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First report on the presence of microplastics in bovine and porcine livers from Costa Rica
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In the first study of its kind in Central America, researchers analyzed bovine and porcine livers purchased from local markets in Costa Rica and found microplastics in 90% of bovine and 83% of porcine liver samples. The particles were primarily fibers and films ranging from 220 micrometers to 4.5 millimeters. While the exact source of contamination could not be determined, the findings confirm that microplastics are reaching animal tissues destined for human consumption.
[Objective] Given the ease with which microplastics (MPs) are transported, ecosystems around the world are being polluted with these particles. Reports on the presence of MPs in marine organisms are alarming, but research on the presence of such particles in the terrestrial environment is still very scarce in Costa Rica, and even scarcer for the Central American region. Given this situation, it was considered urgent to carry out a multidisciplinary investigation to obtain information about MP contamination of animal tissues destined for human consumption. [Methodology] Samples of 20 livers from bovines and 18 from porcine, were purchased from local markets in 4 of the main meat-producing regions of the country. All samples were chemically digested with potassium hydroxide for the extraction of microplastic particles.. [Results] Ninety percent of the bovine livers were positive for the presence of MPs, as were 83.3% of the porcine livers. Fibers and films, ranging from 220 µm to 4.5 mm, most of which were blue-green in color, were found. [Conclusions] These findings provide information about the types of MPs that were present in the samples analyzed, but they do not aid in determining the exact origin of the particles and how they reached livers of the animals. Nonetheless, it is now clear that these pollutants are reaching human and animal populations, and since adverse effects have already been reported due to the presence of these particles in the human body, these results must be taken into account by healthcare professionals when considering any emerging diseases.
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Presence of microplastics in six bivalve species (Mollusca, Bivalvia) commercially exploited at the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Central America
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Researchers found microplastics in all six commercially exploited bivalve species sampled from the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, with prevalence ranging from 74% to 100% across species, raising concerns about human exposure through seafood consumption in Central American coastal communities.
Microplastics in Farmed Animals—A Review
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This review summarizes research on microplastic contamination in farmed animals including fish, cattle, and poultry, finding that microplastics have been detected in their intestines, liver, kidneys, lungs, and reproductive organs. The particles disrupt gut bacteria, cause tissue damage, and carry toxic chemicals and pathogens. Since these animals are raised for human consumption, microplastics in livestock represent a direct pathway for plastic contamination to reach people through their diet.
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.
Screening for Suspected Microplastic-like Particles in Post-Mortem Human Liver: Correlating Histopathological Alterations with Clinical Profiles
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Scientists examined liver tissue from 55 deceased adults and found tiny suspected microplastic particles in about 1 in 6 samples. Livers with these particles were more likely to show signs of scarring (fibrosis) and inflammation, though blood tests didn't clearly flag these changes, suggesting standard checkups might miss plastic-related liver damage. This is early evidence from real human tissue (not just animal studies), but larger studies are needed before we know how worried to be.
Microplastics detected in cirrhotic liver tissue
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In a proof-of-concept study, researchers detected microplastics in liver tissue from patients with cirrhosis (severe liver scarring) in Germany. Microplastic concentrations were higher in cirrhotic livers compared to healthy control tissue, suggesting that a damaged liver may accumulate more plastic particles. This is one of the first studies to find microplastics in human liver tissue, raising questions about whether they could worsen liver disease.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.