The Role of Estuarine Wetlands (Saltmarshes) in Sediment Microplastics Retention

Concerns regarding plastic pollution, especially microplastics, have increased, as they can be present in different environmental compartments, including estuarine areas and saltmarshes. Although saltmarshes are highly vulnerable to human activities pressures, the ability trap/retain contaminants their vegetated sediments. However, there is still little information role of microplastic retention. Thus, study aims investigate capability an saltmarsh trap microplastics by comparing concentrations (saltmarsh) non-vegetated Microplastic content from sediment (vegetated non-vegetated) samples collected at sampling sites Lima River estuary was estimated using previously optimised extraction protocols, observed particles were then characterised accordingly size, colour, shape, polymer (by FTIR). Water also analysed for complement MPs characterisation within area. Microplastics detected all samples, with fibres being most common type found, followed fragments/particles. Overall, sediments, those species Juncus maritimus, presented a higher number items. These results indicated that tend trapped supporting fact significant influence on transport, distribution, accumulation areas.