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Ecological interactions influencing microplastic loading in small terrestrial birds
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Researchers examined how ecological interactions among soil organisms influence microplastic loading in small terrestrial bird nests, finding that foraging behavior and habitat use create pathways for plastic accumulation in nest materials.
The accumulation of microplastics (MP <5mm), is an increasing global problem. MP ingestion causes intestinal blockage, and the chemicals MP readily absorb increase the risk of developmental dysfunction and other health problems. There is little resear
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Microplastics and terrestrial birds: a review on plastic ingestion in ecological linchpins
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Researchers reviewed how microplastic pollution affects terrestrial birds — key ecological indicators — finding documented harms including intestinal blockage and developmental disruption, with implications for entire food webs since birds that ingest plastics can concentrate and transfer contamination to other species, including humans.
Differences in microplastics in passerine feces across species, diet, and foraging location
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Researchers analyzed fecal samples from five passerine bird species and found microplastics in all of them, with ground-foraging species carrying higher particle loads and insectivores ingesting more fragment-shaped particles than omnivores — suggesting that feeding behavior and habitat determine which bird species face the greatest microplastic exposure risk.
Feedback, synergy and antagonism between microplastics and soil organisms
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Microplastics, tiny plastic fragments from industrial waste and vehicle exhaust, are building up in soil, and this review pulls together research on how they disrupt soil life, from bacteria to earthworms to crop plants like wheat and tomatoes. The effects are a mixed bag: some microbes actually thrive, while earthworms can suffer toxic effects and plants may absorb harmful chemicals through their roots. This matters because these plastics can accumulate over time and potentially move up the food chain into the foods we eat, though scientists say more research is needed to fully understand the risks.
Breeding seabirds as vectors of microplastics from sea to land: Evidence from colonies in Arctic Canada
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Breeding seabirds were studied as potential vectors transporting microplastics from the sea to land via regurgitation and excretion at colony sites. Evidence from colony soils confirmed that seabirds transfer marine-sourced microplastics to terrestrial environments, with colony sites accumulating elevated microplastic concentrations compared to surrounding habitats.
Microplastic loading in terrestrial birds from nonlethal sampling
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Researchers tested wild terrestrial birds in the USA for microplastics using two methods: examining digestive tracts from dead birds and collecting droppings from live, released birds. Both methods found microplastics, with dropping samples detecting lower but comparable amounts. Microplastic levels varied more by individual bird than by diet, foraging habits, or body size.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.