We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Papers
61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Microplastic exposure and body condition in White-throated dipper (Cinclus cinclus) nestlings across anthropogenic landscapes in Scotland and the Basque Country (Spain)
ClearMicroplastic exposure and body condition in white-throated dipper (Cinclus cinclus) nestlings across anthropogenic landscapes in Scotland and Spain
Researchers quantified microplastic concentrations in fecal samples from white-throated dipper nestlings across gradients of human land use in Scotland and northern Spain. They examined relationships between land-use composition, microplastic exposure, and nestling body condition using mixed-effects models. The study provides evidence that these riverine birds are exposed to microplastics even at early life stages, with exposure levels varying across different landscape types.
Microplastic exposure and body condition in white-throated dipper (Cinclus cinclus) nestlings across anthropogenic landscapes in Scotland and Spain
Researchers measured microplastic levels in fecal samples from white-throated dipper nestlings sampled across areas with varying degrees of human land use in Scotland and Spain. Using statistical models that accounted for the nested structure of the data, they examined how land-use patterns relate to both microplastic exposure and chick body condition. The findings contribute to understanding how anthropogenic landscapes influence microplastic exposure in freshwater-dependent bird species.
High microplastic pollution in birds of urban waterbodies revealed by non-invasively collected faecal samples
Researchers analyzed bird droppings from urban freshwater habitats in Germany and found microplastic particles, mainly fibers, in 98% of samples across all species studied. The pollution levels were substantially higher than those reported in other freshwater bird studies, likely reflecting the heavy contamination of urban waterways. Since all the investigated species are at least partially migratory, the findings suggest birds may transport microplastics over long distances.
Presence of plastic particles in waterbirds faeces collected in Spanish lakes
Researchers analyzed feces from three waterbird species (coot, mallard, shelduck) at five inland wetlands in Spain, finding plastic debris in 44–60% of individuals, suggesting that freshwater waterfowl ingest plastic at frequencies comparable to marine seabirds, likely from agricultural plastic debris surrounding the lakes.
Microplastics characteristics and environmental correlates of their presence in the nests of white stork: An evidence for biotransfer and biocirculation in the ecosystem
Researchers surveyed microplastic characteristics across multiple urban water bodies, examining how land use, hydrology, and seasonal variation correlate with microplastic presence. Results showed that areas dominated by residential and commercial land use had consistently higher microplastic loads, with fibres the most prevalent particle type.
Plastic Debris in Nests of Two Water Bird Species Breeding on Inland Saline Lakes in a Mediterranean Biosphere Reserve
Researchers found anthropogenic debris, primarily macroplastics, in 2.4% and 12% of nests of two waterbird species breeding on inland salt lakes in a Spanish biosphere reserve. The results demonstrate plastic pollution reaches freshwater and terrestrial breeding habitats far from the ocean.
Differences in microplastics in passerine feces across species, diet, and foraging location
Researchers analyzed fecal samples from five passerine bird species and found microplastics in all of them, with ground-foraging species carrying higher particle loads and insectivores ingesting more fragment-shaped particles than omnivores — suggesting that feeding behavior and habitat determine which bird species face the greatest microplastic exposure risk.
Microplastic accumulation in the gastrointestinal tracts of nestling and adult migratory birds
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.
Plastics and other anthropogenic debris in freshwater birds from Canada.
This study quantified plastic debris ingestion in 17 freshwater and one marine bird species across Canada, finding that over 11% of individuals had ingested anthropogenic debris. The results show that plastic pollution in freshwater environments affects birds at rates comparable to marine species, highlighting the need to extend plastic pollution monitoring beyond the ocean.
Microscopic anthropogenic waste ingestion by small terrestrial European passerines: evidence from finch and tit families
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.
The potential of aerial insectivores for monitoring microplastics in terrestrial environments
Researchers examined microplastic contamination in tree swallow chicks near a wastewater treatment plant and at a rural conservation area. They found anthropogenic microparticles, predominantly fibers, in nearly all chicks at both sites, suggesting that aerial insectivores could serve as useful biological monitors for tracking microplastic contamination in terrestrial environments.
