Determination of Microplastic Characterization of Turkish Endemic frog Pelophylax caralitanus from Isparta Province, Türkiye


Tatlı H. H., Altunışık A., Gedik K.

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Symposium, İstanbul, Turkey, 17 - 19 July 2023, pp.10

  • Publication Type: Conference Paper / Summary Text
  • City: İstanbul
  • Country: Turkey
  • Page Numbers: pp.10
  • Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Amphibians are dual inhabitants of aquatic and terrestrial environments, which makes them valuable indicators of pollution levels in both types of habitats. In this study, we aimed to determine the microplastic (MP) accumulation in the digestive system of a population (n=11; Eğirdir Lake, Isparta province, Türkiye) of Pelophylax caralitanus, which is endemic to the lakes region in Türkiye. The species has been considered Near Threatened by the IUCN since 2008. The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of adult frogs was removed using a stainless steel dissection set and its weight was determined. Next, each GIT was placed in a flask added with 150 mL of 30% H2O2. Flasks were closed with aluminum foil and kept at 65 °C at 80 rpm for three days. Samples were passed through a Whatman GF/C (1.2 μm pore size, 47 mm Ø, Whatman GmbH) filter using a vacuum pump. To confirm the origin of the polymer, a total of 12 particles, randomly selected from those visually identified as MP, were examined by FT-IR (Fourier Transform-Infrared) spectroscopic analysis using a PerkinElmer Spectrum 100 spectrophotometer coupled with ATR (Attenuated Total Reflection). All of the MPs detected were fiber in terms of shape. The distribution of the 12 particles obtained in terms of MP type was determined as 25% PCT, 25% EVA, 17% PD, 17% PR, 8% PET, 8% PVA. The minimum polymer length was 0.09 µm, the maximum polymer length was 1.53 µm and the average length was 0.39 µm.