Spatial distribution and increase of microplastics over time in sediments of Buenaventura Bay, Colombian Pacific

Abstract

The increase in production, consumption and inadequate disposition of plastics has generated an accumulation of these elements in marine ecosystems, which have become important microplastics sinks (< 5 mm). The objective of this research was to determine the temporal and spatial differences in the density, distribution, and type of microplastics in the sediments of Buenaventura Bay. For this purpose, sediment samples were collected in the internal estuary (close to the rivers) and in the external estuary (with a greater marine influence). Samples were obtained in the dry, transition, and rainy season for the years 2015 and 2019. Microplastics were extracted by density separation method, each particle was classified and measured by optical microscopy. Density ranged from 11 to 1, 354 particles/kg, with averages of 194.9 ± 51.3 and 359.6 ± 88.0 particles/kg for the years 2015 and 2019, respectively, reporting an increase of 84.4 %. The internal estuary presented a higher density in both years and the fibers constituted the most common form of microplastic particles, with 63.7 % for 2015 and 56.03 % for 2019. The presence and increasing accumulation of microplastics generates risks and adverse effects for the marine communities; additionally it coul compromise the food safety for coastal human populations.