We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics and phthalate esters contamination in top oceanic predators: A study on multiple shark species in the Pacific Ocean
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined microplastic and phthalate ester contamination in multiple shark species from the Pacific Ocean off Taiwan's coast. They found microplastics present in the gastric tissues of all shark species studied, along with measurable levels of phthalate esters, which are common plastic additives. The study provides evidence that top ocean predators are accumulating plastic-related pollutants, raising concerns about contamination throughout marine food webs.
Marine organisms, especially top predators such as sharks, are susceptible to environmental pollutants like microplastics (MPs) and phthalate esters (PAEs), leading to ecosystem risks. Research on contamination in these apex species is, however, still limited. This study investigated MPs and PAEs in multiple shark species (Isurus oxyrinchus, Alopias superciliosus, Alopias pelagicus, Carcharhinus brevipinna, and Sphyrna zygaena) off Taiwan's eastern coast. Gastric tissue analyses revealed ubiquitous microplastics (2-31 particles), which positively correlated with body lengths and weights for Isurus oxyrinchus. Blue, fiber-shaped (1-2 mm), and rayon-based MPs are likely associated with textile fiber pollution. The PAEs concentration mean was 7035 ± 6829 ng/g, ww, having DEHP and DiNP as primary compounds. This study highlights pervasive contamination in Pacific Ocean sharks, emphasizing anthropogenic impact on top oceanic predators and providing essential insights for food safety and MP accumulation.
More Papers Like This
Tropical sharks feasting on and swimming through microplastics: First evidence from Malaysia
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined microplastic contamination in five tropical shark species from Malaysian waters, finding that 100% of the 74 sharks sampled contained microplastics. A total of 2,211 plastic particles were found in gastrointestinal tracts and gills, averaging about 30 particles per shark, with black fibers being the most dominant type and polyester the most common polymer. The study suggests that microplastic uptake may be gender-related in some shark species.
Microplastics and other anthropogenic fibres in large apex shark species: Abundance, characteristics, and recommendations for future research
AI summary Read the abstract
This study provided the first investigation of microplastics and microfibres in large apex shark species, documenting their presence and characteristics across multiple species. The results confirm that microplastic contamination extends to marine megafauna at the top of the food web.
Plastic ingestion and trophic transfer in an endangered top predator, the longfin mako shark (Isurus paucus), from the tropical western Pacific Ocean
AI summary Read the abstract
This study documented plastic ingestion and trophic transfer in longfin mako sharks from the tropical western Pacific, finding plastics in both the stomach contents and prey items of this endangered species, demonstrating that microplastic contamination reaches apex marine predators through trophic pathways.
Investigating the presence of microplastics in demersal sharks of the North-East Atlantic
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found evidence of microplastic and anthropogenic fibre ingestion in four demersal shark species from North-East Atlantic waters off the United Kingdom, investigating whether contamination levels varied by species, sex, or body size.
Microplastic footprints in sharks and rays: First assessment of microplastic pollution in two cartilaginous fishes, hardnose shark and whitespotted whipray
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted the first assessment of microplastic pollution in two species of cartilaginous fish, the hardnose shark and whitespotted whipray, from the Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman. They found microplastics in every tissue examined, including intestines, gills, and skin, with fibers and filaments being the most common forms, pointing to fishing gear and wastewater as likely sources. The study reveals that even top marine predators in these waters are heavily contaminated with microplastics.
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.