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Microplastic Pollution in Urban Birds: A Comparative Study of Rock, Columba livia, and Corvus splendens
Summary
Researchers compared microplastic contamination, health markers, and foraging behaviour in Rock Pigeons and House Crows from urban environments in a study of terrestrial avian MP exposure. Both species contained MPs in their gastrointestinal tracts, with differences in contamination level and polymer type reflecting species-specific foraging ecology.
Microplastic pollution has emerged as a pervasive environmental threat, yet its effects on terrestrial urban avifauna remain underexplored. This study investigates the extent and implications of microplastic contamination in two synanthropic bird species: the Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) and the House Crow (Corvus splendens), both of which inhabit highly polluted urban environments. Through a comparative analysis involving the examination of ingested microplastics, health markers, and behavioral changes, the research evaluates species-specific vulnerabilities and adaptive responses to microplastic exposure. Findings reveal significant differences in ingestion patterns, with behavioral and physiological impacts evident in both species. The study highlights the role of urban birds as bioindicators of environmental health and underscores the urgent need for targeted conservation strategies and improved urban waste management. This work contributes to filling the knowledge gap in terrestrial microplastic ecology and advocates for integrative urban biodiversity protection measures.