and Microplastic Contamination in Freshwater Depositional Areas: The Case Study of Puerto Misahualli, Ecuadorian Amazonia
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Researchers conducted a preliminary assessment of plastic litter and microplastics in sediments at a riverine depositional area in the Ecuadorian Amazon, finding low-density polyethylene bags as the dominant macroplastic and documenting microplastic presence in an upper Amazon basin location.
We quantify plastic litter (PL, > 2 cm) and microplastics (MP, < 5 mm) from the sediments of a beach formed at a riverine depositional area, at the upper Amazon River basin, Ecuador. In the collection area (4400 m), the PL density was 0.045 items m, where low-density polyethylene bags were the prevalent PL. The beach was classified as "very clean" (Clean Coast Index (CCI) of 1.3 items m). Regarding MP, in 55 sampling stations, average MP concentrations ranged from 0 to 2200 items kg of dry sediment (0.5-2 mm), and 0-4200 items kg of dry sediment (2-5 mm). Blue fibers were the prevalent MP. Our results represent the first report to show the ubiquitous presence of PL and MP for the area. The monitoring and management of plastic disposal in freshwater beaches are necessary, as here we report a small part of an undocumented issue.
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This study quantified microplastics in the upper basin of the Guayllabamba River in Ecuador, finding contamination at multiple sites. The results add to evidence that South American rivers far from major industrial centers are already contaminated with microplastics, which eventually flow toward coastal and marine environments.
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Researchers conducted a preliminary assessment of microplastic distribution in distal sediments from the mouth of the Amazon River, motivated by prior evidence that the Amazon plume is the largest source of organic plastic additives in the tropical North Atlantic region.
Macroplastic and Microplastic in River Sediment in Vinces and Los Tintos Rivers, Guayas province, Ecuador
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Researchers examined macroplastic and microplastic pollution in river sediments from the Vinces and Los Tintos rivers in Guayas province, Ecuador. The study characterised plastic particle types and distributions in these fluvial sediments, contributing baseline data on plastic contamination in Ecuadorian freshwater environments.
Microplastics in distal sediments from the mouth of the Amazon River
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Researchers conducted a preliminary assessment of microplastic distribution in distal marine sediments near the mouth of the Amazon River, examining how the Amazon plume — a major source of plastic additives in the tropical North Atlantic — contributes to regional microplastic deposition patterns.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.