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Microplastics in Latin America and the Caribbean: A review on current status and perspectives
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This review assessed the current status of microplastic research across Latin America and the Caribbean, covering occurrence in water, sediments, and soil, as well as effects on aquatic and terrestrial organisms, and identifying key knowledge gaps in the region.
A literature review was carried out to analyze the current status of microplastic research in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Specifically, this work focused on publications pertaining to (1) occurrence and distribution of microplastics in the environment, including water, sediments, and soil and (2) the environmental impact of MPs, particularly their presence and effects on aquatic and terrestrial organisms. The review included peer-reviewed articles from Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, Google Scholar and two iberoamerican open access databases (Redalyc and SciELO). It was found that LAC has only contributed to 5% of the global scientific output on microplastics, and overall the highest contributor within the region was Brazil (52%), followed by Chile (16%) and Mexico (13%). An additional section analyzing the barriers to conducting microplastic research in LAC and their exacerbation by the current COVID-19 pandemic was included to provide additional context behind the relatively low scientific production and improve recommendations encouraging research in this region.
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This review assessed microplastic prevalence in ocean waters across Latin America and the Caribbean, finding that mismanaged waste and wastewater are critical pollution sources, while highlighting the need for more research on effects on local biota and human health.
Microplastics in Latin America Ecosystems: A Critical Review of the Current Stage and Research Needs
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This systematic review of 196 studies reveals that Latin America, which consumes 8% of the world's plastic but recycles only 4.5%, has significant gaps in microplastic contamination data. Understanding the distribution of microplastics in Latin American ecosystems is critical for assessing potential health risks to the region's populations.
The Occurrence of Microplastics in the Marine Food Web in Latin America: Insights on the Current State of Knowledge and Future Perspectives
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This review examines microplastic contamination in marine organisms across Latin America, where wastewater, industry, and plastic breakdown are major sources. Microplastics were found in fish, shellfish, seabirds, and other marine life, entering the food chain through ingestion and passing between species. Since many of these organisms are eaten by people, the findings raise concerns about human exposure to microplastics through seafood in the region.
Microplastics: Presence and dissemination in the environment
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This Spanish-language review examines the current state of microplastic research, covering characterization methods, their presence in water, soil, and air, impacts on food webs and human health, and strategies needed to address this global environmental challenge.
The state of microplastic pollution in México: a review and evolving perspectives
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A PRISMA-based review of microplastic research in Mexico documented growing contamination across marine, freshwater, and terrestrial environments, characterized the dominant polymer types and particle shapes, and identified major knowledge gaps needing attention in the Mexican context.
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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.