By Caroline Majewski, Publishing Associate: Researcher and Writer at Save the Water™ | December 21, 2024
Edited by Joshua Awolaye, Publishing Associate: Editor at Save the Water™
Scientists studied 11 bottlenose dolphins to see if they inhaled microplastics. They collected the particles from their blowholes when the marine mammals exhaled. The results show some effects:
- Reveals how big of an impact plastics have on the environment.
- Brings up worry for aquatic animal health.
- Illustrates how widespread microplastics are.
The scientists examined five dolphins from Sarasota Bay, an urban area in Florida, and six dolphins from Barataria Bay, a rural area in Louisiana. Because they were from two different geographic locations, they could compare the various levels of microplastics present. In addition, they used an approved catch-and-release method for testing them.
Testing and Results of the Inhaled Microplastics
The researchers measured the amount of these chemicals with each exhale using a petri dish or a spirometer. Placing it by the blowhole, the team measured lung function and the amount of inhaled microplastics. Additionally, for a control variable, the team also sampled the surrounding air. They looked for these chemicals and other pollutants under a microscope.
They found 54 bits of microplastics in all the samples. The results showed different types:
- Polymers – components of plastic packaging like water bottles
- Poly(methyl methacrylate) – shedding from clothing and textile items
Hart and Dziobak, co-authors of the experiment, said “Not only did we find that many of the dolphins were exposed to these chemicals, but their levels were higher than those found in humans.”
Why Dolphins?
Dolphins are animals known to live in a wide range of locations. Thus, they can inform us on a wide range of topics in pollution research. Wind is one factor scientists thought might carry plastics and these experiments dived deep into this.
Moreover, dolphins also have a large lung capacity, which makes them excellent candidates for studies. Bottlenose dolphins can hold their breath for about 10-14 minutes. Because of this, they take larger breaths than humans and are, therefore, more exposed to contaminants. As a result, the scientists could study if location and wind affected the levels of inhaled microplastics.
Impact of Microplastics on Environment and Humans
Microplastics are widely spread even in places where humans don’t live. They are found in breast milk, brain tissue, and even packaged drinking water bottles. This invasion into our bodies and environments brings up valid concerns about the impact these will have. What we know so far is that they are known to have adverse effects on wildlife and humans:
- Linked to blood clots
- DNA damage
- Cancer
- Oxidative stress and inflammation
- Cell damage and behavioral issues
Furthermore, microplastics are estimated to be at higher frequencies than previously thought. Researchers worldwide are studying the effects of plastics and microplastics. Most past research has focused on the ingestion of microplastics. As awareness grows, so will the need for further research. However, this study is a tip-off point for inhalation research.
