QUANTIFICATION AND SEASONAL DISTRIBUTION OF MICROPLASTIC POLLUTION IN THE WATER COLUMN AND SEDIMENT OF THE MEIA PONTE RIVER, UPPER PARANÁ RIVER BASIN, CENTRAL BRAZIL

Authors

Keywords:

Aquatic contamination; Plastic particles; Lotic environment; Sustainable management

Abstract

Plastic waste pollution in rivers is a growing concern due to its impact on environmental quality and human livelihoods. These environments act as conduits and reservoirs of plastic pollution, interacting with the aquatic ecosystem. This study aimed to determine the presence of microplastics in water (CA) and sediment (SE) samples from the Meia Ponte River, which drains the metropolitan region of Goiânia, between November 2023 and August 2024. The results indicated the presence of microplastics in both types of samples, with greater abundance in SE, especially during the dry season and in samples collected downstream of the urban stretch. The analyses revealed significant differences among the variables assessed, reflecting specific characteristics of each sampling site throughout the study period. Furthermore, the results showed that SE is influenced by CA, suggesting the impact of anthropogenic activities within the Meia Ponte River basin, associated with rainfall and surface runoff.

Published

2025-09-24