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Are fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) exposed to microplastics toxicological threat
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Researchers investigated whether fin whales in the Mediterranean Sea face toxicological risks from microplastics, by counting microplastics in surface waters and measuring phthalate concentrations in whale samples. The study compared two whale populations in areas of different human pressure to assess how microplastic-associated chemical contamination may affect these filter-feeding marine mammals.
The emerging issue of microplastics (plastic fragments smaller than 5 mm) in marine environment is recently raising increasing attention. The impacts of microplastics on baleen whales, which potentially undergo to the ingestion of micro-litter by filtrating feeding activity, are largely unknown. Here we present the case study of the Mediterranean fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus), exploring the toxicological effects of microplastics on mysticetes comparing two populations living in areas characterized by different human pressure: the Pelagos Sanctuary (Mediterranean Sea) and the Sea of Cortez (Mexico). The work is implemented through three steps: 1) collection/count of microplastics in Pelagos Sanctuary (Mediterranean Sea); 2) detection of phthalates in superficial neustonic/planktonic samples; 3) detection of phthalates and biomarkers responses (CYP1A1, CYP2B, lipid peroxidation) in skin biopsies of fin whales collected in the Pelagos Sanctuary (n=18) and Sea of Cortez (n=7). High presence of plastic particles have been detected in superficial neustonic/planktonic samples collected in the Pelagos Sanctuary areas investigated (mean value 0.62 items/m3 ) with high concentration of phthalates (DEHP and MEHP), used as tracers of plastic derivates. Relevant concentrations of MEHP and higher biomarker responses (CYP1A1, CYP2B, lipid peroxidation) were detected in the skin biopsies of fin whales collected in the Mediterranean areas in comparison to the specimens of Sea of Cortez. These results suggest the use of phthalates as a tracer of microplastics assumption in fin whales and represent a warning signal on this emerging threat in baleen whales.
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Are baleen whales exposed to the threat of microplastics? A case study of the Mediterranean fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus)
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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.
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Researchers compared microplastic interactions with fin whale populations in the Mediterranean Sea and the Sea of Cortez. The study found considerable microplastic abundance in surface water samples from both regions, suggesting that baleen whales that feed by filtering large volumes of seawater face significant exposure to microplastic contamination.
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Researchers modeled microplastic exposure for fin whales in the Mediterranean Sea, creating risk maps based on whale habitat use and microplastic distribution. The study found high overlap between whale feeding areas and areas of elevated microplastic concentrations, suggesting significant ingestion risk for this endangered species.
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Researchers measured phthalate concentrations in tissue samples from three whale species in the Mexican Pacific, investigating whether plastics-associated endocrine-disrupting chemicals are accumulating in these large marine mammals. The study adds to growing evidence that plastic-derived chemical pollutants are entering marine mammal food webs.
Large filter feeding marine organisms as indicators of microplastic in the pelagic environment: The case studies of the Mediterranean basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus) and fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus)
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