# Characterization of Ingested Microplastics in a Regional Endemic Lizard Apathya cappadocica (Werner, 1902) from Türkiye

## TL;DR

This study found microplastics in a lizard species from Türkiye, showing that terrestrial reptiles are affected by plastic pollution.

## Contribution

The study is the first to document microplastic ingestion in the endemic lizard Apathya cappadocica.

## Key findings

- Microplastics were found in 19% of the examined lizards, mostly as blue-colored fibers.
- Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was the most common plastic type, and microplastic shape was linked to polymer type.
- The findings suggest that terrestrial reptiles are exposed to microplastic pollution with potential environmental implications.

## Abstract

This study investigated the presence of microplastics (MPs) in the digestive systems of individuals of Apathya cappadocica, a regional endemic lizard species. Microplastic particles were detected in approximately 19% of the 93 individuals examined. Most of these particles were fibrous, with the most common color being dark blue and the most common plastic type being polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Statistical analyses revealed that microplastic size did not significantly differ based on shape, color, or type. However, a significant relationship was found between the shape of the microplastics and the type of plastic. These results indicate that reptiles living in terrestrial environments are also affected by microplastic pollution and provide clues about the sources of plastic in the environment.

This study investigated the presence, characteristics, and distribution of ingested microplastics (MPs) in Apathya cappadocica, a regional endemic lizard species. A total of 93 individuals were examined, and MPs were found in 19.35% (n = 18) of them. A total of 27 microplastic particles were detected, averaging 1.5 MPs per positive individual and 0.29 MPs per individual across the sample. MP sizes ranged from 50 to 1727 µm, with a mean size of 355.46 ± 73 µm. Most MPs (93%) were fibers, while the rest were fragments. The dominant color was navy blue (41%), followed by red and black (19% each). Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was the most common polymer (67%), followed by polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene (PE). Statistical tests revealed no significant differences in MP size based on shape, color, or type, nor any correlation between MP size and gastrointestinal tract weight. However, microplastic shape was significantly associated with polymer type; fiber MPs consisted mainly of PET and PVA, while fragments were equally split between PVA and PE. These findings indicate that terrestrial reptiles are exposed to microplastic pollution and that microplastic characteristics may provide insights into their potential environmental sources.