We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Micro(nano)plastics as an emerging risk factor to the health of amphibian: A scientometric and systematic review
AI summary Read the abstract
Only 12 studies have examined microplastic effects on amphibians, concentrated in Brazil and China and limited mostly to the Anura order; lab-tested concentrations were far from environmentally relevant levels, leaving significant knowledge gaps about mechanisms of toxicity in this vertebrate group.
Although the toxicity of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) is recognized at different trophic levels, our know-how about their effects on amphibians is limited. Thus, we present and discuss the current state on studies involving amphibians and plastic particles, based on a broad approach to studies published in the last 5 years. To search for the articles, the ISI Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Scopus databases were consulted, using different descriptors related to the topic of study. After the systematic search, we identified 848 publications. Of these, 12 studies addressed the relationship "plastic particles and amphibians" (7 studies developed in the laboratory and 5 field studies). The scientometric analysis points to geographic concentration of studies in Brazil and China; low investment in research in the area, and limited participation of international authors in the studies carried out. In the systematic approach, we confirm the scarcity of available data on the toxicity of plastic particles in amphibians; we observed a concentration of studies in the Anura order, only one study explored the toxicological effects of NPs and polystyrene and polyethylene are the most studied plastic types. Moreover, the laboratory tested concentrations are distant from those of the environmentally relevant; and little is known about the mechanisms of action of NPs/MPs involved in the identified (eco)toxicological effects. Thus, we strongly recommend more investments in this area, given the ubiquitous nature of NPs/MPs in aquatic environments and their possible consequences on the dynamics, reproduction, and survival of species in the natural environment.
More Papers Like This
Ecotoxicological and Risk Assessment Perspectives of Micro(nano)plastic Pollution in Aquatic Organisms with Emphasis in Amphibians
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
Microplastics as an emerging threat to amphibians: Current status and future perspectives
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes existing research on microplastic contamination in amphibians like frogs and salamanders, finding that over 80% of studied species had accumulated microplastics. The particles persisted in organs, showed toxic and gene-damaging effects, and could transfer through the food chain. Since amphibians are indicators of environmental health, widespread microplastic accumulation in these animals signals broader ecosystem contamination that can ultimately affect human food and water sources.
Ecotoxicological perspectives of microplastic pollution in amphibians
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes research on how microplastics affect amphibians, which are considered important indicator species for freshwater pollution. Researchers found evidence that microplastics can impair amphibian growth, immune function, and gene expression, with effects varying by species and particle characteristics. The findings raise concerns about the vulnerability of amphibian populations already threatened by habitat loss and other environmental stressors.
Variation in microplastic characteristics among amphibian larvae: a comparative study across different species and the influence of human activity
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists examined microplastics inside amphibian larvae from 10 species and found plastic particles in all of them, with blue fibers being the most common type. Larger larvae tended to contain longer plastic fragments, and there was a relationship between human activity levels near habitats and the characteristics of the plastics found. This study shows that microplastic contamination has penetrated freshwater food webs, affecting animals during their most vulnerable developmental stages.
Differential effects of microplastic exposure on anuran tadpoles: A still underrated threat to amphibian conservation?
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that microplastic exposure affects amphibian tadpoles differently depending on the species, with Italian agile frog tadpoles showing reduced survival at high concentrations while green toad tadpoles were more resilient.
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.