A recent study by the **University of Manchester** has revealed an alarming finding: **microplastics** have been detected in almost all organs of analyzed **sea turtles**, including the heart, brain, and, for the first time documented, in the reproductive organs.
This raises **serious concerns** about [the impact of plastic pollution](https://noticiasambientales.com/innovacion/gravity-system-un-invento-espanol-para-reducir-la-contaminacion-plastica-en-los-mares/) on the **health and reproduction** of these species.
## Tortoise Analysis in the Mediterranean
The research focused on **10 specimens of loggerhead turtles** (*Caretta caretta*) rescued in the **Mediterranean** by the **Oceanogràfic Foundation of Valencia**. The results showed that:
– 98.8% of the samples contained **foreign microparticles**.
– 70% of these particles were **plastics**.
## Types of Microplastics Found in Sea Turtles
The most common plastics identified were:
– **Polypropylene**: Used in food packaging and personal care products.
– **Polyethylene**: Found in plastic bags, posing a **risk of ingestion** due to its similarity to jellyfish.
– **Polyester**: In the form of **microfibers from clothing**, even found in heart tissues.
The particles, ranging in size from **15 to 25 microns**, are small enough to enter the bloodstream and distribute throughout the body.
## Impact on Health and Reproduction
The study confirmed that **microplastics are not only ingested**, but also **absorbed and accumulated in vital organs**, which could cause:
– Inflammation and cellular damage.
– Long-term toxicity.
– Reduced fertility and embryonic development issues.
Sea turtles can live **over 70 years**, so the accumulation of these contaminants over their lifetime could have **devastating consequences for the species**.
## Beyond the Ocean: a Global Problem
Approximately each year, around:
– **3 million tons of primary microplastics** are released into the environment.
– **5.3 million tons of large plastics** that break down over time.
The problem is not limited to turtles. Plastic pollution has [also been detected in seabirds, marine mammals, fish, and even humans](https://noticiasambientales.com/residuos/nuevo-estudio-sobre-microplasticos-evaluara-la-contaminacion-del-agua-en-argentina/). What is concerning is that these contaminants disrupt **biological systems without leaving visible signs**, becoming a **silent and persistent threat**.
## The Urgency of Addressing the Problem
The fact that **microplastics surpass the digestive tract barrier** and accumulate in the **most sensitive organs** of marine animals underscores the need for **immediate action**.
This problem **not only affects the environment**, but also represents a **direct threat to the health of all living beings**.
*Cover photo: La Vanguardia*
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