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Extraction of Organochlorine Pesticides from Plastic Pellets and Plastic Type Analysis
Published on: July 1, 2017
Plastic pellet pathways: Understanding transport patterns to Santa Catarina Island, Southwestern Atlantic Ocean
Camila Kneubl Andreussi1, Joseph Harari2, Daniela Gadens Zanetti3
1Programa de Pós Graduação em Oceanografia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina - UFSC, Florianópolis 88040-400, Brazil.
Abstract:
Among the various types of plastics present in the marine environment, pellets stand out due to their wide dispersion. This study aims to assess the trajectory of plastic pellets reaching Santa Catarina Island (southern Brazil) from nearby port regions, and to investigate their distribution and fate. Using a Lagrangian particle tracking model and outputs from a hydrodynamic model, we evaluated particle transport and sources. The results indicate a predominant southward flow from Itajaí harbor, suggesting this port region as the most likely source of microplastics. From this source, particles reach the island in only 2 days, with their pathways following seasonal oceanographic conditions in the region. These findings highlight the persistent threat of plastic pollution and underscore the need for improvements in port management.
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