Research
Microplastics found in wild mammals' blood more than 40 miles from human infrastructure
Phys.org ·
The Brief
- Microplastic particles were found in the blood of wild mammals.
- The detections occurred more than 40 miles (about 64 km) from human infrastructure.
- Experimental studies show microplastics can be hazardous to many species, but effects in wild animals are suspected rather than established.
Why it matters
It suggests microplastic exposure in wildlife is not limited to areas near human settlements, which matters for researchers assessing ecological risk.
Who’s affected
- wildlife biologists and ecologists
- environmental scientists studying plastic pollution
- #microplastics
- #wildlife
- #pollution
- #mammals
- #blood
Animals, like humans, are taking up increasing amounts of tiny plastic particles. Such microplastics are demonstrably hazardous to many species under experimental conditions, and it is suspected that they may also pose a threat to animals in the wild. While data about…
Timeline
Story published by Earth News reporting on the findings
Earth News - Earth Science News, Earth Science, Climate Change
Microplastics found in wild mammals' blood more than 40 miles from human infrastructure