We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Terrestrial wildlife as indicators of microplastic pollution in western Thailand
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
Plastic pollution in terrestrial wildlife represents a new conservation challenge, with research in this area, especially within protected areas (PAs), being scant. This study documents the accumulation of microplastics (MPs) in terrestrial wildlife both inside and outside PAs in western Thailand. Carcasses of road-killed vertebrates in good condition, as well as live tadpoles, were collected to examine their exposure to plastic pollution. The digestive tracts of the vertebrate carcasses and the entire bodies of tadpoles were analyzed for MPs, which were identified if they measured over 50 µm. A total of 136 individuals from 48 vertebrate species were examined. The sample comprised snakes (44.12%), birds (11.03%), lizards (5.15%), tadpoles (32.25%), amphibians (5.88%), and mammals (1.47%). In total, 387 MPs were found in 44 species (91.67%), with an average occurrence of 3.25 ± 3.63 MPs per individual or 0.05 ± 0.08 MPs per gram of body weight. The quantities of MPs significantly varied among the animal groups, both in terms of number per individual (p < 0.05) and number per gram of body weight (p < 0.01). Furthermore, a significant difference in MP quantities was observed between specimens collected inside and outside PAs on an individual basis (p < 0.05), but not on a body weight basis (p = 0.07). Most MPs were fibers (77%), followed by fragments (22.22%), with only a minimal presence of film (0.52%) and foam (0.26%). Of all the MPs identified, 36.84% were confirmed as plastics or fibers made from natural materials, and 31.58% were plastics, including Polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), Polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), and polyester (PES). Additionally, fibers made of cotton, and those containing polyurethane (PU), rayon, PES, and combinations of rayon and PU, were identified. The quantities of MPs were significantly influenced by animal body weight, factors associated with human settlement/activity, and land use types. Our findings highlight the prevalence of plastic pollution in terrestrial vertebrates within Thai PAs. Further toxicological studies are required to establish plastic pollution standards. It is proposed that snakes, obtained from road kills, could serve as a non-invasive method for monitoring plastic pollution, thus acting as an indicator of the pollution threat to species within terrestrial ecosystems. There is an urgent need for the standardization of solid waste management at garbage dump sites in remote areas, especially within PAs. Conservation education focusing on MP occurrence, potential sources, and impacts could enhance awareness, thereby influencing changes in behaviors and attitudes toward plastic waste management at the household level.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics contamination in terrestrial wildlife: the study in carcasses and feces of vertebrate species in western Thailand
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
Microplastics contamination in terrestrial wildlife: the study in carcasses and feces of vertebrate species in western Thailand
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
Using feces to indicate plastic pollution in terrestrial vertebrate species in western Thailand
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
Microplastic accumulation in water from protected areas in Western Forest Complex of Thailand
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in freshwater ecosystems within protected areas of Thailand's Western Forest Complex. The study found microplastics present in nearly 99% of water samples, predominantly as fibers, with polyethylene and polypropylene among the most common polymer types, suggesting that even remote protected areas are not immune to microplastic pollution.
Thailand's animals in peril: a systematic review of microplastic contamination and its ecological consequences
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
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.