Análise de microplásticos em sedimentos de lagos urbanos

Abstract

The increasing consumption of products packaged in plastic, which, after use, are often disposed of incorrectly. Thus, there is a worrying inadequate waste management, resulting in high levels of plastic pollution. These plastic wastes, in turn, degrade in the environment, generating smaller particles known as microplastics (PM), which have been widely found in urban lakes. In this context, the objective of this study was to quantify and determine the presence of microplastics in the sediments of urban lakes and one of the main tourist attractions in Londrina: Lakes Igapó I, II, III and IV. Sediment samples were collected at three different points in each lake, which were subjected to granulometric analysis with 5 mm and 1 mm sieves. Then, the samples underwent a flotation process in a solution containing NaCl to separate PM by density. After this pre-treatment, the samples were analyzed and separated under a microscope. The PM found were sent for chemical analysis in the FTIR equipment using KBr pellets. Microplastics with different characteristics were identified, making it possible to quantify from the images in the microscope, where it was observed that Lake Igapó II had a greater amount of PM. However, due to the limitations of the method used, it was difficult to determine the type of PM due to the interference of cellulosic material, since the equipment does not analyze each particle individually. However, it was possible to identify some types of PM present, such as latex and the main PM associated with the analyzes was nylon.