A study conducted by the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) and the University of Sichuan (China) has revealed the presence of microplastics and nanoplastics in the lungs of wild birds.
The findings, published in the journal Hazardous Materials, highlight the widespread nature of plastic pollution in the air and the risks it poses to ecosystems.
The research team analyzed 56 birds from 51 species and 28 families collected at the Tianfu International Airport in Chengdu (China) as part of a wildlife management program.
The results showed particles of microplastics in all the specimens studied, with an average of 221.20 particles per bird and 416.22 particles per gram of lung tissue. Additionally, nanoplastics were detected, which due to their microscopic size can enter the bloodstream of animals.
Types of plastics and ecological risks
Scientists identified 32 types of microplastics, including chlorinated polyethylene, used for pipe insulation, and butadiene rubber, used in vehicle tires. These particles varied in shape and size, with films and pellets between 20 and 50 micrometers predominating.
By applying the polymer risk index, the researchers concluded that most birds had high ecological risks due to the accumulation of microplastics. Nanoparticles of materials such as nylon 66 and polyvinyl chloride were also identified in five species, highlighting the extent of this pollution.
Birds as environmental bioindicators
Shane DuBay, a biology professor at UTA and co-author of the study, emphasized the value of birds as bioindicators. Due to their mobility and ecological diversity, birds offer a unique perspective for understanding environmental pollution. This study demonstrates the urgent need to combat plastic pollution, whose negative effects impact both ecosystems and human health.
According to DuBay, the findings of microplastics in the lungs of so many bird species demand more research, funding, and decisive actions to preserve a healthier environment for future generations. This study highlights the growing threat of plastic pollution and the importance of taking immediate measures to protect biodiversity and the health of the planet.
Record concentrations of microplastics found in remote areas of Antarctica
A team of researchers from the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) discovered concentrations of up to 3,000 microplastic particles per liter of snow near some of the most remote camps in Antarctica.
95% of these particles were less than 50 micrometers (the size of most human cells), suggesting that previous studies may have underestimated the extent of pollution from microplastics in the region due to less sensitive detection methods.
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