Microplastics are a global ubiquitous problem, which is becoming a major issue of concern at scientific and political levels around the world. This study presents physical and chemical characterizations of microplastic debris and a comparison between the spatial distribution and anthropogenic activities in 4 Panamanian beaches located in both sides of the Isthmus. Two of them (Juan Diaz and San Carlos beaches) are located toward the Pacific Ocean, Panamá Province, whereas the others (Palenque and Punta Galeta beaches) are located at the Caribbean Sea, Colón Province. They were chosen to show different landscape management and environmental impacts: touristic and protected areas; coastal areas that receive pollutants and marine litter from urban rivers or are used for local fishing activities. Plastic debris samples were collected and visually analyzed following the protocol proposed by the Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection (GESAMP). The physical characterization of the samples consisted in the determination of variables associated with the number of plastic particles, shape, color, and size. The characterization of the polymers was performed by the attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy technique. A high concentration of microplastics (353 items/m ² ) were found at the studied sites at the Caribbean coast, whereas a lesser concentration with a greater diversity of shapes and polymer categories were found at the Pacific Coast (187 items/m ² ). The results indicate that, in addition to anthropogenic activities, the proximity to Panama Canal installations, as well as seasonality, natural phenomena, winds, and ocean currents may be influencing the increase in microplastic contents and the types of polymers observed.

El objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar la ingesta de microplásticos (MPS) en peces de la Reserva Natural de Usos Múltiples Monterrico (RNUMM), y su relación con el hábito alimenticio y hábitat. Aunque los MPS son contaminantes emergentes reportados en varias especies acuáticas, a la fecha este es el primer registro que aborda la presencia de MPS en peces de áreas protegidas de Guatemala. El tracto digestivo de 624 individuos de 16 especies de peces se analizaron usando digestión con hidróxido de potasio al 20% e identificación visual de los MPS en el estereomicroscopio. Se encontraron 644 MPS en el 47% de los individuos de 15 especies, con un rango de ingestión promedio entre 1 y 4 MPS. Las formas dominantes fueron las fibras (82%) seguidas por fragmentos (12%) y láminas (6%). Las mayores cantidades de MPS se registraron en las especies omnívoras y de hábitat bentopelágico. Se encontraron diferencias significativas en el número de MPS respecto al hábito alimenticio y al hábitat de las especies, y una correlación negativa entre el factor de condición y la cantidad de MPS para Gobionellus microdon. Nuestros resultados proveen la primera evidencia d ingesta de MPS en peces de la RNUMM. Es necesario generar información adicional para conocer la distribución espacio temporal de los MPS en distintos hábitats dentro del áre protegida y los riesgos para las especies de importancia pesquera.

Los humedales artificiales son tecnologías que aprovechan la capacidad de depuración de las plantas y su capacidad para mejorar la calidad y el estado de los cuerpos de agua, conocida como fitorremediación. Las aplicaciones en el tratamiento de agua de distintas procedencias son amplias. Dentro de esta gama de aplicaciones destacan los Humedales Artificiales Flotantes (HAF) como soluciones innovadoras con un potencial de tratamiento mayor al de otros métodos convencionales de fitorremediación. Esta reseña presenta las posibles ventajas de su implementación en ríos urbanos, especialmente en la ciudad de Panama. Los HAF como micro ecosistemas se recomiendan como alternativa verde para el tratamiento de estos ríos con la consecuente mejora de la calidad de vida de los habitantes y el entorno.

Microplastic (MP) contamination in freshwater systems has emerged as a growing environmental concern. This study investigated the occurrence and seasonal variability of MPs in surface water, the water column, and sediments at selected sites in Lake Alhajuela, Panama. Lake Alhajuela is an artificial reservoir that supplies water to the Panama Canal lock system and to the cities of Panama and Colón, serving more than 50% of the country’s population. MPs were isolated using two digestion protocols followed by density separation, and fragments and films larger than 1 mm were chemically characterized using FTIR–ATR spectroscopy. Mean MP concentrations were 759 ± 536 MPs L⁻¹ in surface water, 328 ± 140 MPs L⁻¹ in the water column, and 109 ± 87 MPs g⁻¹ in sediments. Statistical analyses revealed no significant differences among sampling sites; however, significant seasonal differences were observed (p < 0.01). Smaller MPs (63–249 µm) were more abundant compared to larger MPs (>250 µm). Fragments and fibers were the most predominant type of MP reported. Our results confirm the presence of MPs in the surface and water column, as well as sediments of the Alhajuela Lake. Further studies are needed to elucidate the fate, sources, transport, and distribution of MPs across Lago Alhajuela as well as to assess the lake’s potential contribution of MPs to Gatun Lake and the Panama Canal system.