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Martín-Vélez V, Cano-Povedano J, Cañuelo-Jurado B, López-Calderón C, Céspedes V, Ros M, Sánchez MI, Shamoun-Baranes J, Müller W, Thaxter CB, Camphuysen CJ, Cózar A, Green AJ. Leakage of plastics and other debris from landfills to a highly protected lake by wintering gulls. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2024; 177:13-23. [PMID: 38281470 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2024.01.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
GENERAL CONTEXT Gulls ingest plastic and other litter while foraging in open landfills, because organic matter is mixed with other debris. Therefore, gulls are potential biovectors of plastic pollution into natural habitats, especially when they concentrate in wetlands for roosting. NOVELTY We quantified, for the first time, the flow of plastic and other anthropogenic debris from open landfills to a natural lake via the movement of gulls. We focused on Fuente de Piedra, an inland closed-basin lake in Spain that is internationally important for biodiversity. METHODOLOGY In 2022, we sampled gull pellets regurgitated in the lake by lesser black-backed gulls Larus fuscus that feed on landfills, as well as their faeces, then characterized and quantified debris particles of ≥0.5 mm. By combining GPS and census data from 2010 to 2022, together with plastic quantification based on FTIR-ATR analysis, we estimated the average annual deposition of plastic and other debris by the wintering gull population into the lake. MAIN RESULTS 86 % of pellets contained plastics, and 94 % contained other debris such as glass and textiles. Polyethylene (54 %), polypropylene (11.5 %) and polystyrene (11.5 %) were the main plastic polymers. An estimated annual mean of 400 kg of plastics were moved by gulls into the lake. Only 1 % of plastic mass was imported in faeces. DISCUSSION Incorporating the biovectoring role of birds can provide a more holistic view of the plastic cycle and waste management. Biovectoring is predictable in sites worldwide where gulls and other waterbirds feed in landfills and roost in wetlands. We discuss bird deterrence and other ways of mitigating debris leakage into aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Víctor Martín-Vélez
- Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM), CSIC, Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta, Barcelona 37-49 08003, Spain; Department of Conservation Biology and Global Change, Estación Biológica de Doñana CSIC, Américo Vespucio 26, Sevilla 41092, Spain.
| | - Julián Cano-Povedano
- Department of Conservation Biology and Global Change, Estación Biológica de Doñana CSIC, Américo Vespucio 26, Sevilla 41092, Spain
| | - Belén Cañuelo-Jurado
- Department of Conservation Biology and Global Change, Estación Biológica de Doñana CSIC, Américo Vespucio 26, Sevilla 41092, Spain
| | - Cosme López-Calderón
- Department of Conservation Biology and Global Change, Estación Biológica de Doñana CSIC, Américo Vespucio 26, Sevilla 41092, Spain; Grupo de Investigación en Conservación. Biodiversidad y Cambio Global, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Vanessa Céspedes
- Department of Conservation Biology and Global Change, Estación Biológica de Doñana CSIC, Américo Vespucio 26, Sevilla 41092, Spain
| | - Macarena Ros
- Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Av. Reina Mercedes 6, Sevilla 41012, Spain
| | - Marta I Sánchez
- Department of Conservation Biology and Global Change, Estación Biológica de Doñana CSIC, Américo Vespucio 26, Sevilla 41092, Spain
| | - Judy Shamoun-Baranes
- Theoretical and Computational Ecology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1090 GE, The Netherlands
| | - Wendt Müller
- Department of Biology, Behavioural Ecology and Ecophysiology Group, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Wilrijk, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
| | - Chris B Thaxter
- British Trust for Ornithology, The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 2PU, UK
| | - Cornelis J Camphuysen
- COS Department, Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, P.O. Box 59, 1790 AB Den Burg, Texel, The Netherlands
| | - Andrés Cózar
- Department of Biology, Institute of Marine Research (INMAR), University of Cadiz and European University of the Seas (SEA-EU), Puerto Real 11510, Spain
| | - Andy J Green
- Department of Conservation Biology and Global Change, Estación Biológica de Doñana CSIC, Américo Vespucio 26, Sevilla 41092, Spain
