Evidence of microplastics in the Chi River Basin, Thailand: Anthropogenic influence and potential threats to edible arthropods

Thamsenanupap, Penkhae; Tanee, Tawatchai; Kaewsuk, Jutamas

doi:10.1016/j.limno.2022.126030

Cited by 5 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 55 publications

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“…Fibers, particularly prevalent in natural settings, pose inhalation risks to wildlife and can be ingested but are often expelled through the gut ( Koutnik et al, 2021 ; Gasperi et al, 2018 ; da Costa Araújo et al, 2020 ). The abundance of blue MPs suggests a visual attraction, possibly due to animals mistaking these for food, with blue’s visibility in freshwater, soil, and air also playing a role ( Foekema et al, 2013 ; Thamsenanupap, Tanee & Kaewsuk, 2022 ; Tee-hor, Nitiratsuwan & Pradit, 2023 ; Zhang et al, 2020b ; Koutnik et al, 2021 ). Predominantly small-sized MPs (0.05–0.5 mm) were consistent across different species, likely influenced by factors such as feeding mechanisms, foraging behavior, and environmental degradation processes ( Hu et al, 2018 ; Liu et al, 2023a ; Zhang et al, 2020b ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The patterns of MP research in Thailand reflect global trends, with studies primarily concentrating on various ecosystems including marine ( Ruangpanupan et al, 2022 ), estuarine ( Chinfak et al, 2021 ), wetland ( Sarin & Klomjek, 2022 ), rice fields ( Maneechan & Prommi, 2022 ), mangroves ( Pradit et al, 2022 ), and freshwater ecosystems ( Thamsenanupap, Tanee & Kaewsuk, 2022 ; Tee-hor, Nitiratsuwan & Pradit, 2023 ). However, none of the reserch was done in soil and terrestrial ecosystems.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Despite this broad coverage, there is a significant gap in research on MP accumulation in terrestrial wildlife, with the majority of studies focusing on invertebrates and fish in freshwater environments. These studies have examined insects ( Thamsenanupap, Tanee & Kaewsuk, 2022 ), gastropods ( Jitkaew et al, 2023 ; Yasaka et al, 2022 ), and freshwater shrimps ( Tee-hor, Nitiratsuwan & Pradit, 2023 ; Reunura & Prommi, 2022 ; Tongnunui et al, 2022 ). Among terrestrial vertebrates, the research has been limited to freshwater fish ( Kasamesiri & Thaimuangphol, 2020 ; Seetapan & Prommi, 2023 ), with no studies conducted within protected areas (PAs), despite their critical role in biodiversity conservation ( Naughton-Treves, Holland & Brandon, 2005 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Terrestrial wildlife as indicators of microplastic pollution in western Thailand

Teampanpong,

Duengkae

2024

PeerJ

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Plastic pollution in terrestrial wildlife represents a new conservation challenge, with research in this area, especially within protected areas (PAs), being scant. This study documents the accumulation of microplastics (MPs) in terrestrial wildlife both inside and outside PAs in western Thailand. Carcasses of road-killed vertebrates in good condition, as well as live tadpoles, were collected to examine their exposure to plastic pollution. The digestive tracts of the vertebrate carcasses and the entire bodies of tadpoles were analyzed for MPs, which were identified if they measured over 50 µm. A total of 136 individuals from 48 vertebrate species were examined. The sample comprised snakes (44.12%), birds (11.03%), lizards (5.15%), tadpoles (32.25%), amphibians (5.88%), and mammals (1.47%). In total, 387 MPs were found in 44 species (91.67%), with an average occurrence of 3.25 ± 3.63 MPs per individual or 0.05 ± 0.08 MPs per gram of body weight. The quantities of MPs significantly varied among the animal groups, both in terms of number per individual (p < 0.05) and number per gram of body weight (p < 0.01). Furthermore, a significant difference in MP quantities was observed between specimens collected inside and outside PAs on an individual basis (p < 0.05), but not on a body weight basis (p = 0.07). Most MPs were fibers (77%), followed by fragments (22.22%), with only a minimal presence of film (0.52%) and foam (0.26%). Of all the MPs identified, 36.84% were confirmed as plastics or fibers made from natural materials, and 31.58% were plastics, including Polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), Polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), and polyester (PES). Additionally, fibers made of cotton, and those containing polyurethane (PU), rayon, PES, and combinations of rayon and PU, were identified. The quantities of MPs were significantly influenced by animal body weight, factors associated with human settlement/activity, and land use types. Our findings highlight the prevalence of plastic pollution in terrestrial vertebrates within Thai PAs. Further toxicological studies are required to establish plastic pollution standards. It is proposed that snakes, obtained from road kills, could serve as a non-invasive method for monitoring plastic pollution, thus acting as an indicator of the pollution threat to species within terrestrial ecosystems. There is an urgent need for the standardization of solid waste management at garbage dump sites in remote areas, especially within PAs. Conservation education focusing on MP occurrence, potential sources, and impacts could enhance awareness, thereby influencing changes in behaviors and attitudes toward plastic waste management at the household level.

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