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Thailand's animals in peril: a systematic review of microplastic contamination and its ecological consequences
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This systematic review examines microplastic contamination in animals across Thailand, from fish to birds, revealing widespread pollution in the country's ecosystems. The findings matter for human health because microplastics that accumulate in wildlife can move up the food chain and eventually end up on our plates.
Microplastic (MP) pollution is a critical environmental issue affecting ecosystems globally, with significant implications for wildlife and human health. This systematic review examines MP contamination in animal taxa across Thailand from 2016 to 2024, highlighting the extensive presence of MPs in diverse habitats, particularly in benthic environments, which account for 55% of contamination. Fish, especially from the Cyprinidae family, are the most affected, followed by filter feeders like mussels and shrimp. The review identifies prevalent MP types, including polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyester (PES), with fibers being the dominant shape. The ingestion of MPs poses direct physical threats to wildlife and serves as a vector for harmful chemicals, raising concerns about bioaccumulation and biomagnification within food webs, ultimately impacting human health through seafood consumption. Despite increasing research activity, significant knowledge gaps remain regarding the long-term ecological and health effects of MP pollution. Future research should focus on the physiological impacts of MP ingestion, the dynamics of trophic transfer, and the effectiveness of waste management strategies. Enhanced detection methods and assessments of regional and seasonal variability in MP contamination are essential for a comprehensive understanding of this issue. Addressing MP pollution in Thailand necessitates a multidisciplinary approach that combines scientific inquiry, public awareness, and effective policy implementation. This review underscores the urgent need for targeted mitigation strategies to protect biodiversity and human health from the pervasive impacts of MP contamination.
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Researchers examined microplastic accumulation in terrestrial wildlife carcasses and fecal samples from protected and non-protected areas of western Thailand, finding contamination in multiple species. The presence of microplastics in wildlife from protected areas highlights the inability of conservation boundaries to shield fauna from pervasive plastic pollution.
Microplastics contamination in terrestrial wildlife: the study in carcasses and feces of vertebrate species in western Thailand
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Researchers examined microplastic accumulation in terrestrial wildlife carcasses and fecal samples from inside and outside protected areas in western Thailand. Microplastics were detected in multiple species regardless of protected status, suggesting wide environmental distribution.
Using feces to indicate plastic pollution in terrestrial vertebrate species in western Thailand
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Researchers examined feces from 12 wild animal species in western Thailand and found microplastics in over 40% of samples across eight species, including elephants, deer, and wild boar. The amount of microplastics found was linked to human activity near the animals' habitats. This demonstrates that microplastic contamination has reached even terrestrial wildlife in protected areas, entering the food chain far from obvious pollution sources.
Terrestrial wildlife as indicators of microplastic pollution in western Thailand
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Researchers found microplastics in 92% of terrestrial wildlife examined in western Thailand, including snakes, birds, lizards, and amphibians both inside and outside protected areas. Fibers were the most common type, making up 77% of all particles found. This study demonstrates that microplastic pollution has spread throughout land-based food webs, even in protected natural areas, suggesting that virtually all wildlife is now exposed.
Microplastics Ingestion by Fish Species in Thailand’s Aquatic Ecosystems
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Researchers synthesized data from 175 assessments of plastic ingestion by fish species across Thailand's aquatic habitats, revealing widespread microplastic occurrence and raising significant concerns about ecosystem health and the potential transfer of plastic contaminants to humans through seafood consumption.
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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.