Ingestion and characterization of plastic debris by loggerhead sea turtle, Caretta caretta, in the Balearic Islands

Physiology and fertility of two gull species in relation to plastic additives' exposure

Understanding the impact of plastic and its additives on wild species is crucial as their presence in the environment increases. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), once used as flame retardants, were restricted due to known toxic effects, but are still detected in the environment. Naturally occurring methoxylated PBDEs (MeO-BDEs) can result from PBDE transformation and may cause similar hazardous effects. Yellow-legged gulls (Larus michahellis, YLG) and Audouin's gulls (Ichthyaetus audouinii, AG) are highly susceptible to plastic additives, due to their distribution, trophic position, and behaviour. In this study, we assessed PBDEs and MeO-BDEs uptake in different tissues and their effects on physiological and reproductive parameters. Findings indicate that, apart from annual differences, adult AG accumulated more MeO-BDEs than YLG in a natural breeding habitat (Deserta), while the latter had lower PBDE levels than YLG breeding in the city of Porto. In relation to chicks, only YLG from Deserta showed higher PBDE concentrations than AG chicks. Individual analysis of each physiological parameter revealed impacts only for adult YLG from Deserta, with neurofunction and immune system inhibition at higher MeO-BDE concentrations. For chicks, AG showed impaired neurofunction, while YLG chicks from Porto exhibited potential genotoxicity effects triggered by higher MeO-BDE levels. Overall health analysis showed activation of antioxidant defences and compromised immune system in YLG adults from Porto due to high values of PBDEs, while chicks from Deserta exhibited inflammation and oxidative stress with high concentrations of MeO-BDEs in the same species. Fertility parameters showed significant differences for sperm counts though suggesting individuals may be able to compensate any exposure effects. This study confirms the widespread presence of plastic-associated compounds and their harmful effects on gulls, particularly on neurofunction, immune system, oxidative balance and fertility, especially due to the presence of MeO-BDEs.

Microplastic ingestion by sea turtles around Tokyo Bay: Level of water pollution influences ingestion amounts

We investigated the contents inside the esophagus and stomach of turtles inside and outside of the Tokyo Bay area, which face high and low risks of microplastic (MP) exposure, respectively. 65 synthetic particles were recovered from 8 out of 22 turtles, using ATR-FTIR followed by density separation with calcium chloride solution. Statistical analysis indicated that turtles in high-risk areas ingested significantly more MPs than those in low-risk areas. As the inflow of MPs from major rivers influences pollution levels in the ocean, the results of this study highlight the importance of major rivers for MP ingestion by turtles. Additionally, we discussed the current methodology's shortcomings and addressed scope for subsequent research, along with suggestions on future conservation.

Are we even close? Five years marine litter ingestion monitoring in loggerhead turtles along Italian coast reveals how far we are from the Good Environmental Status

The loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta has been chosen as bioindicator to monitor the amount of litter ingested by marine animals within the European Marine Strategy Framework Directive and the Barcelona Regional Sea Convention. European Member States and Contracting Parties are committed to achieve the Good Environmental Status (GES), which is reached when the quantity of ingested litter does not adversely affect the health of the species concerned. Although the monitoring strategy has been outlined for more than a decade, to date no threshold values have been adopted to verify GES achievement. After five years of extensive monitoring along the Italian coasts, this study evaluates the suitability of five different GES scenarios and proposes a new threshold value (i.e., "there should be less than 33% of sea turtles having more than 0.05 g of ingested plastic in the GI") for its implementation in the European seas and the Mediterranean basin.

A meta-research analysis on the biological impact of plastic litter in the marine biota

Marine litter and more specifically plastic marine litter is nowadays considered a global issue with unprecedented impact and consequences to the entire marine ecosystem and biota. The current situation that has been created worldwide due to the abundance of plastic litter in the Earth's Seas has been characterized as alarming, necessitating the immediate action for an overall reduction of plastic waste, better collection and recycling schemes and beach-shoreline clean-ups. In this article we attempt to delve into the details of the magnitude of the impact that plastic litter have caused to marine biota via a meta-research analysis, by compiling, combining, analysing and presenting data from various relative works, using primarily scientific and, secondarily, grey literature. Apart from the threats that plastic marine litter pose to the marine ecosystem, they present potential threats to humans, as well, via food chain. Aside from understating the risks and uncertainties contained in the hereby collected and presenting information, this study can provide an evidence base for decision and policy makers into implementing the appropriate action plans for reducing and, in time, mitigating this immense problem.

