Microplastic in clams: An extensive spatial assessment in south Brazil

Author(s)

Jankauskas, Laura ; Pinho, Grasiela Lopes Leaes ; Sanz-Lazaro, Carlos ; Casado-Coy, Nuria ; Rangel, Danilo Freiras ; Ribeiro, Victor Vasques ; Castro, Italo Braga

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Marine Pollution Bulletin; v. 201, p. 13-pg., 2024-02-29.

Abstract

Microplastic pollution is becoming a continuously growing environmental concern, while bivalve mollusks are particularly vulnerable due to their sessile habits and feeding through water filtration processes. Microplastic incidence in soft tissues of the clam Amarilladesma mactroides was assessed along unconsolidated substrates distributed in extensive coastal regions of southern Brazil. Influence of urbanization levels, distance to rivers and local hydrodynamics on microplastic accumulation by the clam was tested. The average concentration of microplastics was high (3.09 +/- 2.11 particles.g(-1)), considering 16 sampled sites. Particles were mainly composed by polyamide, polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate, while were mainly smaller, fibrous and colorless. High urbanization and closer proximity to rivers insured higher contamination, which is a trend observed globally. No influence of coastal hydrodynamics was seen. Considering obtained findings, A. mactroides presents good potential to be used as a valuable tool to assess microplastic contamination in unconsolidated substrates of beach areas. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 22/14011-3 - Bivalve molluscs as contemporary and historical sentinels of microplastic contamination
• Grantee: Ítalo Braga de Castro
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 22/08669-6 - Bivalve molluscs as contemporary and historical sentinels of microplastic contamination
• Grantee: Victor Vasques Ribeiro
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate