Presence of microplastics in captive penguins measured via fecal analysis
Channel: Fairfield University
Date: 20/05/2022

A Conversation with Gabriel Rodrigues

Every year, approximately 8 million metric tons of plastic waste are added to the ocean. Of this waste, microplastics - plastics under 5 mm in length - are ubiquitous and have been found in the Arctic, the Antarctic, and everywhere in between. Microplastics can be directly manufactured small particles or are formed by the fragmentation of larger plastics. The long-term health effects of ingesting these microplastics are still relatively unknown, however the potential for these particles to carry toxins introduces growing concern for the health of wildlife. To add to the documentation of the presence of microplastics in wildlife, this study examined captive penguins from the Mystic Aquarium and Central Park Zoo, where penguin fecal samples were collected from the various penguin species. In the lab, fecal samples were digested in hydrogen peroxide, intended to remove all organic material. The remaining content was then filtered and microplastics were identified and categorized based on their length, color, and appearance, then photographed. Subsequently, the polymer type was identified utilizing an FTIR spectrophotometer in conjunction with an online polymer database. Of the 71 fecal samples studied so far, 81 microplastics have been found, measured, photographed, and identified. Results from the remaining samples will be presented for a complete assessment of microplastics in these captive penguin species.

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