TY - JOUR
T1 - Captive dolphins face higher levels of microplastic pollution than wild individuals
AU - Song, Kexin
AU - Li, Pingjing
AU - Zhai, Yuhuan
AU - Liu, Kai
AU - Liu, Shuang
AU - Sun, Haiyan
AU - Wang, Dongmei
AU - Li, Songhai
PY - 2025/11/18
Y1 - 2025/11/18
N2 - 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.
AB - 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.
U2 - 10.1038/s43247-025-02849-2
DO - 10.1038/s43247-025-02849-2
M3 - Article
SN - 2662-4435
VL - 6
JO - Communications Earth & Environment
JF - Communications Earth & Environment
M1 - 923
ER -
