Papers

61,005 results
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Article Tier 2

Litter assessment on sandy beaches along the Brazilian coast: a large-scale analysis of macrolitter and microplastics

Researchers conducted a large-scale assessment of macrolitter and microplastic contamination on sandy beaches along the Brazilian coast, characterizing pollution patterns, dominant polymer types, and potential anthropogenic sources across multiple sites.

2025 Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations (Universidade de São Paulo)
Article Tier 2

Contaminação Por Microplásticos Em Praias Arenosas No Brasil: Uma Revisão Sistemática

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.

2023 Oecologia Australis 3 citations
Article Tier 2

>b/b<: distribution and levels of contamination on the benthic biodiversity

Researchers assessed environmental health of sandy beaches by measuring microplastic distribution and contamination levels in biological communities, finding that MP abundance correlated with beach use intensity and the presence of nearby stormwater outfalls.

2025
Article Tier 2

Anthropogenic Litter on Beaches With Different Levels of Development and Use: A Snapshot of a Coast in Pernambuco (Brazil)

Beach litter was surveyed at nine sites in northeastern Brazil, finding plastic dominated at all beach types but with differences in litter composition linked to local activities. Characterizing litter sources at specific beaches is essential for targeted waste reduction policies.

2018 Frontiers in Marine Science 76 citations
Article Tier 2

Abundance and distribution of microplastics on sandy beaches of Lima, Peru

This survey assessed microplastic pollution on four popular sandy beaches of Lima, Peru, sampling both intertidal and supralittoral zones. Microplastics were found at all sites, with fragments being the most common morphology, and concentrations varying across beach zones and locations.

2020 Marine Pollution Bulletin 147 citations
Article Tier 2

Meso- and microplastic composition, distribution patterns and drivers: A snapshot of plastic pollution on Brazilian beaches

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.

2023 The Science of The Total Environment 29 citations
Article Tier 2

Microplastics on Santos Beach: Sources of Pollution, Waste Characteristics and Possible Collection Solutions

Researchers characterized microplastics collected from three zones of Santos beach in Brazil, finding contamination dominated by fragments and films near sewage outfalls. The study highlights inadequate waste management as the primary driver of beach microplastic accumulation and assessed feasibility of mechanical collection interventions.

2025 Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Article Tier 2

Occurrence and distribution of microplastics on recreational beaches of Haichow Bay, China

Microplastic occurrence and distribution were examined on recreational beaches of Haichow Bay, China, a heavily visited coastal area. The study found microplastics throughout the beach environment with patterns linked to beach use intensity, wave energy, and sediment type, establishing contamination data for a tourist-frequented coastline.

2020 Environmental Science and Pollution Research 48 citations
Article Tier 2

Microplastics in brazilian marine environments: a study on beaches in São Francisco do Sul - SC

Beach surveys along São Francisco do Sul in southern Brazil confirmed widespread microplastic presence in coastal sediments, with polymer composition reflecting regional plastic waste streams. The study adds to the body of evidence that Brazilian coastlines are significantly contaminated and calls for national monitoring standards to track and manage the problem.

2023 LA Referencia (Red Federada de Repositorios Institucionales de Publicaciones Científicas)
Article Tier 2

Factors driving the abundance and distribution of microplastics on sandy beaches in a Southwest Atlantic seaside resort

Researchers investigated factors driving microplastic abundance on sandy beaches along the Southwest Atlantic coast, finding that both natural forces like wave energy and anthropogenic inputs influenced the distribution of fiber and fragment microplastics in surface sediments.

2021 Marine Environmental Research 41 citations
Article Tier 2

Microplastic occurrence, distribution, and zonation at Paraná’s beaches—South of Brazil

Researchers conducted the first survey of microplastic distribution and zonation on beaches in Paraná state, southern Brazil, characterizing MP concentrations, polymer types, and morphologies across multiple beach zones to establish a baseline for this understudied South American coastline.

2025 Environmental Science and Pollution Research 3 citations
Article Tier 2

Rethinking the Environmental Quality of Brazilian Beaches: The Incidence of Microplastics as Indicator for Sea Water and Sand Quality

This paper proposes using microplastic levels in beach sand and seawater as indicators of beach environmental quality, arguing that current assessments in Brazil focus too narrowly on microbial contamination. The authors present evidence that microplastic contamination poses health risks to swimmers and coastal communities that should be incorporated into beach quality standards.

