Scientists from the city of Mar del Plata have confirmed a significant finding: the presence of microplastics in endangered dolphins.
The discovery was made by the research group “Marine Mammals,” composed of professionals from the Institute of Marine and Coastal Research and the National University of Mar del Plata (UNMdP).
The study was recently published in the international journal Marine Pollution Bulletin, revealing the impact on the digestive tract of the Franciscana dolphin Pontoporia blainvillei, a vulnerable species.
Microplastics in dolphins: what does the research say
These dolphins exclusively inhabit the coastal waters of the southwestern Atlantic Ocean, south of Brazil, Uruguay, and north of Argentina.
This is the Franciscana dolphin.
The research aimed to analyze the presence, characteristics, and potential absorption of microplastics in the digestive system of the species.
Different types of microplastics, sizes, compositions, and their potential interaction with the biological systems of the Franciscana dolphin were examined. This species is a key component of the Buenos Aires coastal ecosystem.
The study involved analyzing samples of intestinal tissue from ten female dolphins found between 2013 and 2023 on the Buenos Aires coast.
This is the first published study on microplastics in this species and in dolphins in Argentina, the second in South American cetaceans.
The specialists reported the presence of microplastics in the intestines of all the analyzed specimens in the published article.
This research was conducted as part of the doctoral thesis at the National University of Mar del Plata by the CONICET doctoral fellow Antonella Padula.
While led by researchers from the Marine Mammals Group, specialists from the Marine Birds Group at IIMyC, the Argentine Institute of Oceanography, the Geselina Naturalist Association, in collaboration with colleagues from the Inorganic Chemistry Center and the Marine Mammal Studies Group of Rio Grande do Sul (Gemars) also participated.
Conclusions
“Among the microplastics found, the most common were polyester, semi-synthetic cotton, and polypropylene fibers, materials widely used in textile products,” as indicated in the article.
Additionally, artificial pigments such as indigo blue and azo yellow were detected, present in plastic materials. Padula emphasized, “This result highlights the omnipresence of plastic pollution in the oceans and its direct impact on marine fauna.”
The specialist detailed that the animal could absorb some of the microplastics through the intestinal walls.
This implies serious implications for their health: their metabolism, immunity, fertility, and other aspects of their physiology.
The importance of the Franciscana dolphin
The Franciscana dolphin is a key species in this context. “Its position at the top of the food chain makes it an ideal bioindicator for assessing the impact of pollution on marine ecosystems,” stated researcher Pablo Denuncio.
Microplastics detected in dolphins.
The Franciscana is classified as an endangered species, recognized regionally and nationally as “vulnerable,” indicating that it is at serious risk of disappearing in the coming generations.
For this reason, it was declared a Natural Monument of the Province of Buenos Aires through Law 14.992 a few years ago, and it now enjoys the highest level of protection at the provincial level.
“These findings underscore the urgent need to implement public policies that promote the reduction of disposable plastics and encourage ocean clean-up,” emphasized Ana Ronda, a researcher at IADO.
“Only through a coordinated global effort, including reducing the production and consumption of plastics, as well as implementing marine protection measures, can we ensure the conservation of marine species and the health of the oceans. They are essential to maintaining global biodiversity,” she concluded.
Have you visited our YouTube channel yet? Subscribe now!
