Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 14, 2026
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Laboratory Estimation of Net Trophic Transfer Efficiencies of PCB Congeners to Lake Trout Salvelinus namaycush from Its Prey
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Investigating microplastic trophic transfer in marine top predators
Sarah E Nelms1, Tamara S Galloway2, Brendan J Godley3
1Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, Plymouth, PL1 3DH, UK; Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall, UK.
Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)
|February 26, 2018
Summary
Microplastic contamination is a significant threat to marine ecosystems. This study reveals that trophic transfer is a major pathway for microplastic ingestion in high-trophic level species like grey seals.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Environmental Science
- Ecotoxicology
Background:
- Microplastics are bioavailable to marine life via direct ingestion and trophic transfer.
- Evidence for microplastic trophic transfer in high-trophic level taxa is limited.
- In situ studies face challenges in contamination control and differentiating ingestion pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate microplastic ingestion in grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) through their prey.
- To quantify microplastic presence and polymer types in seals and their prey.
- To assess the role of trophic transfer in microplastic accumulation in marine mammals.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of grey seal scat and Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) digestive tracts.
- Enzymatic digestion protocol to isolate microplastics from organic matter.
- Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for polymer identification.
- Strict contamination control measures implemented throughout the study.
Main Results:
- Microplastics were detected in 48% of seal scat samples and 32% of fish samples.
- Particles were predominantly black, clear, red, and blue, with mean lengths of 1.5 mm (scat) and 2 mm (fish).
- Ethylene propylene was the most common polymer identified in both seals and fish.
Conclusions:
- Trophic transfer is a significant pathway for microplastic ingestion in marine predators consuming whole prey.
- This pathway is relevant for species with similar feeding ecologies, including humans.
- The study provides empirical evidence for indirect microplastic ingestion in high-trophic level marine mammals.
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