Subchronic oral exposure to polystyrene microplastics affects hepatic lipid metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative balance in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata)

Microplastics (MPs) pose a clear threat to aquatic organisms affecting their health. Their impact on liver homeostasis, as well as on the potential onset of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is still poorly investigated and remains almost unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of subchronic exposure to polystyrene MPs (PS-MPs; 1-20 μm; 0, 25, or 250 mg/kg b.w./day) on lipid metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative balance in the liver of gilthead seabreams (Sparus aurata Linnaeus, 1758) exposed for 21 days via contaminated food. PS-MPs induced an up-regulation of mRNA levels of crucial genes associated with lipid synthesis and storage (i.e., PPARy, Srebp1, Fasn) without modifications of genes involved in lipid catabolism (i.e., PPARα, HL, Pla2) or transport and metabolism (Fabp1) in the liver. The increase of CSF1R and pro-inflammatory cytokines gene expression (i.e., TNF-α and IL-1β) was also observed in exposed fish in a dose-dependent manner. These findings were confirmed by hepatic histological evaluations reporting evidence of lipid accumulation, inflammation, and necrosis. Moreover, PS-MPs caused the impairment of the hepatic antioxidant defense system through the alteration of its enzymatic (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione reductase) and non-enzymatic (glutathione) components, resulting in the increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), as biomarkers of oxidative damage. The alteration of detoxifying enzymes was inferred by the decreased Ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity and the increased activity of glutathione-S-transferase (GST) at the highest PS-MP dose. The study suggests that PS-MPs affect the liver health of gilthead seabream. The liver dysfunction and damage caused by exposure to PS-MPs result from a detrimental interplay of inflammation, oxidative damage, and antioxidant and detoxifying enzymatic systems modifications, altering the gut-liver axis homeostasis. This scenario is suggestive of the involvement of MP-induced effects in the onset and progression of hepatic lipid dysfunction in gilthead seabream.

The impact of climate change on sea turtles: Current knowledge, scientometrics, and mitigation strategies

Sea turtles are one of the most significant groups of marine species, playing a key role in the sustainability and conservation of marine ecosystems and the food chain. These emblematic species are threatened by several natural and anthropogenic pressures, and climate change is increasingly reported as one of the most important threats to sea turtles, affecting sea turtles at all stages of their life cycle and at both their marine and coastal habitats. The effect of climate change is expressed as global warming, sea-level rise, extreme storms, and alterations in predation and diseases' patterns, posing a potentially negative impact on sea turtles. In this systematic review, the author presented the current knowledge and research outcomes on the impact of climate change on sea turtles. Moreover, this study determined trends and hotspots in keywords, country collaborations, authors, and publications in the field through a scientometric analysis. Finally, this article reviewed proposed mitigation strategies by researchers, marine protected area (MPA) managers, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to reduce the impact of climate change on the conservation of sea turtles.

Marine turtles as bio-indicators of plastic pollution in the eastern Mediterranean

The loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) has been suggested as a bio-indicator species for plastic pollution. However, detailed investigations in the eastern Mediterranean are limited. Here, we present data from loggerhead turtles (2012-2022; n = 131) of which 42.7 % (n = 57) had ingested macroplastic (pieces ≥ 5 mm). Frequency of occurrence (%) was not found to have changed over time, with body size (CCL cm), between stranded or bycaught turtles, or with levels of digesta present. The characteristics of ingested plastic (n = 492) were largely sheetlike (62 %), clear (41 %) or white (25 %) and the most common polymers identified were Polypropylene (37 %) and Polyethylene (35 %). Strong selectivity was displayed towards certain types, colours and shapes. Data are also presented for posthatchling turtles (n = 4), an understudied life stage. Much larger sample sizes will be needed for this species to be an effective bio-indicator, with the consideration of monitoring green turtles (Chelonia mydas) for the eastern Mediterranean recommended allowing a more holistic picture to be gathered.

