Ingestão de microplástico por Leptodactylus macrosternum Miranda-Ribeiro, 1926 (Amphibia: Anura)

Abstract

Microplastics are another type of contaminant of concern today, abundant in all ecosystems, have high potential for contamination, derived from larger plastics or for the right use, are produced on a large scale, because they are derived from materials with wide use, in addition to having low degradation capacity, they are discarded inappropriately causing problems for many organisms. Although amphibians can be subject to contamination, being exposed in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, there are few studies on the ingestion of these contaminants. They are animals that are indicators of environmental health and the global population decline is caused by multiple stressors, such as habitat loss, temperature warming, parasites, herbicides, heavy metals and diseases. These environmental contaminants are important contributors to understanding the decline of the world population, as well as microplastics. This work aimed to report one more type of contaminant to the group of amphibians. 120 individuals of Leptodactylus macrosternum were collected in two areas in municipalities in Pernambuco. During March 26 to April 5, 2019 (rainy season) and September 17 to October 22, 2019 (dry season). Of the total number of individuals collected, almost 86% had microplastics in their stomach contents, totaling 449 particles. Ingestions occurred accidentally during the capture of food items. There was no significant difference between the areas studied and seasonality did not interfere with intake for this work. The types of materials and colors of the particles found in all collected samples were similar to the studies found in the literature for ingestion of other organisms, even aquatic, with blue fibers/filaments being the most representative. The need to combat these contaminants is urgent, we must have a radical change in our attitudes regarding the decrease in the use and proper disposal of plastic waste.