MICROPLASTICS ON SANTOS BEACH: SOURCES OF POLLUTION, WASTE CHARACTERISTICS AND POSSIBLE COLLECTION SOLUTIONS

Abstract

The research focused on plastic pollution on Santos' beaches, particularly microplastics in the areas of the Submarine Outfall, Canal 04, and Ponta da Praia. It is estimated that approximately 60 tons of solid waste, predominantly plastic, are dumped into the sea daily, with increases during holidays. The study mapped and characterized microplastics, collecting particles smaller than 5 mm and classifying them into six categories. Interviews were conducted with experts from the Instituto do Mar (Unifesp) to understand the sources and impacts of microplastics. In addition, an experiment with the Danio rerio fish investigated how the presence of microplastics affects the health and behavior of marine animals. To mitigate pollution, the use of garbage collection boats and awareness-raising initiatives were proposed