Birds as Bioindicators: Revealing the Widespread Impact of Microplastics

Abstract

Plastic waste, especially microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs), poses a significant threat to birds and ecosystems worldwide. These pollutants are ingested directly or indirectly through prey or contaminated habitats, affecting birds across various environments. Species in coastal and urban areas are particularly vulnerable, with seabirds often exposed to fishing-related debris and terrestrial birds to urban and industrial waste. MPs have been detected in a variety of avian tissues, feathers, feces, and regurgitations, with fibers being the most prevalent form due to their abundance in textiles and susceptibility to environmental transport. Detection efforts span from the Antarctica to the Labrador Sea, with North America, China, Australia, and South Europe being the regions that have invested more research into this issue. MPs and NPs have been shown to accumulate in gastrointestinal systems, inducing tissue damage, and disrupting metabolism and hormonal balance. Moreover, they also act as vectors for harmful chemicals like heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants. Standardizing detection methods and understanding longterm effects on avian health are critical for addressing this pervasive issue and mitigating its ecological consequences.