Microplastics in reptiles: Assessment of particle content in viviparous and sand lizard populations (Zootoca vivipara, Lacerta agilis, Lacertidae) and common adder (Vipera berus, Viperidae) from Western Siberia
Title
Микропластик в пресмыкающихся: оценка содержания частиц в популяциях живородящей и прыткой ящериц (Zootoca vivipara, Lacerta agilis, Lacertidae) и обыкновенной гадюки (Vipera berus, Viperidae) Западной Сибири
The paper presents the results of quantitative assessment of the content and morphological characterization of microplastics (MPs) accumulated in the organs of adult individuals (n = 43) from three reptile species: the viviparous lizard Zootoca vivipara Lichtenstein, 1823, the sand lizard Lacerta agilis Linnaeus, 1758, and the common adder Vipera berus Linnaeus, 1758. The species inhabit overlapping ranges, are often syntopic, and exhibit zoophagous behavior. The studied individuals were collected in the spring-summer period of 2021-2023 from various localities in Tomsk Oblast (southeast of Western Siberia). MPs in the size range of 0.15-5 mm were detected in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of both lizard species (100%), as well as in the GIT and skin of V. berus. The maximum average MP content in the GIT was 6.80 ± 11.4, with a range of 0 to 32 particles in Z. vivipara collected in 2022. Interannual variations were noted in the contamination level of Z. vivipara: the average MP content in the GIT was 3.2-fold lower in 2023 versus 2022. The differences in MP content between Z. vivipara and L. agilis were not statistically significant (p > 0.05), as were the differences in MP content between the GIT and the skin of V. berus. In the GIT of adult individuals of the three species, MPs were represented by microspheres, microfilms, irregularly shaped fragments, with microfibers being predominant, comprising 64.5% in Z. vivipara and 82.0% in L. agilis, respectively. The study revealed the prevalence of MPs with sizes ranging from 0.3 to 1 mm, with the exception of Z. vivipara, where most particles did not exceed 300 μm (43.5%). The proportion of larger particles (> 3 mm) in the organs of V. berus was higher compared to Z. vivipara and L. agilis. MP detection in the GIT and skin of adult individuals indicates plastic pollution in the taiga zone of Western Siberia. The data obtained represent the first evidence of the presence of MPs in Palearctic reptiles in Russia. The article contains 2 Figures, 1 Table, 40 References.
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