We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastic contamination in no-take Marine Protected Areas of Brazil: Bivalves as sentinels
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed microplastic contamination in ten no-take Marine Protected Areas across Brazil using filter-feeding bivalves as sentinel organisms. They found microplastics in all sampled locations, with concentrations peaking at natural monuments, though no-take MPAs were generally less contaminated than unprotected areas. The predominant polymers were organic and alkyd-based, with fragments smaller than 1,000 micrometers being most common, raising concerns about ecological risks even in protected marine environments.
Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive environmental contaminants even in remote and pristine locations. Despite extensive literature documenting their widespread presence in marine environments, there is limited understanding of MP contamination in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), particularly in developing countries. This study assessed MP contamination using multiple filter-feeding bivalve species as sentinels. Samplings were performed during 2022, in ten selected no-take MPAs under different management categories according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. MPs size, shape, color, and polymeric composition were analyzed using established protocols, including Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. MPs concentrations (0.42 ± 0.34 [0.17-2.00] particles.g ww) peaked at natural monuments, while strict nature reserves and parks were less affected. Based on scientific literature comparison, no-take MPAs were less contaminated by MPs than multiple-use MPAs and unprotected areas in Brazil. However, the observed levels remain concerning, given the potential ecological risks, including trophic transfer, physiological disruptions, and habitat degradation. Around 59% of MPs were organic polymers and alkyd (28%), while polyethylene terephthalate (14%) was the main anthropogenic polymer. MPs were predominantly black, white, or transparent fragments measuring <1000 μm, not differing among MPAs individually or grouped protection category, therefore displaying the consistent qualitative patterns along the Brazilian coast. This study underscores the ecological risks posed by MPs in MPAs, emphasizing the need for long-term monitoring programs and targeted mitigation strategies, contributing to global efforts assessing and managing MP contamination, aligning with the 11th Aichi Target to reduce pressures on biodiversity and promote marine ecosystems sustainable use.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics in a mosaic of Marine Protected Areas from southeastern Brazil: An assessment based on filter-feeding bivalves
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers used filter-feeding bivalves as biological monitors to assess microplastic contamination across 28 marine protected areas along a heavily populated stretch of coastline in southeastern Brazil. They found microplastics in bivalves from all sites surveyed, demonstrating that protected status alone does not shield marine areas from plastic pollution. The study highlights how diffuse, transboundary plastic contamination reaches even designated conservation zones.
Microplastics contamination and toxicity in a coastal marine protected area
AI summary Read the abstract
This study examined microplastic contamination and toxicity in a Brazilian coastal marine protected area, finding plastic particles accumulating on beaches and posing risks to filter-feeding organisms and marine food webs. Even protected coastal areas are not shielded from microplastic pollution.
Microplastics Identification in an Environmental Reserve Area of Ilha de Itamaracá - PE
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers identified and characterized microplastics in water, sediment, and biota from an environmental reserve area in Brazil, documenting contamination by particles originating from both fragmentation of larger plastic items and primary microplastics, showing that even protected coastal areas are not free of MP pollution.
A global snapshot of microplastic contamination in sediments and biota of marine protected areas
AI summary Read the abstract
A global snapshot of microplastic contamination in sediments and biota across marine protected areas (MPAs) found that microplastics are ubiquitous even in these conservation zones, undermining their protective function. The review synthesizes occurrence data and calls for microplastic monitoring to be integrated into MPA management plans.
Plastic and paint debris in marine protected areas of Peru
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated microplastics, mesoplastics, and paint particles across multiple environmental compartments in two marine protected areas of Peru, revealing that even protected marine environments are contaminated with anthropogenic debris.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.