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Little evidence suggests microplastics negatively impact embryo growth of a viviparous shark Prionace glauca
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Researchers studied whether microplastics transfer from mother blue sharks to their embryos in the Central and Western Pacific Ocean. While microplastic particles were detected in shark embryos using infrared spectroscopy, the study found little evidence that the contamination negatively affected embryo growth or development. The findings suggest that blue shark embryos may be relatively resilient to current levels of microplastic exposure, though long-term effects remain unknown.
Marine microplastic pollution has become a pressing global ecological issue, particularly concerning maternal transfer in marine species. In this study, we investigated the reproductive parameters of the blue shark Prionace glauca from the Central and Western Pacific and characterized embryo microplastics in contamination using laser infrared spectroscopy. Results revealed that the litter size of P. glauca ranged from 21 to 42 individuals (average of 31 individuals). A power function relationship was identified between the total length and weight (both dry or wet), as well as the eye diameter of embryos. Microplastics were detected in 93 % of embryos, with abundance reaching up to 10.05 ± 12.89 items/individual and were sized 20.00 to 805.00 μm. The majority were fragments and granules in shape, and polyethylene and fluororubber in polymer type. A moderate positive correlation was found between microplastic size and embryo condition index, suggesting that microplastic size may potentially influence embryo development. Although no negative effect of microplastic abundance on embryo growth was detected, the presence of highly toxic polymers combined with the Near Threatened status of P. glauca, further studies still need to monitor the reproductive and transgenerational toxicity of microplastics in this species and other viviparous marine taxa. This study provides the first documented evidence of microplastic contamination in pelagic shark embryos, offering valuable baseline data for research on chondrichthyan reproductive biology and the ecological impacts of microplastics.
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Microplastic contamination and risk assessment in blue shark (Prionace glauca) from the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean
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Researchers quantified microplastic abundance and characteristics in the digestive tracts of blue sharks (Prionace glauca) from the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean and conducted a risk assessment for microplastic pollution in this pelagic apex predator. The study found microplastics in 39.1% of specimens — predominantly blue fibers sized 46 to 3,220 micrometers — with similar abundance across sexes, indicating widespread exposure of blue sharks to microplastic pollution in open ocean environments.
First record of microplastics found in shark mermaid’s purses: a hidden threat to ocean apex predators during embryonic stage
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This study presents the first documented finding of microplastics within the protective egg cases of two oviparous shark species. Researchers quantified microplastic concentrations in mermaid's purses, revealing that embryonic sharks are exposed to plastic pollution during their most vulnerable developmental stage. The findings underscore that microplastic contamination reaches even the earliest life stages of marine apex predators.
First record of microplastics found in shark mermaid’s purses: a hidden threat to ocean apex predators during embryonic stage
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Researchers report the first documented evidence of microplastics found inside shark egg cases, known as mermaid's purses, which protect developing embryos. Microplastic concentrations were quantified in egg cases from two oviparous shark species collected from marine environments. The findings suggest that even during their earliest developmental stages, apex predators like sharks are exposed to microplastic contamination.
First record of microplastics found in shark mermaid’s purses: a hidden threat to ocean apex predators during embryonic stage
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Scientists found tiny plastic fibers inside shark egg cases (called "mermaid's purses") for the first time, meaning baby sharks are exposed to microplastic pollution before they're even born. This matters beyond sharks: it shows just how deeply microplastics have infiltrated ocean ecosystems, from the water we swim in to the seafood many people eat, raising broader concerns about plastic pollution's reach into the food chain and our own health.
Tropical sharks feasting on and swimming through microplastics: First evidence from Malaysia
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Researchers examined microplastic contamination in five tropical shark species from Malaysian waters, finding that 100% of the 74 sharks sampled contained microplastics. A total of 2,211 plastic particles were found in gastrointestinal tracts and gills, averaging about 30 particles per shark, with black fibers being the most dominant type and polyester the most common polymer. The study suggests that microplastic uptake may be gender-related in some shark species.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.