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Microplastics in Cattle and Dog Feces from Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
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Researchers examined feces from cattle and dogs in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, finding microplastics in 99% of samples. Stray cattle and free-roaming dogs had higher microplastic levels than animals kept in confined settings, and particle shapes differed by species. Testing identified plastics including polyethylene, polypropylene, PET and polystyrene.
Abstract Microplastic pollution is a growing environmental concern, yet exposure pathways in terrestrial animals remain insufficiently understood. This study investigated the occurrence, abundance, and characteristics of microplastics in fecal samples (N = 102) from cattle (n = 72) and dogs (n = 30) in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal following density separation, organic digestion and microscopic examination methods and examined differences between species and management systems. Microplastics were detected in 99% of samples, indicating widespread exposure among both livestock and companion animals. Mean abundance was 181 ± 140 particles per 100 g of feces, with substantial variability among individuals. Management system significantly influenced microplastic loads, with stray cattle and free-ranging dogs exhibiting higher abundances than their domestic counterparts. Species-specific differences were also evident in morphological composition, with fibers and fragments dominating cow feces, whereas pellets were most abundant in dogs. Statistical analyses confirmed significant effects of management type, particle morphology, and color on microplastic abundance. Comparison of cow feed and feces revealed significant differences in composition, suggesting that fecal microplastic profiles cannot be fully explained by dietary intake alone. FTIR analysis of representative particles confirmed the presence of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polystyrene (PS), with polyolefins (PE and PP) being the most frequently identified polymers. Overall, the results indicate that fecal microplastics reflect integrated exposure from multiple potential environmental sources. This study highlights fecal analysis as a useful approach for assessing environmental microplastic contamination in urban and peri-urban terrestrial systems.
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