Temporal and spatial distribution of microplastics in the freshwater Atibaia river basin, Campinas-SP, Brazil.

The contamination of surface waters by microplastics (MPs) is an emerging concern, due to their environmental impact and negative effects on biota. However, in recent years, although the occurrence of these pollutants has been widely reported in marine systems, studies on MPs in freshwater are still scarce in the literature, particularly in Southeastern Brazil. In this context, the current study aimed to provide unprecedented information on the abundance and spatial and temporal distribution of MPs in three sites located in the Atibaia river basin (Southeastern Brazil) - the main river, a tributary, and the discharge of effluent from a sewage treatment plant.

Contamination by microplastics and sorbed organic pollutants in the surface waters of the Tietê River, São Paulo-SP, Brazil.

Microplastics (MPs) are particles between 1 μm and 5 mm in size, originating mainly from poor solid waste and effluent management, that can reach water bodies from various sources. In freshwater environments, the occurrence, distribution, and characterization of this new class of pollutants are still little explored, especially in Brazil. The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of MPs, as well as the presence and concentration of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) sorbed to these particles in the surface waters of the Tietê River - SP.

Effects Caused by the Ingestion of Microplastics: First Evidence in the Lambari Rosa ().

Microplastics are a class of contaminants that pose a threat to aquatic biota, as they are easily found in aquatic ecosystems and can be ingested by a wide variety of organisms, such as fish. The lambari rosa () is a microphage fish, which feeds on microscopic beings and particles, making it potentially susceptible to ingesting MPs discarded in the environment. In addition, this fish is of great economic and food importance, as it is used for human consumption.