The presence of microplastics in Baran’s newt (Neurergus barani Öz, 1994) and the spotted newt (Neurergus strauchii Steindachner, 1887)

Dursun C., Karaoğlu K., Avcı A., Gül S., Özdemir N., Üzüm N., ...More

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH, vol.42, pp.1-10, 2024 (SCI-Expanded)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 42
  • Publication Date: 2024
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s11356-024-34927-x
  • Journal Name: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, IBZ Online, ABI/INFORM, Aerospace Database, Agricultural & Environmental Science Database, Aqualine, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, EMBASE, Environment Index, Geobase, MEDLINE, Pollution Abstracts, Veterinary Science Database, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Page Numbers: pp.1-10
  • Karadeniz Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs), tiny plastic particles less than 5 mm in size, have emerged as a common and worrying pollutant in marine, freshwater, and terrestrial environments worldwide. In this study, we revealed the microplastic exposure of two endemic newt species for Türkiye. We found that polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was the predominant microplastic polymer type in both species, with the blue fiber shape in particular. We also found that there was a negative correlation between microplastic size and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) weight, but there was no significant difference between body length and GIT weight of both species. Our findings might be surprising as the studied species live in natural spring waters in remote, high-altitude areas. However, the detection of water bottles in their habitats appears to be the reason for their exposure to microplastic pollution. Therefore, reducing the use of single-use plastics is predicted to contribute to the conservation of these endemic newts.