Impact of marine debris recorded in a sympatric colony of otariids in the south coast of Peru

Prevalence of plastic debris in nests of two cormorant species in Peru

The guanay cormorant (Leucocarbo bougainvilliorum) and red-legged cormorant (Poikilocarbo gaimardi) are known for their prolific nest-building behavior, utilizing a diverse array of materials, including anthropogenic debris, thereby serving as valuable indicators of ocean plastic pollution. To elucidate inter-specific variations in nest plastic occurrence between these two cormorant species, we conducted a comprehensive examination of nests at 12 colonies along the Peruvian coast in 2018-2019. Our findings revealed a significantly higher occurrence of plastic in red-legged cormorant nests (mean 50 ± 27 %, N = 100 nests in 7 colonies) compared to guanay cormorant nests (mean 10 ± 20 %, 3497 nests in 8 colonies). Furthermore, the prevalence of plastic waste varied across colonies within both species. Off-white/clear plastic bags were the predominant color and type of debris found in both cormorant nests. This study is a baseline of plastic marine pollution occurrence along the Peruvian coast.

Assessing the current state of plastic pollution research in Antarctica: Knowledge gaps and recommendations

Antarctica stands as one of the most isolated and pristine regions on our planet. Regardless, recent studies have evidenced the presence of plastic pollution in Antarctic environments and biota. While these findings are alarming and put into perspective the reach of plastic pollution, it is necessary to assess the current knowledge of plastic pollution in Antarctica. In the present review, an updated literature review of plastic pollution in multiple Antarctic environmental compartments and biota was conducted. Studies were cataloged based on environmental compartments (e.g., sediments, seawater, soil, atmosphere) and biota from different ecological niches. A detailed analysis of the main findings, as well as the flaws and shortcomings across studies, was conducted. In general terms, several studies have shown a lack of adequate sampling and analytical procedures for plastic research (particularly in the case of microplastics) and standard procedures; thus, compromising the reliability of the data reported and comparability across studies. Aiming to guide future studies and highlight research needs, a list of knowledge gaps and recommendations were provided based on the analysis and discussion of the literature and following standardized procedures.

Anthropogenic debris in three sympatric seal species of the Western Antarctic Peninsula

Litter pollution is a growing concern, including for Antarctica and the species that inhabit this ecosystem. In this study, we investigated the microplastic contamination in three seal species that inhabit the Western Antarctic Peninsula: crabeater (Lobodon carcinophaga), leopard (Hydrurga leptonyx) and Weddell (Leptonychotes weddellii) seals. Given the worldwide ubiquity of this type of contaminant, including the Southern Ocean, we hypothesized that the three seal species would present anthropogenic debris in their feces. We examined 29 scat samples of crabeater (n = 5), leopard (n = 13) and Weddell (n = 11) seals. The chemical composition of the items found were identified using micro-Raman and micro-FTIR spectroscopies. All the samples of the three species presented anthropic particles (frequency of occurrence - %FO - 100 %). Fibers were the predominant debris, but fragments and filaments were also present. Particles smaller than 5 mm (micro debris) were predominant in all the samples. Leopard seals ingested significantly larger micro-debris in comparison with the other seal species. The dominant color was black followed by blue and white. Micro-Raman and micro-FTIR Spectroscopies revealed the presence of different anthropogenic pigments such as reactive blue 238, Indigo 3600 and copper phthalocyanine (blue and green). Carbon black was also detected in the samples, as well as plastic polymers such as polystyrene, polyester and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide, polypropylene and polyurethane These results confirm the presence of anthropogenic contamination in Antarctic seals and highlight the need for actions to mitigate the effects and reduce the contribution of debris in the Antarctic ecosystem.

Terrestrial mammals of the Americas and their interactions with plastic waste

Plastics have brought many benefits to society, but their mismanagement has turned them into a serious environmental problem. Today, the effects of plastic waste on wildlife are becoming increasingly evident. Since studies on plastic pollution have focused on species in marine ecosystems, here we review current knowledge on interactions between terrestrial mammals and plastic waste in the countries of the Americas, which is a global hotspot of mammalian biodiversity and in turn has, among its member countries, nations with high per capita generations of plastic waste globally. We identified 46 scientific articles documenting plastic ingestion in 37 species and four species that used plastic waste for nest or burrow construction. Of the 46 investigations, seven focused on plastic contamination, while the others reported on the presence of plastics in wildlife, even though this was not the primary focus of the research. However, these publications lack analytical methods commonly used in plastic studies, and only one study applied a standardized methodology for plastic detection. Therefore, in general, plastic pollution research on terrestrial mammals is limited. We extend several recommendations such as designing methodologies that are adapted to terrestrial mammals for the identification of plastics in fecal matter or gastrointestinal contents, carrying out species-specific analyzes on the impacts of plastics in nests or burrows, and giving further attention to this understudied issue and taxa.

High incidence of plastic debris in Andean condors from remote areas: Evidence for marine-terrestrial trophic transfer

Plastic pollution is an alarming environmental problem affecting diverse species worldwide. Scavenging birds are currently exposed to plastic due to contamination of their food sources. Here, we evaluated the ingestion of plastic by a threatened top scavenger, the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus), and the potential origin of the plastic. We analyzed the biotic (organic items from the diet) and abiotic (synthetic material) composition of regurgitated pellets in two remote areas of Peru associated with protected areas: a marine-coastal region and an Andean region. Condors consume mainly Pinnipeds and South American camelids in the marine-coastal region, and camelids and livestock in the Andean region. We found different sizes and varieties of plastic debris, with a very high frequency of occurrence (85-100%) of microplastics in pellets of both areas studied. The occurrence of microplastics differed between sites; although very high in general, the rate of occurrence and density were higher in the marine-coastal region. We also confirmed that carcasses consumed by condors in both study areas were contaminated with plastic. Therefore, plastic in Andean condors is most probably acquired through the food web in both the marine and terrestrial environments. Andean condors from Peru are highly contaminated with plastic, which may affect their health, population dynamics, and conservation. Moreover, as condors are apex scavengers, our results highlight the fact that plastic pollution in remote areas of Peru is present at different levels of the food web and in the environment. Urgent Action should be taken to reduce environmental contamination with this hazardous pollutant.

Can oviposition on marine litter pose a threat to marine fishes?

Marine litter colonization is widely investigated as an important pathway for the dispersal of potentially invasive species. However, this phenomenon may be impacting marine biota in other ways as well. In this viewpoint, we express our concerns regarding the potential loss of viable eggs of numerous oviparous fishes deposited on marine litter when large-scale stranding events occur. Our concerns are supported by personal observations of stranded marine litter harboring fresh and viable egg capsules (Sympterygia sp.) and eggs (Family: Blenniidae), as well as reports in the literature. The loss of viable eggs from oviparous fishes is widely overlooked and poorly understood. Based on these knowledge gaps, we make a call for research and propose several research priorities to understand the impact of these events.