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Microplastics in a mosaic of Marine Protected Areas from southeastern Brazil: An assessment based on filter-feeding bivalves
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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 (MPs) pose a pervasive environmental threat to coastal ecosystems, with increasing reports even within Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Despite being designed to conserve biodiversity by reducing anthropogenic pressures, MPAs remain vulnerable to diffuse and transboundary pollutants such as plastics. This study utilized bivalves as sentinels to assess MP contamination along a mosaic of 28 MPAs located in a highly populated coastal zone in southeastern Brazil, while simultaneously examining the influence of human modification levels. A total of 687 MP particles were recovered, at a concentration of 0.70 ± 1.85 (0.00-22.14) particles g ww, with levels ranging from 0.08 ± 0.08 to 3.81 ± 6.56 among the 30 studied sites. The MP contamination levels were overall low compared to other studies carried out within unprotected areas. However, even low MP levels in MPAs raise concerns about conservation goals and potential threats to local biodiversity due to potential trends of increased contamination. MPs were predominantly <500 μm, fibrous (55.3%), transparent (58.8%), and composed mainly of rayon, polyamide, and polyester, reflecting global qualitative trends observed in bivalves and other matrices. The contamination was significantly influenced by anthropic modification levels. These patterns highlight how environmental factors shape MP distribution and underscore the need for focused conservation efforts in urban and riverine zones. Our results further highlight bivalves as effective sentinels and reinforce the need for continuous monitoring to strengthen the role of MPAs in mitigating anthropogenic impacts.
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Microplastic contamination in no-take Marine Protected Areas of Brazil: Bivalves as sentinels
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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.
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Researchers conducted a comprehensive assessment of microplastic contamination across global Marine Protected Areas, finding that these conservation zones are not immune to plastic pollution and highlighting the need for targeted mitigation strategies.
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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.
Contaminação e toxicidade de microplásticos em uma área de proteção marinha costeira
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This Brazilian study assessed microplastic contamination and toxicity in a coastal marine protected area, finding that sandy beaches accumulate plastic particles carried in by the ocean. The research highlights that even protected coastal zones are not immune to microplastic pollution, which can be ingested by marine wildlife and enter food webs.
A global snapshot of microplastic contamination in sediments and biota of marine protected areas
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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.
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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.