We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastic contamination in waterbirds and their habitats: evidence from little egrets (Egretta garzetta) in tropical rice fields
Summary
Researchers investigated microplastic contamination in little egrets and their rice field habitats in tropical southern China. They found microplastics in water, sediment, feathers, and fecal samples, with fiber-shaped particles being the most common type. The study suggests that waterbirds can serve as useful indicators of microplastic pollution levels in agricultural wetland environments.
Microplastic (MP) pollution in rice fields has become a major environmental threat. Birds often serve as indicators of environmental pollution, and feathers are the most commonly used indicator because they can be sampled non-invasively. However, studies examining the ingestion of plastic by waterbirds in tropical rice fields are lacking. Therefore, to explore the potential threat of MP pollution on waterbirds inhabiting rice fields and evaluate the potential role of bird feathers in assessing MP pollution, we investigated MP accumulation in sediment, water, feather, and feces samples collected from different nesting sites (Wuji Village and Chongwei Village) of little egrets (Egretta garzetta) on Hainan Island, China, and evaluated possible correlations among feathers, feces, and environment. MPs were significantly more abundant in sediment, feather, and feces samples from Wuji Village than in those from Chongwei Village, suggesting the importance of habitat contamination as an exposure source for MP ingestion. MPs were more abundant on feathers than in feces based on the number of MP pieces per gram of sample. The identified MPs were predominantly small and fragment-shaped. Polyethylene and polypropylene were the most abundant polymer types, indicating that anthropogenic activities were the likely source of MPs. Correlation analysis revealed highly significant correlations between feathers and habitats in terms of MP characteristics. The results indicate that waterbirds in rice fields are seriously exposed to MP contamination and highlight the potential role of feathers as biomonitors and vectors of MPs in natural environments.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Identification of microplastics in the digestive tract of Great Egret (Egretta alba) in Percut Sei Tuan, North Sumatra
Researchers examined the digestive tracts of great egrets in Percut Sei Tuan, North Sumatra, and found 15 microplastic particles in their stomachs and 13 in their intestines, with fibers being the most common type. The study suggests that these waterbirds are accumulating microplastics from their aquatic feeding habitats, reflecting significant plastic pollution in the local environment.
Microplastics in the digestive organs of little egret (Egretta garzetta) in Tanjung Rejo Village, Deli Serdang District, North Sumatra, Indonesia
Microplastics were found in the digestive organs of little egrets (Egretta garzetta) in North Sumatra, Indonesia, with fibers being the dominant shape, indicating that even wading birds in Indonesian coastal wetlands are accumulating plastic pollution through their diet.
Species-specific accumulation of microplastics in different bird species from South China: A comprehensive analysis
Across 24 bird species in South China, insectivorous birds accumulated significantly more small microplastics (under 0.1 mm) than other feeding guilds, while piscivorous birds accumulated more large microplastics (over 1 mm). Diet source was a stronger predictor of microplastic contamination than trophic level or body weight, with polypropylene and PET as the dominant polymer types found.
Urban waterbirds shifting microplastics
Researchers found microplastics in the feces of two urban waterbird species in Kerala, India, with polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene being the most common types. Both juvenile and adult birds were affected equally, suggesting that waterbirds can transport microplastics through ecosystems and serve as indicators of local plastic waste levels in freshwater environments.
Assessment of microplastics in gastrointestinal tract of cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) from a metropolitan city Lahore, Pakistan
Researchers examined the gastrointestinal tracts of cattle egrets from Lahore, Pakistan, and found significant levels of microplastics, with sheets and fibers being the most abundant types. Chemical analysis identified polyvinyl alcohol, polyisobutylene, and polyaramid as the main polymer compounds present. The findings indicate that even semi-aquatic bird species in urban environments are accumulating concerning levels of microplastic contamination.