We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Plastic and other anthropogenic debris in Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) faeces from Iceland
Summary
Researchers examined fecal samples from Arctic foxes in Iceland across multiple years and regions and found plastic debris in about 5% of samples, but concluded that while foxes encounter plastic pollution, their feces are an imperfect monitoring tool because the source of ingested plastics — marine or terrestrial — is difficult to determine.
Abstract Anthropogenic debris, including plastic pollution, is a growing concern in the Arctic and negatively impacts both marine and coastal organisms. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential for using Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) faeces as a monitoring tool for plastic pollution in the Arctic environment. Arctic fox faeces were collected in different regions of Iceland and analysed for anthropogenic debris presence larger than 300 µm, and diet composition. In total, 235 faecal samples from 1999, 2017, 2018 and 2020 were analysed. The overall frequency of occurrence of plastic and other anthropogenic material was 5.11% and was found in samples across all regions and years. There were no statistical differences in anthropogenic debris ingested, depending on year or region. There were no obvious differences in diet composition between samples that contained anthropogenic debris and samples without. The suitability of Arctic fox faeces as a method to monitor plastic and anthropogenic debris levels in the Arctic environment remains debatable: Whilst the vast distribution range of the Arctic fox and the non-invasive collection methodology of faecal samples could be utilised as a good monitoring tool, the overall low uptake and unclear source of plastic and anthropogenic debris (marine or terrestrial) makes the interpretation of the data difficult. Nevertheless, debris ingestion by Arctic foxes remains a concern and warrants further studies.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
An assessment of microplastics in fecal samples from polar bears (Ursus maritimus) in Canada's North
Researchers assessed the potential for plastic ingestion in polar bears from Canada by analyzing fecal samples, first validating protocols to confirm reliable microplastic recovery from bear feces. Microplastics including films, foam, and fragments were detected in polar bear feces, providing the first evidence of plastic ingestion by this Arctic apex predator.
Passing plastic: traces of plastic in the fecal samples of a high Arctic seabird in Tunu (East Greenland)
Researchers non-lethally collected fecal samples from little auk seabirds in East Greenland and found microplastic particles in them, confirming that these Arctic birds are ingesting plastic and excreting some of it. The study is one of the first to document microplastic excretion in Arctic seabirds without killing them, suggesting fecal sampling could be a valuable non-invasive method for ongoing pollution monitoring.
A review on microplastics in mammalian feces: Monitoring techniques and associated challenges
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.
Monitoring litter and microplastics in Arctic mammals and birds
This review evaluates approaches for monitoring litter and microplastic ingestion in Arctic mammals and birds, assessing both the strengths and limitations of using wildlife as pollution indicators. Researchers found that while some species provide useful data on spatial and temporal pollution trends, monitoring programs need to be carefully designed to account for species-specific feeding behaviors and habitats. The study emphasizes the importance of standardized methods for tracking plastic pollution's impacts on Arctic biodiversity and the communities that rely on these animals for food.
Evaluating exposure of northern fur seals, Callorhinus ursinus, to microplastic pollution through fecal analysis
Fecal samples from 44 northern fur seals across their eastern Pacific range were analyzed for microplastics, with plastic fragments found in 55% and fibers in 41% of scats, and a mean of 16.6 fragments/scat among positive samples. The study documents microplastic exposure in a marine mammal species consumed by humans, raising questions about potential exposure during subsistence harvesting.