Plastic found in Amazon fish as particles become trapped in river plants

Plastic pollution is alarmingly prevalent among fish in the Amazon, leading to serious complications in their gills and digestive systems. The surrounding aquatic vegetation along the river captures plastic waste, forming hazardous exposure hotspots. Certain fish species can breathe air, but this adaptation makes them more susceptible to microplastics, as their smaller gills limit their capabilities to filter out harmful pollutants.