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Microplastics research in Mexico (2015-2024) in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems: a summary of locations, media, characterization methods and findings
Summary
Researchers reviewed 38 indexed studies on microplastic contamination in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems across Mexico published between 2015 and 2024, finding research distributed across soils/sediments (34%), fauna (34%), water (24%), flora (5%), and air (3%). The review highlights substantial methodological variability across studies and calls for standardised protocols to improve comparability of Mexican microplastics research.
The current state of microplastics (MPs) research in Mexico is examined through a sample of 38 articles published in indexed, high-impact databases, which analyzed concentrations of MPs in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems between 2015 and 2024. Of these studies, 34% focused on soils and sediments, another 34% on fauna (mainly fish), 24% on water, 5% on flora and 3% on air. There is great variability in the methods, protocols and parameters used to detect and characterize microplastics, which can be attributed to the lack of specific standards for these studies. This analysis underscores the need to implement standardized protocols and guidelines.
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