Evidence of plastics contamination and sewage-derived residues in a Brazilian Hope Spot for conservation of marine biodiversity - Cagarras Islands and surrounding waters

• Published in: Marine pollution bulletin 2024-06, Vol.203, p.116407-116407, Article 116407
• Main Authors: Neves, Raquel A.F., Rodrigues, Nathália, de Luca, Guilherme, Oliveira, Maria Alene A., Carvalho, Thuany F., Santos, Nicole S., Adelino, Maria Eduarda S., Caldas, Luiza Belli, Miralha, Agatha, Naveira, Clarissa, Rodrigues, Antonio J.S., Miyahira, Igor C., Gomes, Ricardo, Lagares, Nathan, Bastos, Marcos, da Silva, Monica Dias Correa, Gomes, Raimara S., Fernandes, Andreia N., Santos, Luciano N.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Artisanal fishermen; Marine litter; Marine protected areas; Microplastics; Oceanic islands; Submarine sewage outfall
• ISSN: 0025-326X; 1879-3363
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116407

Cagarras Islands Archipelago, a no-take MPA in Southeast Brazil, was designated as Natural Monument (MONA Cagarras) and, more recently, recognized as Hope Spot for biodiversity conservation. This study aimed to assess plastic contamination by analyzing marine litter and microplastics in MONA Cagarras and surrounding waters. Marine litter (34.12 kg) was caught by artisanal fishermen in MONA Cagarras proximities, and plastics represented ∼79 %. Personal hygiene items and strains of hair were found, suggesting sewage-derived contamination from Ipanema SSO. Microplastics were detected in MONA Cagarras surface waters. Fragments and black particle were the most frequently found microplastic shape and color, respectively. μ-FTIR analysis identified, in descending order of occurrence, polystyrene-PS, polyethylene-PE, polyvinyl chloride-PVC, polypropylene-P, and polyamide-PA. Our integrated results of macro and microplastic contamination highlight an issue of effective conservation and health of marine biodiversity in MONA Cagarras and surrounding waters and a concern for better management of Brazilian MPAs. •Marine litter (34.12 kg) was caught in proximities of Cagarras Natural Monument.•Plastics represented ∼79 % of marine litter captured in the proximities of Cagarras.•Personal hygiene items and strains of hair suggested sewage-derived contamination.•Microplastics were detected in the surface waters of Cagarras Islands.•Fragment and black particle were the most frequently found in microplastic samples.