We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Detection of microplastic particles in scats from different colonies of California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) in the Gulf of California, Mexico: A preliminary study
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted a preliminary study detecting microplastic particles in scats from California sea lions across six rookeries in the Gulf of California, analyzing 48 scat samples and chemically characterizing 294 suspected microplastic particles to assess MP ingestion in this top predator.
Microplastics (MPs, < 5 mm in size) are highly bioavailable to many taxa within the marine ecosystem, either ingested directly or indirectly through trophic transfer from polluted prey. The ingestion analysis of these MPs from top predators, such as pinnipeds in Mexico, is relatively unexplored. Forty-eight scats from California sea lions were collected on six rookeries along the Gulf of California. From these scat samples, 294 suspected MPs particles were classified and chemically analyzed; 34% were synthetic and semi-synthetic, and 66% were non-synthetic. Blue-colored polyethylene terephthalate fibers were the most common type of MP registered. During laboratory work, multiple contamination control measures were implemented. Although the ingestion pathway is still unknown, our results support the other authors that suggest the potential trophic transfer of MPs to top predators and incidental ingestion while foraging. The particles documented here provide important baseline information for future MP research in the Gulf of California.
More Papers Like This
What goes in, must come out: Combining scat‐based molecular diet analysis and quantification of ingested microplastics in a marine top predator
AI summary Read the abstract
By combining molecular diet analysis from seal scat with quantification of ingested microplastics, researchers found that a marine top predator was regularly ingesting plastic particles, with exposure likely mediated through prey species that had themselves ingested plastics. The study demonstrates trophic transfer of microplastics through a food chain to a marine mammal predator.
Microplastics in Antarctic penguins and seals in Admiralty Bay, King George Island, Antarctica
AI summary Read the abstract
Analysis of fresh scats from penguins and seals at King George Island, Antarctica found microplastics in approximately 30% of samples, including fibers and fragments of polyester and polypropylene, confirming microplastic ingestion by top predators in one of Earth's most remote ecosystems.
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.
Microplastic pollution in an endangered Galapagos pinniped: A comprehensive regional assessment
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested whether the endangered Galapagos sea lion, living in one of the world's most remote marine reserves, is ingesting microplastics. They found plastic particles in 44% of scat samples, with synthetic fibers dominant and polymer types suggesting both ocean-transported pollution and local fishing and domestic sources. Even in this protected and relatively pristine ecosystem, sea lions are regularly consuming microplastics, underscoring that no marine habitat is truly shielded from the global plastic pollution crisis.
Detection and quantification of microplastic pollution in the endangered Galapagos sea lion
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastics were detected in the feces of Galapagos sea lions — an endangered species living in a legally protected marine reserve — with fibers and fragments made primarily of polyester, nylon, and polyethylene. The findings suggest that even wildlife in nominally pristine protected areas are ingesting plastic, likely through their fish prey, raising conservation concerns for this vulnerable population.
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.