The Occurrence of Microplastics in the Marine Food Web in Latin America: Insights on the Current State of Knowledge and Future Perspectives

Rafael Terrazas-López, Pedro Guadarrama-Guzman, Suresh Babu Sujitha, Laura Arreola-Mendoza () and Jonathan Muthuswamy Ponniah
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Rafael Terrazas-López: Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigaciones y Estudios sobre Medio Ambiente y Desarrollo, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Calle 30 de Junio de 1520, Barrio la Laguna Ticomán, Gustavo A. Madero, Mexico City 07340, Mexico
Pedro Guadarrama-Guzman: Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigaciones y Estudios sobre Medio Ambiente y Desarrollo, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Calle 30 de Junio de 1520, Barrio la Laguna Ticomán, Gustavo A. Madero, Mexico City 07340, Mexico
Suresh Babu Sujitha: Escuela Superior de Ingeniería y Arquitectura, Unidad Ticomán, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Calz. Ticomán 600, Mexico City 07340, Mexico
Laura Arreola-Mendoza: Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigaciones y Estudios sobre Medio Ambiente y Desarrollo, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Calle 30 de Junio de 1520, Barrio la Laguna Ticomán, Gustavo A. Madero, Mexico City 07340, Mexico
Jonathan Muthuswamy Ponniah: Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigaciones y Estudios sobre Medio Ambiente y Desarrollo, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Calle 30 de Junio de 1520, Barrio la Laguna Ticomán, Gustavo A. Madero, Mexico City 07340, Mexico

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 14, 1-16

Abstract: Microplastics (MPs) pose a significant and increasing threat globally, with plastics accounting for around 60–80% of marine trash. Plastic particles with a size of 5000 µm or less are referred to as microplastics (MPs). These MPs can enter the marine organisms either through their diet or by trophic transfer. This can potentially expose people to these particles. According to the literature, around 21.9% of fish, 18.4% of seabirds, 11.7% of arthropods, and 7.8% of molluscs in marine systems are at risk from plastic pollution. The LATAM region experiences significant MP contamination that primarily originates from wastewater treatment plants, industrial effluents, maritime sources, and the decomposition of macro–mesoplastics. The majority of research conducted in the LATAM region focuses on MPs in natural habitats, specifically examining the presence of MPs in biota (such as fish, mussels, squids, turtles, and even insects) and sediments. In order to conduct a thorough analysis of the sources and spread of microplastics (MPs) in marine organisms, we conducted a comprehensive assessment of the available literature on microplastic research in Latin American countries. The objective was to evaluate the origin, destinations, and pathways via which MPs are transferred. An assessment of the prevalence of microplastics (MPs) in marine organisms would yield significant insights into the potential health hazards posed by plastic pollution to humans.

Keywords: microplastics; food webs; contamination; health risks; Latin America (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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