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

• Tipo: Artigo em Revista Científica Internacional
• Data: 2023

Autores

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

Revista

Título: Water

Vol. 14 Nº 692

Página Final: 1382

ISSN: 2073-4441

Editora: MDPI

Indexação

ISI Web of Knowledge - 1 Citação

Outras Informações

ID Authenticus: 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.

Idioma: Inglês

Tipo (Avaliação Docente): Científica

Nº de páginas: 13