Sustainability synergies and trade-offs considering circularity and land availability for bioplastics production in Brazil.

Alongside the concerns of waste management, plastic production represents a future problem for managing greenhouse gas emissions. Advanced recycling and bio-based production are paramount to face this challenge. The sustainability of bio-based polyethylene (bioPE) depends on the feedstock, avoiding stress on natural resources. This work discusses Brazil's potential to meet future global bioPE demand by 2050, using sugarcane as feedstock and considering environmental sustainability for production expansion. From the assessed 35.6 Mha, 3.55 Mha would be exempt from trade-offs related to land use change (dLUC), biodiversity, and water availability. The scenario with the highest circularity efficiency would require 22.2 Mha to meet the global demand, which can be accommodated in areas with positive impacts in carbon stocks, neutral impacts in water availability, and medium impacts on biodiversity. Here, we show that dropping demand is essential to avoid trade-offs and help consolidate bioPE as a sustainable alternative for future net-zero strategies.

Marine plastic pollution: A systematic review of management strategies through a macroscope approach.

Alternatives to address the ocean plastic crisis have been a hot topic in scientific literature, although a systemic approach to assess their effectiveness and identify bottlenecks is still lacking. To contribute to discussions on this topic, this study aims to conduct a literature review on current scientific information regarding management strategies for marine plastic pollution. The PRISMA method was used to select the most relevant articles from the Scopus® database, resulting in a sample of 176 articles after applying exclusion criteria for full-text evaluation. Unlike other literature review studies, Odum's Macroscope is used here to develop a model that provides a systemic view of the plastic crisis on a large scale, encompassing various compartments and their interactions. Specifically, eight compartments are identified: industry, consumers, waste collection & management, freshwater systems, fisheries, aquaculture and shipping, marine ecosystems, marine plastic collection and recycling, and life cycle. Each piece of literature reviewed is categorized into one of these compartments and discussed accordingly. The highlights of the results indicate that: (i) waste collection & management and freshwater systems, which are primary pathways for plastic litter reaching the ocean, have been relatively under-investigated compared to other compartments. (ii) Most studies originate from developed countries, raising doubts about the effectiveness of management proposals in underdeveloped countries. (ii) Existing strategies for collecting and recycling marine litter are unlikely to be implemented at a large scale due to operational obstacles, thus offering insufficient mitigation for the plastic crisis. (iv) The development of new biomaterials has proven mostly ineffective and harmful. (v) Alternatives management for microplastic pollution are still in their infancy, resulting in scarce information across all compartments. (vi) No studies focus on the origin of the plastic issue, which lies in the petrochemical industry. From a general perspective, the literature indicates that there is no one-size-fits-all management strategy to the plastic crisis, and the available options are often scattered and disconnected, making a systemic approach essential for studying such a transboundary issue. While efforts exist, stakeholders must act to effectively address the problem, or at least make meaningful progress. The marine plastic crisis operates systemically, analogous to the climate crisis, both stemming from human dependence on fossil fuels. Similar to achieving carbon neutrality, designing a globally sustainable economy should prioritize achieving plastic neutrality as a core component.

Plastic pollution on beaches in an Antillean manatee conservation area, Brazil.

The presence of plastic debris along shorelines is a widespread problem, and plastic debris can interact directly with marine wildlife. In northeast Brazil, the Antillean manatees are the most common marine mammals and use estuarine waters mainly as their home range. We aimed to investigate the characteristics of plastic debris on the estuarine-oceanic continuum and the accumulation density of plastic on beaches. The density of plastic debris on beaches located in transitional areas was 7-10-fold greater than that on beaches in estuarine and oceanic areas. Fragments were considered the most abundant form of plastic debris on all the beaches. Our findings could lead to improved pollution management in this marine protected area, principally due to the risks of remobilizing small plastic particles through tides and wind effects that scatter them in resting and feeding manatees areas.

Seabirds as biovectors in the transport of plastic debris across ecosystem borders: A case study from the Humboldt Current Upwelling System.

