J 2024

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

GIRONES, Lautaro, Maria Eugenia ADARO, Karla Andrea POZO, Matteo BAINI, Cristina PANTI et. al.

Basic information

Original name

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

Authors

GIRONES, Lautaro, Maria Eugenia ADARO, Karla Andrea POZO (380 Italy, guarantor, belonging to the institution), Matteo BAINI, Cristina PANTI, Maria Cristina FOSSI, Jorge Eduardo MARCOVECCHIO, Ana Carolina RONDA and Andres Hugo ARIAS

Edition

Science of the Total Environment, AMSTERDAM, Elsevier, 2024, 0048-9697

Other information

Language

English

Type of outcome

Článek v odborném periodiku

Field of Study

10511 Environmental sciences

Country of publisher

Netherlands

Confidentiality degree

není předmětem státního či obchodního tajemství

References:

Impact factor

Impact factor: 9.800 in 2022

Organization unit

Faculty of Science

DOI

UT WoS

001160706500001

Keywords in English

Microplastics; Plastic pollution; Salt marshes; Coastal wetlands

Tags

International impact, Reviewed
Změněno: 7/8/2024 13:45, Mgr. Michaela Hylsová, Ph.D.

Abstract

V originále

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.