Publication details

Spatial distribution and characteristics of plastic pollution in the salt marshes of Bahía Blanca Estuary, Argentina

Authors

GIRONES Lautaro ADARO Maria Eugenia POZO Karla Andrea BAINI Matteo PANTI Cristina FOSSI Maria Cristina MARCOVECCHIO Jorge Eduardo RONDA Ana Carolina ARIAS Andres Hugo

Year of publication 2024
Type Article in Periodical
Magazine / Source Science of the Total Environment
MU Faculty or unit

Faculty of Science

Citation
web https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969723078294?via%3Dihub
Doi http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169199
Keywords Microplastics; Plastic pollution; Salt marshes; Coastal wetlands
Description This study delves into the magnitude and attributes of plastic pollution in the salt marshes of the Bahia Blanca Estuary, Argentina, with a specific focus on its spatial distribution. The investigation included the evaluation of microplastics (1-5 mm), mesoplastics (5-25 mm) and macroplastics (25-100 mm), discovering elevated levels along the high salt marsh strandline compared to low salt marsh and mudflat areas. Notably, the abundance of plastic reached staggering levels, reaching up to 20,060 items/m2 in the vicinity of an illegal dumpsite. Microplastics, particularly in the 2-4 mm range, were dominant, and the main plastic components were high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS). Plastic films emerged as the predominant plastic type, while the presence of pellets hinted at potential sources such as illegal dumping and port-related activities. This contamination could be largely attributed to inappropriate waste management practices and urban runoff, which pose a substantial ecological threat to these ecosystems. Urgent remedial action is essential to protect these marshes, underscoring the critical need for comprehensive wetland management and educational initiatives to ensure their long-term sustainability.

You are running an old browser version. We recommend updating your browser to its latest version.

More info