Microplastics in marine sponges (Porifera) along a highly urbanized estuarine gradient in Santos, Brazil

Author(s)

Ribeiro, Victor Vasques ; Casado-Coy, Nuria ; Salani, Sula ; De-la-Torre, Gabriel Enrique ; Sanz-Lazaro, Carlos ; Castro, Italo Braga

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Marine Pollution Bulletin; v. 208, p. 10-pg., 2024-10-02.

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitously found in environmental matrices, particularly affecting aquatic systems. While several marine species have been widely used to assess MP contamination, sponges (Porifera) are less used. The MPs contamination was assessed in the sun sponge (Hymeniacidon heliophila) along a gradient at the Santos Estuarine System (Brazil). A 14-fold difference between concentrations (particles g- 1) was verified between the most (1.40 +/- 0.81) and least (0.10 +/- 0.12) contaminated sites, confirming the local contamination gradient. The MPs found were primarily polypropylene, small (1.2-1000 mu m), fibrous, and colored. Considering total concentrations, sizes and shapes these spatial patterns were similar those previously detected in molluscs obtained in the same sites. On the other hand, they differed in polymeric composition and color categories. Such findings give important initial insights into the potential role of marine sponges as putative sentinels of MPs contamination. (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