Evaluation of antifouling paint particles and plastic in the port of Callao-Peru

Antifouling paint particles (APPs) are an emerging but poorly characterized component of particulate contamination in port environments, particularly in the Global South. This study presents the first sediment-based assessment of APPs in the Port of Callao, Peru, one of the most active and industrialized ports in the southeast Pacific. Surface sediment samples were collected across functionally distinct port zones associated with shipyard operations, fueling of small vessels, commercial shipping, fishing activities, and recreational use. APPs and plastic particles larger than 500 μm were isolated, morphologically characterized, and chemically identified using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. APPs were detected at all sites, with concentrations ranging from 11.7 to 4725 μg g⁻¹, and the highest loads were observed near the shipyard and fueling areas, indicating that maintenance-related activities were the dominant sources. APPs exhibited a flake-like, brittle morphology and were enriched in metal-based pigments, whereas polyethylene and polypropylene fragments and fibers predominated among plastics. The co-occurrence of APPs and plastics highlights port sediments as sinks for mixed particulate contaminants linked to maritime activities. Although sediment normalization parameters were not assessed, the results provide a baseline dataset for the region and offer conceptual insight into how port zoning and activity types influence APP accumulation. The findings suggest the need to improve the management of hull-cleaning practices and the routine monitoring of paint-derived particles in port environments.