Microplásticos en ambientes urbanos: el perro como bioindicador de exposición y riesgo gastrointestinal humano

Introduction. Microplastics (MPs), fragments smaller than 5 mm, are an environmental and health problem due to their widespread presence in domestic environments. They affect humans and animals that share water, food, and environments. In Santo Domingo, Ecuador, companion dogs can act as environmental sentinels, reflecting exposure to these contaminants and their possible link to health problems.Objective. To evaluate MPs in dog feces in Santo Domingo and their possible relationship with domestic plastic waste and gastrointestinal diseases in their human owners.Materials and methods. Feces from 27 domestic dogs were analyzed using KOH digestion and microscopy to identify and quantify MPs. Daily generation of plastic waste in contact with food and the presence of gastrointestinal diseases in owners were recorded. Statistical analyses were applied to evaluate correlations and associations, considering a significance level of α = 0.05.Results. 77.8% of fecal samples contained MPs, with an average of 288.89 MPs/g, predominantly plastic fibers. The northeastern and northwestern areas were the most affected. No significant correlation was found between plastic waste generation and MPs load (p = 0.194), but a significant association was found with gastrointestinal diseases in owners (p = 0.027; Cramer’s V = 0.463).Conclusions. Dogs reflect domestic exposure to MPs, and their study provides evidence of shared risks to human and animal health. The need to control plastic pollution and promote intersectoral preventive research and actions under the One Health approach is reinforced.