Microplastics and fibers from three areas under different anthropogenic pressures in Douro river

Sources contributing to specific concentration of microplastics and fibers are still not completely understood. This study aimed at assessing the concentrations of microplastics (2-5000 mu m) and fibers (18-5667 mu m) in three areas of distinct influences in the Douro river, Porto, Portugal: (i) a countryside area; (ii) a wastewater treatment effluent release zone; and (iii) an area in proximity to a boat dock and maintenance station. Nile Red staining coupled with microscopy allowed the identification of small microplastics (>= 2 mu m) with a median concentration of the three areas of 231 MP L-1. Most were fragments (69%). Sizes <40 mu m were the most abundant (84%). Highest concentrations of microplastics were found near the boat dock/maintenance and lowest in the countryside area. Fibers were mostly natural (non-synthetic, 63%). Highest concentrations of fibers were found in the area influenced by the wastewater effluent, especially of synthetic fibers, and lowest in the countryside area. Concentration of all fibers and synthetic fibers was 46 F L-1 and 6 F L-1, respectively. High concentrations of microplastics and fiber contamination suggest that the wastewater treatment plant effluent and boat dock/maintenance are the likely sources originating hotspot areas. (C) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study assessed the concentrations of microplastics and fibers in three different areas of the Douro river in Porto, Portugal. The results suggest that the wastewater treatment effluent and boat dock/maintenance are likely sources of high concentrations of microplastics and fiber contamination.