Recognizing microplastic deposits on sandy beaches by altimetric positioning, μ-Raman spectroscopy and multivariate...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Marine Biology
• Chemical Oceanography

Background:

• Microplastic (MP) pollution poses significant environmental risks to coastal ecosystems, marine life, and human health.
• Industrial and port activities in southeastern Brazil contribute to the environmental burden on the São Paulo State coastline.
• Understanding MP deposition dynamics on sandy beaches is crucial for effective environmental management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the distribution and characteristics of microplastics on the São Paulo State coastline.
• To identify factors influencing microplastic deposition patterns on sandy beaches.
• To inform targeted management and remediation strategies for microplastic pollution.

Main Methods:

• Geodetic surveys and sediment collection from six coastal compartments.
• Micro-Raman spectrometry for polymer identification.
• Multivariate statistical models to analyze MP distribution and correlations.

Main Results:

• Relatively high microplastic concentrations were found in coastal compartments C3 and C2, linked to human activities.
• Fragments (42%) and foam (35%) were the most prevalent microplastic types.
• Significant correlations were observed between microplastic types and beach morphometric features, including elevation and slope.

Conclusions:

• Microplastic distribution is influenced by local human activities and beach characteristics.
• Tailored management strategies are essential for mitigating microplastic pollution impacts in specific coastal regions.
• Findings support targeted monitoring and remediation efforts to protect marine environments.