Back to papers
0
Article ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Tier 2 ? Original research — experimental, observational, or case-control study. Direct primary evidence. Environmental Sources Gut & Microbiome Marine & Wildlife Sign in to save

First assessment of plastic pollution in juvenile Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) from South Atlantic Coasts

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) 2022
Tatiana Recabarren, Ana Ronda, Luciano La Sala, Cristina Sanhueza, Lucrecia Díaz, Lucas Rodríguez-Pirani, A. Lorena Picone, Rosana M. Romano, Pablo F. Petracci, Andrés H. Arias

Summary

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.

Body Systems
Digestive

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

Read via DOI Download PDF

Share this paper

Post Share Share Pin Email