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First assessment of plastic pollution in juvenile Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) from South Atlantic Coasts
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Researchers examined plastic pollution in the gastrointestinal tracts of juvenile Magellanic penguins stranded on beaches in Argentina, finding plastic in 100% of the 21 individuals examined, with an average of 77 particles per bird. The overwhelming majority of items were microplastics, mostly fibers, indicating that these seabirds are routinely ingesting plastic particles likely through consuming contaminated prey.
Plastic pollution is a global problem and an improve knowledge in this regard is urgent to find solutions. The aim of this work was to assess, for the first time, the occurrence, types and composition of plastic pollution in juvenile Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) stranded at different beaches from the southern Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. Macro-, meso- and microplastic particles (MPs) were found in 100% of the gastrointestinal tract from 21 individuals. Particle levels ranged from 33 to 200 items per individual. A total number of 1609 particles were extracted and characterized, a 0.2% of particles were macroplastic, 8.8% mesoplastics and 91% MPs, represented mostly by fibers (98.5%). A prevalence of the smallest particles was found ( Also see: https://micro2022.sciencesconf.org/426967/document
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First assessment of debris pollution in the gastrointestinal content of juvenile Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) stranded on the west south Atlantic coasts.
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This study found anthropogenic debris including plastics and fibers in 100% of juvenile Magellanic penguins stranded on the Argentine coast, with microparticles making up the vast majority. This is the first assessment of debris ingestion in juvenile Magellanic penguins and raises concerns about the impact of plastic pollution on these vulnerable young seabirds.
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Researchers analyzed fecal samples from Dominican gulls, Magellanic penguins, and Humboldt penguins in coastal Chile for microplastic content, finding microplastics in all three species. The results document microplastic ingestion by multiple seabird species in Chilean coastal ecosystems, reflecting ocean contamination in the southeastern Pacific.
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Researchers used penguin fecal samples collected from three species across the Antarctic Peninsula over seven breeding seasons to assess microplastic ingestion in these seabirds. Finding microplastics in Antarctic penguin feces confirms that plastic pollution has reached even remote polar food webs, with krill serving as a potential pathway for transferring microplastics to penguins.
Microplastic Pollution in Penguins from Antarctic Peninsula
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Researchers investigated microplastic pollution in penguins from the Antarctic Peninsula, examining the presence and characteristics of plastic particles in these seabirds as indicators of contamination in one of the most remote marine ecosystems on Earth.
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Microplastic particles were found in the digestive tracts of gentoo penguins sampled from the Antarctic region, adding to evidence that even the remote Southern Ocean ecosystem is contaminated with plastic pollution. The study raises concerns about how microplastic ingestion may affect the health and foraging efficiency of Antarctic seabirds.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.