Birds Endure Harm from Microplastics Pollution

Microplastic and nanoplastic contamination have become a pressing global issue, affecting birds worldwide. Recent studies have revealed the widespread presence of these pollutants in various bird species, both terrestrial and marine.

In Turkey, a 2025 study found microplastics in 50% of the bird species examined, with the short-toed snake eagle having the highest concentration [1]. Similarly, microplastics have been detected in the guts of birds and other marine life, emphasising the significant impact on ecosystems [1].

The sources of these contaminants often originate from discarded fishing gear and domestic sewage, common sources of plastic pollution in coastal areas [1]. Biofilms, communities of microorganisms attached to surfaces, can accumulate microplastics, facilitating their transfer to birds, particularly shorebirds [1].

Ingestion of microplastics can lead to health issues, such as inflammation and scarring of the digestive tract in birds, a condition known as plasticosis. This affects digestion, growth, and survival [4]. Additives in plastics may also leach out upon ingestion, causing endocrine disruption and other health issues [4].

Microplastic contamination not only harms birds but also compromises ecosystem functions. For instance, microplastics can alter the density of krill faecal pellets, reducing their ability to carry carbon to the ocean floor, affecting natural carbon sequestration processes [2].

Microplastics can bioaccumulate in birds, making them potential bioindicators for assessing ecological risks [3]. This highlights the need for ongoing monitoring and study of microplastic impacts on bird populations.

India has been identified as a significant contributor to microplastic pollution, discharging an estimated 391,879 tonnes into its waterbodies in 2024, making it the second leading polluter after China [6]. Over the past couple of years, shorelines across ten important wintering grounds on India’s west coast have reported the prevalence of microplastics [7].

Addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach. Efforts to reduce plastic pollution and develop effective remediation strategies are crucial to mitigate the impacts on birds and ecosystems [5]. Local projects aimed at managing plastic waste can produce results in a short period of time. An important step towards keeping birds free from the dangers of plastic ingestion is to make coastal belts totally free from plastic use [8].

The contamination of birds and the consequent bioaccumulation of microplastics highlight the pervasive nature of pollution of water bodies, including oceans [9]. Researchers have even found microplastics and nanoplastics exposure in the lungs of 51 species of birds, with an average abundance of 221.20 particles per species and 416.22 microplastics per gram of lung tissue [10].

In conclusion, the contamination of birds by microplastics and nanoplastics is a pressing global issue with significant health and ecosystem implications. Ongoing research and policy initiatives are necessary to address the pervasive nature of microplastic pollution in both terrestrial and marine environments.

References: [1] [Study in Turkey, 2025] [2] [Study on krill faecal pellets] [3] [Study on bioaccumulation and bioindicators] [4] [Study on health impacts on birds] [5] [Efforts to reduce plastic pollution and develop remediation strategies] [6] [India's microplastic discharge in 2024] [7] [Presence of microplastics on India's west coast] [8] [Local projects for managing plastic waste] [9] [Contamination of birds and the pollution of water bodies] [10] [Study on microplastics in bird lungs]

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