Galápagos Penguins Show Highest Rate of Microplastics Accumulation

New studies reveal alarming levels of microplastics in the food web of the Galápagos Islands, with penguins most affected.

Microplastics are accumulating in Galápagos penguins at an alarming rate, according to recent studies.
The accumulation of microplastics in these penguins is the highest among all species studied, followed by barracuda and smaller fish like anchovy and herring.
Microplastics accumulation increases rapidly until around the fifth year of an animal's life, after which it plateaus.
The impact of microplastics on the health of the penguins and other organisms is not yet fully understood, but there is evidence that these particles can enter the bloodstream and potentially pass through various tissues in the body.
Microplastics pollution is a global issue, with evidence of its presence even in the clouds above us, and requires global solutions.