Microplastics discovered in the air expelled by dolphins ⚠️

American researchers analyzed the breath exhaled by dolphins and discovered microplastics in it. These particles, invisible to the naked eye, float in the air, threatening the health of these mammals.

Two sites were studied: an urban estuary in Florida and a rural one in Louisiana. The results show contamination everywhere, regardless of the urbanization of the observed areas. This airborne dispersion of microplastics is now a reality.


Among the discovered particles, polyester is particularly present. This polymer, widely used in the textile industry, is known to release microfibers during washing, contributing to this pollution. Dolphins, with their large lung capacity, may be more vulnerable than humans to the inhalation of these particles. Scientists are concerned about the potential effects on their lungs, possibly comparable to those observed in humans.

The researchers also note that the dolphins of Barataria Bay are already weakened by the aftereffects of the 2010 oil spill. This new pollution could worsen their health condition. The overall impact of airborne microplastics remains underexplored. Nevertheless, the initial data are alarming. They raise many questions about the health of marine animals and the risks to entire ecosystems.

Research on the inhalation of microplastics by dolphins is only just beginning. But current discoveries highlight the urgency to study this new form of pollution.

Microplastics: from the environment to living species

Microplastics are plastic fragments measuring less than 5 millimeters (about 0.2 inches), primarily resulting from the degradation of larger plastic items. They form due to erosion, heat, or wear and can be transported thousands of kilometers, suspended in the air or water.

These tiny particles come from various sources: synthetic textiles (like polyester) release microfibers during washing, while plastic waste decomposes in the oceans. They end up in the air, water, and soil, making their dispersal uncontrollable.

Microplastics can be inhaled or ingested. For humans, they cause lung inflammation and respiratory problems, and may affect other bodily systems. In marine animals like dolphins, the health consequences are still poorly understood but could be similar, or even more severe.

When microplastics are inhaled, they can lodge deep into the lungs. This triggers an inflammatory response, where lung tissues react in an attempt to eliminate these foreign particles. Over time, this inflammation can lead to lung damage and chronic respiratory diseases.

Marine mammals like dolphins have large lungs and breathe deeply. This exposes them to greater amounts of airborne microplastics. Researchers believe these particles may not only harm their lungs but also exacerbate other existing health issues, such as infections or lung damage caused by environmental disasters like oil spills.

Studies on fish and birds show that microplastics disrupt growth, reproduction, and digestion. In cetaceans, like dolphins, while the ingestion of these particles is better studied, the effects of inhalation are only just beginning to be explored. Scientists fear that these pollutants could cause similar, if not more serious, problems due to the higher volume of air they inhale.