Seabirds have become biovectors of plastic pollutants between marine and terrestrial ecosystems, and transport of plastics to their nesting sites becomes relevant due to increasing levels of pollution. To determine the pathways by which plastic reaches their colonies, we analysed the abundance of plastics at the nesting sites of five seabird species (Humboldt penguin Spheniscus humboldti, Peruvian booby Sula variegata, kelp gull Larus dominicanus, grey gull Leucophaeus modestus, Markham's storm-petrel Hydrobates markhami) nesting in northern Chile. Seabirds were primarily grouped according to their nesting behaviour, but two species foraging in contrasting habitats (kelp gull and Markham's storm-petrel) were also compared directly. The abundance, type, and polymer of macro-, meso- and microplastics were analysed in the soil of colonies and control sites, and microplastic ingestion was evaluated for selected species. Densities of plastics in colonies of surface-nesting seabirds ranged from 0 to 21.4 items m-2 (mainly plastic bags and thin films), and 0.002 to 19.7 items m-2 (mainly hard fragments) in colonies of burrow-nesting seabirds. Mean microplastic loads in the stomachs of seabirds were between 3.7 ± 4.2 plastic items individual-1. Overall, the abundances of plastic items in all seabird colonies were low, suggesting a limited transfer of plastics from sea to land. For kelp gulls, the results indicate transfer of macroplastic items to colonies, reaching the colony via regurgitates, with landfills considered as the main plastic source. Our results suggest that contrasting nesting behaviour and foraging habitats among species can explain differential plastic accumulation in seabird colonies, but also other factors, such as wind, contribute to the accumulation of plastic debris in colonies. Proper management of sanitary landfills are key to reduce plastic contamination of coastal seabirds and their colonies.

How plastic litter sunk by biofouling recovers buoyancy - The role of benthic predation.

Estimates suggest that the amount of plastic litter discarded in the ocean is several times greater than what remains floating at the sea surface, raising questions about the fate of this marine debris. Fouling-induced sinking of plastic litter is one of the proposed mechanisms responsible for this mass difference. While some of this 'missing' plastic mass may be explained by the effects of fouling, it has also been hypothesized that sinking litter may return to the surface after benthic organisms consume the biofouling. However, this hypothesis has never been tested. The present study evaluated the structure and biomass of the fouling community in response to benthic predation in both summer and winter seasons. Floating PVC plates were installed during winter and summer in central Chile (36°S) until the growing biofouling community caused them to sink. Plates were then moved to the seabed, where they were exposed to benthic predation, while control plates were maintained in a mesh cage impeding predator access. In summer, all plates recovered their buoyancy, while in the winter only 60 % recovered buoyancy. All caged control samples remained on the bottom in both seasons. The community structure differed both in the treatments and across the seasons, with plates that recovered buoyancy initially being dominated by Ulva sp. and Ciona robusta. Conversely, plates that did not refloat were mainly covered by species resistant to predation such as Pyura chilensis, Austromegabalanus psittacus, and Balanus laevis. Thus, fouling community structure influences how predation facilitates buoyancy recovery, because not all epibionts can be consumed by predators. While previous studies had shown how fouling organisms cause sinking of floating litter, this is the first study to provide experimental evidence that predation can reverse this process and allow litter to resurface and become again available as dispersal vectors for native and invasive species.

In treacherous waters: detection of colistin-resistant bacteria in water and plastic litter from a recreational estuary.

Colistin resistance poses a major therapeutic challenge and resistant strains have now been reported worldwide. However, the occurrence of such bacteria in aquatic environments is considerably less understood. This study aimed to isolate and characterize colistin-resistant strains from water and plastic litter collected in an urban recreational estuary. Altogether, 64 strains with acquired colistin resistance were identified, mainly Acinetobacter spp. and Enterobacter spp. From these, 40.6% were positive for at least one mcr variant (1-9), 26.5% harbored, extended-spectrum beta-lactamases, 23.4% harbored, sulfonamide resistance genes, and 9.3% harbored, quinolone resistance genes. merA, encoding mercury resistance, was detected in 10.5% of these strains, most of which were also strong biofilm producers. The minimum inhibitory concentration toward colistin was determined for the mcr-positive strains and ranged from 2 to ≥512 µg ml-1. Our findings suggest that Gram-negative bacteria highly resistant to a last-resort antimicrobial can be found in recreational waters and plastic litter, thereby evidencing the urgency of the One Health approach to mitigate the antimicrobial resistance crisis.

Marine macrolitter and cigarette butts hazard multiple-use marine protected area and fishing community at Brazil.

