Plastic particles in three Brazilian Federal Conservation Units: are aquatic matrices really protected?

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Ecotoxicology
• Freshwater Ecology

Background:

• Plastic particle contamination is a global environmental concern.
• Protected areas are not immune to anthropogenic pollution.
• Understanding plastic presence in freshwater ecosystems is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate plastic particle contamination in abiotic and biotic matrices within Brazilian Federal Conservation Units.
• To characterize the abundance, size, shape, and color of plastic particles.
• To assess microplastic bioaccumulation in Neotropical anuran tadpoles.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of water, sediment, and tadpoles from small freshwater bodies.
• Identification of plastic particles using optical microscopy.
• Examination of nine tadpole species for microplastic and mesoplastic contamination.

Main Results:

• Plastic particles (microplastics and mesoplastics) were detected in all analyzed matrices.
• Microplastics, predominantly blue fibers < 0.5 mm, were most common.
• Five tadpole species exhibited microplastic contamination, indicating bioaccumulation.

Conclusions:

• Brazilian conservation units show considerable plastic particle exposure, linked to adjacent human activities.
• The findings underscore the silent threat of plastic pollution in protected freshwater environments.
• Effective public policies and sustainable management are essential to mitigate plastic contamination.