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Veríssimo SN, Cunha SC, Fernandes JO, Casero M, Ramos JA, Norte AC, Paiva VH. Dynamics and effects of plastic contaminants' assimilation in gulls. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 196:106396. [PMID: 38341982 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers are persistent disrupters assimilated by organisms, yet little is known about their link to plastic ingestion and health effects. In an experiment, two groups of yellow-legged/lesser black-backed gulls (Larus michahellis/Larus fuscus) were fed plastics with BDE99 to assess leaching into brain, preen oil, liver and fat tissues and evaluate effects on health and stress parameters. Although most plastic was regurgitated, we observed a clear relation between plastic ingestion and chemical leaching. BDE99 exhibited higher levels in brain tissue of gulls from the plastic groups. Also, only values of cholinesterases measured in plasma were significantly reduced in the 'plastic' groups. Cholinesterase activity in the brain also tended to decrease, suggesting a negative effect in gulls' neurofunction. Results indicate that chemical leaching occurs, even when plastics stay in the stomach for a short period of time and showed that this can affect gulls' health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara N Veríssimo
- University of Coimbra, MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre / ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Sara C Cunha
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Bromatology and Hydrology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - José O Fernandes
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Bromatology and Hydrology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - María Casero
- Wildlife Rehabilitation and Investigation Center (RIAS) - Associação ALDEIA, Ria Formosa Natural Park, Olhão, Portugal
| | - Jaime A Ramos
- University of Coimbra, MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre / ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana C Norte
- University of Coimbra, MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre / ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Vitor H Paiva
- University of Coimbra, MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre / ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
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López-Calderón C, Martín-Vélez V, Blas J, Höfle U, Sánchez MI, Flack A, Fiedler W, Wikelski M, Green AJ. White stork movements reveal the ecological connectivity between landfills and different habitats. MOVEMENT ECOLOGY 2023; 11:18. [PMID: 36978169 PMCID: PMC10045253 DOI: 10.1186/s40462-023-00380-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Connections between habitats are key to a full understanding of anthropic impacts on ecosystems. Freshwater habitats are especially biodiverse, yet depend on exchange with terrestrial habitats. White storks (Ciconia ciconia) are widespread opportunists that often forage in landfills and then visit wetlands, among other habitats. It is well known that white storks ingest contaminants at landfills (such as plastics and antibiotic resistant bacteria), which can be then deposited in other habitats through their faeces and regurgitated pellets. METHODS We characterized the role of white storks in habitat connectivity by analyzing GPS data from populations breeding in Germany and wintering from Spain to Morocco. We overlaid GPS tracks on a land-use surface to construct a spatially-explicit network in which nodes were sites, and links were direct flights. We then calculated centrality metrics, identified spatial modules, and quantified overall connections between habitat types. For regional networks in southern Spain and northern Morocco, we built Exponential Random Graph Models (ERGMs) to explain network topologies as a response to node habitat. RESULTS For Spain and Morocco combined, we built a directed spatial network with 114 nodes and 370 valued links. Landfills were the habitat type most connected to others, as measured by direct flights. The relevance of landfills was confirmed in both ERGMs, with significant positive effects of this habitat as a source of flights. In the ERGM for southern Spain, we found significant positive effects of rice fields and salines (solar saltworks) as sinks for flights. By contrast, in the ERGM for northern Morocco, we found a significant positive effect of marshes as a sink for flights. CONCLUSIONS These results illustrate how white storks connect landfills with terrestrial and aquatic habitats, some of which are managed for food production. We identified specific interconnected habitat patches across Spain and Morocco that could be used for further studies on biovectoring of pollutants, pathogens and other propagules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cosme López-Calderón
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana CSIC, Seville, Spain.
