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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
Summary
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.