Captive dolphins face higher levels of microplastic pollution than wild individuals
2025
Kexin Song | Pingjing Li | Yuhuan Zhai | Kai Liu | Shuang Liu | Haiyan Sun | Dongmei Wang | Songhai Li
Abstract Traditional research on microplastics in cetaceans has largely overlooked the extraction methods and their occurrence in multi-tissues. Here we present a reliable framework for extracting microplastics from multi-tissues of cetaceans, achieved through methodological comparisons and stringent quality control measures. Furthermore, a case study assesses microplastics in wild and captive pantropical spotted dolphins (Stenella attenuata). The high microplastic detection rates (80% − 100%) across various tissues underscore the contribution of microplastics from atmospheric, aquatic, and dietary sources to cetacean exposure. The microplastic abundance and detection rate in S. attenuata show a logistic relationship, indicating extensive pollution. Wild individuals exhibited more diverse microplastics (0.67 ± 0.12) than their captive counterparts (0.59 ± 0.09). Conversely, captive individuals highlighted higher pollution levels (0.67 ± 0.47 items g−1) than wild individuals (0.19 ± 0.08 items g−1). These findings provide valuable baseline data and perspectives for studying microplastic pollution and informing management strategies for marine mammals.
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