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Predicted microplastic uptake through trophic transfer by the short-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) and common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea
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Researchers estimated daily microplastic ingestion via trophic transfer for two dolphin species in the Mediterranean Sea and Northeast Atlantic, calculating that common dolphins ingest up to 164 microplastics per day in the Mediterranean. The estimates highlight how plastic pollution accumulates through marine food webs and reaches apex predators.
Marine mammals can serve as an indicator of ecosystem health, and are likely exposed to significant amounts of microplastics (MPs). In this study we estimated the MP uptake of two odontocetes, the short-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) and the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), in the Mediterranean Sea and the Northeast Atlantic. These two species are expected to primarily ingest MPs through trophic transfer. To this end, data was collected on their diet, which was subsequently linked to MP occurrence and abundance in prey families. We estimated that D. delphis ingests 76 MPs/day in the Northeast Atlantic and 164 MPs/day in the Mediterranean, and T. truncatus ingests 36 MPs/day in the Northeast Atlantic and 179 MPs/day in the Mediterranean. This study provides important new predictions on MP exposure in two odontocetes, and opens up new research opportunities on the effect of this exposure on the health of organisms.
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Scientists studying dolphins in Florida's Sarasota Bay found tiny plastic bits (microplastics) in nearly all the fish these dolphins eat, and estimate the dolphins may swallow more than 10,000 plastic particles a day just from their prey. This matters beyond dolphins: it shows how plastic pollution moves up the food chain from fish to predators, raising questions about how much of this contamination could also be making its way into the seafood people eat.
First report from North America of microplastics in the gastrointestinal tract of stranded bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)
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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.
Plastic, It’s What’s for Dinner: A Preliminary Comparison of Ingested Particles in Bottlenose Dolphins and Their Prey
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Researchers compared the types of microplastics found in the stomachs of bottlenose dolphins in Sarasota Bay, Florida, with those found in their prey fish. They found that 97% of prey fish contained suspected microplastics, primarily fibers in the gastrointestinal tract, but the particle types did not fully match those found in dolphin samples. The study suggests that contaminated prey may be one pathway for dolphin microplastic exposure, though additional sources likely contribute.
Microplastics in gastric samples from common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) residing in Sarasota Bay FL (USA)
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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.
Vijftig keer meer microplastics in de oceaan tegen eind deze eeuw
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This research examined microplastic occurrence in the body tissues and organs of Mediterranean bottlenose dolphins from the Adriatic Sea, finding widespread tissue distribution beyond the gastrointestinal tract. Polymer identification in liver and muscle tissue suggests microplastic translocation from the gut represents a toxicological concern for long-lived marine mammals.
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.