Individual and combined impact of microplastics and lead acetate on the freshwater shrimp (Caridina fossarum): Biochemical effects and physiological responses

Microplastics and heavy metals pollution is recognised as a major problem affecting aquatic ecosystems. For this reason, this study aims to assess the toxicity of different concentrations of polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) (0.0, 500, and 1000 μg L-1) with a mean size of 15-25 μm and lead acetate Pb(C2H3O2)2 (0.0, 2.5, and 5 mg L-1), both individually and in combination, through the exposure of the freshwater grass shrimp, Caridinia fossarum for 15 days, focusing on microplastic interaction with co-occurring contaminants. After being exposed to both contaminants, either individually or in combination, significant alterations in numerous biochemical markers were observed. Specifically, exposure to lead acetate alone resulted in significant changes across ALP, AST, ALT, LDH, GGT, and BChE enzyme activity levels indicating hepatotoxicity and neurotoxicity. Also, Pb exposure led to alterations in total antioxidant capacity, MDA, total lipids, and glycogen contents, signalling the onset of oxidative stress. Exposure to PE-MPs alone led to changes in ALP, LDH, GGT, and BChE enzyme levels, and in MDA, total lipids, and glycogen samples' contents. Remarkably, the study observed increased bioaccumulation of lead acetate in samples treated with the combination, emphasizing the synergistic impact of PE-MPs on the toxicity of lead acetate. This synergy was also evident in AST and ALT enzyme activity levels and MDA contents. This underscores the necessity for measures to address both microplastic pollution and heavy metal contamination, taking into account the synergistic behaviour of MPs in the presence of concurrent contaminants.

Experimental study on color and texture as cues for plastic debris ingestion by captive sea turtles

Sea turtles face considerable risks from ingesting marine debris. They are primarily visual feeders, so color may be important for identifying food suitability or enhancing prey detection. Here, we investigated the impacts of color and texture on foraging behavior in relation to plastic consumption. We experimentally assessed the influences of color and texture as attractors for sea turtles using edible jellyfish. The findings showed that the colors of objects significantly affected selective preferences, as evidenced by different behaviors by sea turtles in response to different colors. They exhibited diet-related selectivity toward colors similar to common aquarium food, and texture had a significant impact on complete ingestion. The results suggest that plastic resembling natural prey is more likely ingested. Also, sea turtles were attracted by the color yellow, suggesting that visually distinctive items can attract them. Our results provide fundamental knowledge, helping mitigate the effects of plastic pollution on wildlife.

Identifying biomarkers of pollutant exposure in ocean sentinels: Characterisation and optimisation of B-esterases in plasma from loggerhead turtles undergoing rehabilitation

Sea turtles are frequently proposed as indicator species for assessing ocean health. To faciliate the use of these species as bioindicators requires the development of tools for rapidly and effectively assessing individual health. Here, we collected 104 blood samples from 69 loggerhead sea turtles, Caretta caretta, undergoing rehabilitation to determine the connection between health status, the activity of B-esterases, and other biochemical parameters. To determine the optimal assay protocol for B-esterases, we measured the activity and kinetics of cholinesterases-(ChEs) and carboxylesterases (CEs) using 3 and 5 commercial substrates, respectively, at different assay conditions. IC50 values for the activity of B-esterases were calculated within a concentration range for model pesticide inhibitors. Turtles' health status was determined via routine veterinary procedures. During rehabilitation (which was associated with improving health status), we observed a decrease in the activity of most enzymes (especially in acetylcholinesterase) alongside an increase in CE when using p-nitrophenyl acetate as a substrate. As such, it is possible that the activity rates of plasmatic B-esterases could serve as an indicator of health status. There is also high potential that B-esterases could be specifically sensitive to marine pollutants although to further validate this would require future studies to specifically correlate B-esterarse activities to pollutant concentrations in blood or excreta.

Ingestion of microplastics and microfibers by the invasive blue crab Callinectes sapidus (Rathbun 1896) in the Balearic Islands, Spain

The blue crab Callinectes sapidus Rathbun, 1896 is native to the western coasts of the Atlantic Ocean and is currently considered an invasive species in the Mediterranean Sea. In this study, we examined the stomach contents of C. sapidus to determine the frequency of occurrence of microplastics (MPs) and microfibers (MFs) in the Balearic Islands archipelago in the western Mediterranean Sea. A total of 120 individuals were collected from six locations between 2017 and 2020. Overall, 65.8% of the individuals had MPs and/or MFs particles with an average of 1.4 ± 1.6 particles ind.-1 of which an average of 1.0 ± 1.3 items ind.-1 were MFs and an average of 0.4 ± 0.8 items ind.-1 were MPs. In terms of type, fragments were the dominant type of MPs and the most common size of items ranged from between 0.5 and 1 mm (40%) followed by 1-5 mm (31%). The most prevalent polymers were low-density polyethylene (39%) and high-density polyethylene (26%). In terms of links to human activities, MP ingestion was positively correlated with an increase in drain pipes, whereas MF ingestion was positively correlated with an increase in sewage pipelines, providing evidence of potential sources and the bioavailability of these particles in various environments. This study confirms the widespread presence of MP and MF particles, even in areas that are currently managed under different protection statuses, in the stomach contents of invasive blue crab species throughout coastal communities.

Microplastics evidence in yolk and liver of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta), a pilot study

The potential toxicity of microplastics is a growing concern for the scientific community. The loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) is particularly inclined to accidently ingest plastic and microplastic due to its long-life cycle features. The possible transfer of microplastics from the female to the eggs should be investigated. The present study investigated the presence of microplastics in yolk and liver samples evaluating the number of melanomacrophages in the hepatic tissue as a possible biomarker of microplastics impact on the embryonic health status. The biometric parameters and liver histological analysis of 27 and 48 embryos (from two different nests respectively) at the 30 stage of development were analyzed. Raman Microspectroscopy was performed to identify the microplastics after alkaline digestion (10% KOH) of yolk and portion of liver from 5 embryos at the 30 developmental stage per nest. Microplastics were found in yolk and liver of loggerhead sea turtles at late embryonic stage for the first time. All microplastics were smaller than 5 μm and were made of polymers and colors suggesting their diverse origins. A total number of 21 microplastics, with dimensions lower than 5 μm, were found between the two nests (11 and 10 microplastics respectively). Only two shape categories were identified: spheres and fragments. The most frequent polymers observed were polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (31.5%, 21.1% and 15.8% respectively). Despite the eggs showing a higher number of microplastics in yolk samples than liver (15 and 6 microplastics in yolk and liver respectively), a positive correlation was observed only between the number of melanomacrophages (r = 0.863 p < 0.001) and microplastics in the liver. This result may suggest that microplastics could exert some effects on the hepatic tissues. Future studies should investigate this aspect and the possible relation between microplastics and other stress biomarkers.

Do loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) gut contents reflect the types, colors and sources of plastic pollution in the Southwest Indian Ocean?

We analyzed plastic debris ingested by loggerheads from bycatch between 2007 and 2021 in the Southwest Indian Ocean (SWIO). We also analyzed plastic debris accumulated on beaches of the east coast of Madagascar as a proxy for ocean plastics to compare the characteristics of beached plastics and plastic ingested by turtles. We conducted a "brand audit" of the plastics to determine their country of origin. An oceanic circulation model was used to identify the most likely sources of plastics in the SWIO. In total, 202 of the 266 loggerheads analyzed had ingested plastics. Plastics categorized as "hard" and "white" were equally dominant in loggerheads and on beaches, suggesting no diet selectivity. Both the brand audit and circulation modeling demonstrated that Southeast Asia is the main source of plastic pollution in the region. This study demonstrates that loggerheads can be used as bioindicators of plastic pollution in the SWIO.

Biological effects on the migration and transformation of microplastics in the marine environment

Microplastics(MPs) are ubiquitous, difficult to degrade, and potentially threatening to organisms in marine environment, so it is important to clarify the factors that affect their biogeochemical processes. The impact of biological activities on the MPs in marine environment is ubiquitous and complex, and there is currently a lack of systematic summaries. This paper reviews the effects of biological actions on the migration, distribution and degradation of MPs in marine environment from four aspects: biological ingestion and digestion, biological movement, biological colonization and biological adhesion. MPs in seawater and sediments can be closely combined with organisms through three pathways: biological ingestion, biofilm formation or adhesion to organisms, and are passed between species at different trophic levels through the food chain. The generation and degradation of faecal pellets and biofilms can alter the density of "environmental MPs", thereby affecting their vertical migration and deposition in water bodies. The movement of swimming organisms and the disturbance by benthic organisms can promote the migration of MPs in water and vertical migration and resuspension in sediments, thereby changing the distribution of MPs in local sea areas. The grinding effect of the digestive tract and the secretion of chemicals from the biofilm (such as enzymes and acids) can reduce the particle size and increase surface roughness of MPs, or even degrade them completely. Besides, biological adhesion may be an important mechanism affecting the distribution, migration and preservation of MPs. There may be complex interactions and linkages among marine dynamical processes, photochemical degradation and biological processes that collectively affect the biogeochemical processes of MPs, but their relative contributions remain to be more studied.

Mistaking plastic for zooplankton: Risk assessment of plastic ingestion in the Mediterranean sea

Floating plastic debris is a pervasive pollutant in seas and oceans, affecting a wide range of animals. In particular, microplastics (<5 mm in size) increase the possibility that marine species consume plastic and enter the food chain. The present study investigates this potential mistake between plastic debris and zooplankton by calculating the plastic debris to zooplankton ratio over the whole Mediterranean Sea. To this aim, in situ data from the Tara Mediterranean Expedition are combined with environmental and Lagrangian diagnostics in a machine learning approach to produce spatially-explicit maps of plastic debris and zooplankton abundance. We then analyse the plastic to zooplankton ratio in regions with high abundances of pelagic fish. Two of the major hotspots of pelagic fish, located in the Gulf of Gabès and Cilician basin, were associated with high ratio values. Finally, we compare the plastic to zooplankton ratio values in the Pelagos Sanctuary, an important hotspot for marine mammals, with other Geographical Sub-Areas, and find that they were among the larger of the Western Mediterranean Sea. Our results indicate a high potential risk of contamination of marine fauna by plastic and advocate for novel integrated modelling approaches which account for potential trophic transfer within the food chain.

Evaluating the Presence of Marine Litter in Cetaceans Stranded in the Balearic Islands (Western Mediterranean Sea)

The global distribution and presence of plastic, at all levels of the water column, has made plastic debris one of today's greatest environmental challenges. The ingestion and entanglement of plastic-containing marine debris has been documented in more than 60% of all cetacean species. In light of the increasing pressure on cetaceans, and the diversity of factors that they face, the aim of this work is to provide evidence of the impact of plastic debris on stranded cetaceans, in terms of ingestion and entanglement, in the Balearic Islands for the first-time. Detailed examinations, necropsies, and plastic debris analysis were performed on 30 of the 108 cetaceans stranded between 2019 and 2022. Specimens belonging to five different species, Stenella coeruleoalba, Tursiops truncatus, Grampus griseus, Balaenoptera physalus, and Physeter macrocephalus, were evaluated. Ten percent of the cetaceans (N = 3) presented plastic debris in their stomach, with one case of obstruction and perforation. Fishery gear fragments (ropes and nets) were found in two adults of T. truncatus, whereas packaging debris (plastic bag, packing straps, and plastic sheets) were found in a juvenile P. macrocephalus. Plastic items analysed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) reported three polymer types: polypropylene, polyamide, and high-density polypropylene. A total of seven cases of entanglement were recorded during the study, affecting four different species (S. coeruleoalba, T. truncatus, P. macrocephalus, and Megaptera novaeangliae). Only two individuals were freed from the nets, although one died after a week, whereas the rest were already found dead. In conclusion, data collected in the present study provided evidence of plastic ingestion and entanglement in cetaceans of the Balearic Islands for the first-time, thus highlighting the need for the regular examination of stranded cetaceans (as they are top predators) in future research to better understand the effects of these pollutants.

Bacterial colonisation dynamics of household plastics in a coastal environment

Accumulation of plastics in the marine environment has widespread detrimental consequences for ecosystems and wildlife. Marine plastics are rapidly colonised by a wide diversity of bacteria, including human pathogens, posing potential risks to health. Here, we investigate the effect of polymer type, residence time and estuarine location on bacterial colonisation of common household plastics, including pathogenic bacteria. We submerged five main household plastic types: low-density PE (LDPE), high-density PE (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) at an estuarine site in Cornwall (U.K.) and tracked bacterial colonisation dynamics. Using both culture-dependent and culture-independent approaches, we found that bacteria rapidly colonised plastics irrespective of polymer type, reaching culturable densities of up to 1000 cells cm³ after 7 weeks. Community composition of the biofilms changed over time, but not among polymer types. The presence of pathogenic bacteria, quantified using the insect model Galleria mellonella, increased dramatically over a five-week period, with Galleria mortality increasing from 4% in week one to 65% in week five. No consistent differences in virulence were observed between polymer types. Pathogens isolated from plastic biofilms using Galleria enrichment included Serratia and Enterococcus species and they harboured a wide range of antimicrobial resistance genes. Our findings show that plastics in coastal waters are rapidly colonised by a wide diversity of bacteria independent of polymer type. Further, our results show that marine plastic biofilms become increasingly associated with virulent bacteria over time.

Plastics in the environment as potential threat to life: an overview

Plastics have become inevitable for human beings in their daily life. Million tons of plastic waste is entering in oceans, soil, freshwater, and sediments. Invasion of plastics in different ecosystems is causing severe problems to inhabitants. Wild animals such as seabirds, fishes, crustaceans, and other invertebrates are mostly effected by plastic entanglements and organic pollutants absorbed and carried by plastics/microplastics. Plastics can also be potentially harmful to human beings and other mammals. Keeping in view the possible harms of plastics, some mitigation strategies must be adopted which may include the use of bioplastics and some natural polymers such as squid-ring teeth protein. This review focuses on the possible sources of intrusion and fate of plastics in different ecosystems, their potential deleterious effects on wildlife, and the measures that can be taken to minimize and avoid the plastic use.

Polymer composition analysis of plastic debris ingested by loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) in Southern Tyrrhenian Sea through ATR-FTIR spectroscopy

The ingestion of anthropogenic plastic debris by marine wildlife is widespread in the Mediterranean Sea. The endangered status (in the IUCN Red List) of Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta, Linnaeus, 1758) is a consequence of its vulnerability. In this study, macro-/meso-plastics (5-170 mm) collected from faeces of twelve loggerhead turtles rescued (live) in the Aeolian Archipelago (Southern Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy) were analyzed by size, weight, shape, color and polymer type through Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). The defecation rate during hospitalization (7-14 days) varied among turtles (from 0.08 to 0.58). The mean number of plastic expulsions (2.7 ± 1.8 items for turtle) was higher during the 5th day of hospitalization (Kruskal-Wallis test, P = 0.01). However, the mean number of plastic-like items defecated during the common days of hospitalization did not vary among turtles (Kruskal-Wallis test, P > 0.05). All turtles were found to have ingested plastic. A total of 114 debris items were recovered from their faeces, 113 of which were identified as plastic. Their color was mostly white-transparent (64.9%) and light (19.3%). Shape was mainly fragments (52.6%), sheets (38.6%), followed by nylon, net-fragments, elastic plastic, foamed plastic and industrial granules (8.8%). Meso-plastics (5-25 mm) represented 72% of the total number of debris and were found more frequently in turtle with Curved Carapace Length (CCL) ≤ 60 cm (CCL = 30-60 cm, n = 5) than those with CCL >60 cm (CCL = 60-71 cm, n = 7). Plastic items were composed mainly of polyethylene (48.2%) and polypropylene (34.2%). Polypropylene (R² = 0.95, P < 0.001) and polyisoprene (R² = 0.45, P = 0.017) were more common in meso-plastics while polyethylene (R² = 0.44, P < 0.01) in macro-plastics. Finally, high-density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyamide and polyurethane were also found in some turtles. This study reveals high spreads of plastic contamination in faeces of both turtles with CCL ≤60 cm and CCL >60 cm, particularly vulnerable to the increasing quantity of floating plastic into their foraging sites highlighting the need of further research to associate debris ingestion with turtle diet and their size.