Analysis of the number of bibliographic publications on the presence of microplastics in sediments in America with the Scopus search tool

Abstract

Objective: the analysis was to examine the scientific activity of the American continent in detail during a period of ten years (from 2014 to 2024).

Design/Methodology/Approach: using a quantitative methodology, with articles that refer to the presence of microplastics (MPs) in sediments available in the Scopus database.

Results: 2,050 articles were collected, of which 123 (6%) corresponded to publications of MPs in sediments, dominating Brazil, the United States, Canada and Mexico, along with the main cited authors Alexander Turra, Patricia L. Corcoran, A.D. Vethaak. The methodology used was diverse: separation by density of microplastics, using an oil extraction protocol and FTIR spectroscopy, among others.

Study limitations/Implications: there is no specific methodology for the main steps in the determination of MP, considering the increase in detection in distinct environmental sediments.

Findings/Conclusions: the production of scientific articles on MP in sediments has increased over the last 10 years, due to the subsequent detection of the presence of these contaminants in sediments.