Aspects of higly microplastic contamination in the Atlantic Forest estuary

Abstract

The Atlantic Forest is one of the richest regions in terms of biodiversity in the world. Originally the biome covered about 15% of the national territory. Currently, only about 12.4% (SOS MATA ATLÂNTICA, 2021) of well-preserved forest remnants remain in the country [1]. Regarding mangrove areas, in the state of São Paulo there are about 223 km², according to the Atlas of mangroves in Brazil, with about 120.5 km² of this total in Baixada Santista. Analyzes of sediments collected at Santos estuarine mangroves, in various points show a high concentration of microplastics generated from industrial processes or even anthropogenic activity. These solid particles based on (< 5 mm) are today one of the main environmental problems. The microplastics present in the sediment samples were quantified after drying and sieving amount limited of sediment. FTIR and micro-Raman spectroscopy identified filaments and fragments of microplastics (MPs) as commom polymer spectra. Also additives and herbicides were present in some MPs. All polymeric types identified (<5mm) have wide applications and demands by packaging, civil construction, automotive, electrical and electronics, and textile sectors.