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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.
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.
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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 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.
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.
Enrichment of Persistent Organic Pollutants in Microplastics from Coastal Waters
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Researchers quantified how microplastics concentrate persistent organic pollutants compared to suspended particulate matter in coastal seawater. They found that the concentrating effect of microplastics on these pollutants was one to two orders of magnitude greater than that of natural suspended particles. The study provides precise measurements of enrichment factors, suggesting that microplastics may serve as significant carriers of toxic organic chemicals in marine environments.
Accumulation of persistent organic pollutants by MPs in coastal wastewater treatment plants
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Researchers examined how microplastics in coastal wastewater treatment plants accumulate persistent organic pollutants such as dioxins, furans, and PCBs. They found that untreated influent contained the highest concentrations of these hazardous chemicals sorbed onto microplastic surfaces. The study highlights that microplastics can act as carriers for toxic pollutants through wastewater systems and into the environment.
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.