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Microplastics all over the World. Update on Studies in Latin America
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This review of 426 studies from Latin America found that tiny plastic particles called microplastics are widespread throughout the region's water, soil, and air, with especially high levels in underwater sediments. The plastic particles are showing up in fish, shellfish, and other animals that people eat, and even "protected" nature areas can't keep microplastics out. This matters because these contaminated foods and environments could potentially affect human health, though more research is needed to understand the full impact.
This systematic review of 466 publications includes 426 studies since late 2022 from 15 countries in Latin America (LA) and the Caribbean, providing information on current state of knowledge on abundance, distribution, and associated impact of microplastics (MPs) in marine and freshwater, soil, and the atmosphere, including aquatic and terrestrial biota. Brazil is the most prolific LA country, followed by Mexico and then Argentina and Colombia, together comprising 74.8% of publications since mid-2022. Publications are mainly from experimental work on MPs, but there are also papers on environmental MP levels and effects. MPs are especially high in sediments, and hydrodynamic processes play a key role in their transport; tributaries, confluences and plumes positively influence aquatic concentrations. Wet and dry season levels vary, but not predictably. MP levels in marine protected areas and their biota indicate that protection does not preclude MP entry. Remoter areas of LA show low MP levels, transmitted by air, water and birds. Although studies on MPs in larger animals are rare, there is considerable information on fish and shellfish, and some on larger animals like flying birds, reptiles and wild mammals. Initiatives for increasing MP studies in LA, with its diverse ecosystems, are considered.
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The Occurrence of Microplastics in the Marine Food Web in Latin America: Insights on the Current State of Knowledge and Future Perspectives
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This review examines microplastic contamination in marine organisms across Latin America, where wastewater, industry, and plastic breakdown are major sources. Microplastics were found in fish, shellfish, seabirds, and other marine life, entering the food chain through ingestion and passing between species. Since many of these organisms are eaten by people, the findings raise concerns about human exposure to microplastics through seafood in the region.
Umbrella Review on Micro and Nanoplastics: Mapping the Scientific Landscape
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Scientists reviewed over 7,000 studies on tiny plastic particles (microplastics and nanoplastics) to see what we actually know about their health and environmental effects. The research so far shows these plastics are widespread and can trigger inflammation, cell damage, and buildup in living things—but most studies focus narrowly on fish and water environments, meaning we still know surprisingly little about how these particles behave in soil, air, or the human body under real-world conditions. This matters because the gaps highlight that confident claims about microplastics' health risks are still premature—more rigorous, standardized research is needed before we can fully understand the danger
Microplastic Pollution in Aquatic and Terrestrial Ecosystems: Health Impacts and Remediation Strategies: A Systematic Review
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Tiny plastic bits called microplastics, shed from things like tires, laundry, and cosmetics, are everywhere in our water and soil, and this review of 54 existing studies confirms they can soak up pollutants and work their way into our food chain. While scientists agree this poses a real risk to both nature and human health, the research is still inconsistent, so the long-term effects on our bodies aren't fully understood yet. The takeaway: microplastic exposure is likely unavoidable in daily life, but more standardized research is needed before we know exactly how worried to be.
Microplastics in Latin America Ecosystems: A Critical Review of the Current Stage and Research Needs
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This systematic review of 196 studies reveals that Latin America, which consumes 8% of the world's plastic but recycles only 4.5%, has significant gaps in microplastic contamination data. Understanding the distribution of microplastics in Latin American ecosystems is critical for assessing potential health risks to the region's populations.
Microplastics: a Contaminant That Grows in All Environmental Areas, Its Characteristics and Possible Risks to Public Health from Exposure
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This Spanish-language review covers the formation, types, sources, and health risks of microplastics, noting they are now found everywhere from oceans and rivers to food and remote Arctic environments. It also highlights recent microplastics research from South America to contextualize the global problem at a regional level.
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