Spatio-seasonal microplastics distribution along a shallow coastal lagoon ecocline within a marine conservation unit

Abstract

The aim of our study is to estimate the abundance and sources of floating microplastics (MPs) along a coastal lagoon ecocline in a marine conservation unit (MCU) for implementing effective prevention and mitigation actions in South Brazil. MPs were sampled monthly, and the abundance and size were determined for hard solids, soft plastic, plastic filaments, and paint fragments. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) analysis was performed, and the MPs were classified as polyethylene, polyester, polypropylene, polybutadiene, and polystyrene. Downstream areas (outside of the MCU) showed high levels of MPs, during the winter, due to low precipitation and the predominance of S/SE winds. During summer, precipitation increases, and MPs are exported with surface runoff, resulting in lower level of MPs. Outside MCU areas, a high concentration of tourism houses, commercials, and artisanal fisheries were observed, which could contribute to all types of plastic debris found in our study.

Keywords: ATR-FTIR; Environmental gradient; Marine Protected Areas; Microplastic contamination; Wetlands.