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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Microplastic contamination in the pellets of the Egyptian vultures (Neophron percnopterus) as terrestrial bioindicators across contrasting landscapes in Türkiye
ClearUnraveling Plastic Pollution in Protected Terrestrial Raptors Using Regurgitated Pellets
Regurgitated pellets from six protected raptor species in Spain contained microplastics and artificial fibers, with prevalence and composition varying by species and feeding ecology, providing the first evidence of plastic pollution in terrestrial birds of prey via their prey items.
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.
Vultures in the southeastern United States ingest more plastic in landscapes with more developed landcover
Analysis of 1,087 regurgitated pellets from black and turkey vultures along an urban-rural gradient in the Charlotte, USA area found that 60% contained plastic, with birds in more urbanized areas and near commercial food providers ingesting proportionally more plastic material.
Documentation of microplastics in the gastrointestinal tracts of terrestrial raptors in central California, USA
Researchers found microplastics in the digestive tracts of all 16 terrestrial raptors (hawks and owls) examined on California's central coast, averaging over 12 particles per bird. The study is significant because it shows microplastic contamination has spread into land-based food chains, not just aquatic ones, raising questions about how plastic pollution affects predatory bird populations.
Microplastic accumulation in the gastrointestinal tracts in birds of prey in central Florida, USA
Microplastics were found in the gastrointestinal tracts of all 63 birds of prey examined from eight species in central Florida, with an average of nearly 12 plastic pieces per bird and microfibers making up 86% of the total. Processed cellulose was the most common material identified, followed by PET and a polyamide blend.
Accumulation of microplastics in predatory birds near a densely populated urban area
Researchers found microplastics in every single digestive tract examined from four species of predatory birds near a major city, and 65% also had microplastics in their respiratory systems. On average, each bird contained about 8 microplastic particles, mostly fibers, likely ingested through contaminated prey. This is the first study to document microplastic contamination in the breathing organs of birds of prey, showing how plastic pollution moves up the food chain.
Microplastics in full view: Birds as bioindicators of Malta's coastal ecosystem health
This study used coastal water birds as bioindicators to assess microplastic contamination along Malta's Mediterranean coastline, finding microplastics in multiple bird species. The approach demonstrates how wildlife monitoring can provide a practical method for tracking regional marine pollution levels.
Investigation of Microplastic Accumulation in the Gastrointestinal Tract in Birds of Prey
Microplastics and plastic-associated pollutants were found in the gastrointestinal tracts of birds of prey, confirming that plastic contamination is transferring up food chains to apex predators. This raises concerns about endocrine disruption and toxic accumulation in wildlife and potentially humans.
Microplastics presence in wild bird species through an environmental forensic lens
This study examined microplastic presence in wild bird species using an environmental forensics approach, finding plastic particles across multiple bird taxa in ecosystems ranging from urban to remote. The results highlight wild birds as both sentinels of and victims of plastic pollution.
Microplastic contamination and ecological risk assessment in two tree frog species (Hyla orientalis and Hyla savignyi) across Türkiye
Researchers examined microplastic contamination in the gastrointestinal tracts of two tree frog species across 24 provinces in Turkiye. The study found 192 microplastic particles total, predominantly PET fibers, with significant geographic variation in contamination levels and microplastic characteristics, suggesting widespread environmental distribution of microplastic pollution across the region.
Microplastic contamination in terrestrial ecosystems: A study using barn owl (Tyto alba) pellets
Researchers analyzed barn owl pellets as a non-invasive method to assess microplastic contamination in terrestrial ecosystems. The study found confirmed microplastics in 33% of pellets collected from three agricultural areas, with polyethylene terephthalate microfibres being the most common type, suggesting that barn owl pellet analysis could serve as a cost-effective monitoring tool for terrestrial microplastic pollution.
Litter and microplastic contamination in bearded vultures (Gypaetus barbatus) from the Central Italian Alps: a preliminary study
Researchers examined litter and microplastic contamination in bearded vultures (Gypaetus barbatus) from the Central Italian Alps, finding anthropogenic materials in nest contents and providing preliminary evidence that this remote high-altitude raptor is exposed to plastic pollution likely through ingestion of contaminated prey or scavenging.
Consumo incidental de plástico y otros materiales antropogénicos por parte de Coragyps atratus (Bechstein, 1793) en un vertedero de basura de Ecuador
Researchers found that 100% of regurgitated pellets from black vultures (Coragyps atratus) at an Ecuadorian landfill contained anthropogenic materials, with plastics being the most common item, demonstrating widespread incidental plastic ingestion by scavenging birds.
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.
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.
Assessing plastic ingestion in the White stork (Ciconia ciconia) through regurgitated pellets
Researchers collected and analyzed regurgitated pellets from a white stork colony in central Spain to assess plastic and microplastic ingestion levels and their relationship to landfill use. About 3.44% of pellet content consisted of plastic, confirming that storks feeding at landfills ingest meaningful quantities of plastic materials, with chemical composition analysis identifying the polymer types involved.
Assessing microplastic and nanoplastic contamination in bird lungs: evidence of ecological risks and bioindicator potential
Researchers examined the lungs of 51 bird species and found microplastics in all of them, averaging over 400 particles per gram of lung tissue, with nanoplastics also detected in five species tested. Birds may serve as early warning indicators of airborne plastic pollution, and the widespread contamination of their lungs suggests that humans breathing the same air face similar exposure risks.
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.
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.
Birds as Bioindicators: Revealing the Widespread Impact of Microplastics
This systematic review found microplastics in over 200 bird species across the globe, from Antarctica to South Europe. Birds can suffer gut damage, oxidative stress, and toxic chemical buildup from ingesting plastics — a warning sign for broader ecosystem and food chain contamination that could affect humans too.
Investigation of Microplastic in Pellets from the Selected Piscivorous Bird Along the Wetlands of Coimbatore City in Tamil Nadu State of India
Researchers examined regurgitated pellets from Common Kingfishers along Indian wetlands and detected polyethylene and polypropylene microplastic fibers in 26% of pellets, providing the first evidence of microplastic ingestion by this piscivorous bird species in southern India and highlighting contamination within freshwater food webs.
Using feral pigeon (Columba livia) to monitor anthropogenic debris in urban areas: a case study in Taiwan's capital city
Analysis of 46 feral pigeon carcasses from Taipei found 224 pieces of anthropogenic debris, 71.9% fibers, primarily polyethylene (20.5%), demonstrating that urban birds ingest microplastics and can serve as terrestrial bioindicators of plastic pollution.
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.
Organochlorine pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, metals and metalloids in microplastics found in regurgitated pellets of black vulture from Campeche, Mexico
Researchers analyzed microplastics found in regurgitated pellets of black vultures feeding at landfills in Campeche, Mexico, testing for associated toxic chemicals. They detected organochlorine pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and heavy metals adsorbed onto the microplastic particles. The study suggests that wildlife feeding at landfills faces combined exposure to microplastics and the toxic pollutants they carry.