Microplastics Everywhere: Dolphins Show Evidence Of Breathing Harmful Particles
New research highlights the alarming discovery of microplastics inhaled by dolphins off the Southeast U.S. coast, raising concerns about marine health and the wider impact on ecosystems.
Scientists have made a significant finding, detecting microplastics—tiny plastic fragments less than 5 millimeters long—in the exhaled breath of bottlenose dolphins. This groundbreaking research, published in PLOS One, sheds light on how marine mammals might be exposed to these potentially harmful particles through inhalation.
Previously, studies primarily linked microplastic exposure to dietary consumption, where these tiny fragments accumulate within marine organisms and potentially move across various organs. This new study takes it one step forward, as it’s the first time researchers have explored the possibility of dolphins inhaling these particles, emphasizing the urgent need for awareness and action against plastic pollution.
During health assessments conducted over May and June 2023, researchers were able to collect breath samples from 11 wild bottlenose dolphins, six located off Barataria Bay, Louisiana, and five from Sarasota Bay, Florida. By using petri dishes placed at the dolphins’ blowholes, each dolphin was found to exhale at least one microplastic particle, predominantly made of polyester, which is similar to the materials commonly found in human-related waste.
Co-lead author Miranda Dziobak, an environmental scientist at the College of Charleston, reflected on the surprising proliferation of microplastics: “We found dolphins may be breathing in microplastics, even if they live in rural areas away from high levels of human activity. This demonstrates these particles are everywhere, regardless of urbanization and human development.”
The widespread presence of microplastics raises serious questions about the broader environmental impacts, especially on marine life. Research has already indicated airborne microplastics are prevalent globally, even reaching pristine locations such as the Arctic. The findings imply not only the possibility of greater inhalation risks for dolphins but also suggest other marine species, such as large baleen whales, may be unwittingly consuming millions of microplastic particles every day.
Greg Merrill, another researcher involved with the study from Duke University, emphasized the potential health ramifications for marine mammals caused by inhaling these particles. Although the study did not directly measure health impacts, there is considerable concern inhaled microplastics could adversely affect lung health, considering both animal and human physiology shares similarities. This has potential ramifications for coastal populations reliant on marine resources and those who swim or engage with affected waters.
The research findings provoke not only concern for marine wildlife but also highlight urgent attention needed on the health of marine ecosystems. The continuous rise of plastic pollution has far-reaching consequences, and now the inhalation route of exposure has opened up new avenues for research on dolphin health and environmental impacts.
To address these pressing issues, the research team plans to pursue follow-up studies focusing on the types of microplastics dolphins encounter, alongside investigating potential health risks associated with inhalation exposure. Dolphins, known for their longevity, could serve as key indicators of environmental disturbances impacting both marine life and humans who share similar environmental resources.
Miranda Dziobak poignantly urged action: “This is an important finding but is somewhat unsurprising due to the ubiquity of microplastics present within various environments.” Her remarks indicate the need for immediate and decisive measures to mitigate plastic pollution at all levels of society.
Addressing the global crisis of plastic debris is imperative to safeguard marine health and by extension, the health of coastal communities. By advancing knowledge on how microplastics interact with marine species, the research stands to influence conservation strategies and promote healthier oceans.
Overall, the study serves as an eye-opener, highlighting how deeply entrenched microplastic pollution has become within ecosystems, underscoring both the urgency for immediate action and the necessity for increased public awareness surrounding the perils of plastic waste.
Further investigations could reveal stark revelations about the impact of microplastics on marine ecosystems and mankind, pushing for innovative solutions to tackle this omnipresent threat.
