We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
An assessment of microplastics in fecal samples from polar bears (Ursus maritimus) in Canada's North
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed the potential for plastic ingestion in polar bears from Canada by analyzing fecal samples, first validating protocols to confirm reliable microplastic recovery from bear feces. Microplastics including films, foam, and fragments were detected in polar bear feces, providing the first evidence of plastic ingestion by this Arctic apex predator.
We assessed the potential for plastic ingestion in polar bears ( Ursus maritimus (Phipps (1774))) using fecal analysis. Two method studies ensured our protocols could effectively recover and identify plastics in feces. First, microplastics (film, foam, or fragments) were intentionally introduced into a model organic matrix. Recovery rates (mean ± standard deviation) averaged 95.8 ± 14.7% ( n = 18) and were significantly affected by microplastic morphology but not digestion status. Second, microplastic fragments of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polystyrene were intentionally introduced to polar bear feces. Recovery rates averaged 79.3 ± 21.6% ( n = 8) and Raman microscopy successfully identified all three polymers in 87.5% of samples. The main study then investigated the presence of microplastics in hunter-collected polar bear feces in the Canadian Arctic. Feces from the colons of hunted bears ( n = 15) and field scat ( n = 15) were collected through collaboration with Inuit communities. Polypropylene, polyethylene, and/or polyethylene terephthalate were detected in the feces of eight bears. Concentrations of microplastics in feces were, on average, less than 1 particle/g dry weight feces and at or near detection limits. Overall, this work suggests microplastic ingestion by Canadian polar bears may be low and demonstrates the utility of fecal sampling for community-based monitoring programs.
More Papers Like This
Understanding the occurrence and fate of microplastics in coastal Arctic ecosystems: The case of surface waters, sediments and walrus (Odobenus rosmarus)
AI summary Read the abstract
This holistic study examined microplastics in Arctic surface waters, sediments, and walrus tissues in coastal Svalbard, detecting plastics across all compartments and documenting for the first time microplastic occurrence in walrus gastrointestinal tracts.
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.
Evidence of microplastic ingestion in ringed seals (Pusa hispida) from the Canadian Arctic.
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined the stomachs of 30 ringed seals from Arviat and Resolute Bay, Nunavut, finding microplastics in 77% of them. Most particles were tiny fragments or fibers, with no clear link to the seals' sex, age, or size, providing baseline data for future pollution monitoring in the Arctic.
Plastic and other anthropogenic debris in Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) faeces from Iceland
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined fecal samples from Arctic foxes in Iceland across multiple years and regions and found plastic debris in about 5% of samples, but concluded that while foxes encounter plastic pollution, their feces are an imperfect monitoring tool because the source of ingested plastics — marine or terrestrial — is difficult to determine.
Microplastics and other anthropogenic particles in Antarctica: Using penguins as biological samplers
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers used penguin fecal samples collected from three species across the Antarctic Peninsula over seven breeding seasons to assess microplastic ingestion in these seabirds. Finding microplastics in Antarctic penguin feces confirms that plastic pollution has reached even remote polar food webs, with krill serving as a potential pathway for transferring microplastics to penguins.
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.