Research
| Title： | Captive dolphins face higher levels of microplastic pollution than wild individuals |
|---|---|
| First author： | Song, Kexin; Li, Pingjing; Zhai, Yuhuan; Liu, Kai; Liu, Shuang; Sun, Haiyan; Wang, Dongmei; Li, Songhai |
| Journal： | COMMUNICATIONS EARTH & ENVIRONMENT |
| Years： | 2025 |
| DOI： | 10.1038/s43247-025-02849-2 |
| 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. |
