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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Opportunistic detection of anthropogenic micro debris in harbor seal (Phoca vitulina vitulina) and gray seal (Halichoerus grypus atlantica) fecal samples from haul-outs in southeastern Massachusetts, USA.
ClearOccurrence of Microplastics in Harbour Seals (Phoca vitulina) and Grey Seals (Halichoerus grypus) from German Waters
The gastrointestinal tracts of 63 harbour and grey seals from German North Sea and Baltic Sea waters were examined for microplastics, with 540 suspected particles identified in intestinal samples and 228 in stomach samples, predominantly fibers and fragments. No significant correlations were found between microplastic presence and parasite infestation or inflammatory responses, though fragments showed evidence of retention in the gut.
Changes in the abundance, concentration, and composition of the microplastics and fibers in gray seals (Halichoerus Grypus Atlantica) scat on Nantucket Island in July and November 2019 and January 2020
Researchers documented the first report of microplastics and fibers in gray seal scat from Nantucket Island, finding contamination in 100% of samples with an average of 34 particles per scat sample. The composition and abundance of microplastics varied by season, with July samples containing the most contamination and November samples dominated by smaller particles. Polyester and nylon were the most common synthetic polymers found, with seasonal changes suggesting shifts in diet or plastic inputs through the food web.
Evaluating exposure of northern fur seals, Callorhinus ursinus, to microplastic pollution through fecal analysis
Fecal samples from 44 northern fur seals across their eastern Pacific range were analyzed for microplastics, with plastic fragments found in 55% and fibers in 41% of scats, and a mean of 16.6 fragments/scat among positive samples. The study documents microplastic exposure in a marine mammal species consumed by humans, raising questions about potential exposure during subsistence harvesting.
Using a non‐invasive technique to identify suspected microplastics in grey seals ( Halichoerus grypus ) living in the western North Sea
Faecal samples from living wild grey seals in the western North Sea were analyzed for suspected microplastics, representing the first non-invasive record of microplastic exposure in this wild pinniped population. The study demonstrates that faecal analysis can provide indirect evidence of microplastic ingestion in free-ranging marine mammals without requiring capture or euthanasia.
Investigating Microplastic Presence Amongst Grey Seals (Halichoerus Grypus) of the North Sea
Researchers analyzed fecal samples from grey seals in the North Sea and found 71 microplastic particles — mostly fibers and fragments — confirming that wild marine mammals in European waters are ingesting microplastics through their prey. Marine mammals at the top of the food chain can accumulate microplastics from the fish they eat.
No evidence of microplastics in Antarctic fur seal scats from a hotspot of human activity in Western Antarctica
Examination of Antarctic fur seal feces from Deception Island revealed no microplastics among the fragments and fibers recovered, which were instead identified as silicate minerals and chitin from prey. The findings suggest that microplastic pollution levels in the pelagic food web of the western Antarctic Peninsula region remain very low.
A review on microplastics in mammalian feces: Monitoring techniques and associated challenges
Researchers reviewed how microplastics appear in the feces of humans, dogs, cats, and marine mammals, finding PET plastic to be the most common type across species. Analyzing feces offers a non-invasive way to track how much plastic organisms are ingesting, which could help guide environmental health policies.
Monk seal faeces as a non-invasive technique to monitor the incidence of ingested microplastics and potential presence of plastic additives
Researchers used a non-invasive technique to collect and analyze monk seal fecal samples for microplastic contamination, marking the first time this approach has been used for this endangered species. They found microplastic particles in the samples along with plastic additives and biomarkers indicating dietary exposure. The method offers a practical way to monitor microplastic ingestion in protected marine mammals without disturbing the animals.
Microplastics in grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) intestines: Are they associated with parasite aggregations?
Microplastics were found throughout the intestines of grey seals caught as bycatch off the Irish coast, but no clear link was found between microplastic presence and parasite infections. This adds to evidence that marine mammals are regularly exposed to microplastics through their diet.
Marine mammals and microplastics: A systematic review and call for standardisation
Microplastics were found in the gastrointestinal tracts of marine mammals in all but one of 30 studies reviewed, with 0-88 particles per animal, and were detected in pinniped scat in 8 of 10 studies, though considerable methodological inconsistencies make cross-study comparisons difficult.
Anthropogenic debris in three sympatric seal species of the Western Antarctic Peninsula
Researchers investigated microplastic contamination in three seal species inhabiting the Western Antarctic Peninsula: crabeater, leopard, and Weddell seals. The study confirmed the presence of anthropogenic debris in these Antarctic marine mammals, demonstrating that microplastic pollution has reached even remote polar ecosystems and their wildlife.
