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Microplastics contamination in terrestrial wildlife: the study in carcasses and feces of vertebrate species in western Thailand
Summary
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.
Plastic pollution in terrestrial wildlife poses a novel conservation challenge, with limited research available, particularly in protected areas (PAs). This study examines the accumulation of microplastics (MPs) in terrestrial wildlife both within and outside PAs of western Thailand by analyzing carcasses and feces. Researchers collected road-killed vertebrates in good condition, live tadpoles, and feces of terrestrial vertebrate species to study their exposure to plastic pollution. MPs over 50 μm were examined. MPs were found in 111 out of 136 vertebrate samples across 44 out of 48 species, totaling 387 MPs. In scat, MPs were found in 41.11 Also see: https://micro2024.sciencesconf.org/559454/document
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