Microplastic contamination spreads across Brazil's coasts and Amazon

Recent studies have revealed widespread microplastic contamination across Brazil, affecting both coastal regions and the Amazon rainforest. In coastal areas, a survey conducted by Sea Shepherd Brasil and the University of São Paulo (USP) analyzed 25 beaches across nine states. The highest concentration was recorded at Pântano do Sul Beach in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, with 144 microplastic fragments per square meter. Other significant contamination points include Mongaguá, São Paulo, and João Pessoa, Paraíba.

In the Amazon, microplastics have been detected even in remote, protected areas like the Anavilhanas National Park. Research shows that approximately 80% of fish sampled in Lake do Prato contained microplastics, regardless of their feeding habits. The pollution has infiltrated various species, including tapirs, bats, crabs, and birds, which have been observed using plastic particles to build nests. These contaminants, often derived from packaging, textile fibers, and disposable utensils, pose risks to marine and terrestrial ecosystems and may enter the human food chain.