Bahía Blanca estuary shows widespread microplastic contamination

A multi-year biological study has confirmed widespread microplastic contamination throughout the Bahía Blanca estuary and the nearby beaches of Monte Hermoso and Pehuen Co in Argentina.

Research conducted by Maialen Ardusso from the Universidad Nacional del Sur involved analyzing water, sediment, and oysters (Magallana gigas) between 2021 and 2023. The findings revealed that 86% of the 1,100 oysters studied contained at least one microplastic particle. The most frequent particles were fibers measuring between 0.5 and 1.5 mm.

The contaminants identified include synthetic materials from plastic packaging, polystyrene, and bags, as well as semi-synthetic materials like cellulose acetate from clothing and natural fibers like cotton. The highest concentrations were detected in the middle section of the estuary, a zone receiving untreated wastewater effluents. Researchers noted that the connected coastal system allows currents and waves to transport these particles across the region.