MICROPLASTICS IN STRANDED BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN <i>(Tursiops truncatus)</i> HARBOR PORPOISE <i>(Phocoena phocoena)</i> AND LONG-BEAKED COMMON DOLPHIN <i>(Delphinus capensis)</i> IN THE UNITED STATES
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Pfeifer, Tessa Michael
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Within the last decade, microplastics (<5 mm) in marine ecosystems have emerged as a growing concern because they are easily ingested by a wide range of organisms with a multitude of feeding strategies. Ingestion of these small particles has been documented in lower trophic level organisms and filter feeders via direct consumption; however, little is known about the presence and trophic transfer of microplastics to apex predators feeding at higher trophic levels. This study utilized gastrointestinal tracts from 21 bottlenose dolphins <i>(Tursiops truncatus)</i>, 13 harbor porpoises <i>(Phocoena phocoena)</i>, and 1 long-beaked common dolphin <i>(Delphinus capensis)</i> that have stranded along various locations of the United States coastlines. Microplastics from the gastrointestinal tracts were processed by organ and characterized by quantity, size, color, and shape. Microplastics were found in all animals (28- 276 /stomach; average: 106 ± 53) and white/clear fibers were the most predominant color and morphology. Animal length, fullness of stomach, condition code upon retrieval, human interaction, age class, species, and stranding state location were analyzed, and stranding state was determined to be the best predictor of microplastic levels in odontocetes from this study although species likely plays a role.