The study, based on estimates and mathematical models, is based on observations of 191 tagged baleen whales from 2010 to 2019 in areas along the California coast, including Monterey Bay and the Channel Islands.
Blue whales, which can be more than 100 feet (30 meters) long and weigh nearly 200 tons, could ingest an estimated 10 million microplastics per day, the smaller, about 15 meters long, humpback whales up to four million particles.
Plastic particles smaller than five millimeters are called microplastics. The concentration of the tiny plastic particles, which can come from car tires, synthetic clothing or packaging material, is particularly high in a water depth of 50 to 250 meters.
Ironically, the baleen whales at this depth mainly search for food. According to the American researchers, the ocean liners ingested almost all plastic particles indirectly through their contaminated prey, such as krill or small fish. The whales filter their food from the water.
Due to the large amount of contaminated food, the researchers point to potential risks and stressors for the giant marine mammals. Further research, for example into the health risks of the consumption of plastic particles, is necessary.
The study by scientists from Stanford University and other universities is published in the journal “Nature Communications”.
(SDA)