We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Identification of microplastics in the digestive tract of Great Egret (Egretta alba) in Percut Sei Tuan, North Sumatra
Summary
Researchers examined the digestive tracts of great egrets in Percut Sei Tuan, North Sumatra, and found 15 microplastic particles in their stomachs and 13 in their intestines, with fibers being the most common type. The study suggests that these waterbirds are accumulating microplastics from their aquatic feeding habitats, reflecting significant plastic pollution in the local environment.
Abstract Microplastics are plastic waste particles that enter aquatic environments and subsequently break down into smaller fragments. The presence of microplastics in aquatic birds can lead to reduced fat deposits, increased chemical toxicity, physical damage to the intestines, and negative impacts on reproduction and survival, especially for species that feed in aquatic areas. Tanjung Rejo is a significant stopover site for waterbirds and an ecotourism destination. The objective of this research was to analyze and identify the shape, color, and size of microplastics in the digestive tract of great egrets found in Percut Sei Tuan. The results indicated that the great egrets ( Egretta alba ) had 15 microplastic particles in their stomachs and 13 particles in their intestines, with fibers or microfibers being the most common type of microplastics. The presence of microplastics in both the stomach and intestines shows that the birds are contaminated by plastic waste, reflecting significant pollution in their environment. This contamination threatens animal health, causing issues from organ damage to physical deformities. It is essential to address this pollution to protect and restore ecosystems, ensuring the survival of the wildlife within them.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics in the digestive organs of little egret (Egretta garzetta) in Tanjung Rejo Village, Deli Serdang District, North Sumatra, Indonesia
Microplastics were found in the digestive organs of little egrets (Egretta garzetta) in North Sumatra, Indonesia, with fibers being the dominant shape, indicating that even wading birds in Indonesian coastal wetlands are accumulating plastic pollution through their diet.
Microplastic contamination in waterbirds and their habitats: evidence from little egrets (Egretta garzetta) in tropical rice fields
Researchers investigated microplastic contamination in little egrets and their rice field habitats in tropical southern China. They found microplastics in water, sediment, feathers, and fecal samples, with fiber-shaped particles being the most common type. The study suggests that waterbirds can serve as useful indicators of microplastic pollution levels in agricultural wetland environments.
Assessment of microplastics in gastrointestinal tract of cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) from a metropolitan city Lahore, Pakistan
Researchers examined the gastrointestinal tracts of cattle egrets from Lahore, Pakistan, and found significant levels of microplastics, with sheets and fibers being the most abundant types. Chemical analysis identified polyvinyl alcohol, polyisobutylene, and polyaramid as the main polymer compounds present. The findings indicate that even semi-aquatic bird species in urban environments are accumulating concerning levels of microplastic contamination.
Species-specific accumulation of microplastics in different bird species from South China: A comprehensive analysis
Across 24 bird species in South China, insectivorous birds accumulated significantly more small microplastics (under 0.1 mm) than other feeding guilds, while piscivorous birds accumulated more large microplastics (over 1 mm). Diet source was a stronger predictor of microplastic contamination than trophic level or body weight, with polypropylene and PET as the dominant polymer types found.
Investigation of Microplastic in Pellets from the Selected Piscivorous Bird Along the Wetlands of Coimbatore City in Tamil Nadu State of India
Researchers examined regurgitated pellets from Common Kingfishers along Indian wetlands and detected polyethylene and polypropylene microplastic fibers in 26% of pellets, providing the first evidence of microplastic ingestion by this piscivorous bird species in southern India and highlighting contamination within freshwater food webs.