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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.
Microplastics can impact key habitats used by endangered species, such as marine turtles. They impact the environment by transporting toxicants and altering sediment properties affecting temperature and sediment permeability. Our study determined the exposure of the ten most important nesting sites for the Northern Gulf of Mexico Loggerhead Recovery Unit to microplastic. Sand samples were obtained at each nesting site during the 2017 nesting season and analyzed for abundance and characteristics of microplastic. Microplastic was found at all sites, with an average abundance of 61.08 ± 34.61 pieces/m, and 59.9% located at the dunes, where turtles primarily nest. A gradual decrease in microplastics abundance was observed from the most western nesting ground to the east. The results from this study indicate that microplastic accumulation on nesting sites for the Northern Gulf of Mexico may be of great concern, and could negatively affect the incubating environment for marine turtles.
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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.
Assessing microplastics contamination in unviable loggerhead sea turtle eggs
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Microplastics were found in every nest of unviable loggerhead sea turtle eggs collected from seven beaches in northwest Florida, averaging 1.46 particles per egg — the first such finding in this species. The presence of fibers and fragments including polyethylene and polystyrene suggests that microplastics are transferred maternally or absorbed through the eggshell, which is alarming given that loggerhead turtles are already listed as a vulnerable species.
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 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.
The microplastic pollution in beaches that served as historical nesting grounds for green turtles on Hainan Island, China
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Researchers found an average of 2,567 microplastic pieces per square meter in beach sediments at historical green turtle nesting grounds on Hainan Island, China, with polystyrene and polyethylene foam fragments dominating and small particles (0.05-1 mm) most prevalent, raising concerns about nesting habitat quality.
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.