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.
Microplastic accumulation in various bird species in Turkey
Researchers analyzed microplastic contamination in 12 bird species in Turkey, providing the first data of its kind for the country. They found microplastics in all species examined, with variations in particle types and concentrations across different birds. The study contributes to the growing evidence that microplastic pollution affects wildlife across diverse habitats and feeding strategies.
Widespread microplastic and nanoplastic contamination in the intestines of birds: A case study from Chengdu, China
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.
Microplastics in Urban Bird Feces: A Methodological Approach and Case Study in Mexico City
Researchers developed a methodological approach to detect and characterize microplastics in urban bird feces, testing it in Madrid, Spain. They found microplastics including fibers and fragments in bird droppings, indicating widespread ingestion in urban bird populations.
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.
Birds as bioindicators of plastic pollution in terrestrial and freshwater environments: A 30-year review
This 30-year review of 106 studies examines how birds in freshwater and land environments are affected by plastic pollution. Most research has focused on larger plastic pieces, while microplastic exposure in these bird species is understudied and nanoplastic exposure has not been investigated at all. The authors urge researchers to develop standardized methods for measuring small plastic particles in birds, which could serve as valuable warning signs of plastic pollution across ecosystems.
A methodology for the sampling and identification of microplastics in bird nests
Researchers developed and tested a green (chemical-free) method to extract and identify microplastics from bird nests, finding an average of 250 microplastic items per nest in urban Great-tailed grackle nests, mostly synthetic polyethylene and polypropylene fibers. Bird nests offer a practical, non-invasive way to monitor microplastic contamination in urban and terrestrial environments.
Characterization of plastic ingestion in urban gull chicks and its implications for their use as pollution sentinels in coastal cities
Researchers examined the stomach contents of 56 yellow-legged gull chicks in Barcelona and found microplastics in 100% of the birds, with larger plastic pieces in about 20%. The chicks ingested plastics from their urban coastal environment, mostly fragments and fibers from common consumer plastics. This study shows how urban wildlife can serve as indicators of plastic pollution levels and highlights the widespread contamination of coastal food webs that humans also depend on.
Microplastic abundance in gull nests in relation to urbanization
Microplastic counts in herring gull and great black-backed gull nests at three US colonies showed higher proportions of microplastics in urban nests than in remote ones, linking urbanization to greater microplastic accumulation in coastal bird nesting habitats.
Exposure to microplastics by pelagic and coastal seabirds from temperate and tropical environments
Researchers examined microplastic exposure in pelagic and coastal seabird species from temperate and tropical marine environments, using the birds' broad spatial distribution and feeding behavior to assess microplastic distribution and concentration patterns across oceanic regions.
Plastic ingestion in aquatic insects: Implications of waterbirds and landfills and association with stable isotopes
Researchers investigated microplastic contamination in aquatic insects (water boatmen and midges) across Mediterranean wetlands in southern Spain. They found 571 suspected microplastic particles, mostly blue polyester and polypropylene fibers, with higher contamination near landfills and in areas frequented by colonial waterbirds that feed at landfills. The study suggests that landfills and birds that visit them serve as significant vectors for transferring microplastics into wetland ecosystems.
Microplastics in water, sediments and macroinvertebrates in a small river of NW Spain
Researchers found microplastics in water, sediment, and aquatic invertebrate species throughout a small urban river in northwest Spain, including inside the body cases of caddisfly larvae. The study confirms that microplastic contamination reaches even the headwaters of urban rivers and enters freshwater invertebrates, with potential to move up the food chain.
Evaluation of microplastics and metal accumulation in domestic ducks (Anas platyrhynchos f. domesticus) of a contaminated reservoir in Central Mexico
Researchers examined domestic ducks living near a contaminated reservoir in central Mexico and found nearly all birds had ingested microplastics, averaging about 155 suspected particles per individual. The ducks also showed signs of heavy metal contamination and poor body condition. The study provides baseline data linking microplastic and metal pollution in waterfowl to human activities around contaminated water bodies.