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Examination of Microplastic Content in Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) and Cassin’s auklets (Ptychoramphus aleuticus)
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Researchers examined and compared the microplastic content in the diets of Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) and Cassin's auklets (Ptychoramphus aleuticus), two marine species with distinct dietary habits. The project aimed to use this dietary contrast to better understand where in the marine food web microplastic accumulation is occurring and how it propagates through different trophic levels.
Mentor: Kit Cunningham; This project will document and compare the microplastic content and quantity in the diets of Steller sea lions and Cassin’s auklets. Due to their distinct diet differences, this comparison will allow for a more holistic understanding of microplastic accumulation within the marine food web and where microplastic accumulation might be occurring.
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Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.