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Microplastics in a tropical lentic environment: dynamics between sediments and the shrimp Macrobrachium amazonicum
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A year-long study of a tropical Brazilian reservoir found microplastics in 90.9% of shrimp samples, with concentrations higher in gills and sediment than in stomachs, and positive correlations across all compartments indicating active trophic transfer. These results demonstrate that freshwater crustaceans in tropical lentic systems are consistently exposed to microplastics via both filter-feeding and sediment contact, with implications for food safety in regions where such shrimp are consumed.
The accumulation of microplastics in sediments of lentic systems facilitates their ingestion by shrimps, raising ecological concerns. This study investigated the correlations between the average amount of microplastics in sediments, gills, and stomachs of Macrobrachium amazonicum (Heller, 1862) in a tropical reservoir in Brazil. Monthly samples and physical and chemical water variables (temperature, conductivity, pH, and dissolved oxygen) were collected. Standardized protocols ensured accurate microplastic identification and minimized contamination. Microplastics were identified in 90.9% of samples. Concentrations were significantly higher in the sediment and gills than in the stomachs, with no difference between sediment and gills. Temporal variation occurred in the gills and stomachs: Gill concentrations peaked in February and were lowest in November–December, while stomach concentrations were highest in September–October and lowest in November–December. Sediment concentrations remained relatively stable over time. Positive correlations were found among all compartments, especially between stomachs and sediment. Generalized linear models showed that dissolved oxygen positively influenced microplastic abundance in both gills and stomachs, while conductivity was also significant for stomachs. The findings reveal the dynamics of microplastics in tropical lentic systems, emphasize the risks of bioaccumulation and ecological effects, and support the implementation of effective management strategies.
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Microplastic Ingestion by Fish in a Neotropical Reservoir: Effects of Reservoir Dynamics and Fish Traits
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Researchers examined microplastic ingestion by fish communities across different zones of a Neotropical reservoir in Brazil, finding that fish in calmer, lake-like zones and bottom-dwelling insect-eating species were most likely to ingest plastic particles. The study suggests that both reservoir design and fish ecology shape how microplastics move through freshwater food webs.
Microplastics in Brazilian aquatic ecosystems and seafood: An updated review
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This review pulls together 100 studies to show that Brazil's rivers, bays, and coastal waters are widely contaminated with tiny plastic particles called microplastics, mostly from clothing fibers and packaging. Seafood like fish, shellfish, and crustaceans are absorbing these particles, sometimes in huge amounts, which raises real concerns for anyone eating fish from these waters. The bigger picture: plastic pollution levels swing a lot depending on rainfall and tourist seasons, and scientists still need better, more consistent testing methods to fully understand how much risk this poses to human health.
Presence of Microplastics in Macroinvertebrates of Mangroves in the Colombian Pacific: Are Feeding Behaviors Determinant for its Abundance?
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Scientists found tiny plastic particles (microplastics) in every single shellfish and crab sample they tested from mangrove forests in Colombia, with an average of about 25 particles per animal. These particular species, cockles and crabs, are commonly eaten by local communities, meaning the plastic contamination in their environment could be making its way into the human food chain through seafood.
Does deforestation contribute to microplastic contamination in stream fish in the Southwestern Amazon?
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A study of 584 fish from 20 Amazon streams found that fish in deforested areas ingested significantly more microplastics than those in forested watersheds, with feeding strategy and seasonal flooding also influencing exposure. Deforestation not only threatens biodiversity directly but also increases wildlife exposure to plastic pollution, compounding the ecological damage of forest loss.
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