Microplastic occurrence and phthalate ester levels in neuston samples and skin biopsies of filter-feeding megafauna from La Paz Bay (Mexico)

The impacts of microplastics on filter feeders megafauna have recently received increased attention. These organisms are potentially exposed to plastic ingestion and the release of added/sorbed contaminants during feeding activities. An assessment of microplastic abundance and the chemical impact of...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Marine pollution bulletin 2023-07, Vol.192, p.115086-115086, Article 115086
Main Authors: Galli, Matteo, Olavarrieta Garcia, Tabata, Baini, Matteo, Urbán R, Jorge, Ramírez-Macías, Deni, Viloria-Gómora, Lorena, Panti, Cristina, Martellini, Tania, Cincinelli, Alessandra, Fossi, Maria Cristina
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Filter-feeding megafauna
Fin whale
Microplastic
Phthalate esters
Plastic tracers
Whale shark
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Summary:The impacts of microplastics on filter feeders megafauna have recently received increased attention. These organisms are potentially exposed to plastic ingestion and the release of added/sorbed contaminants during feeding activities. An assessment of microplastic abundance and the chemical impact of Phthalates esters (PAEs) were performed in neustonic samples and skin biopsies of Balaenoptera physalus and Rhincodon typus inhabiting the Gulf of California (Mexico). Sixty-eight percent of the net tows contained plastics with a maximum of 0.24 items/m3 mainly composed of polyethylene fragments. PAE levels were detected both in environmental and skin biopsy samples, with the highest values in the fin whale specimens (5291 ng/g d.w). Plasticizer fingerprint showed a similar distribution pattern between neustonic samples and filter-feeding species, with DEHP and MBP having the highest concentrations. The detection of PAE levels confirmed their potential role as plastic tracers and give preliminary information about the toxicological status of these species feeding in La Paz Bay. •The highest concentrations of microplastics were detected during the dry season.•Secondary plastics fragments are the most abundant in the investigated area.•Phthalate esters are an emerging concern in La Paz Bay.•Higher levels of PAEs were detected in fin whale than in whale shark species.
ISSN:0025-326X
1879-3363
DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115086