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Research in plastic marine debris in mainland Portugal
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Since 2008, researchers in mainland Portugal have documented plastic debris on beaches, finding microplastics in plankton samples and evidence that plastics adsorb persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in coastal environments. The work emphasizes the risk to marine and terrestrial wildlife that feed in coastal areas contaminated with plastic-associated toxins.
Plastic marine debris pollution affects all the oceans, and has short, medium and long term consequences for organisms living in these environments. Plastics, especially microplastics represent a threat to wildlife due to particle uptake by ingestion while larger plastic pieces entangle and suffocate animals. Since 2008, we are studying plastic debris stranded on the beaches in mainland Portugal, analyzing the types of plastic and their distribution, and more recently verifying the presence of microplastics in plankton samples and the degradation of such materials in the coastal environment. So far our results show that plastics are capable of adsorbing persistent organic pollutants (POP) which may be harmful for the marine environment and aquatic and terrestrial organisms that feed in nearby beaches. Research in this field is necessary, so that we can have a representative picture of the current situation of plastic marine debris in the coast of Portugal.
More Papers Like This
Nota Técnica / Technical Note
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Portuguese researchers studying plastic marine debris found that microplastics are present in coastal plankton samples and that plastic debris adsorbs persistent organic pollutants, potentially transferring these chemicals to wildlife. The study underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring of microplastic pollution along the Portuguese coastline.
Evidence of microplastics in samples of zooplankton from Portuguese coastal waters
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Researchers examined zooplankton samples collected from Portuguese coastal waters between 2002 and 2008 and found microplastics in a proportion of the samples, providing early retrospective evidence of microplastic contamination in Atlantic zooplankton. The study shows that plastic contamination of coastal zooplankton communities predates the recent surge of research attention.
Environmental status of (micro)plastics contamination in Portugal
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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 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.
Plastic marine debris on the Portuguese coastline: A matter of size?
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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.
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.