The Role of Estuarine Wetlands (Saltmarshes) in Sediment Microplastics Retention

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2023

Authors

Marisa M R Almeida (Author) FCUP; Saez Zamacona, I (Author) Other; Silva, DM (Author) Other; Rodrigues, SM (Author) Other; Pereira, R (Author) Other; Ramos, S (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Water

Vol. 14 No. 692

Final page: 1382

ISSN: 2073-4441

Publisher: MDPI

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 1 Citation

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00Y-6WS

DOI: 10.3390/w15071382

Abstract (EN): Concerns regarding plastic pollution, especially microplastics, have increased, as they can be present in different environmental compartments, including estuarine areas and saltmarshes. Although saltmarshes are highly vulnerable to different human activities and pressures, they have the ability to trap/retain contaminants in their vegetated sediments. However, there is still little information regarding the role of saltmarshes in microplastic retention. Thus, the present study aims to investigate the capability of an estuarine saltmarsh to trap microplastics by comparing microplastic concentrations in vegetated (saltmarsh) and non-vegetated sediments. Microplastic content from sediment (vegetated and non-vegetated) samples collected at different sampling sites in Lima River estuary was estimated using previously optimised extraction protocols, and the observed particles were then characterised accordingly to their size, colour, shape, and polymer (by FTIR). Water samples were also collected and analysed for their microplastics content to complement MPs characterisation within the estuarine area. Microplastics were detected in all sediment samples, with fibres being the most common type of microplastic found, followed by fragments/particles. Overall, vegetated sediments, especially those of saltmarsh species Juncus maritimus, presented a higher number of plastic items. These results indicated that microplastics tend to be trapped in vegetated sediments, supporting the fact that saltmarshes have a significant influence on the transport, distribution, and accumulation of MPs in estuarine areas.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 13