Microplastic at nesting grounds used by the northern Gulf of Mexico loggerhead recovery unit
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
6-1-2018
Abstract
Microplastics can impact key habitats used by endangered species, such as marine turtles. They impact the environment by transporting toxicants and altering sediment properties affecting temperature and sediment permeability. Our study determined the exposure of the ten most important nesting sites for the Northern Gulf of Mexico Loggerhead Recovery Unit to microplastic. Sand samples were obtained at each nesting site during the 2017 nesting season and analyzed for abundance and characteristics of microplastic. Microplastic was found at all sites, with an average abundance of 61.08 ± 34.61 pieces/m2, and 59.9% located at the dunes, where turtles primarily nest. A gradual decrease in microplastics abundance was observed from the most western nesting ground to the east. The results from this study indicate that microplastic accumulation on nesting sites for the Northern Gulf of Mexico may be of great concern, and could negatively affect the incubating environment for marine turtles.
Publication Title
Marine Pollution Bulletin
Volume
131
First Page
32
Last Page
37
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.04.001
PubMed ID
29886953
ISSN
0025326X
E-ISSN
18793363
Citation Information
Beckwith, & Fuentes, M. M. P. . (2018). Microplastic at nesting grounds used by the northern Gulf of Mexico loggerhead recovery unit. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 131(Pt A), 32–37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.04.001