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The Effects of Microplastics on the Thermal Profile of Sand: Implications for Marine Turtle Nesting Grounds
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This study found that microplastic contamination in beach sediments can alter the thermal profile of sand nesting grounds for marine turtles, with plastic particles changing temperature and permeability in ways that could affect embryo development and sex ratios of hatchlings — a direct threat to an endangered species.
Microplastics (plastic debris smaller than 5mm) can impact marine habitat used by endangered species, like marine turtles, since they can transport toxicants and alter the nesting environment by changing the sediment properties affecting the temperature and sand permeability. Given that there is record of microplastics at marine turtle nest sites and of their potential impacts on the species, this study was conducted to determine the influence of microplastics on the thermal profile of sediment for the marine turtle nesting habitat. The experiment was conducted at the Florida State University Coastal and Marine Lab, where the temperatures of containers with sand and microplastics were recorded from July to September. The addition of microplastics in the sand resulted in an increase in temperature, with the container with 30% black particles having the highest mean temperature increase of 0.58°C (± 0.34). The results obtained from this study indicate that the change in temperature may become problematic for marine turtles, causing the sex ratio of hatchlings to be shifted more towards females, or to exceed the successful thermal range for egg incubation and become fatal.
More Papers Like This
The effects of microplastic on the thermal profile of sand: implications for marine turtle nesting grounds
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Researchers examined how microplastic contamination in beach sand affects thermal profiles relevant to marine turtle nesting, finding that MPs altered sand temperature dynamics in ways that could influence egg incubation and hatchling sex ratios.
Microplastics may heat marine turtle nests and produce more females
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Researchers found that microplastics scattered across sea turtle nesting beaches may raise nest temperatures, potentially skewing hatchling sex ratios toward females — which is already occurring due to climate change. This double pressure from plastic pollution and warming could further threaten already endangered sea turtle populations.
Microplastics contamination in natural sea turtle nests at Redang Island, Malaysia
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This study measured microplastic contamination in natural sea turtle nesting beach sediments at Redang Island, Malaysia, finding microplastics present in all sampled nests. The presence of microplastics raises concerns about potential effects on nest temperature, hatching success, and hatchling development.
Microplastic at nesting grounds used by the northern Gulf of Mexico loggerhead recovery unit
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Microplastics were found in sand at all 10 major loggerhead sea turtle nesting beaches in the northern Gulf of Mexico, with concentrations high enough to potentially affect nest temperature, gas exchange, and hatchling emergence. The findings highlight that nesting habitat quality for an endangered species is being compromised by microplastic contamination.
Microplastic Pollution in Sea Turtle Nests on the Beaches of Nautla and Vega de Alatorre, Veracruz
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Researchers assessed microplastic pollution in sea turtle nesting beaches in Veracruz, Mexico, documenting contamination levels and types that could alter sand properties and negatively affect turtle egg incubation conditions.
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.