Wide marine litter (ML) contamination impacts human health and economic sectors including fishing, navigation, and tourism. Perequê beach, Brazil, is an authentic fishing community within a touristic multiple-use marine protected area. However, no ML contamination monitoring were so far performed in the region. This study evaluated the spatiotemporal abundance, composition, sources, and associated ML hazards at Perequê beach using a multi-index approach. The 2579 items (0.64 ± 0.72 items.m-2) yielded a high contamination level (CCI = 12.6 ± 14.4) with plastic (44.6-50.9 %) and cigarette butts (20.6-28.4 %) prevalence, while primary sources were smoking (cigarette butts, lighters, others-21.2-30.1 %) and packaging (17.8-22.8 %). Levels of pollutants leaked from cigarette butts (CBPI = 30.5 ± 47.5) and hazardous items (HALI = 3.06 ± 2.64) were among the highest globally. Heightened levels occurred in summer, at dry sand strip, where short-term buoyant items prevailed. Multi-indexing approaches offer valuable insights for local authorities to implement mitigation programs, while contributing to global discussions, promoting awareness, and facilitating replicability.

Marine litter along the Peruvian coast: spatiotemporal composition, sources, hazard, and human modification relations.

Marine litter (ML) represents an escalating environmental issue, particularly in Latin America, where comprehensive studies are scarce despite critical solid waste management challenges and continuous human modification occurring on the coasts. To contribute to the knowledge of ML in the southeast Pacific, this study examined contamination across 10 beaches on Peru's extensive coast. Overall, ML contamination was categorized as moderate (with an ML concentration of 0.49 ± 0.64 items∙m-2), while significantly differing between summer (dirty with an ML concentration of 0.56 ± 0.66 items∙m-2) and winter (moderate with an ML concentration of 0.47 ± 0.60 items∙m-2). Three beaches were extremely dirty (concentrations of ML exceeded 1.0 items∙m-2). Predominant materials, items, and sources were plastic, cigarette butts (CBs), and mixed packaging. The Peruvian coast faced CB leachate impact (CBPI = 3.5 ± 3.5), reaching severe levels on two beaches, with considerable hazardous litter (HALI = 3.0 ± 2.9). Additionally, a higher degree of human modification was associated with higher ML levels along the coast.

Microplastic evidence assessment from water and sediment sampling in a shallow tropical lake.

Microplastics (MPs) severely threaten inland waterbodies due to the direct impact of human activities. In the present study, spatial and temporal patterns of MPs in a shallow tropical lake were assessed, describing their size, morphology, and polymer types. Water and sediment samples were collected from Lake Chapala during three seasons, and MPs were quantified with a stereomicroscope. The structure, elemental composition, and polymeric composition were determined via environmental scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The highest average concentration of microplastics in Lake Chapala was detected during the low-water period in April 2022 (2.35 items/L), exceeding the July 2022 rainy season concentration (1.8 items/L) by 0.25 items/L, and sediment concentrations were also higher in April 2022 (219 items/kg) compared to July 2022 (210 items/kg). This study highlights the significant pollution of Lake Chapala with microplastics, emphasizing the need for urgent measures to manage plastic waste and mitigate its environmental impact on aquatic ecosystems. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Microplastic contamination was evaluated in Lake Chapala. The distribution profiles of microplastics were different in each area. Heavy metals osmium, tellurium, and rhodium were found associated with the PMs. Polymers were found in this study.

Hazardous effects of plastic microfibres from facial masks to aquatic animal health: Insights from zebrafish model.

Facial masks are a source of plastic microfibres (PMFs) in the aquatic environment, an emerging risk factor for aquatic organisms. However, little is known concerning its impact during the early developmental stages of fish. Thus, the current study aimed to evaluate the potential interaction and developmental toxicity of PMFs derived from leachate of surgical masks (SC-Msk) and N-95 facial masks (N95-Msk) using a multi-biomarker approach in developing zebrafish (Danio rerio). PMFs from both facial masks were obtained and characterized by multiple techniques. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of PMFs from both facial masks (1000, 10,000, and 100,000 particle L-1), and the toxicity was analysed in terms of mortality, hatching rate, neurotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, morphological changes, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, cell viability, and behavioural impairments. The results showed that both facial masks can release PMFs, but the N95-Msk produced a higher concentration of PMFs than SC-Msk. Both PMFs can interact with zebrafish chorion and don't cause effects on embryo mortality and hatching; however, zebrafish embryos showed cardiotoxic effects, and larvae showed increased agitation, average speed, and distance travelled, indicating the behavioural impairments induced by PMFs derived from facial masks. Overall, results showed the risk of PMFs to the health of freshwater fish, indicating the need for greater attention to the disposal and ecotoxicological effects of facial masks on aquatic organisms.

Plastic nests: The first record of the Yellow-rumped Cacique (Cacicus cela) and the Great Kiskadee (Pitangus sulphuratus) building nests with discarded fishing material on the Amazon Coast.

