Spatial distribution and characteristics of plastic pollution in the salt marshes of Bahía Blanca Estuary, Argentina

• Published in: The Science of the total environment Vol. 912; p. 169199
• Main Authors: Girones, Lautaro, Adaro, Maria Eugenia, Pozo, Karla, Baini, Matteo, Panti, Cristina, Fossi, Maria Cristina, Marcovecchio, Jorge Eduardo, Ronda, Ana Carolina, Arias, Andres Hugo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 20.02.2024
• Subjects: Coastal wetlands; Environment management; Estuary; Microplastics; Plastic pollution; Salt marshes; South America; Environment management; South America; Coastal wetlands; Microplastics; Salt marshes; Estuary; Plastic pollution
• ISSN: 0048-9697; 1879-1026
• DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169199

This study delves into the magnitude and attributes of plastic pollution in the salt marshes of the Bahía Blanca Estuary, Argentina, with a specific focus on its spatial distribution. The investigation included the evaluation of microplastics (1–5 mm), mesoplastics (5–25 mm) and macroplastics (25–100 mm), discovering elevated levels along the high salt marsh strandline compared to low salt marsh and mudflat areas. Notably, the abundance of plastic reached staggering levels, reaching up to 20,060 items/m2 in the vicinity of an illegal dumpsite. Microplastics, particularly in the 2–4 mm range, were dominant, and the main plastic components were high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS). Plastic films emerged as the predominant plastic type, while the presence of pellets hinted at potential sources such as illegal dumping and port-related activities. This contamination could be largely attributed to inappropriate waste management practices and urban runoff, which pose a substantial ecological threat to these ecosystems. Urgent remedial action is essential to protect these marshes, underscoring the critical need for comprehensive wetland management and educational initiatives to ensure their long-term sustainability. [Display omitted] •Widespread plastic pollution was observed in Bahía Blanca Estuary salt marshes.•High salt marsh, especially the wrack, exhibited the highest plastic abundance.•Some strandline areas ranked among the world's most contaminated in coastal wetlands.•Plastic types and polymer composition varied across marsh areas and among marshes.•The highest pollution levels were primarily attributed to urban runoff and landfills.