Exposing estuarine regions as microplastic traps: modeling transport pathways and accumulation hotspots in the Minho Estuary (Portugal-Spain)

The ubiquitous presence of microplastics (MPs) in the marine environment has become an increasingly evident crisis. Yet, fundamental questions regarding their origin, transport pathways and fate remain largely unanswered, particularly in estuaries. While international policy frameworks to reduce plastic pollution at their source are negotiated, targeted interventions are critically needed to prevent MPs from entering the ocean. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) serve as essential infrastructur