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Microplastics contamination in natural sea turtle nests at Redang Island, Malaysia
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This study measured microplastic contamination in natural sea turtle nesting beach sediments at Redang Island, Malaysia, finding microplastics present in all sampled nests. The presence of microplastics raises concerns about potential effects on nest temperature, hatching success, and hatchling development.
This study presents the first evidence of microplastics in natural sea turtle nests at Chagar Hutang Turtle Sanctuary (CHTS) on Redang Island, a crucial habitat for green turtles. Microplastics were detected in all studied turtle nests (0-70 cm depth), with a total abundance of 12,270 microplastic items per kg dry weight of sand. Fibers (80.7 %) were the most prevalent shape, primarily black (37.9 %), with a high proportion of small-sized particles (<300-1000 μm), indicating prolonged accumulation and environmental degradation. These microplastics, primarily polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene (PE), are likely from fishing nets, food packaging, and textiles. Despite the sanctuary's remote location, it is heavily impacted by microplastics carried by tides and wind, raising concerns about their potential effects on turtle egg incubation. The findings offer critical insights into the impact of microplastics on turtle habitats and underscore the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect green sea turtles in Malaysia.
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Microplastic Pollution in Sea Turtle Nests on the Beaches of Nautla and Vega de Alatorre, Veracruz
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Researchers assessed microplastic pollution in sea turtle nesting beaches in Veracruz, Mexico, documenting contamination levels and types that could alter sand properties and negatively affect turtle egg incubation conditions.
The Effects of Microplastics on the Thermal Profile of Sand: Implications for Marine Turtle Nesting Grounds
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This study found that microplastic contamination in beach sediments can alter the thermal profile of sand nesting grounds for marine turtles, with plastic particles changing temperature and permeability in ways that could affect embryo development and sex ratios of hatchlings — a direct threat to an endangered species.
The microplastic pollution in beaches that served as historical nesting grounds for green turtles on Hainan Island, China
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Researchers found an average of 2,567 microplastic pieces per square meter in beach sediments at historical green turtle nesting grounds on Hainan Island, China, with polystyrene and polyethylene foam fragments dominating and small particles (0.05-1 mm) most prevalent, raising concerns about nesting habitat quality.
Impacto de los macroplásticos y microplásticos en las áreas de anidación de tortugas marinas en San Jacinto – Manabí
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Researchers surveyed plastic debris—both macro- and microplastics—at five sections of a sea turtle nesting beach in San Jacinto, Ecuador, and assessed whether contamination correlated with reproductive outcomes for 28 Olive Ridley sea turtle nests. Higher plastic accumulation was associated with altered nest temperatures and reduced hatching success, demonstrating that beach plastic contamination directly threatens sea turtle reproduction.
Microplastic at nesting grounds used by the northern Gulf of Mexico loggerhead recovery unit
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Microplastics were found in sand at all 10 major loggerhead sea turtle nesting beaches in the northern Gulf of Mexico, with concentrations high enough to potentially affect nest temperature, gas exchange, and hatchling emergence. The findings highlight that nesting habitat quality for an endangered species is being compromised by microplastic contamination.
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.