Ingestion of Microplastics by Benthic Marine Organisms in the Ilha Grande Bay Heritage Site on Southeastern Brazil

Researchers have documented the ingestion of microplastics (MPs) by two key benthic marine organisms—Ascidiacea and Amphipoda—in the Ilha Grande Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southeastern Brazil. The study highlights a significant environmental concern, as these organisms, integral to the bay's ecosystem, are affected by MPs, which disrupt behavior, consumption, and nutritional rates. The findings underscore the pervasive impact of plastic pollution on even remote heritage sites, despite their protected status. The research employed field sampling and laboratory analysis to assess MP ingestion levels, providing critical data on the extent of marine litter contamination in this globally recognized natural area.

Da Silva, P. C. A., Sorrentino, R., Ramos, B. D. S., Senna, A. R. d., & Skinner, L. F. (2021). INGESTION OF MICROPLASTICS BY BENTHIC MARINE ORGANISMS IN THE ILHA GRANDE BAY HERITAGE SITE ON SOUTHEASTERN BRAZIL. Journal of Human and Environment of Tropical Bays, (2), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.12957/jheotb.2021.60332