Advanced search
Start date
Betweenand
Related content
(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Three-dimensional distribution of plastic pellets in sandy beaches: shifting paradigms

Full text
Author(s):
Turra, Alexander [1] ; Manzano, Aruana B. [1] ; Dias, Rodolfo Jasao S. [1] ; Mahiques, Michel M. [1] ; Barbosa, Lucas [1] ; Balthazar-Silva, Danilo [1] ; Moreira, Fabiana T. [1]
Total Authors: 7
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Oceanog Inst, BR-05508120 Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 1
Document type: Journal article
Source: SCIENTIFIC REPORTS; v. 4, MAR 27 2014.
Web of Science Citations: 65
Abstract

Plastic pellets are worldwide contaminants that accumulate in the ocean, especially in sandy beaches, where their historic standing-stock quantification relies on surface sediment samples. We demonstrated these particles present a three-dimensional instead of a simple along-across shore distribution, being found as deep as 2.0 m, with surface layers accounting for, 10% of the total abundance in the sediment column. This gradient seemed to be more related to oceanographic rather than anthropic processes, suggesting a general pattern whose applicability to microplastics and sedimentary environments as a whole should be investigated. This poses criticism in the exactness of standing-stock records and demands urgent discussion of sampling protocols. (AU)