Investigating microplastic trophic transfer in marine top predators
Researchers investigated trophic transfer of microplastics in grey seals by analyzing digestive tracts of wild-caught Atlantic mackerel (fed to captive seals) alongside seal scat. Microplastics were detected in both prey fish and seal scat, providing empirical in natura evidence for trophic transfer in a marine top predator.
Assessing microplastic exposure of the Critically Endangered Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) on a remote oceanic island
Researchers assessed microplastic exposure in the critically endangered Mediterranean monk seal using scat analysis and found microplastics in 100% of samples, suggesting high pollution levels in the Madeira archipelago's coastal food web.
Plastic and other anthropogenic debris in Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) faeces from Iceland
Researchers examined fecal samples from Arctic foxes in Iceland across multiple years and regions and found plastic debris in about 5% of samples, but concluded that while foxes encounter plastic pollution, their feces are an imperfect monitoring tool because the source of ingested plastics — marine or terrestrial — is difficult to determine.
Microplastics in marine mammals stranded around the British coast: ubiquitous but transitory?
Researchers examined whole digestive tracts of 50 stranded marine mammals from 10 UK species and found microplastics in every animal (mean 5.5 particles). The low numbers and predominance in stomachs versus intestines suggest particles are largely transitory rather than accumulating permanently in marine mammal guts.
Microplastics in marine mammals stranded around the British coast: ubiquitous but transitory?
Researchers examined the entire digestive tracts of 50 stranded marine mammals from 10 species around the British coast and found microplastics in every single animal. However, the relatively low particle counts suggest that microplastics may pass through the gut rather than accumulate permanently. The findings indicate that microplastic ingestion is ubiquitous among marine mammals, though the long-term health consequences remain unclear.
Marine litter: trends and impacts in marine fauna
This review synthesizes evidence on marine litter sources, distribution, and ecological impacts, with particular focus on microplastics as a pervasive contaminant across all marine habitats. It finds that microplastics threaten marine life through ingestion, entanglement, and chemical transport, with impacts spanning trophic levels from plankton to large marine mammals.
Marine debris ingestion by the South American Fur Seal from the Southwest Atlantic Ocean
Marine debris was found in 7% of South American fur seals examined from beaches in Argentina and Brazil, with plastic being the most common type. While the ingestion rate was relatively low, the findings confirm that this marine mammal species is exposed to plastic pollution throughout its range.
An assessment of microplastics in fecal samples from polar bears (Ursus maritimus) in Canada's North
Researchers assessed the potential for plastic ingestion in polar bears from Canada by analyzing fecal samples, first validating protocols to confirm reliable microplastic recovery from bear feces. Microplastics including films, foam, and fragments were detected in polar bear feces, providing the first evidence of plastic ingestion by this Arctic apex predator.
Microplastics in faeces of European shags Gulosus aristotelis in central Norway
Researchers analyzed microplastics in 36 fecal samples from European shag chicks in central Norway to quantify egested microplastics using a non-lethal sampling method. Microplastics were detected in the majority of samples, dominated by fibers, confirming that seabirds in Norwegian coastal waters are routinely ingesting plastic debris.
A Quantitative Analysis of Microplastics in the Gastrointestinal Tracts of Odontocetes in the Southeast Region of the United States
Researchers quantified microplastic accumulation in the gastrointestinal tracts of toothed whales from the southeastern United States. The study found microplastics present in all examined specimens, indicating that these marine mammals are routinely ingesting microplastic particles from their ocean environment.
Preliminary Study on Microplastic Contamination in Black Sea Cetaceans: Gastrointestinal Analysis of Phocoena phocoena relicta and Tursiops truncatus ponticus
Researchers conducted a preliminary study of microplastic contamination in the gastrointestinal tracts of Black Sea harbor porpoises and bottlenose dolphins, documenting microplastic presence and characterizing particle types and polymer compositions.
Marine Mammals and Interactions with Debris in the Northeastern Atlantic Region: Synthesis and Recommendations for Monitoring and Research
This synthesis reviews what is known about interactions between marine mammals in the northeastern Atlantic and plastic debris, including ingestion and entanglement. The authors identify data gaps and recommend standardized monitoring approaches to better understand and mitigate plastic impacts on whales, dolphins, and seals.
Handle with Care—Microplastic Particles in Intestine Samples of Seals from German Waters
Researchers found microplastic particles — mostly fragments and fibers — in the intestines and feces of harbor seals and grey seals in German North Sea and Baltic Sea waters. This confirms microplastics have reached marine mammal top predators, raising concerns about contamination throughout the food chain.