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Terrestrial exposure to microplastics in an endangered salamander (Lyciasalamandra antalyana)
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Scientists found tiny plastic fibers (mostly from synthetic fabrics) in the guts of half of the endangered salamanders they studied in Türkiye, even though these amphibians live entirely on land, far from oceans or rivers where most microplastic research focuses. This shows that plastic pollution isn't just a marine problem, it's seeping into soil ecosystems too, which matters because these same land-based pathways (soil, dust, and the food grown in it) are likely routes by which microplastics reach humans as well.
Microplastics (MPs) are increasingly reported from a wide range of environments, yet information on terrestrial amphibians remains scarce. In this study, we investigated the occurrence and characteristics of MPs in the gastrointestinal tracts of the endemic and endangered terrestrial salamander Lyciasalamandra antalyana from Türkiye. A total of 67 specimens were analyzed, and MPs were detected in 34 individuals (50.7%), with 46 particles identified in total. The overall median MP abundance was 1 particle per specimen (range: 0-8). No significant differences in MP abundance were detected among females, males, and juveniles, and no significant relationships were found between MP abundance and body size variables. Five polymer types were identified, with polyethylene terephthalate (PET, 67.4%) being the most abundant, followed by ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA, 13.0%) and polyacrylonitrile (PAN, 10.9%). Most particles were fibers (93.5%), whereas fragments were rare. The predominance of PET and fibers may indicate potential terrestrial sources, likely related to synthetic materials and diffuse anthropogenic inputs. Navy blue particles predominated, and a significant association was observed between particle shape and color. The mean particle size was 219.04 ± 21.95 μm, with particles distributed across all size classes. These findings provide baseline evidence of microplastic occurrence in a habitat-restricted terrestrial amphibian and contribute to a better understanding of microplastic contamination in terrestrial ecosystems.
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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.
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 accumulation in a lizard species: Observations from the terrestrial environments
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Researchers examined 152 snake-eyed lizards from 18 populations in Turkey and found microplastics in the digestive tracts of about 22% of them. Fibers and fragments were the most common types, likely coming from synthetic textiles and plastic waste in the lizards' habitats. This is one of the first studies showing that microplastic contamination has spread to terrestrial reptiles, meaning land-based food chains are also affected.
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.
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For the first time, researchers documented microplastic contamination in two frog species found only in the Amazon, examining their digestive, respiratory, and skin systems. Both species had significant microplastic contamination, with the skin and digestive tract showing the highest levels. This study is important because it shows microplastics have reached even remote Amazonian ecosystems and are contaminating amphibians, which serve as indicators of overall environmental health.
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