2020 LA Referencia (Red Federada de Repositorios Institucionales de Publicaciones Científicas) 2 citations
Article Tier 2

Mesoplastics and large microplastics along a use gradient on the Uruguay Atlantic coast: Types, sources, fates, and chemical loads

Plastic debris was found on Uruguayan beaches along a gradient of tourist use, with polypropylene and polyethylene being the most common polymers and various toxic chemicals detected on the particles. The study shows that recreational beach use is linked to higher plastic contamination in coastal environments.

2020 The Science of The Total Environment 54 citations
Article Tier 2

Abundance and characterization of microplastics on sandy beaches along the coastal area of Belize

Researchers quantified and characterized microplastic abundance on sandy beaches along the coastal zone of Belize, establishing baseline contamination data for a region of Central America and the Caribbean where such pollution assessments are critically lacking.

2025 Marine Pollution Bulletin
Article Tier 2

Abundance and distribution of solid waste and microplastics in southeastern Brazilian islands: a comprehensive analysis

Solid waste and microplastic abundance and distribution were characterized on beaches of three islands in southeastern Brazil - Trindade, Grande, and Paqueta - varying in proximity to the continent and occupation patterns. The study identified factors driving debris origin and distribution, including island remoteness, tourism, and proximity to shipping routes.

2024 Ocean and Coastal Research 4 citations
Article Tier 2

Pollution by microplastic in highly crowded sandy beaches in Lima, Peru

Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination at three heavily visited sandy beaches in Lima, Peru, finding fragments and fibers of polypropylene and polyethylene as the most common particles, with abundance varying by season and beach characteristics.

2023 Environmental Quality Management 7 citations
Article Tier 2

Changes in (micro and macro) plastic pollution in the sediment of three sandy beaches in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, in relation to seasonality, beach use and granulometry

Researchers measured plastic and microplastic pollution in sediment from three Mediterranean beaches across seasons, finding that smaller microplastics accumulate at the backshore while larger items concentrate near the waterline. Seasonal patterns and beach use intensity affected plastic abundance, with implications for beach management and cleanup strategies.

2021 Marine Pollution Bulletin 7 citations
Article Tier 2

Microplastic levels on sandy beaches: Are tourism and coastal recreational activities effects really important?

Researchers assessed microplastic levels at six sites across three Argentine sandy beaches with varying tourism intensity, finding concentrations averaged 1,133 items/kg in sand and 12.7 items/m3 in seawater, dominated by PE films and PET/cotton fibers. Contrary to expectations, the highest microplastic concentrations and smallest particles were found at a low-activity 'pristine' site, suggesting river proximity and coastal drift rather than tourism are the dominant local pollution drivers.

2022 Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Article Tier 2

Microplastics and Geotechnical Characteristics of the Sand at Praia Do Futuro, Ceará, Brazil

A survey of microplastic concentrations in beach sediments at Praia do Futuro, Brazil found levels that exceeded those in other Brazilian studies but were lower than many international benchmarks, with no significant difference between tourist-heavy and quieter zones. The study also characterized the sand's physical properties, providing baseline data for future monitoring in a region where coastal microplastic research has been limited.

2026 Pesquisa Operacional
Article Tier 2

Evaluation of microplastic and marine debris on the beaches of Niterói Oceanic Region, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

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.

2021 Marine Pollution Bulletin 42 citations
Article Tier 2

Spatio-temporal evaluation of macro, meso and microplastics in surface waters, bottom and beach sediments of two embayments in Niterói, RJ, Brazil

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.

2020 Marine Pollution Bulletin 66 citations
Article Tier 2

Analysis of the occurrence of microplastics in beach sand on the Brazilian coast

Researchers evaluated microplastic occurrence in beach sand along the Brazilian coastline using a simplified methodology. The study found widespread microplastic contamination and identified potential pollution sources linked to coastal urbanization and ocean currents.

2021 The Science of The Total Environment 67 citations
Article Tier 2

Beach morphodynamics and its relationship with the deposition of plastic particles: A preliminary study in southeastern Brazil

Researchers found that beach morphodynamic characteristics influence the deposition of plastic particles on beaches in São Paulo, Brazil, with 745 particles recovered — mostly styrofoam — and accumulation patterns correlating with beach profile dynamics.

2021 Marine Pollution Bulletin 28 citations
Article Tier 2

Distribution, characteristics and short-term variability of microplastics in beach sediment of Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, Brazil

Researchers conducted daily beach sediment sampling on Fernando de Noronha Archipelago in Brazil, documenting large spatial and temporal variability in microplastic concentrations (0.6-1,059 particles/m) and finding that remote island beaches are not protected from microplastic contamination.

2021 Marine Pollution Bulletin 41 citations