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Microplastics on the Portuguese coast
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Researchers analysed marine litter across 11 Portuguese beaches over two years and found that 99% of all collected items were plastic, with 68% classified as microplastics under 5 mm and resin pellets comprising 79% of microplastics near industrial areas. Higher concentrations were observed in winter and autumn, near industrial zones and ports, suggesting a predominantly land-based origin.
Marine anthropogenic litter was analysed in eleven beaches along the Portuguese coast, over a two-year period (2011-2013). Of all collected items, 99% were plastic and 68% were microplastics (MP; 1-5 mm in diameter). Higher MP concentrations were found in winter/autumn, near industrial areas and/or port facilities and in beaches exposed to dominant winds. Resin pellets (79%) were the dominant category close to industrial areas and high concentrations of fragments and polymeric foams were found near fishing ports. The most frequent pellet size classes were 4 and 5 mm (respectively 47% and 42%). Results suggest that MP have predominately a land-based origin and are deliberately discarded or accidentally lost in watercourses and/or coastal areas. A combination of measures within stakeholders, namely industry and fishing sectors and share of good practices are needed to prevent marine anthropogenic litter.
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Researchers analyzed stranded plastic debris on the Portuguese coastline and found that microplastics smaller than 5 mm made up 72% of all plastic items collected. The predominance of smaller size classes suggests extended residence time in the sea and enhanced degradation, which increases surface area and the potential for adsorbing persistent organic pollutants.
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Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination across four coastal sites in northwest Portugal — including a marine protected area, an estuary, a shipwreck, and a marina — finding microplastics everywhere, with higher concentrations near fishing and shipping activities. Polyethylene and polypropylene fibers and films dominated, highlighting the widespread reach of plastic pollution even in protected areas.
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This is the first comprehensive review of plastic and microplastic contamination in Portugal, finding that thousands of tons of mismanaged waste and trillions of microplastic particles enter the environment annually. Northern and urban regions are most contaminated, with documented impacts on marine life and fisheries.
Microplastics in Marine and Estuarine Species From the Coast of Portugal
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Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in five marine and estuarine species collected from the coast of Portugal, including mussels, clams, and polychaetes. They found microplastics in all species examined, with fibers being the most common type, and noted differences in contamination levels between sampling sites. The study contributes baseline data on microplastic pollution in commercially relevant Portuguese seafood species.
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.