We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
First evidence of microplastics and their characterization in yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis michahellis, Naumann, 1840) pellets collected from the Sfax salina, southeastern Tunisia
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found microplastics in regurgitated pellets of yellow-legged gulls from a Tunisian saltwater lagoon, with 309 particles identified including 63.8 percent fibers and 36.2 percent fragments. Micro-FTIR analysis revealed that artificial cellulose dominated fiber composition, while ethylene vinyl acetate was among the plastic types detected.
The aim of this work was to provide evidence on the presence of microplastics (MPs) in regurgitated Yellow-legged Gull pellets (n = 18) from Sfax salina (south-eastern Tunisia). This artificial area is subject to high anthropogenic pressure and hosts Yellow-legged Gulls, which are at the top of the trophic chain and can be used as sentinel species to monitor litter in the environment, including plastic pollution. The total number of MPs found in the samples was 309, 63.8 % fibres (4.95 ± 3.51 MPs/g) and 36.2 % fragments (2.87 ± 1.74 MPs/g). Micro-FTIR analysis evidenced that a large proportion of the fibres was attributed to artificial cellulose (40.7 %). Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and polyethylene (PE) were found in the fragments.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics in feces and pellets from yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis) in the Atlantic Islands National Park of Galicia (NW Spain)
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found microplastics in feces and pellets from yellow-legged gulls nesting in the Atlantic Islands National Park of Galicia, Spain, detecting particles of five shapes with polypropylene as the dominant polymer. The study provides baseline microplastic contamination data for this ecologically important seabird in a protected coastal area.
Plastic pollution exposure in seabirds : from macroplastics to microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
A French PhD thesis quantified plastic pollution exposure in yellow-legged gulls (Larus michahellis) across the western Mediterranean, finding microplastics (10 µm–1 mm) in nearly all examined birds, with an average of ~39 mg of plastic per bird including ~8.5 mg of small microplastics. The work developed a new tissue-level microplastic quantification protocol for vertebrates, and shows that seabirds near landfills and agricultural areas carry the heaviest plastic burdens — suggesting land-based waste management directly controls wildlife microplastic exposure.
Changes in plastic ingestion by yellow-legged gulls (Larus michahellis) over the breeding season
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists studying seagulls in France found that nearly 84% of the birds' regurgitated pellets contained plastic, mostly bits of plastic sheeting like bags and wrappers. Interestingly, gulls seemed to eat slightly less plastic-contaminated food right when their chicks hatched, suggesting they instinctively try to feed their young safer meals. This matters for us too: it shows just how deeply plastic pollution has infiltrated wildlife food chains, the same food chains that eventually connect back to the fish and seafood many people eat.
Among-colony variation in plastic ingestion by Yellow-legged gulls (Larus michahellis) across the western Mediterranean basin
AI summary Read the abstract
This study investigated spatial variation in plastic ingestion by Yellow-legged gulls across 11 Mediterranean colonies over two years, finding that proximity to marine prey sources and agricultural land use significantly influenced plastic intake. The results suggest gulls can serve as reliable sentinel species for monitoring plastic pollution and tracking responses to improved waste management.
Characterization of plastic ingestion in urban gull chicks and its implications for their use as pollution sentinels in coastal cities
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined the stomach contents of 56 yellow-legged gull chicks in Barcelona and found microplastics in 100% of the birds, with larger plastic pieces in about 20%. The chicks ingested plastics from their urban coastal environment, mostly fragments and fibers from common consumer plastics. This study shows how urban wildlife can serve as indicators of plastic pollution levels and highlights the widespread contamination of coastal food webs that humans also depend on.
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.