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2 clusters · 4 sources · 8 days · First seen · Last updated

Microplastic contamination in Brazil

Overview

Microplastic contamination has been identified across Brazil, affecting both coastal regions and the Amazon rainforest. Coastal surveys conducted by Sea Shepherd Brasil and the University of São Paulo found significant concentrations on beaches, with the highest levels recorded at Pântano do Sul Beach in Florianópolis.

In the Amazon, research indicates that pollution has reached remote, protected areas such as Anavilhanas National Park. Studies in Lake do Prato revealed that approximately 80% of sampled fish contained microplastics in their digestive tracts. The contamination extends to various terrestrial and aquatic species, including tapirs, bats, crabs, and birds, with some birds observed using plastic debris to construct nests.

Biologists note that the interconnected nature of Amazonian aquatic environments, from small forest streams to the mouth of the Amazon River, allows these contaminants to spread throughout the ecosystem. The microplastics, often originating from textiles, packaging, and disposable utensils, pose ongoing risks to wildlife and the human food chain.

Entities

Amazon rainforest · Sea Shepherd Brasil · Adalberto Val · University of São Paulo · Anavilhanas National Park

Timeline

  1. 29 days ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    Microplastics found in Amazonian wildlife and remote protected areas

    Microplastics have been detected in various Amazonian wildlife, including fish and tapirs, even in remote protected areas like Anavilhanas National Park, threatening the broader food chain.

  2. about 1 month ago

    [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Microplastic contamination spreads across Brazil's coasts and Amazon

    Studies show widespread microplastic contamination in Brazil, from high concentrations on coastal beaches to remote areas of the Amazon rainforest affecting fish, wildlife, and ecosystems.

Sources

brasil.mongabay.com · editalconcursosbrasil.com.br · news.mongabay.com · sicilianews24.it