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Same genus, same burden: Microplastic pollution in banded newts
Summary
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.