Dinámica de la contaminación por microplásticos en un Área Marina Protegida del Caribe colombiano: caracterización espacial, estacional y de polímeros

Microplastic pollution is a well-recognized global environmental issue, particularly in marine ecosystems. However, microplastic (MPs) pollution patterns in the Caribbean Sea and Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are poorly studied. The aim of the study was to analyze the abundance, distribution, depth, seasonality, and potential sources of microplastics in the Rosario and San Bernardo Archipelago MPA, located in the Colombian Caribbean. Sampling was conducted at coastal and oceanic stations using Manta and Mini-bongo nets to collect microplastics in surface and subsurface waters during contrasting seasons in 2022. Results showed the highest abundances during the rainy season due to the influence of the Magdalena River in the area, while microplastics during the dry season were associated with the Panama-Colombia Gyre. Subsurface waters contained smaller microplastics than surface water, these results increasing the risk of ingestion by marine organisms. The occurrence of microplastics were mostly fibers and fragments identified as polyester-cotton, PET, polypropylene. These findings underscore the role of regional oceanographic and anthropogenic factors in microplastic distribution, highlighting the urgent need for systematic monitoring and development of regional policies for MPAs in the southern Caribbean.