We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Availability and assessment of microplastic ingestion by marsh birds in Mississippi Gulf Coast tidal marshes
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastics were found in the gastrointestinal tracts of marsh birds from tidal marshes along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, with ingestion rates and particle types reflecting both direct feeding on contaminated prey and incidental consumption from the environment.
Millions of tons of plastic enter the environment every year, where much of it concentrates in environmental sinks such as tidal marshes. With prior studies documenting harm to marine fauna caused by this plastic pollution, the need to understand how this novel type of pollution affects estuarine fauna is great. Yet, research on the fate and uptake of plastic pollutants in estuarine ecosystems is sparse. Therefore, we quantified plastic prevalence and ingestion by two species of resident marsh bird, Clapper Rails (Rallus crepitans) and Seaside Sparrows (Ammospiza maritima), in coastal marsh ecosystems within Mississippi. We detected microplastics (plastics smaller than 5 mm) in 64% of marsh sediment samples, 83% of Clapper Rail and 69% of Seaside Sparrow proventriculus samples. Dominant types of microplastics detected in sediment and bird samples were fibers. This study provides the first evidence of microplastic ingestion by marsh birds and its distribution in coastal marshes within Mississippi.
More Papers Like This
Differential microplastic contamination of waterbirds in a coastal region associated with trophic groups and spatial distribution
AI summary Read the abstract
A study of waterbird feces in southern Brazil found that shorebirds feeding in sediments had far higher microplastic loads than fish-eating birds, and contamination was worst near urban areas, with polyester and PVC the most common polymers detected. Trophic position and proximity to cities both shape how much plastic wildlife ingests, providing a natural monitoring system for tracking coastal microplastic pollution.
Microplastics in the Gulf of Mexico: A Bird’s Eye View
AI summary Read the abstract
This review synthesises existing knowledge on microplastic debris distribution and concentrations in the Gulf of Mexico, which contains some of the highest globally reported microplastic levels, examining effects on bird species and identifying gaps in understanding the ecotoxicological risks to wildlife in this heavily plastics-impacted region.
Prey choice and ingestion of microplastics by common shelducks and common eiders in the Wadden Sea World Heritage Site
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found microplastic contamination in over 92% of stomach samples and 74–86% of fecal samples from common eiders and common shelducks in the Wadden Sea, with plastic filaments under 5mm dominating, suggesting widespread and near-universal ingestion by these coastal seabirds.
Microplastics and terrestrial birds: a review on plastic ingestion in ecological linchpins
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
Microplastic accumulation in the gastrointestinal tracts of nestling and adult migratory birds
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined microplastic accumulation in the gastrointestinal tracts of both nestling and adult migratory birds across six species, finding widespread plastic ingestion with fibers predominating, suggesting that microplastic exposure begins early in avian life stages.
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.