This web application uses cookies and other tracking technologies to ensure you get the best experience.
SC/69A/E/10
Offline resourceN/A |
Request |
| Additional files | |
SC_69A_E_10.pdf660 KB |
Download |
| View in browser | |
Resource ID
19990
Access
Open
Document Number
SC/69A/E/10
Full Title
Evaluating the Ingestion of Microplastics in Blue Whales (Balaenoptera musculus) in the Northern Indian Ocean
Author
Porter, L., Kudavidanage, E., Brannan, N., Liu, H.M., Liu, M., Yang, K. And Zhang, K.
Authors Summary
Exxxx describes the type and number of microplastics in faecal samples obtained from free-ranging blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus). The study had two main aims; to build the capacity of Sri Lankan researchers in the field of contaminant analysis and to initiate a more comprehensive study on an archive of faecal samples (blue whales and terrestrial species) held in Sri Lanka. The blue whale faecal samples used in this study were obtained from whale watching vessels that were operating in southern Sri Lankan waters. Only blue whale samples were collected and, for the purposes of this study, only 18 samples were subject to analyses for microplastics (particles < 5mm). Of the samples analysed, 45 microplastic particles were detected at an average of 0.82 items/g dry weight. The predominant material was fibre (68.9%) and the most commonly occurring colour was blue (55.6%). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) detected six polymer types, nearly half of which were polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The diversity of shapes, colours and polymer types of the particles identified demonstrates the diversity of marine microplastic present and available for ingestion, either via prey consumption or direct intake, by the top predators of the Indian Ocean. Little is documented on microplastics in free ranging cetacean species in the Indian Ocean and it is intended that this study has provided additional capacity and new interest in this field, as well as providing new insights to the health status of the blue whales of the northern Indian Ocean
Publisher
IWC
Publication Year
2023
Abstract
Microplastics, an emerging contaminant in the marine environment, have attracted widespread attention due to their ubiquitous occurrence and harmful effects, however, little has been documented on the presence of microplastics in free-ranging cetaceans. In this study, we assessed methodologies that could be used in Sri Lankan University facilities to analyse mammalian faecal samples, using blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) samples obtained from the northern Indian Ocean. Of the samples analysed, 45 microplastic particles were detected at an average of ~0.82 items/g dry weight. The predominant material was microfibre (68.9%) and the dominating colour was blue (55.6%). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) detected six polymer types, nearly half of which were polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The diversity of shapes, colours and polymer types of particles identified demonstrates the diversity of marine microplastic present and available for ingestion, by whatever means, in the top predators of the Indian Ocean. This study assists in establishing a baseline for microplastic presence in free-ranging blue whales and has also initiated a capacity building programme between a regional Centre of Excellence and a University new to this field. Future work will continue to build skills transfer and investigate the potential adverse effects of long-term exposure to microplastics in both marine and terrestrial megafauna