Three Portuguese rivers, considered healthy, have microplastics

Study of the University of Minho evaluated 15 sections of the rivers Ave, Selho and Vizela. There is a worrying presence of microplastics.

Constantly pollute, contaminate waters, spoil the soil: the microplastics They cause a number of environmental, ecological and even potential risks to human health problems.

As part of World Environment Day, marked on Thursday (June 5) and this time dedicated to combating plastic, the United Nations recalls that about 11 million tons of plastic annually enter the aquatic ecosystems. And the scenario could be worse: it can increase 50% by 2040.

Em Portugal, The problem is also verified and a recent worrying presence of microplastics in river organisms from northern Portugal, even in environmentally preserved areas.

The three rivers in question are AVER, SELHO AND VIZELA. They are considered healthy. 15 sections were evaluated in 2023, in this study that focused on northern Portugal and which is inserted in the mapping ongoing in Europe.

The analysis, led by the Center for Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA) of the School of Sciences of UMinho, also verified the presence of mosquito larvae (Chironomidae) e worms (Oligochaeta) in the sediments and that are flaw in the river food chain.

“We detected microplastics in all sample organismsregardless of the ecological quality of Rio, ”says the first author of the study, Giorgio Pace.

“This result suggests that the presence of microplastics is not exclusively associated with urban soil occupation, it may also result from agricultural, industrial and domestic activitiesbesides failures in Waste Management”He adds.

It is more evidence that shows that not even the most preserved ecosystems escape Invisible pollution – microplastics begin to reach watercourses with biological diversity, adequate oxygen levels, without excess toxic pollutants and capable of self -regulating.

In addition to the physical impact, microplastics are hazardous pollutant vehicles, such as heavy metals, which can accumulate in organisms and propagate in the food chain.

The investigators recommend An integrated approach that combines preventive actions (reduction of disposable plastics and the regulation of products that release microplastics, among others) with corrective measures (physical barriers and improvements in effluent treatment).

One should also bet on improving solid waste management and control of urban and industrial effluents, the team adds in a statement sent to ZAP.