The Amazonian coastal ecosystems face a significant threat from plastic contamination, posing a major risk to their biodiversity. Here, we provide the first evidence of using plastics in nest building by Yellow-cacique Cacique (Cacicus cela) and Greater Kiskadee (Pitangus sulphuratus). During 2023 and 2024, 15 nests built with ropes and fishing lines were recorded in the Brazilian Amazon Coast, a colony of 12 nests in the State of Amapá and one nest in Pará for C. cela, and one nest for P. sulphuratus was observed in Maranhão during the fieldwork, covering all Brazilian Amazon Coast. These nests were observed on the edge of mangroves, built with solid waste from fishing activities, pointing out how environmental pollution can be incorporated into wildlife this issue. Our records emphasize the effect of plastic pollution on two passerine species associated with mangrove forests and the need for conservation measures and further research.

Diet composition and plastic ingestion in Poecilia reticulata from urban streams.

Fish are excellent bioindicators and can reveal the presence of plastic in the environment. Diagnosing the composition and abundance of polymers in the fish diet makes it possible to evaluate their point sources and possible trophic transfers. We aimed to use the gastrointestinal contents of Poecilia reticulata in subtropical urban streams to detect the occurrence, shape, color, size, and chemical composition of polymers. For this, the diet of 240 individuals was analyzed using the volumetric method, and the microplastics (MPs; < 5 mm) recorded were characterized using Raman spectroscopy. Individuals predominantly consumed organic detritus and aquatic macroinvertebrates, with higher proportions of Diptera. A total of 111 plastic particles (< 0.5 to 12 mm) were recorded, and a subset of 14.4% was subjected to a micro-Raman spectrometer (830 nm excitation). The occurrence of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP) with phthalocyanine dye was recorded. Some fragments could not be identified by Raman, but they contained indigo blue dye. Poecilia reticulata had a predominantly detritivorous diet with a record of plastic consumption, reflecting environmental pollution. Our results demonstrate that individuals of P. reticulata have ingested MPs in urban streams. This reinforces the need for future studies on the relationship between the presence of MPs in fish and the level of pollution in streams, comparisons with species of different feeding habits, and the potentially harmful effects on the entire biota.

Bolus Effect Caused by Use of Thermoplastic Masks in Head and Neck Radiotherapy Treatments.

This paper examines the dosimetric uncertainty arising from the use of thermoplastic masks in the treatment of head and neck cancer through radiotherapy. This study was conducted through Monte Carlo simulations using the Monte Carlo N-Particle eXtended (MCNPX code), and the theoretical results are compared with radiochromic films. Using material characterization techniques, the compounds of the thermoplastic mask were identified, confirming that most of the material corresponds to the polymer C10H16O4. The theoretical results show increases ranging from 42% to 57.4% in the surface absorbed dose for 6 and 15 MV photon beams, respectively, compared to the absorbed dose without the mask. The experimental data corroborate these findings, showing dose increases ranging from 18.4% to 52.1% compared to the expected surface absorbed dose without the mask. These results highlight the need to consider the bolus effect induced by thermoplastic masks during the precise and safe planning and application of radiotherapy treatment in order to ensure its therapeutic efficacy and minimize the associated risks to patients.

Plastic-degrading microbial communities reveal novel microorganisms, pathways, and biocatalysts for polymer degradation and bioplastic production.

Plastics derived from fossil fuels are used ubiquitously owing to their exceptional physicochemical characteristics. However, the extensive and short-term use of plastics has caused environmental challenges. The biotechnological plastic conversion can help address the challenges related to plastic pollution, offering sustainable alternatives that can operate using bioeconomic concepts and promote socioeconomic benefits. In this context, using soil from a plastic-contaminated landfill, two consortia were established (ConsPlastic-A and -B) displaying versatility in developing and consuming polyethylene or polyethylene terephthalate as the carbon source of nutrition. The ConsPlastic-A and -B metagenomic sequencing, taxonomic profiling, and the reconstruction of 79 draft bacterial genomes significantly expanded the knowledge of plastic-degrading microorganisms and enzymes, disclosing novel taxonomic groups associated with polymer degradation. The microbial consortium was utilized to obtain a novel Pseudomonas putida strain (BR4), presenting a striking metabolic arsenal for aromatic compound degradation and assimilation, confirmed by genomic analyses. The BR4 displays the inherent capacity to degrade polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and produce polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) containing hydroxyvalerate (HV) units that contribute to enhanced copolymer properties, such as increased flexibility and resistance to breakage, compared with pure PHB. Therefore, BR4 is a promising strain for developing a bioconsolidated plastic depolymerization and upcycling process. Collectively, our study provides insights that may extend beyond the artificial ecosystems established during our experiments and supports future strategies for effectively decomposing and valorizing plastic waste. Furthermore, the functional genomic analysis described herein serves as a valuable guide for elucidating the genetic potential of microbial communities and microorganisms in plastic deconstruction and upcycling.

