We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastic loads in Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) feces—targeting a standardized protocol and first results from an alpine stream, the River Inn
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a standardized method for extracting and analyzing microplastics from Eurasian otter feces to use these apex predators as indicators of aquatic pollution. Testing the method on 50 samples from Austria's River Inn, they found microplastics of various sizes and types, including fibers and tire wear particles, in every sample. The study suggests that otters can serve as effective bioindicators for tracking microplastic contamination in river ecosystems.
Microplastics (MP) are omnipresent in a wide range of environments, constituting a potential threat for aquatic and terrestrial wildlife. Effects in consumers range from physical injuries to pathological reactions. Due to potential bioaccumulation of MP, predators are of particular concern for MP induced health effects. The Eurasian otter is an apex predator in (semi-)aquatic habitats feeding primarily on fish. Furthermore, the species is classified as "near threatened" on the IUCN Red List. Thus, the Eurasian otter is of conservation concern and may serve as a bioindicator for MP pollution. Feces can be used to detect pollutants, including MP. Initial studies confirmed the presence of MP in otter feces (= spraints). However, as specific, validated protocols targeting at an efficient and standardized extraction of MP from otter spraints are missing, experimental results reported from different groups are challenging to compare. Therefore, we (i) present steps towards a standardized protocol for the extraction of MP from otter feces, (ii) give recommendations for field sample collection of otter spraints, and (iii) provide a user-friendly step-by-step workflow for MP extraction and analysis. Applying this framework to field samples from five study sites along the River Inn (n = 50), we detected MP of different sizes and shapes (ranging from microfibers to road abrasion and tire wear) in all otter spraint samples.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics in Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) spraints and their potential as a biomonitoring tool in freshwater systems
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed microplastics in Eurasian otter spraints from Irish freshwater systems, finding diverse polymer types and suggesting otter scat could serve as an effective biomonitoring tool for tracking microplastic contamination in rivers.
Microplastic Contamination in the Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra) as a sentinel of land use impacts in Central Italy.
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists found tiny plastic particles (microplastics) in the poop of nearly every otter they sampled from rivers in Central Italy, with more pollution showing up near cities and in smaller streams. Since otters eat fish from the same waterways that supply drinking water and food to nearby communities, their contamination suggests these plastics, and whatever chemicals hitch a ride on them, are moving through the food chain in ways that could eventually reach us too. More research is needed to know exactly how this affects health, but the findings are a useful early warning sign for water pollution.
Investigating the Presence and Trophic Transfer of Microplastics in Ex- and In-Situ North American Otters Through Scat and Diet Analysis
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed scat from wild and captive sea otters and river otters in the North Pacific to detect microplastic ingestion and investigate trophic transfer through their prey. The study found evidence of microplastics in otter feces, confirming that these top predators are exposed to microplastics through their diet of fish and invertebrates.
Microplastics, Alien Species and Amphibian Male-specific Predation in River Otter Diet (lutra Lutra). a Study of Two Populations in the Ticino Valley (north Italy) and Sila Massif (south Italy).
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied otter diet and distribution in two Italian rivers and found evidence that otters are consuming prey contaminated with microplastics and invasive species. The study highlights how predators at the top of freshwater food chains can accumulate plastic pollution through their diet.
Synthetic debris ingestion by carnivorous mammals in aquatic ecosystems: insights from the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) in Europe
AI summary Read the abstract
Field surveys found synthetic debris being ingested by carnivorous aquatic mammals, documenting microplastic and macroplastic consumption at upper levels of freshwater and marine food webs. The findings extend evidence of plastic ingestion to apex predators, raising concerns about accumulation and health effects in these species.
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.