abstract
The present study aimed to characterize the texture, mineral phases, and geochemical composition of sixteen sediment samples of beaches in Portugal, from maritime and Ria de Aveiro lagoon environments. Additionally, the presence of Microplastics (MPs) in these sediments was estimated. Sediments from both environments were classified as sands, with a quartz content ranging similar to 70-90 %. The physicochemical parameters showed neutral conditions, with pH between 6.16 and 7.05, typically of this type of setting. The concentration of As, Cr, and Zn was above sediment guidelines, suggesting anthropogenic contamination, particularly in one location, posing a risk to beach users. Contamination indices and toxicological assessment confirmed anthropogenic contamination, particularly by Cr on the maritime beaches, highlighting pollution and toxicity risk. This may be linked to industrial, domestic, and agricultural activities, population density, traffic, as well as traditional fishing practices. MPs were identified in both sediments and water samples from maritime and Ria de Aveiro beaches, ranging 38 to 958 MP/kg. The more abundant identified MPs were PUR, ABS, and PE, mainly in the form of fibers, with different colors.
keywords
HEAVY-METALS; MARINE-ENVIRONMENT; PLASTIC POLLUTION; CLIMATE-CHANGE; SANDY BEACHES; COASTAL; CONTAMINATION; QUANTIFICATION; IDENTIFICATION; ACCUMULATION
subject category
Marine & Freshwater Biology; Oceanography
authors
Fortunato, J; Rocha, F; Fateixa, S; Candeias, C
our authors
Sara Fateixa
Post-Doc Fellowshipacknowledgements
All authors are thankful for the support to GeoBioTec (UIDB/04035) and CICECO Aveiro Institute of Materials (UIDB/50011/2020-DOI 10.54499/UIDB/50011/2020, UIDP/50011/2020-DOI 10.54499/UIDP/50011/2020 and LA/P/0006/2020-DOI 10.54499/LA/P/0006/2020) , financed by National funds through the FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC) .