Heavy metal and microplastic contamination in amphibian breeding marshes deep within the Hyrcanian Forests: A screening-level ecological risk assessment using FMEA framework

Evaluation of microplastic presence and risks in freshwater fish from Anzali International Wetland, Iran

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Scientists found tiny plastic particles (mostly blue plastic fibers) in the gills and guts of fish from an Iranian wetland, with bottom-feeding fish like tench carrying the most contamination. Since these fish are part of the food chain, and some are likely eaten by people, this suggests microplastics could be working their way up to our dinner plates, highlighting the need for better pollution controls and testing methods to understand the full health risks.

Ecotoxicological and Risk Assessment Perspectives of Micro(nano)plastic Pollution in Aquatic Organisms with Emphasis in Amphibians

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This ecotoxicological review synthesized evidence on microplastic and nanoplastic uptake, accumulation, and adverse effects in freshwater vertebrates and invertebrates, with particular focus on amphibians, documenting disruptions to reproduction, development, and immune function at environmentally relevant concentrations. Amphibians serve as sensitive ecological sentinels whose population declines from microplastic exposure signal broader ecosystem dysfunction that can propagate through food webs to affect the fish, birds, and mammals — including humans — that depend on healthy freshwater systems.

Assessment of Microplastic Contamination in Freshwater Ecosystems and Its Ecotoxicological Impacts

Assessment of Microplastic Contamination in Freshwater Ecosystems and Its Ecotoxicological Impacts

Co-occurrence and Ecological Risk Assessment of Microplastics and Heavy Metals in Hyporheic-Zone Sediments of the Bhairab-Rupsha River, Bangladesh

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Scientists studying river sediment in Bangladesh found tiny plastic particles (mostly from common plastics like polyethylene and polystyrene) mixed together with toxic heavy metals like chromium, nickel, and cadmium, with the highest levels near the surface and close to city wastewater outlets. This matters because these rivers feed into fish populations and the Sundarbans mangrove forest that local communities depend on for food, meaning the pollution could work its way up the food chain to people; the findings highlight an urgent need for better pollution controls before contamination gets worse.