Microplastics in Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) spraints and their potential as a biomonitoring tool in freshwater systems

James D. O'Connor, Heather T. Lally, Anne-Marie Mahon, Ian O'Connor, Róisín Nash, John J. O'Sullivan, Michael Bruen, Linda Heerey, Albert A. Koelmans, Ferdia Marnell & Sinéad Murphy
The ubiquitous nature of microplastics in aquatic ecosystems may have serious implications for aquatic biota. While microplastic research in freshwater ecosystems is increasing, very few studies have assessed the physical presence of microplastics among top predators. The Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra), a top predator of aquatic ecosystems, is one of the most widely distributed otter species and has a broad habitat niche. The opportunistic collection of otter spraints (i.e. feces) presents a valuable opportunity to...

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  • National Parks and Wildlife Service
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  • Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology
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  • Wageningen University & Research
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  • University College Dublin
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