Keywords
Mexican ports
marine pollution.
Categories
How to Cite
Abstract
Microplastics, plastic fragments smaller than 5 millimeters, have become omnipresent pollutants: they are found in the air we breathe and in the seas around us. This study conducted in the ports of Veracruz and Manzanillo confirms their presence in both matrices, identifying nine types of polymers, with polyester, polyethylene, and acrylic as the most abundant. It also shows that sea breezes transport these particles from the ocean into the atmosphere, enhancing their large-scale dispersion. These findings provide evidence of microplastic dynamics along Mexican coasts and highlight the urgent need to implement strategies to curb their spread and environmental impact.
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