We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
The intestinal microbiota of a Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus): possible relationships with starvation raised by macro-plastic ingestion
Summary
Researchers profiled the gut bacteria of a stranded Risso's dolphin that died after ingesting rubber gloves, finding that starvation caused by plastic obstruction was associated with disrupted microbial diversity and the presence of potentially opportunistic pathogens, offering early evidence linking plastic ingestion to microbiome dysbiosis in cetaceans.
Ingesting marine plastics is increasingly common in cetaceans, but little is known about their potential effects. Here, by utilizing 16S rRNA gene sequencing, we profiled the intestinal bacterial communities of a stranded Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus) which died because of the ingestion of rubber gloves. In this study, we explored the potential relationships between starvation raised by plastic ingestion with the dolphin gut microbiota. Our results showed significant differences in bacterial diversity and composition among the different anatomical areas along the intestinal tract, which may be related to the intestinal emptying process under starvation. In addition, the intestinal bacterial composition of the Risso's dolphin showed both similarity and divergence to that of other toothed whales, suggesting potential roles of both host phylogeny and habitat shaping of the cetacean intestinal microbiome. Perhaps, the microbiota is reflecting a potentially disordered intestinal microbial profile caused by the ingestion of macro-plastics which led to starvation. Moreover, two operational taxonomic units (0.17% of the total reads) affiliated with Actinobacillus and Acinetobacter lwoffii were detected along the intestinal tract. These bacterial species may cause infections in immunocompromised dolphins which are malnourished. This preliminary study profiles the intestinal microbiota of a Risso's dolphin, and provides an additional understanding of the potential relationships between starvation raised by ingesting macro-plastics with cetacean gut microbiota.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Microplastic Occurrence in the Gastrointestinal Tract of a Risso’s Dolphin Grampus griseus in the Northeastern Mediterranean Sea
A stranded Risso's dolphin in the northeastern Mediterranean was found to contain 454 microplastic particles in its gastrointestinal tract. Fibers and fragments were the most common forms, including polypropylene and polyethylene. This case study documents microplastic ingestion by a cetacean species and contributes to growing evidence of widespread plastic contamination in Mediterranean marine mammals.
Microplastics in gastric samples from common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) residing in Sarasota Bay FL (USA)
Microplastics were detected in gastric samples from common bottlenose dolphins residing in Sarasota Bay, Florida, confirming that even marine mammals in a relatively studied coastal area are exposed to plastic debris. The results add to evidence that microplastics are widespread in the marine food web and that dolphins serve as useful sentinels for coastal pollution.
Microplastics in marine mammals stranded around the British coast: ubiquitous but transitory?
Researchers examined whole digestive tracts of 50 stranded marine mammals from 10 UK species and found microplastics in every animal (mean 5.5 particles). The low numbers and predominance in stomachs versus intestines suggest particles are largely transitory rather than accumulating permanently in marine mammal guts.
Impact of Plastic Debris on the Gut Microbiota of Caretta caretta From Northwestern Adriatic Sea
Researchers analyzed fecal microbiota from 45 loggerhead sea turtles and found that individuals with more ingested plastic debris had distinct gut microbial compositions, suggesting plastic pollution may be altering the gut ecosystem of this Mediterranean flagship species.
First report from North America of microplastics in the gastrointestinal tract of stranded bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)
This study reported the first North American case of microplastics in the gastrointestinal tracts of stranded bottlenose dolphins, finding particles in the majority of animals examined. The detection of microplastics in apex marine predators like dolphins indicates that plastic contamination has penetrated far up the marine food chain.