Microplastics Found in Loggerhead Sea Turtles’ Organs Raise Concerns for Reproduction

Researchers from the University of Manchester have made a groundbreaking discovery regarding the presence of microplastics in the organs of loggerhead sea turtles. This study, the first of its kind, reveals alarming levels of microplastic contamination, particularly in the reproductive organs of male turtles. The implications of these findings could have serious consequences for the vitality and reproductive success of this iconic species.

The research team examined the remains of ten loggerhead sea turtles that were accidentally caught in fishing nets in the Mediterranean. They found high concentrations of microplastics in various organs, including the liver, kidney, and heart, in both male and female turtles. An astonishing 98.8 percent of all samples tested contained foreign particles, with 70 percent containing microplastics.

Measuring approximately 15 microns in size, these tiny plastic particles were found to migrate from the turtles’ digestive systems into their soft tissues. The majority of microplastics identified were derived from materials used in synthetic clothing and packaging, such as plastic bags, which are often mistaken for jellyfish by turtles and consumed accidentally. These plastics can remain in a turtle’s gut for extended periods, ranging from 40 to 120 days, potentially causing blockages and other health issues.

In addition to ingestion, turtles may have also come into contact with microplastics through other means, such as rooting in contaminated sediment, inhaling plastic fibers in the air, or consuming prey already contaminated with plastics. The researchers noted that the accumulation of microplastics in reproductive organs, with an average of 15 particles per gram and up to 25 particles per gram in some cases, could lead to reproductive toxicity and disrupt the endocrine system with harmful additives.

“Exposure to microplastics in reproductive organs can have detrimental effects, serving as vectors for contaminants that disrupt the endocrine system,” the researchers explained. “These sublethal impacts may not be immediately visible but can have long-term consequences at both the individual and population levels.”