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Microplastics pollution in larvae of toads, frogs and newts in anthropopressure gradient
Summary
Researchers examined microplastic contamination in the larvae of toads, frogs, and newts across sites with varying levels of human activity in Poland. They found microplastics in larvae at all locations, with higher concentrations near urban and agricultural areas compared to natural habitats. The study raises concerns about how microplastic exposure during sensitive developmental stages may affect already-declining amphibian populations.
Amphibians are vital components of global biodiversity and fulfil diverse ecological roles, including insect population control and serving as environmental health indicators. However, there is a concerning decline in amphibian populations globally due to factors such as habitat loss, climate change, and emerging diseases. Concurrently, the issue of microplastic pollution has gained prominence because of its potential to harm aquatic ecosystems. Microplastics, derived from various sources, endanger aquatic organisms, especially amphibians during their sensitive larval stages. In this study, we examined the prevalence of microplastic pollution in the larval stages of 10 amphibian species, covering both tailed (Urodela) and tailless (Anura) amphibians. We observed a significant correlation between amphibian species identity, the extent of artificial land cover, and the degree of microplastic contamination in larvae. Notably, our results indicate interspecific differences in microplastic bioaccumulation. Furthermore, this research is the first to demonstrate a positive correlation between microplastic pollution in amphibian larvae and anthropogenic pressure. Our findings add to the expanding literature underscoring the intricate interplay between human activities and aquatic ecosystem health.