The role of the Rı́o de la Plata bottom salinity front in accumulating debris

Abstract

The Rı́o de la Plata, one of the most important South American estuarine environments, is characterized by a bottom salinity front that generates an ecotone between the river and the estuary. Based on bottom trawls and costal sampling we describe the distribution, types, and amount of debris found in the bottom and shoreline across this front. Plastics and plastic bags were the main debris types in both areas. Concentrations of total debris upriver the front were always significantly higher than downriver the front showing that the front acts as a barrier accumulating debris. Moreover, a large part of debris end ups accumulated in the coastal area upriver the frontal position. This area is particularly sensitive because the coastline encompasses an UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Reserve and a Ramsar site, and due to the ecological significance of the front for many valuable species.