Preliminary Assessment of Plastic Litter and Microplastic Contamination in Freshwater Depositional Areas: The Case Study of Puerto Misahualli, Ecuadorian Amazonia

We quantify plastic litter (PL, > 2 cm) and microplastics (MP, < 5 mm) from the sediments of a beach formed at a riverine depositional area, at the upper Amazon River basin, Ecuador. In the collection area (4400 m(2)), the PL density was 0.045 items m(-2), where low-density polyethylene bags were the prevalent PL. The beach was classified as very clean (Clean Coast Index (CCI) of 1.3 items m(-2)). Regarding MP, in 55 sampling stations, average MP concentrations ranged from 0 to 2200 items kg(-1) of dry sediment (0.5-2 mm), and 0-4200 items kg(-1) of dry sediment (2-5 mm). Blue fibers were the prevalent MP. Our results represent the first report to show the ubiquitous presence of PL and MP for the area. The monitoring and management of plastic disposal in freshwater beaches are necessary, as here we report a small part of an undocumented issue.

Automated summary

This study quantified the plastic litter and microplastics in sediments of a beach in a riverine depositional area in the upper Amazon River basin, Ecuador. Plastic density was low but microplastic concentrations were relatively high, with blue fibers being the prevalent type. The findings highlight the need for monitoring and managing plastic waste in freshwater beaches to address this underreported issue.