Wild Dolphins Off US Southeast Coast Found with Microplastics in Their Breath, Study Says
Researchers have discovered microplastics in the breath of wild bottlenose dolphins in the US Southeast, particularly in Sarasota Bay, Florida, and Barataria Bay, Louisiana. The study, published in PLOS One, found that all 11 dolphins tested had at least one type of microplastic present in their breath samples.
The microplastics detected included fibers from clothing and fragments of common plastics, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyester. These particles are believed to be inhaled through contaminated air and water, with the presence of nearby urban areas suggesting that microplastics might be blown out to sea and inhaled by dolphins.
The findings raise concerns about the potential health risks for marine life, as microplastic inhalation has been associated with lung inflammation and other respiratory problems in humans. The researchers hope that these results will inspire further studies to determine the health effects of inhaled microplastics on dolphins and other marine animals.