| | - Víctor Martín-Vélez
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana CSIC, Seville, Spain
| | - Julio Blas
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana CSIC, Seville, Spain
| | - Ursula Höfle
- SaBio Health and Biotechnology Research Group, Institute for Game and Wildlife Research (IREC), CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Marta I Sánchez
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana CSIC, Seville, Spain
| | - Andrea Flack
- Collective Migration Group, Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, 78315, Radolfzell, Germany
- Department of Migration and Immuno-Ecology, Max Planck Institute of Animal Behaviour, Radolfzell, Germany
- Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour, University of Konstanz, 78468, Constance, Germany
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Constance, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Fiedler
- Department of Migration and Immuno-Ecology, Max Planck Institute of Animal Behaviour, Radolfzell, Germany
- Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour, University of Konstanz, 78468, Constance, Germany
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Constance, Germany
| | - Martin Wikelski
- Department of Migration and Immuno-Ecology, Max Planck Institute of Animal Behaviour, Radolfzell, Germany
- Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour, University of Konstanz, 78468, Constance, Germany
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Constance, Germany
| | - Andy J Green
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana CSIC, Seville, Spain
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Gardner BR, Hufschmid J, Stenos J, Tadepalli M, Sutton G, Fromant A, Eizenberg Y, Geeson JJ, Arnould JPY. Pacific Gulls ( Larus pacificus) as Potential Vectors of Coxiella burnetii in an Australian Fur Seal Breeding Colony. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12010122. [PMID: 36678470 PMCID: PMC9864253 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12010122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, Coxiella burnetii has been described as a novel pathogen potentially contributing to decreased pup production in Australian fur seals (AusFS, Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus). Pacific gulls (PGs, Larus pacificus) are known to scavenge AusFS placental material during the fur seal breeding season. It is hypothesized that PGs may act as vectors for this pathogen. In the present study, cloacal swabs, oral swabs and serum were collected from PGs on Kanowna Island (KI, an AusFS breeding colony) and a nearby island, Seal Island (SI), not occupied by pinnipeds. All sample sets were evaluated with qPCR for the com1, htpAB and IS1111 markers. Most oral and cloacal swabs from KI tested positive on both the com1 (94.1%; 88.2%) and htpAB targets (76.5%; 76.5%). Amplification was very low from the SI oral swabs and cloacal swabs. Only the KI serum samples had amplification (17.7% for both com1 and htpAB). There was no IS1111 amplification in either colony. The results demonstrate that PGs can potentially act as vectors for the spread of C. burnetii. In some birds, C. burnetii was detectable in the serum, indicating that gulls can experience bacteraemia. It appears that different feeding strategies in the same species within the same ecosystem can have profound effects on the prevalence of pathogens. Further studies are required to better understand the epidemiology and potential risks of this organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett R. Gardner
- Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3030, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - Jasmin Hufschmid
- Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3030, Australia
| | - John Stenos
- Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, University Hospital Geelong, Bellerine Street, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Mythili Tadepalli
- Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, University Hospital Geelong, Bellerine Street, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Grace Sutton
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3125, Australia
| | - Aymeric Fromant
- Centre d’Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 79360 Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Yonina Eizenberg
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3125, Australia
- Centre d’Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 79360 Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Johanna J. Geeson
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3125, Australia
| | - John P. Y. Arnould
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3125, Australia
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Keys BC, Grant ML, Rodemann T, Mylius KA, Pinfold TL, Rivers-Auty J, Lavers JL. New Methods for the Quantification of Ingested Nano- and Ultrafine Plastics in Seabirds. