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Widespread microplastics distribution at an Amazon macrotidal sandy beach.

José Eduardo Martinelli Filho1, Raqueline Cristina Pereira Monteiro2

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Microplastics are present on the Amazon coast, with fibers being the most common type. Their abundance decreases with depth, highlighting the need for further research in this vital region.

Keywords:
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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Marine Biology
  • Ecotoxicology

Background:

  • Microplastics (MPs) are a pervasive global pollutant with largely unknown distribution patterns in sensitive ecosystems.
  • The Amazon coast, a critical area for biodiversity and human communities, lacks data on microplastic contamination.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To estimate the abundance and distribution of microplastics on a sandy beach along the northern Brazilian coast.
  • To identify the types and vertical stratification of microplastics in beach sediments.

Main Methods:

  • Sand samples were collected from three depth strata (0-60 cm) on a northern Brazilian beach.
  • Microplastics (250-5000 μm) were extracted using sieving and flotation techniques.
  • Abundance and composition (fiber dominance) were analyzed in relation to depth and beach zones (deposition vs. erosion).

Main Results:

  • Microplastic abundance was 492.5 ± 556.4 particles m⁻³.
  • Fibers constituted up to 95% of the identified microplastics.
  • Microplastic concentration decreased significantly with sediment depth, with higher densities in deposition zones.

Conclusions:

  • Microplastics are widespread on the Amazon coast, even at low to moderate abundances.
  • Sediment depth and geomorphological zones influence microplastic accumulation.
  • Further investigation is crucial to understand the Amazon coast's role as a potential source or sink for microplastics.