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Monk seal faeces as a non-invasive technique to monitor the incidence of ingested microplastics and potential presence of plastic additives
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Researchers used a non-invasive technique to collect and analyze monk seal fecal samples for microplastic contamination, marking the first time this approach has been used for this endangered species. They found microplastic particles in the samples along with plastic additives and biomarkers indicating dietary exposure. The method offers a practical way to monitor microplastic ingestion in protected marine mammals without disturbing the animals.
Anthropogenic debris, including plastics, has recently been identified as a major threat for marine mammals and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive aims to achieve the good environmental status of European waters by addressing among other criteria, the effects of marine litter on biota. This study implemented for the first time a non-invasive technique for collecting monk seal samples to assess microdebris ingestion in combination with identifying plastic additives and porphyrins biomarkers. A total of 12 samples of monk seal faeces were collected from marine caves in Zakynthos Island, Greece. A total of 166 microplastic particles were identified; 75 % of the particles were smaller than 3 mm. Nine phthalates and three porphyrins were detected. A strong correlation was found between the number of microplastics and the concentration of phthalates. The values of both phthalates and porphyrins were found lower than in other marine mammal tissues, suggesting that seals might not be impacted by them yet.
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Using monk seal faeces as a non-invasive technique to monitor the incidence of microdebris
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Researchers developed a non-invasive method of monitoring microdebris — tiny plastic and other particles — ingested by the critically endangered Mediterranean monk seal by analyzing their feces. This approach avoids the need to examine dead animals, making it practical for ongoing monitoring of plastic ingestion in small, protected wildlife populations.
Using a non‐invasive technique to identify suspected microplastics in grey seals ( Halichoerus grypus ) living in the western North Sea
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Faecal samples from living wild grey seals in the western North Sea were analyzed for suspected microplastics, representing the first non-invasive record of microplastic exposure in this wild pinniped population. The study demonstrates that faecal analysis can provide indirect evidence of microplastic ingestion in free-ranging marine mammals without requiring capture or euthanasia.
Assessing microplastic exposure of the Critically Endangered Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) on a remote oceanic island
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Researchers assessed microplastic exposure in the critically endangered Mediterranean monk seal using scat analysis and found microplastics in 100% of samples, suggesting high pollution levels in the Madeira archipelago's coastal food web.
A non-invasive method of microplastics pollution quantification in green sea turtle Chelonia mydas of the Mexican Caribbean
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Researchers used a non-invasive method of analyzing green sea turtle feces to measure microplastic contamination near the Caribbean coast of Mexico, finding between 10 and 89 microplastic particles per gram. Fibers were the most common type, made of nylon, PVC, polypropylene, and polyester. The study shows that even marine wildlife in relatively remote areas is exposed to significant microplastic pollution, and provides a way to monitor contamination without harming the animals.
A review on microplastics in mammalian feces: Monitoring techniques and associated challenges
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Researchers reviewed how microplastics appear in the feces of humans, dogs, cats, and marine mammals, finding PET plastic to be the most common type across species. Analyzing feces offers a non-invasive way to track how much plastic organisms are ingesting, which could help guide environmental health policies.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.