We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Spatio-temporal evaluation of macro, meso and microplastics in surface waters, bottom and beach sediments of two embayments in Niterói, RJ, Brazil
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
This study evaluated in the dry and rainy periods, the anthropogenic influence and the hydrodynamics in the distribution of plastic items in surface waters and bottom and beach sediments of the Jurujuba (Guanabara Bay, low and medium hydrodynamic) and Itaipu (oceanic region, high hydrodynamics) embayments; places of cultivation and extraction of mussels. Microplastics were 83% of the wastes collected, with a higher average concentration (138.41 items.kg) in beach sediments. High density polyethylene (HDPE) (38%), polypropylene (21%), and styrene (10%) were the most frequent polymers. There was no difference between the water and bottom sediment samples in the different embayments, in the studied periods, different from that observed in the beach sediment samples, with higher concentrations in the rainy season in Jurujuba. The results suggest that beach sediments are the best compartment to understand the dynamics of the distribution of plastic waste over time.
More Papers Like This
Evaluation of microplastic and marine debris on the beaches of Niterói Oceanic Region, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
Contaminação Por Microplásticos Em Praias Arenosas No Brasil: Uma Revisão Sistemática
AI summary Read the abstract
This review systematically examines microplastic contamination studies on sandy beaches across Brazil, covering publications from the first Brazilian study in 2009 onward and identifying that sediment (76% of studies), water (12%), and biota (12%) are the primary compartments investigated. The review finds tourism, fishing, and river discharge as the main microplastic sources, and identifies significant methodological gaps that limit cross-study comparisons.
Quantification of microplastics on anthropized and little anthropized beaches in Rio Grande do Sul coast, Brazil
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
Meso- and microplastic composition, distribution patterns and drivers: A snapshot of plastic pollution on Brazilian beaches
AI summary Read the abstract
A standardized survey of plastic pollution across 22 sandy beaches spanning over 4600 km of Brazilian coast found widespread contamination in coastal sediments, with polymer type, size, and distribution patterns reflecting diverse sources including fishing activity and urban runoff.
Assessment of microplastic in beaches of Guanabara Bay, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
AI summary Read the abstract
Brazilian researchers analyzed beach sediments at three sites around Guanabara Bay in Rio de Janeiro for microplastic contamination, separating and characterizing plastic debris by size, color, and type. The study contributes to understanding microplastic pollution levels in one of Brazil's most urbanized and ecologically stressed coastal bays.
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.