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Microplastics in the stomach contents of common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) stranded on the Galician coasts (NW Spain, 2005–2010)
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Researchers found microplastics in the stomach contents of common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) stranded on Galician coasts between 2005 and 2010, providing the first record of microplastic presence in the digestive tracts of marine mammals from this region.
Plastic debris is currently recognised as one of the major global threats to marine life. However, few data exist on the presence and abundance of microplastics (plastics < 5 mm in size) in marine mammals. This is the first record of the presence of microplastics in the digestive tracts of marine mammals from the Iberian Peninsula. This study made use of 35 samples of common dolphin stomach contents. Microplastics were identified in all the samples analysed, an average of 12 items per stomach although abundance varied widely from one stomach to another. Most plastic items were small fibres although some fragments and a bead were also found. Excluding the smallest fibres as possible airborne contamination, the estimated occurrence of microplastics could drop to as low as 94%. Although factors affecting accumulation of microplastics and their effect on common dolphins are unknown, the fact that all stomachs analysed contained microplastics is a cause for concern.
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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.
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.
Evaluating the presence of microplastics in striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) stranded in the Western Mediterranean Sea
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Researchers analyzed three decades of intestinal content data from Western Mediterranean striped dolphins stranded over 30 years, finding microplastics in 90.5% of dolphins, making it one of the highest contamination rates reported in cetaceans.
Microplastics in Cetaceans Stranded on the Portuguese Coast
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Researchers examined the intestines of 38 stranded cetaceans along the Portuguese coast and found microplastics in over 92% of the animals. Harbour porpoises had significantly more microplastics than common dolphins, likely due to differences in diet and feeding strategies. The study notes that while the quantities found were not expected to cause immediate harm, the potential for chemical bioaccumulation from plastic additives in cetacean tissues warrants further investigation.
Microplastic Occurrence in the Gastrointestinal Tract of a Risso’s Dolphin Grampus griseus in the Northeastern Mediterranean Sea
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A stranded Risso's dolphin in the northeastern Mediterranean was found to contain 454 microplastic particles in its gastrointestinal tract. Fibers and fragments were the most common forms, including polypropylene and polyethylene. This case study documents microplastic ingestion by a cetacean species and contributes to growing evidence of widespread plastic contamination in Mediterranean marine mammals.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.