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Microplastics and suspended particles in a strongly impacted coastal environment: Composition, abundance, surface texture, and interaction with metal ions
Summary
Researchers analyzed suspended particulate matter composition and microplastic characteristics in the inner zone of Bahia Blanca Estuary, Argentina during winter, finding that microplastics interact with metal ions in this heavily impacted coastal environment and documenting for the first time the combined contamination profile of this industrial waterway.
The composition and the interaction of the suspended particulate matter (SPM) with metal ions, along with the presence and characteristics of microplastics, were analyzed for the first time in the water column of the inner zone of Bahía Blanca Estuary during winter (June, July, and August) 2019. Surface analysis techniques (Scanning Electron Microscopy combined with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, and X-ray Diffraction) were employed to obtain an in-depth characterization of the particulate matter, suggesting the presence of Fe in our samples, with a mixture of Fe/Fe oxidation states. Microplastics ranged in concentrations between 3 and 11.5 items L, with an average of 6.50 items L (S.E: ±4.01), being fibers the most abundant type. Infrared Spectroscopy suggests that these fibers correspond to semi-synthetic cellulose-based and poly(amide) remains. We concluded that the SPM is a significant vehicle for metals which might have adverse effects on marine organisms.