Microplastics in the sediments of the middle and upper Lurín River basin, Peru

Castañeda L.F.S.; Madueño F.C.; Iannacone J. · Fronteiras (2026) · DOI: 10.21664/2238-8869.2026v14i4.8543

Resumen

The objective of this study was to assess microplastic (MP) contamination in sediments in the middle and upper Lurín River basin, Lima, Peru, due to the lack of previous studies on the subject. Surface sediment (SS) and bed sediment (BS) samples were collected at 10 sites along the middle and upper Lurín River basin. In the laboratory, the density separation method using ZnCl2 was used to characterize the MP in the sediment, which was then observed under a microscope. The results show that in both zones (middle and upper basin), the abundance of PM in SS ranged from 222.22 to 922.22 items/kg of dry sediment, and in SL it ranged from 88.89 to 611.11 items/kg of dry sediment. A greater amount of PM was found in SS than in SL. No significant correlation was found between SS and SL. The predominant characteristics in SS and SL were a size of 20 µm–1 mm, a fibrous shape, and a black color. These data will help watershed managers and society improve their understanding of MP pollution in the Lurín River and formulate public policies to improve solid waste management and reduce plastic pollution.

Instituciones: Universidad Científica del Sur