We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Handle with Care—Microplastic Particles in Intestine Samples of Seals from German Waters
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found microplastic particles — mostly fragments and fibers — in the intestines and feces of harbor seals and grey seals in German North Sea and Baltic Sea waters. This confirms microplastics have reached marine mammal top predators, raising concerns about contamination throughout the food chain.
The Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) aims to reduce the marine debris burden in the marine environment by 2020. This requires an assessment of the actual situation, which includes the occurrence as well as the caused impacts. Information on both is scarce when it comes to top predators like marine mammals and the burden of microplastic. This is hampered by the limited access to free ranging marine mammals for collecting samples, as well as sample handling. The present study investigated gastrointestinal tracts and faecal samples of harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) and grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) regularly occurring in the German North Sea and Baltic Sea with the aim of gaining information on the occurrence of microplastics. In total, 255 particles ≥100 µm (70 fibres, 185 fragments) were found in exemplary ten intestine and nine faecal samples. The findings ranged from zero fibres and six fragments, up to 35 fibres and 55 fragments per sample. Additionally, this study established a protocol for sample handling, microplastic isolation (≥100 µm) and quantification of gastrointestinal tracts and faecal samples of marine mammals with a low share of contamination. This approach helps to quantify the presence of microplastics in free-ranging marine mammals and is therefore applicable to assess the real burden of microplastic presence in the marine environment.
More Papers Like This
Investigating Microplastic Presence Amongst Grey Seals (Halichoerus Grypus) of the North Sea
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed fecal samples from grey seals in the North Sea and found 71 microplastic particles — mostly fibers and fragments — confirming that wild marine mammals in European waters are ingesting microplastics through their prey. Marine mammals at the top of the food chain can accumulate microplastics from the fish they eat.
Occurrence of Microplastics in Harbour Seals (Phoca vitulina) and Grey Seals (Halichoerus grypus) from German Waters
AI summary Read the abstract
The gastrointestinal tracts of 63 harbour and grey seals from German North Sea and Baltic Sea waters were examined for microplastics, with 540 suspected particles identified in intestinal samples and 228 in stomach samples, predominantly fibers and fragments. No significant correlations were found between microplastic presence and parasite infestation or inflammatory responses, though fragments showed evidence of retention in the gut.
Investigating microplastic trophic transfer in marine top predators
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated trophic transfer of microplastics in grey seals by analyzing digestive tracts of wild-caught Atlantic mackerel (fed to captive seals) alongside seal scat. Microplastics were detected in both prey fish and seal scat, providing empirical in natura evidence for trophic transfer in a marine top predator.
Investigating microplastic trophic transfer in marine top predators
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated whether microplastics can transfer through the food chain by analyzing the scat of captive grey seals and the wild mackerel they were fed. They found microplastics in about half of the seal scat samples and a third of the fish, with similar particle types in both. The study suggests that trophic transfer is a plausible route for microplastics to move up marine food chains to top predators.
Assessing microplastic pollution in marine mammals: evidence from three cetacean species in the southeastern Black Sea
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined microplastic contamination in the digestive tracts of three cetacean species from the southeastern Black Sea, finding particles in all seven individuals studied. Fiber-shaped microplastics were the most common type, and polymer analysis identified polyester and polyamide as the dominant materials. The study adds to growing evidence that marine mammals accumulate microplastics through the food chain, raising concerns about the health of top ocean predators.
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.