Blue nests: The use of plastics in the nests of the crested oropendola (Psarocolius decumanus) on the Brazilian Amazon coast.

Birds have been impacted by plastic pollution via entanglement, accidental ingestion, and exposure to chemical contaminants. However, plastics were also observed as a nesting material for several species. For the first time, we describe the occurrence and composition of plastics in 36 nests of the crested oropendola (Psarocolius decumanus) in three different sites on the Amazon coast. Plastics were present in 67 % of abandoned, fallen nests. At the mangrove site, all nests contained plastics, while at the grassy clearing and the fishermen's village, plastics were present at 35.3 and 90 % of the nests, respectively. Blue fibers and ropes were the main plastics observed, probably derived from discarded fishing gear. Of 79 analyzed fibers, 97.5 % were composed of Polyethylene, and 83.5 % contained Cobalt Phthalocyanine as an additive. Our results showed a widespread use of plastics by P. decumanus, which may increase the exposure of both juveniles and adults to potential contaminants.

What lies underneath: Comparison among beach litter in the underwater bathing area and exposed beach.

The standard techniques for monitoring beach litter focus on the litter that is accumulated on beaches. Therefore, the underwater bathing area is usually overlooked. Our study aims to start the discussion about the litter in the bathing area, an important connection between the exposed beach and the ocean. We aimed to compare sampling methodologies between the underwater bathing area and the exposed beach. We highlighted litter's similarities and differences regarding the amount, material, possible sources, and interaction with the biota. We also performed a brand audit on the underwater bathing area litter. In the underwater region, 106 items were collected while 1706 items were collected from the exposed beach region. Plastic was the dominant type of material in both sites, exposed beach (89.92 %) and bathing area (83.96 %). The litter's possible source was different. In the underwater bathing area was more related to food packages (couscous, rice). On the other hand, litter on the exposed beach was associated with beach use (single-use plastic such as plastic cups). The brand audit identified 21 companies, whereby most brands were Brazilian and food-related. Regarding interactions with the biota, the litter in the bathing area had more bio-fouling (87.73 %) than the litter collected on the exposed beach (10.00 %). Information about bathing area litter can be useful to draw different management strategies. Due to the differences in litter types and behavior between the two sites, the same mitigation strategies might not be equally efficient.

Inter-annual variation in the microplastics abundance in feces of the Baird's tapir (Tapirus bairdii) from the Selva Maya, México.

Microplastics (MPs) are found in a wide range of ecosystems, from the Arctic to the deep ocean. However, there is no data on their presence in terrestrial mammals that inhabit the Selva Maya. The aim of this study is to detect the presence of MPs in the feces of the Baird's tapir (Tapirus bairdii) from the region of Calakmul, located in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. We analyzed 129 fecal samples collected during 2017 and 2018, obtaining 57 and 72 samples during the rainy and dry seasons respectively. Sixty-eight percent of the samples contained 743 MPs with a mean of 19.3 ± 28.1 MPs/kg of dry weight (DW) feces in both years. An inter-annual variation in the average abundance of microplastic was observed during the two-year period (2017-2018), with a 72 % increase in these plastic particles in feces. Fourteen polymers were identified, with ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polypropylene (PP) and polyester (PES) being the most abundant during both years. Although the effects of MPs on the health of tapirs are not known, their presence is cause for concern. There is an urgent need for the implementation of appropriate plastic waste management programs in communities of the Selva Maya to diminish the consumption of MPs in species including humans where they pose a significant risk to health. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS: The use of plastics worldwide is increasing every day, so the presence of microplastics is and will continue to be a major environmental problem. It is known that contaminants can adhere to plastics, making them hazardous materials. Microplastics can contaminate remote areas such as Biosphere Reserves. Terrestrial species such as the tapir can ingest microplastics, putting their health at risk. Knowing the dispersion of microplastics is very important in order to manage them properly, taking into account their emission sources and type of polymer.

Compounding one problem with another? A look at biodegradable microplastics.

