Ingestion of plastics by terrestrial small mammals.
Sci Total Environ
; 842: 156679, 2022 Oct 10.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-35710017
ABSTRACT
The exposure of wildlife to waste plastic is widely recognised as an issue for aquatic ecosystems but very little is known about terrestrial systems. Here, we addressed the hypothesis that UK small mammals are ingesting plastics by examining faecal samples for the presence of plastic using micro Fourier Transform infrared microscopy. Plastic polymers were detected in four out of the seven species examined (European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus), wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus); field vole (Microtus agrestis); brown rat (Rattus norvegicus)). Ingestion occurred across species of differing dietary habits (herbivorous, insectivorous and omnivorous) and locations (urban versus non-urban). Densities excreted were comparable with those reported in human studies. The prevalence of confirmed plastics in the 261 faecal samples was 16.5â¯% (95â¯% CI 13â¯%, 22â¯%). Most (70â¯%) of the 60 plastic fragments were <1â¯mm (microplastics). Polyester, likely to be derived from textiles, accounted for 27â¯% of the fragments and was found in all plastic-positive species except for the wood mouse. The high prevalence of polyester in terrestrial ecosystems was unexpected and suggests that evaluation is needed of practices likely to transfer this plastic into the environment (such as sewage sludge application to farmland). Polynorbornene, which is likely to be derived from tyre wear, and polyethylene were also commonly detected polymers. 'Biodegradable' plastics formed 27â¯% (nâ¯=â¯12) of the particles found in wild mammal faeces, warranting further research to assess their persistence in the environment.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Plásticos
/
Contaminantes Químicos del Agua
Tipo de estudio:
Risk_factors_studies
Límite:
Animals
/
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Sci Total Environ
Año:
2022
Tipo del documento:
Article