Same genus, same burden: Microplastic pollution in banded newts

Abstract

Microplastic (MP) pollution is a worldwide environmental issue, but its effects on amphibians, especially urodeles, are still largely understudied. This study investigates MP ingestion in three species of the salamander genus Ommatotriton (O. nesterovi, O. vittatus, O. ophryticus) from distinct freshwater habitats in Türkiye. Gastrointestinal tracts of 91 adult newts were analyzed for MP presence, abundance, and characteristics (polymer type, shape, size) using stereomicroscopy and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. MPs were detected in 29–43 % of individuals, with no significant differences in presence (χ2 = 1.17, p = 0.56), abundance (H = 0.57, p = 0.75), or particle size (H = 0.36, p = 0.84) among species. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and fibers dominated, with particle sizes ranging from 45 to 474 μm. These findings suggest that MP contamination is pervasive across Ommatotriton species with aquatic breeding, generalist feeding, and permeable skin—as suitable bioindicators of freshwater contamination. The research highlights the need for conservation actions to reduce microplastic exposure in vulnerable amphibian populations.