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Microplastics are plastic fragments smaller than 5 mm in diameter that are currently considered emerging contaminants. Given the lack of information related to MPs in the area, the present investigation had the purpose of evaluating the abundance and characteristics of MPs on the beaches of Las Comadres, El Estero, and El Uverito, municipalities of Las Tablas, Los Santos province. Samples were collected in August and October 2022, in a 100-meter transect parallel to the high tide line, and taking five sand samples in each sampling. MPs were counted and classified by shape and color. Abundance was expressed in items/m2 and was 34.4, 37.2, and 9.2 items/m2 for Las Comadres, El Estero, and El Uverito, respectively, finding significant differences between El Uverito and the rest of the beaches (p= 0.001). Foams, fragments, and sheet plastic fragments were the predominant forms of MPs found on the beaches, while white MPs were the most abundant. The results obtained show evidence of contamination by MPs on the beaches of Las Tablas municipality, which creates a baseline of knowledge that provides important information for decision-makers and the general public to implement alternatives to achieve integrated management of solid waste, especially those of plastic origin.
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