We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Ingestion of microplastics by fish and other prey organisms of cetaceans, exemplified for two large baleen whale species
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed microplastic contamination in the prey species of minke and sei whales, finding microplastics were widespread in krill, fish, and other whale food. Since cetaceans consume large quantities of these prey, they are likely ingesting significant amounts of microplastics indirectly through their diet.
Knowledge on microplastic (MP) ingestion by cetaceans is difficult to obtain. We infer the potential for MP uptake by cetaceans from the occurrence of MP in prey species. First, we reviewed information on whale prey species, focussing on common minke (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and sei whale (B. borealis), for which the most comprehensive quantitative datasets exist. Second, evidence of MP ingestion by their prey species was reviewed. We found common minke whales forage opportunistically on fish from various families: Ammodytidae, Clupeidae, Gadidae, Engraulidae and Osmeridae. Sei whales mostly feed on copepods, Engraulidae, Clupeidae and Scombridae. High levels of MP contamination are reported for Scombridae in the Atlantic and Engraulidae in the Northwest Pacific Ocean. Copepods exhibit low levels of MP ingestion in the Northeast Pacific Ocean. Species-specific prey preferences and feeding strategies imply different cetaceans have varied potential for MP uptake, even if they feed in similar geographic areas.
More Papers Like This
Field measurements reveal exposure risk to microplastic ingestion by filter-feeding megafauna
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers combined ocean microplastic data with high-resolution whale feeding measurements to estimate how much plastic blue, fin, and humpback whales ingest in the California Current Ecosystem. They found that whales likely consume millions of microplastic particles per day, primarily through contaminated prey rather than direct filtration of water. The study reveals that filter-feeding whales face far greater microplastic exposure than previously estimated.
A Quantitative Analysis of Microplastics in the Gastrointestinal Tracts of Odontocetes in the Southeast Region of the United States
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers quantified microplastic accumulation in the gastrointestinal tracts of toothed whales from the southeastern United States. The study found microplastics present in all examined specimens, indicating that these marine mammals are routinely ingesting microplastic particles from their ocean environment.
Are baleen whales exposed to the threat of microplastics? A case study of the Mediterranean fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus)
AI summary Read the abstract
This case study estimated how many microplastics Mediterranean fin whales and basking sharks might ingest through filter feeding, using feeding rate data and measured microplastic concentrations. The study raised concern that large filter feeders accumulate significant plastic loads and that the associated chemical burden from sorbed pollutants may pose health risks to these protected species.
Plastic pollution and ocean giants: Investigating the extent and impacts of plastic ingestion by marine megafauna
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated the extent and impacts of plastic pollution on ocean giants including large marine vertebrates such as whales, basking sharks, and manta rays, which are exposed to microplastics through filter feeding and ingestion of contaminated prey. The review found growing evidence of microplastic ingestion in these species, with potential consequences for their health and conservation.
Microplastics in beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) prey: An exploratory assessment of trophic transfer in the Beaufort Sea
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined microplastic contamination in five fish species that are prey for beluga whales in the eastern Beaufort Sea of the Arctic. They found microplastics in 21% of fish examined, predominantly fibers, and estimated that individual beluga whales may ingest between 3,800 and 145,000 microplastic particles annually through their diet.
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.