Microplastic contamination on the Brazilian coast: assessment of potential environmental levels and ecotoxicological effects

• Grant number: 24/00818-8
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Duration: July 01, 2024 - June 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Oceanography - Biological Oceanography
• Convênio/Acordo: CNPq
• Principal Investigator: Ítalo Braga de Castro
• Grantee: Ítalo Braga de Castro
• Host Institution: Instituto do Mar (IMar). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus Baixada Santista. Santos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/14011-3 - Bivalve molluscs as contemporary and historical sentinels of microplastic contamination, AP.R

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) are one of the most severe contemporary issues, reaching environmental impact levels similar to those reported for climate change. The identification and quantification of MPs using biological matrices make it possible to assess the exposure of organisms to this relevant environmental stress. In this sense, filter-feeding bivalve mollusks have been widely used as sentinels for MP contamination in global studies. Recent advances in Europe were achieved through extensive monitoring programs enabling the adoption of policies to tackle the problem of MPs. In Brazil, few studies have indicated high levels of contamination near urbanized areas. However, few studies have investigated this contamination along the Brazilian coast, denoting a low level of national knowledge about the spatial distribution and sources of MPs. This knowledge gap is relevant, considering pollution is one of the leading contemporary drivers of species loss. Therefore, the present proposal aims to analyze and identify the possible adverse effects caused by MPs contamination identified on the Brazilian coast, using bivalve mollusks as model organisms. Firstly, through a wide sampling carried out in coastal regions and estuaries of Brazil, the concentrations and most frequent types of MPs will be identified and quantified. Subsequently, tests will be established under laboratory conditions using oysters (Crassostrea brasiliana), using concentrations of MPs identified at environmental levels to analyze long-term toxicological effects. In addition, several biomarkers will be analyzed related to enzymatic and metabolic activities, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity, and morphology. (AU)