A.R.A. Lima, M.F. Costa, M. Barletta, Distribution patterns of
microplastics within the plankton of a tropical estuary, Environmental
Research, Volume 132, July 2014, Pages 146-155, ISSN 0013-9351,
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2014.03.031.
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013935114000784)
Abstract: The Goiana Estuary was studied regarding the seasonal and
spatial variations of microplastics (<5 mm) and their quantification
relative to the zooplankton. The total density (n 100 m?3) of
microplastics represented half of the total fish larvae density and was
comparable to fish eggs density. Soft, hard plastics, threads and paint
chips were found in the samples (n=216). Their origins are probably the
river basin, the sea and fisheries (including the lobster fleet). In
some occasions, the amount of microplastics surpassed that of
Ichthyoplankton. The highest amount of microplastics was observed during
the late rainy season, when the environment is under influence of the
highest river flow, which induces the runoff of plastic fragments to the
lower estuary. The density of microplastics in the water column will
determine their bioavailability to planktivorous organisms, and then to
larger predators, possibly promoting the transfer of microplastic
between trophic levels. These findings are important for better
informing researchers in future works and as basic information for
managerial actions.
Keywords: Estuarine trophic web; Ingestion; Risk; Physical harm