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:310-320. [PMID: 36548475 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c06973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Plastic ingestion has been documented in a plethora of taxa. However, there is a significant gap in the detection of nano- and ultrafine particles due to size limitations of commonly used techniques. Using two Australian seabird species as case studies, the flesh-footed shearwater (FFSH) Ardenna carneipes and short-tailed shearwater (STSH) A. tenuirostris, we tested a novel approach of flow cytometry to quantify ingested particles <70 μm in the fecal precursor (guano; colon and cloacal contents) of both species. This method provided the first baseline data set for these species for plastics in the 200 nm-70 μm particle size ranges and detected a mean of 553.50 ± 91.21 and 350.70 ± 52.08 plastics (count/mg fecal precursor, wet mass) in STSH and FFSH, respectively, whereas Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) provided accurate measurements of polymer compositions and quantities in the size range above 5.5 × 5.5 μm2. The abundance of nano- and ultrafine particles in the guano (count/mg) was not significantly different between species (p-value = 0.051), suggesting that foraging distribution or prey items, but not species, may contribute to the consumption of small plastics. In addition, there was no correlation between macroplastics in the stomach compared to the fecal precursor, indicating that small particles are likely bioaccumulating (e.g., through shedding and digestive fragmentation) and/or being directly ingested. Combining flow cytometry with FT-IR provides a powerful quantitative and qualitative analysis tool for detecting particles orders of magnitude smaller than that are currently explored with wider applications across taxa and marine environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca C Keys
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, Tasmania 7004, Australia
| | - Megan L Grant
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, School Road, Newnham, Tasmania 7248, Australia
| | - Thomas Rodemann
- Central Science Laboratory, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 74, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
| | - Karli A Mylius
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, Tasmania 7004, Australia
| | - Terry L Pinfold
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia
| | - Jack Rivers-Auty
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia
| | - Jennifer L Lavers
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, Tasmania 7004, Australia
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Lavers JL, de Jersey AM, Jones NR, Stewart LG, Charlton-Howard HS, Grant ML, Woehler EJ. Ingested plastics in beach-washed Fairy Prions Pachyptila turtur from Tasmania. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 184:114096. [PMID: 36113176 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Plastic is an omnipresent pollutant in marine ecosystems and is widely documented to be ingested among seabird species. Procellariiformes are particularly vulnerable to plastic ingestion, which can cause internal damage, starvation, and occasionally mortality. In this study, 34 fledgling Fairy Prions (Pachyptila turtur) recovered during a wreck event in south-eastern Tasmania in 2022 were examined for ingested plastics and body condition (e.g., wing chord length). While many of the birds exhibited poor body condition, this was not correlated with the count or mass of ingested plastics. We hypothesise the marine heatwave event, and resulting lack of prey, contributed to bird body condition and subsequent mortality. We provide some of the first data on the size of individual plastic particles ingested by seabirds and make recommendations for future studies to report this important metric in a consistent manner that ensures data are comparable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Lavers
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, Tasmania 7004, Australia.
| | - Alix M de Jersey
- School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Liverpool Street, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia
| | - Nina R Jones
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, Tasmania 7004, Australia
| | - Lillian G Stewart
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, Tasmania 7004, Australia
| | - Hayley S Charlton-Howard
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, Tasmania 7004, Australia
| | - Megan L Grant
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, School Road, Newnham, Tasmania 7248, Australia
| | - Eric J Woehler
- BirdLife Tasmania, GPO Box 68, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
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Properties and Recyclability of Abandoned Fishing Net-Based Plastic Debris. Catalysts 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/catal12090948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Plastics in marine environments undergo molecular degradation via biocatalytic and photocatalytic mechanisms. Abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) damages marine and coastal environments as well as plant and animal species. This article reviews ghost fishing, ecological damage from marine plastics, recommended recycling practices and alternative usages of derelict fishing gear. Material mixing techniques are proposed to counteract the effect of biocatalytic and photocatalytic biodegradation within the context of plastic fish net recycling. There is a need for a new and rapid “multidimensional molecular characterization” technology to quantify, at a batch level, the extent of photocatalytic or biocatalytic degradation experienced on each recovered fishing net, comprising molecular weight alteration, chemical functional group polydispersity and contaminant presence. Rapid multidimensional molecular characterization enables optimized conventional material mixing of recovered fishing nets. In this way, economically attractive social return schemes can be introduced for used fishing nets, providing an economic incentive for fishers to return conventional fishing nets for recycling.
