E-Mail IMAGE: Researchers analysed the faecal samples of 45 turtles hospitalised at the Sea Turtles Rescue Center (CRTM) and found plastic debris in all 45 samples. Plastic debris in their intestines can... view more Credit: Carlo Marinacci Sea turtles are witnesses and victims of the high level of plastic pollution of the Adriatic Sea. A group of researchers at the University of Bologna analysed 45 turtles hospitalised at Fondazione Cetacea in Riccione and found plastic debris in their faeces. Besides confirming the role of turtles as ideal sentinels to monitor plastic pollution in the sea, the results of their analysis - published in the journal Frontiers of Marine Medicine - crucially show how the plastic debris in their intestines can dangerously alter their microbiota, eventually compromising their health.