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Microplastics in Marine and Estuarine Species From the Coast of Portugal
Publication . Pequeno, João; Antunes, Joana; Dhimmer, Viren; Bessa, Filipa; Sobral, Paula; MARE - Centro de Ciências do Mar e do Ambiente; Frontiers Media
Microplastics (MP) have been confirmed as emerging pollutants in the marine environment due to their ubiquity, bioavailability, persistence and potential toxicity. This study contributes with valuable data regarding the abundance and characteristics of the MP found in five species collected from Portugal. The mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis (n = 140) was collected from the Tagus estuary and Porto Covo coastal area, the peppery furrow shell Scrobicularia plana (n = 140) and the polychaete Marphysa sanguinea (n = 30) both from the Sado estuary, and Trachurus trachurus (n = 82) and Scomber colias (n = 82) fished off Figueira da Foz and Sesimbra. Soft tissues of all individuals were digested using a KOH (10%) solution, which allowed the extraction of MP. All studied species presented MP. In a total of 502 MP observed from all samples, 80% were fibers and 20% were fragments, with a size range of 73 μm–4,680 μm and blue was the most common color recorded (46%). The frequency of occurrence of MP was higher in T. trachurus (70%) and lowest in M. sanguinea (17%). MP abundance ranged from 0.30 ± 0.63 MP. ind−1 in S. plana, to 2.46 ± 4.12 MP. ind−1 in S. colias. No significant correlation was found between the individual biometric parameters and total MP, fibers and fragments ingested by each species. The FTIR analysis revealed that polyester and polyethylene were the most common polymers present. These results can be used as a reference for future studies regarding the use of indicator species for monitoring MP pollution in the coast of Portugal.
Distribution patterns of microplastics in subtidal sediments from the Sado river estuary and the Arrábida marine park, Portugal
Publication . Rodrigues, Diana; Antunes, Joana; Pais, Joana; Pequeno, João; Caetano, Paulo Sá; Rocha, Fernando; Sobral, Paula; Costa, Maria Helena; MARE - Centro de Ciências do Mar e do Ambiente; GeoBioTec - Geobiociências, Geoengenharias e Geotecnologias; Frontiers Media
Understanding local accumulation patterns of microplastics in subtidal sediments is crucial to assess how available such particles are for ingestion by benthic feeders and to identify the potential pollution sources in the region upon which is urgent to act. The coastal urban centers of Setúbal and Sesimbra (Portugal) and the multiple activities taking place at the contiguous Sado estuary and in the sheltered waters of Professor Luiz Saldanha Marine Park make this a relevant case study about MPs pollution in the seabed. Here, a short-term investigation assessed the spatiotemporal distribution, abundance, and composition of MPs on the nearshore seabed. Sediment samples were monthly collected from summer 2018 to winter 2019, in six stations. Despite the differences observed in rainfall between campaigns, no distinct patterns were detected in the accumulation of MPs throughout the sampled months. Yet, strong variations occurred among stations. The abundance of MPs in the Sado estuary (1042.8 ± 430.8 items kg−1) was higher in comparison to all the stations located along the marine park (52.9 ± 31.9 items kg−1). Fragments comprised 70% of particles found in estuarine sediments, while fibers were the predominant type in marine sediments. The majority of MPs collected in the estuary shared the same size class as the best represented grain size fraction: 0.250–0.500 mm. On average, the ratio between the abundance of MPs and the abundance of meiofauna organisms was higher in the estuary, suggesting more encounter rates, by both meiofauna and their predators, with MPs. The distribution of MPs throughout the study area was moderately correlated with sediment sorting and organic matter content. Also, the distinct mineralogical content of each station indicates a reduced sediment transit between stations and consequently a weak exportation of MPs from the estuary. The majority of the polymers identified by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy was denser than seawater. Polyethylene terephthalate represented 41% of the items analyzed and was mostly assigned to fibers and fiber bundles. Unveiling the distribution patterns of MPs along this segment of the Portuguese west coast enabled to identify a high-risk area where the implementation of preventive measures is urgent.
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Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
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3599-PPCDT
Número da atribuição
JPIOCEANS/0001/2015