Microplastics in Ecuador: A review of environmental and health-risk assessment challenges.

ABSTRACT: Pollution from plastic debris and microplastics (MPs) is a worldwide issue. Classified as emerging contaminants, MPs have become widespread and have been found not only in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems but also within the food chain, which affects both the environment and human health. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the consumption of single-use plastics has drastically increased, intensifying mismanaged plastic waste in countries such as Ecuador. Therefore, the aim of this review is to 1) summarize the state of MP-related knowledge, focusing on studies conducted with environmental matrices, biota, and food, and 2) analyze the efforts by different national authorities and entities in Ecuador to control MP contamination. Results showed a limited number of studies have been done in Ecu

SUBMITTER: Velez-Terreros PY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10754870 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature