Scientists found microplastics in nearly every tissue of loggerhead sea turtles, with the highest levels in male reproductive organs, raising alarms about long-term population impacts.
Rob Hutchins reports for Oceanographic Magazine.
In short:
- Researchers from the University of Manchester found microplastics in the heart, kidney, liver, spleen, and reproductive organs of loggerhead sea turtles stranded after entanglement in fishing nets.
- The study is the first to show that microplastics can move from the gut to other organs, suggesting systemic health effects, especially on reproduction.
- Nearly 99% of tissue samples contained foreign particles, 70% of which were plastic, mostly polypropylene, polyester, and polyethylene from packaging, clothing, and fishing gear.
Key quote:
“Microplastic accumulation is likely to be associated with organ damage and toxicity in these incredible marine reptiles.”
— Professor Holly Shiels, University of Manchester and study co-author
Why this matters:
Microplastic pollution, once considered a niche environmental issue, has now become a central ecological threat with far-reaching consequences. Scientists have found microplastics embedded in critical organs, including those tied to reproduction, raising alarm about the long-term viability of species already under pressure from habitat loss and warming seas. These plastics often carry toxic chemicals that can disrupt hormone systems and immune responses. With plastic production expected to double by 2040, researchers warn that this cascade of contamination could reshape ecosystems, disrupt predator-prey relationships, and make reproductive challenges even more severe for both wildlife and, potentially, humans.
Related EHN coverage: Plastic pollution in the ocean
