Widespread microplastic pollution in Peruvian mangrove sediments

Published 2024년 5월 8일

Tridge summary

A study has found that the mangroves of Tumbes, Peru are heavily contaminated with microplastic pollution, with local inhabitants likely consuming up to 430 plastic particles per year through the consumption of certain species. The research, which analyzed the sediments and two commercially important species, the black ark and mangrove crab, discovered microplastics in all sediment samples and in the tissues of the crabs. The high concentrations of microplastics in the mangroves, which are accumulating at rates higher than in unvegetated habitats, raise concerns about the potential risks to the marine food web and food security in the area.

Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

Widespread microplastic pollution in Peruvian mangrove sediments and edible mangrove species. New study shows that the mangroves of Tumbes, Peru are extensively contaminated with microplastic pollution, and estimate that the local inhabitants are likely ingesting up to 430 plastic particles per year by consuming certain commercially-important species from this area. Previous field studies have demonstrated that microplastic debris can become trapped in aerial roots or the interior scrub zone of the mangrove. There is also an indication that microplastics can accumulate in the underlying sediments, and be ingested by or adhere to a wide range of aquatic organisms, including commercially-important species. The edible mangrove crab and black ark (a filter-feeding shellfish) are of highest commercial value in Tumbes mangroves and support the nutrition and socio-economic wellbeing of inhabitants in the region. Research has shown the presence of microplastics in the gills and digestive ...

Source: Fish Focus