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First Evidence of Microplastic Ingestion by an Arboreal Primate
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Researchers documented the first evidence of microplastic ingestion by an arboreal primate, finding green-colored plastic fiber filaments in the stomachs of two red howler monkeys in the central Amazon. The microplastics likely originated from decomposing ghost nets deposited on trees during seasonal flooding. The findings underscore that microplastic contamination has reached even remote forest-dwelling wildlife far from urban centers.
Here we report the first evidence of microplastic ingestion by arboreal primates. We found green-colored microplastic fiber filaments (< 5 mm) in the stomachs of two red howler monkey (Alouatta juara) individuals from central Amazonian várzea forests during seasonal floods. We infer that the plastic particles may have been derived from the decomposition of ghost nets (abandoned fishing nets) deposited on trees during annual flooding of the várzea forests. Our findings highlight the need for further research to assess the extent of plastic ingestion by forest-dwelling species and the possible consequences for the health of wild animals, humans, and ecosystems.
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First evidence of microplastic ingestion by fishes from the Amazon River estuary
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Researchers documented the first evidence of microplastic ingestion by fish in the Amazon River estuary, finding plastic particles — predominantly polyamide and polyethylene pellets — in 30% of 189 specimens across 14 species, with larger fish containing more particles, indicating widespread contamination extending into one of the world's most biodiverse river systems.
Presence and hazard assessment of microplastics in mexican howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata ssp. mexicana) of the Los Tuxtlas Biosphere reserve, Mexico
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Scientists found tiny plastic particles (microplastics) in the poop of endangered howler monkeys living in a protected rainforest reserve in Mexico—even though these monkeys live far from cities and don't drink from plastic bottles or eat processed food. This is a big deal because it shows plastic pollution has spread even into remote, protected wilderness areas, meaning there's likely no escaping it—for wildlife or for us. While this study didn't test human health effects directly, it adds to growing evidence that we're all constantly exposed to microplastics through our environment, food, and water.
From rivers to mangroves, microplastics are contaminating the Amazon
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Tiny plastic bits called microplastics are showing up throughout the Amazon, from rivers all the way to mangrove forests, even in this remote wilderness far from big cities and factories. This matters because these plastics can enter the food chain through fish and other wildlife that people eat, and scientists are still working to understand how consuming microplastics affects our health over time.
First Report of Microplastics in Wild Long-Tailed Macaque (Macaca fascicularis) Feces at Kosumpee Forest Park, Maha Sarakham, Thailand
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Researchers report the first detection of microplastics in the feces of wild long-tailed macaques at a forest park in Thailand. They found various types and sizes of microplastic particles in the samples, indicating that these primates are ingesting plastics from their environment. The study raises concerns about the extent of microplastic contamination reaching wildlife in natural habitats through dietary exposure.
Occurrence of microplastics in the gastrointestinal tract of Amazonian fish species with different feeding habits
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Microplastics were found in the gastrointestinal tracts of multiple Amazonian fish species with different feeding habits from Lake Janauacá and the Anavilhanas Archipelago, with feeding strategy influencing ingestion rates—underscoring widespread microplastic contamination even in remote Amazon basin aquatic ecosystems.
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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.