Effects of microplastics on amphibian performance and survival: Current knowledge and research gaps

Amphibians are one of the most endangered groups of organisms. Studies on pollution effects have focused mainly on classic contaminant (e.g., pesticides, fertilizers), less information is available about the effect of emerging contaminants such as microplastics. This chapter summarizes the results of studies analyzing microplastics and/or plasticizers in amphibians. Most studies focused on species of the order Anura, with only one study on salamanders and none on caecilians. Most common MPs found in wild tadpoles were nylon fibers but the majority of laboratory tests examined the effects of polystyrene and polyethylene particles. Other studies analyzed the effect of common plasticizers on amphibian development and metamorphosis due to their potential endocrine-disruptor effect. Future experiments should be designed according to the information collected in field studies, focused on different common amphibian species and covering their different life stages in order to be able to apply this knowledge to policy and management measures.