Microplastics in the urban environment - A case study of Coimbra, Portugal

Summary

Microplastics are increasingly affecting both the environment and human health, especially in urban environments, which are big contributors to plastic waste. This thesis looks into microplastic contamination in Coimbra municipality, Portugal. The study explores microplastic distribution, as well as how they move and settle in different parts of the environment, including soil, roads, vegetation, water, and air. The main findings show that activities like littering, car movement, and industrial processes have a big impact on microplastic numbers, with land use influencing their distribution. Vegetation like tree leaves and grass, can both filter and release microplastics. Wind and rain also help spread them, with different surface types affecting their movement. The study highlights the need for better planning of land use, waste management, and more green spaces in cities to help control microplastic dispersion. It also calls for more research into how microplastics move and affect the environment and human health, along with efforts to make cities more sustainable.