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First evidence of microplastics in nine lakes across Patagonia (South America)
Summary
Microplastics were found for the first time in nine lakes across the Argentine Patagonian Region, with blue PET fibers dominant and concentrations suggesting relatively low pollution compared to lakes in the Northern Hemisphere. Urban runoff, textiles, and fisheries were the main sources, and lakes that were larger, shallower, and at the end of watersheds accumulated more plastic.
Microplastics (MPs) on lakes have been reported mainly from Europe, Asia, and North America. Then, this study aimed to address the quantification and identification of MPs in nine lakes from the Argentine Patagonian Region. Blue colored fibers were dominant, with a size range between 0.2 and <0.4 mm. The mean MPs concentration was 0.9 ± 0.6 MPs m, suggesting a low pollution state when compared to other worldwide lakes. Raman microscopy analysis showed a predominance of Indigo Blue Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) particles. The upper-gradient runoff from urban settlements, textiles, and fisheries were identified as the main MPs sources and levels positively correlated with the higher area, shallower depth, and with an end-position in the watershed. These findings fill a gap in the geographical distribution knowledge, setting a baseline that emphasizes the need for better treatment of urban and fisheries wastes in continental lakes.