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Microscopic anthropogenic litter in terrestrial birds from Shanghai, China: Not only plastics but also natural fibers
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Scientists found tiny pieces of human-made trash, including plastic bits and clothing fibers, in the stomachs of wild birds in China. The natural fibers from our clothes might actually break down in animals' bodies, potentially releasing harmful chemicals as they do. This matters because it shows how widespread pollution from tiny particles has become in nature, and suggests we need to study whether natural fibers from clothing could be just as harmful as microplastics.
The level of contamination by microscopic anthropogenic litter (0.5-5mm) in terrestrial ecosystems is not well understood. After chemical digestion in 10% KOH, microscopic anthropogenic litter from the gastrointestinal tracts of 17 terrestrial birds was identified and categorized under a stereomicroscope based on its physical properties and melting tests. In total, 364 items from 16 birds were identified as microscopic anthropogenic litter, ranging in size from 0.5 to 8.5mm. No relationship between plastic load and body condition was found. Natural fibers, plastic fibers and fragmented plastics represented, respectively, 37.4% (136 items), 54.9% (200 items) and 7.7% (28 items) of total litter items. Small sample sizes limited our ability to draw strong conclusions about the metabolism of natural fibers, but the decline in the proportion of natural fibers from the esophagus to stomach to intestine suggested that they may be digestible. Particles smaller than 5mm represented more than 90% of the total number of pollutant items. Particles with colors in the mid-tones and fibrous shapes were overwhelmingly common particles. The results reflect pollution by microscopic anthropogenic litter in the terrestrial ecosystem of the study area. Microscopic natural fibers, which may disperse and adsorb chemical pollutants differently from microplastic and may pose an even greater risk, are in urgent need of further research.
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Microplastics footprint in nature reserves-a case study on the microplastics in the guano from Yancheng Wetland Rare Birds National Nature Reserve, China
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Researchers found microplastics in the droppings of birds at a protected nature reserve in China, with fibers and polyethylene being the most common types. Different bird species had varying levels of contamination depending on their habitat and feeding behavior, with aquatic birds generally ingesting more microplastics. This study shows that even wildlife in protected areas is exposed to microplastic pollution, which can move through food chains.
Microscopic anthropogenic waste ingestion by small terrestrial European passerines: evidence from finch and tit families
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Researchers examined the stomachs and intestines of nine common European songbird species — finches and tits — to see how much microscopic waste they were ingesting. Of 149 birds tested, 31 contained particles including 7 confirmed microplastics (polyethylene, PET, and polystyrene), along with cellulosic fibers like cotton and rayon. Finches ingested more than tits, and ingestion rates were higher outside the breeding season. Because these small birds are prey for larger animals, they may be passing microplastics up the food chain.
Widespread microplastic and nanoplastic contamination in the intestines of birds: A case study from Chengdu, China
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Researchers found microplastics and nanoplastics in the intestines of 49 bird species in Chengdu, China, with PVC and chlorinated polyethylene being the most common types. Nanoplastics, which are harder to detect and potentially more harmful, were confirmed in five species using advanced analytical methods. The widespread contamination across many bird species suggests that microplastic pollution has thoroughly penetrated terrestrial food webs, not just marine environments.
Regurgitated Bird Pellets as Tools to Assess Microplastics in the Environment
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Scientists studied leftover food pellets coughed up by birds like owls and falcons in both rural and city areas, and found tiny plastic bits (microplastics) in about 1 in 7 samples—with more found in areas with heavier human activity. This matters because it shows plastic pollution is working its way into land-based food chains, not just oceans, which raises questions about how much plastic might eventually make its way up the food chain to humans through the animals and environments we depend on.
Microplastic Ingestion and Diet Analysis in Migratory Shorebirds at Bahía Lomas Ramsar Site, Chile.
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Scientists found tiny plastic fibers (microplastics) in the sediment, food, and droppings of migratory shorebirds in a remote, protected wetland in Chile — showing that plastic pollution has reached even far-off, seemingly pristine habitats. This matters because these birds are part of the same food chains and coastal ecosystems that eventually connect to the seafood many people eat, suggesting microplastic contamination is becoming nearly impossible to avoid, even in nature's most protected corners.
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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.