biostudies-literatureUnknown196(8)Nopp-Mayr UUniversity of Natural Resources and Life Sciences ViennaMicroplastics (MP) are omnipresent in a wide range of environments, constituting a potential threat for aquatic and terrestrial wildlife. Effects in consumers range from physical injuries to pathological reactions. Due to potential bioaccumulation of MP, predators are of particular concern for MP induced health effects. The Eurasian otter is an apex predator in (semi-)aquatic habitats feeding primarily on fish. Furthermore, the species is classified as "near threatened" on the IUCN Red List. Thus, the Eurasian otter is of conservation concern and may serve as a bioindicator for MP pollution. Feces can be used to detect pollutants, including MP. Initial studies confirmed the presence of MP in otter feces (= spraints). However, as specific, validated protocols targeting at an efficient and sEnvironmental monitoring and assessment707https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC11227469biostudies-literatureMicroplastic loads in Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) feces-targeting a standardized protocol and first results from an alpine stream, the River Inn.PMC11227469Sittenthaler MKagi RNopp-Mayr UPhilipp MLayendecker SWeinberger IfalseMicroplastic loads in Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) feces-targeting a standardized protocol and first results from an alpine stream, the River Inn.Microplastics (MP) are omnipresent in a wide range of environments, constituting a potential threat for aquatic and terrestrial wildlife. Effects in consumers range from physical injuries to pathological reactions. Due to potential bioaccumulation of MP, predators are of particular concern for MP induced health effects. The Eurasian otter is an apex predator in (semi-)aquatic habitats feeding primarily on fish. Furthermore, the species is classified as "near threatened" on the IUCN Red List. Thus, the Eurasian otter is of conservation concern and may serve as a bioindicator for MP pollution. Feces can be used to detect pollutants, including MP. Initial studies confirmed the presence of MP in otter feces (= spraints). However, as specific, validated protocols targeting at an efficient and s2024-01-01T00:00:00Z2024 Jul2025-04-22T15:29:26.458Z2025-04-06T01:25:37.39ZS-EPMC112274693897069510.1007/s10661-024-12791-z