Morphology, Chemical Characterization and Sources of Microplastics in a Coastal City in the Equatorial Zone with Diverse Anthropogenic Activities (Fortaleza city, Brazil)

The aim of the present study was to perform morphological and chemical characterizations microplastics (MPs) found in seawater samples from coast city Fortaleza (CE) using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Sampling performed a neuston sampler. MPs were separated based on difference density. with varied morphologies found. Fibers fragments most abundant (57% 36.2%, respectively). FTIR, DSC confirmed presence polyurethane alkyd resin, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyamide blends, thermoplastic rubber polyester fibers. main sources their relative contribution fishing activities, food packaging household products 55.1%, laundry 27.2%, wear surface coatings 10.0% automobile tires 7.6%. As result, polystyrene are believed enter marine environment mainly through activities debris packaging, domestic sewage contaminated by washing clothes fibers, resin abrasive coatings, as well particles tires. Thus, one may infer that anthropogenic activities. Additionally, there is less information blends weathered commercial polymer databases. Therefore, MP spectra obtained this can serve database compare characterize these more complex MPs.