Microplastics have been detected in dolphin breath for the first time, raising concerns about the potential impact of these contaminants on the animals’ lungs.

A U.S. research team published these preliminary findings in PLOS ONE, suggesting dolphins inhale microplastics when surfacing for air.

The scientists collected exhaled air samples from bottlenose dolphins in two locations: Sarasota Bay, Florida, an urban estuary, and Barataria Bay, Louisiana, a rural site. Microplastics were found in the breath of all 11 dolphins sampled, indicating airborne particles are a likely source.

This discovery highlights the pervasive nature of microplastic pollution, which has been detected even in remote areas like Mount Everest. Wind plays a significant role in dispersing these particles.

Many of the microplastics identified in dolphin breath were polyester, a widely used polymer in clothing. Washing such materials, especially in hot cycles, releases significant amounts of microplastic fibres.

Leslie Hart, co-author and public health expert at the College of Charleston university in South Carolina, said: “Microplastic inhalation in humans is a budding field, but there have been few studies in wildlife.

“The fact that dolphins have a much larger lung capacity and are taking deep breaths may mean they are exposed to higher doses of microplastics than humans.”

Globally, humans and wildlife are exposed to microplastics through air, water, and food, with inhalation and ingestion being primary routes of exposure. Research in humans has linked plastic inhalation to lung inflammation and other respiratory issues.

“We are just starting to understand how dolphins are exposed to microplastics,” said Hart, who has studied plastics in dolphins for a decade. The researchers worked with the Sarasota dolphin research programme at Brookfield Zoo Chicago and the National Marine Mammal Foundation.

The presence of microplastics in dolphins from the rural Barataria Bay location underscores the role of airborne transport. This finding is particularly concerning because dolphins in this area already suffer from compromised pulmonary health due to the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

“There is a potential that this could make problems worse,” said Hart.

The researchers used an approved catch-and-release method to collect exhaled breath samples, holding petri dishes over the dolphins’ blowholes. Air samples adjacent to the animals served as controls. However, the study acknowledged that the sampling was opportunistic, meaning the results might not fully represent broader dolphin populations.

This study underscores the global reach of microplastic pollution and its potential impact on marine life, urging further research into the health risks associated with inhalation in both wildlife and humans.

 

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