Pets And Hedgehogs Are Eating Plastic — And Spreading It
University of Sussex
This article is reprinted from a University of Sussex press release and has been edited for length and style.
A new study by researchers from the University of Sussex and the University of Exeter, supported by the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS), has found microplastics in more than three-quarters of pet food brands tested, revealing a hidden source of plastic pollution that could be affecting both pets and wild animals such as hedgehogs.
The research, published in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, analyzed 38 different dog, cat and hedgehog food products sold in the UK. Microplastics were detected in 76% of brands and 27% of all samples (6 samples were tested per product), with value range products being significantly more likely to be contaminated than more expensive products. “We found microplastics in 16 out of the 19 brands we tested, including very well-known ones,” said the lead researcher, PhD student Emily Thrift. “Given the huge number of pets in the UK, as well as hedgehogs and other wild mammals which are fed these foods to supplement their diets, this represents a major, previously overlooked pathway for plastic to enter terrestrial ecosystems.”
Despite higher concentrations in dry food, wet food leads to higher daily microplastic intake because larger portions are needed to meet energy requirements. The researchers estimate that a large dog could ingest between 162 and 2314 microplastics per day, depending on the food type and brand selected, which would later be excreted, potentially contaminating soil. Many wild animals are also offered pet foods in gardens, and hedgehogs could consume between 6 and 105 microplastics per day. This may also have potential implications for pet and wildlife health, although this was not the focus of this research.
Fay Vass, Chief Executive for BHPS, said, “It’s of great concern that this study has shown that hedgehogs in Britain appear to be consuming high levels of plastic – although we are not yet sure of the impacts of this on hedgehog health, we do know that toxins can accumulate on microplastic particles. Microplastics are an increasing presence across the natural environment as well as the wider food chain, which is a broader issue of growing concern that must be addressed. Exposure to microplastics should be reduced wherever possible to help minimize this unnecessary risk.”
“Microplastics are not just a marine problem,” said Professor Fiona Mathews. “Our pets may be inadvertently spreading plastic pollution through their food and faeces, affecting wildlife and the wider environment.”
At present, the sources of contamination are unclear, and further research is needed to find out whether ingredient quality, packaging types or processing methods are the main contributors to the problem. Tamara Galloway, professor of ecotoxicology at the University of Exeter and co-author of the study, said, “Our results are a reminder that our pets and wildlife are exposed to the same chemical pollutants as ourselves. Cleaning up the food chain is a crucial target for the future.”
Read the full article at https://doi.org/10.1093/etojnl/vgag130.
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