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Same genus, same burden: Microplastic pollution in banded newts
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Researchers examined microplastic ingestion in three species of banded newts from freshwater habitats across Turkey and found plastic particles in 29-43% of individuals. PET fibers were the most common type detected, with no significant differences between species despite their different habitats. The consistent contamination levels across all three species suggest that microplastic pollution is widespread in freshwater environments and that these amphibians may serve as useful indicators of water quality.
Microplastic (MP) pollution is a worldwide environmental issue, but its effects on amphibians, especially urodeles, are still largely understudied. This study investigates MP ingestion in three species of the salamander genus Ommatotriton (O. nesterovi, O. vittatus, O. ophryticus) from distinct freshwater habitats in Türkiye. Gastrointestinal tracts of 91 adult newts were analyzed for MP presence, abundance, and characteristics (polymer type, shape, size) using stereomicroscopy and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. MPs were detected in 29-43 % of individuals, with no significant differences in presence (χ = 1.17, p = 0.56), abundance (H = 0.57, p = 0.75), or particle size (H = 0.36, p = 0.84) among species. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and fibers dominated, with particle sizes ranging from 45 to 474 μm. These findings suggest that MP contamination is pervasive across Ommatotriton species with aquatic breeding, generalist feeding, and permeable skin-as suitable bioindicators of freshwater contamination. The research highlights the need for conservation actions to reduce microplastic exposure in vulnerable amphibian populations.
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Spatiotemporal distribution of microplastics in true frogs (Ranidae:Pelophylax) populations from Türkiye
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Researchers examined preserved frog stomach contents from 146 true frogs collected across Turkey and found microplastics in nearly 60% of individuals, with plastic fibers being the most common form. The findings show that frogs — which live both in water and on land — are useful indicators of microplastic contamination across multiple ecosystems, and that exposure has been occurring for decades.
Microplastic contamination and ecological risk assessment in two tree frog species (Hyla orientalis and Hyla savignyi) across Türkiye
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Researchers examined microplastic contamination in the gastrointestinal tracts of two tree frog species across 24 provinces in Turkiye. The study found 192 microplastic particles total, predominantly PET fibers, with significant geographic variation in contamination levels and microplastic characteristics, suggesting widespread environmental distribution of microplastic pollution across the region.
Distribution of microplastics in tadpoles, adults, and habitats of three water frogs of Pelophylax spp.
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Researchers examined microplastics in water frogs and their habitats across Turkey, finding that while tadpoles showed almost no microplastic ingestion, 44% of adult frogs had microplastics in their digestive tracts — mostly fibers from synthetic textiles. The findings highlight how microplastic contamination increases with life stage and proximity to human activity, threatening amphibian populations already under environmental stress.
Microplastic prevalence in anatolian water frogs (Pelophylax spp.)
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Researchers found microplastics in the tissues of anatolian water frogs (Pelophylax spp.) collected from freshwater habitats in Turkey, documenting prevalence and characteristics of plastic particles in these amphibians whose populations are already stressed by multiple environmental pressures.
Spatiotemporal variation in the ingestion of microplastics in aquatic and terrestrial salamanders endemic to Türkiye
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Researchers examined microplastic ingestion in both aquatic and land-dwelling salamander species across Turkey. They detected microplastics in about 34% of the 232 salamanders studied, with juvenile animals showing higher concentrations than adults, and fiber-shaped particles being most common. The study suggests that microplastic contamination affects amphibians regardless of whether they live in water or on land, indicating the pervasive reach of this pollution.
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