Environmental concerns about microplastics (MPs) have motivated research of their sources, occurrence, and fate in aquatic and soil ecosystems. To mitigate the environmental impact of MPs, biodegradable plastics are designed to naturally decompose, thus reducing the amount of environmental plastic contamination. However, the environmental fate of biodegradable plastics and the products of their incomplete biodegradation, especially micro-biodegradable plastics (MBPs), remains largely unexplored. This comprehensive review aims to assess the risks of unintended consequences associated with the introduction of biodegradable plastics into the environment, namely, whether the incomplete mineralization of biodegradable plastics could enhance the risk of MBPs formation and thus, exacerbate the problem of their environmental dispersion, representing a potentially additional environmental hazard due to their presumed ecotoxicity. Initial evidence points towards the potential for incomplete mineralization of biodegradable plastics under both controlled and uncontrolled conditions. Rapid degradation of PLA in thermophilic industrial composting contrasts with the degradation below 50 % of other biodegradables, suggesting MBPs released into the environment through compost. Moreover, degradation rates of <60 % in anaerobic digestion for polymers other than PLA and PHAs suggest a heightened risk of MBPs in digestate, risking their spread into soil and water. This could increase MBPs and adsorbed pollutants' mobilization. The exact behavior and impacts of additive leachates from faster-degrading plastics remain largely unknown. Thus, assessing the environmental fate and impacts of MBPs-laden by-products like compost or digestate is crucial. Moreover, the ecotoxicological consequences of shifting from conventional plastics to biodegradable ones are highly uncertain, as there is insufficient evidence to claim that MBPs have a milder effect on ecosystem health. Indeed, literature shows that the impact may be worse depending on the exposed species, polymer type, and the ecosystem complexity.

The retention of plastic particles by macrophytes in the Amazon River, Brazil.

This study evaluated the presence of plastics and microplastics in macrophytes in an urbanized sector of the Amazon River. A total of 77 quadrats in 23 macrophyte banks were sampled during the dry (September 2020) and rainy (June 2021) season. Five species were identified: Paspalum repens, Pontederia rotundifolia, Pistia stratiotes, Salvinia auriculata and Limnobium laevigatum, with P. repens being dominant during the dry season (47.54%) and P. rotundifolia during the rainy season (78.96%). Most of the plastic particles accumulated in Paspalum repens (49.3%) and P. rotundifolia (32.4%), likely due to their morphological structure and volume. The dry season showed a higher accumulation of plastic particles than the rainy season. Microplastics were found in most samples, during both the dry (75.98%) and rainy seasons (74.03%). The upstream macrophyte banks retained more plastic particles compared to the downstream banks. A moderate positive correlation was observed between the presence of plastic particles and macrophyte biomass, and a weak positive correlation between the occurrence of microplastics and mesoplastics. White and blue fragments, ranging from 1 to 5 mm were the most common microplastics found in the macrophyte banks. Green fragments and green and blue fibers were identified as polypropylene, blue and red fragments as polyethylene, and white fragments as polystyrene. Therefore, the results of this study highlight the first evidence of the retention of plastic particles in macrophytes of the Amazon and highlight a significant risk due to the harmful effects that this type of plastic can cause to the fauna and flora of aquatic ecosystems.

The COVID-19 pandemic "anthropause" decreased plastic ingestion in neotropic cormorants Nannopterum brasilianus in Lima, Peru.

Background: The anthropause during the recent COVID-19 pandemic provided a unique opportunity to examine the impact of human activity on seabirds. Lockdowns in Peru prevented people from visiting coastal areas, thereby reducing garbage disposal on beaches and the movement of microplastics into the ocean. This cessation of activities likely led to a temporary decrease in plastic pollution in coastal regions. We aimed to investigate this phenomenon in inshore-feeding neotropic cormorants (Nannopterum brasilianus) along the Circuito de Playas Costa Verde (CPCV), situated on the coastal strip of Lima, Peru (∼ 11 million people). Methods: We collected and analyzed fresh pellets along the CPCV before (over 11 months) and during the pandemic lockdowns (over 8 months). Results: Our findings revealed a significant reduction in the occurrence of plastic in pellets during the pandemic period (% Oc = 2.47, n = 647 pellets) compared to pre-pandemic conditions (% Oc = 7.13, n = 800 pellets). The most common plastic debris item found in the pellets was threadlike microplastic. Additionally, our study highlights the direct correlation between human presence on beaches and the quantity of microplastics (mainly threadlike) found in cormorant pellets. We suggest that the reintroduction of these materials into the sea, previously accumulated on the coast, is likely facilitated by the movement and activity of beachgoers toward the ocean.