American oceanologists have discovered a large number of microplastic particles in air samples that were collected during observations of the respiratory system of several bottle-nosed dolphins living off the coast of Florida.
The presence of plastic in these samples indicates its possible accumulation in the lungs of dolphins, scientists say.
During the observations, scientists captured 11 adult dolphins. Researchers suggest that fibers and plastic particles entered the lungs of animals along with the inhaled air. Subsequent experiments and observations will help assess the effect of microplastics on the health of dolphins and other cetaceans.
In recent decades, scientists have discovered huge amounts of plastic debris and microplastics not only in rivers and lakes, but also in many remote regions of the world's oceans, ecoportal.su reports.
Alex Shishlo, Editor in Chief of the European Bureau, Rough&Polished
