We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
The presence of microplastics in Baran’s newt (Neurergus barani Öz, 1994) and the spotted newt (Neurergus strauchii Steindachner, 1887)
Summary
Researchers examined two endemic newt species in Turkey and found microplastics present in their digestive tracts, marking the first such documentation for these species. Polyethylene and polypropylene were the most common polymer types detected. The findings raise concerns about microplastic exposure in freshwater amphibians, particularly for species with already limited and vulnerable populations.
Microplastics (MPs), tiny plastic particles less than 5 mm in size, have emerged as a common and worrying pollutant in marine, freshwater, and terrestrial environments worldwide. In this study, we revealed the microplastic exposure of two endemic newt species for Türkiye. We found that polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was the predominant microplastic polymer type in both species, with the blue fiber shape in particular. We also found that there was a negative correlation between microplastic size and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) weight, but there was no significant difference between body length and GIT weight of both species. Our findings might be surprising as the studied species live in natural spring waters in remote, high-altitude areas. However, the detection of water bottles in their habitats appears to be the reason for their exposure to microplastic pollution. Therefore, reducing the use of single-use plastics is predicted to contribute to the conservation of these endemic newts.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Same genus, same burden: Microplastic pollution in banded newts
Researchers examined microplastic ingestion in three species of banded newts from freshwater habitats across Turkey and found plastic particles in 29-43% of individuals. PET fibers were the most common type detected, with no significant differences between species despite their different habitats. The consistent contamination levels across all three species suggest that microplastic pollution is widespread in freshwater environments and that these amphibians may serve as useful indicators of water quality.
Microplastic prevalence in anatolian water frogs (Pelophylax spp.)
Researchers found microplastics in the tissues of anatolian water frogs (Pelophylax spp.) collected from freshwater habitats in Turkey, documenting prevalence and characteristics of plastic particles in these amphibians whose populations are already stressed by multiple environmental pressures.
Spatiotemporal distribution of microplastics in true frogs (Ranidae:Pelophylax) populations from Türkiye
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 contamination and ecological risk assessment in two tree frog species (Hyla orientalis and Hyla savignyi) across Türkiye
Researchers examined microplastic contamination in the gastrointestinal tracts of two tree frog species across 24 provinces in Turkiye. The study found 192 microplastic particles total, predominantly PET fibers, with significant geographic variation in contamination levels and microplastic characteristics, suggesting widespread environmental distribution of microplastic pollution across the region.
Distribution of microplastics in tadpoles, adults, and habitats of three water frogs of Pelophylax spp.
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.