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Pokines JT. Preliminary study of gull (Laridae) scavenging and dispersal of vertebrate remains, Shoals Marine Laboratory, Coastal New England. J Forensic Sci 2022; 67:1149-1156. [DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- James T. Pokines
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology Forensic Anthropology Program, Boston University School of Medicine Boston Massachusetts USA
- Office of the Chief Medical Examiner Boston Massachusetts USA
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9
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Jardine AM, Provencher JF, Pratte I, Holland ER, Baak JE, Robertson GJ, Mallory ML. Annual plastic ingestion and isotopic niche patterns of two sympatric gull species at Newfoundland, Canada. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 173:112991. [PMID: 34571381 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Ingestion of plastic pollution by pelagic seabirds is well-documented globally, but increasingly, researchers are investigating plastic ingestion in generalist predators and scavengers like gulls. We studied the gut contents of two sympatric gull species, American herring gulls (Larus smithsoniansus) and great black-backed gulls (L. marinus), collected year-round as part of "kill-to-scare" measures at the regional sanitary landfill in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, to compare ingested anthropogenic debris, trophic position and diet breadth through the year. Although great black-backed gulls fed at a higher trophic level, frequency of occurrence of plastic ingestion was similar to American herring gulls, and varied little through the year. Diet breadth (isotopic niche size) was similar between species, but American herring gulls fed at a lower trophic level during winter, perhaps indicating a change in their reliance on anthropogenic food subsidies throughout their annual cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander M Jardine
- Biology, Acadia University, 15 University Avenue, Wolfville, Nova Scotia B4N 3J2, Canada
| | - Jennifer F Provencher
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Raven Road, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H3, Canada
| | - Isabeau Pratte
- Canadian Wildlife Service, 45 Alderney Drive, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B2Y 4N6, Canada
| | - Erika R Holland
- Biology, Acadia University, 15 University Avenue, Wolfville, Nova Scotia B4N 3J2, Canada
| | - Julia E Baak
- Biology, Acadia University, 15 University Avenue, Wolfville, Nova Scotia B4N 3J2, Canada
| | - Gregory J Robertson
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 6 Bruce Street, Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and Labrador A1N 4T3, Canada
| | - Mark L Mallory
- Biology, Acadia University, 15 University Avenue, Wolfville, Nova Scotia B4N 3J2, Canada.
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Harris PT, Tamelander J, Lyons Y, Neo ML, Maes T. Taking a mass-balance approach to assess marine plastics in the South China Sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 171:112708. [PMID: 34273726 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The South China Sea (SCS) is recognised as a global hotspot for plastic pollution. We review available field studies and identify a significant lack of data needed to construct a simple mass balance box model for plastic pollution in the SCS. Fundamental information on plastic mass input, transfer and sink terms are simply not available. Also unknown are the rates of accumulation in different environments, the dispersal pathways of plastic particles of different density, the residence times of plastic in the water column and the rate at which macroplastics are transformed into microplastics in different environments. Filling these information gaps is critical for states to determine adequate response measures, including developing and tracking impact of policies to deal with the problem of plastic pollution in the SCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- P T Harris
- GRID-Arendal, P.O. Box 183, N-4802, Arendal, Norway.
| | - J Tamelander
- United Nations Environment Programme, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
| | - Y Lyons
- Centre for International Law, National University of Singapore, Bukit Timah Campus, Singapore
| | - M L Neo
- Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, Kent Ridge Campus, Singapore
| | - T Maes
- GRID-Arendal, P.O. Box 183, N-4802, Arendal, Norway
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Corrales-Moya J, Barrantes G, Chacón-Madrigal E, Sandoval L. Human waste used as nesting material affects nest cooling in the clay-colored thrush. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 284:117539. [PMID: 34261230 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The internal temperature of nests largely depends on the materials used in their construction because the characteristics of each material affect the isolation of nest walls. In urban environments, the availability of natural materials for nest building decreases, while the availability of artificial materials increases. Therefore, many urban bird species use more artificial materials for nest building inside cities, which may affect the thermal properties of the nest. We conducted an experiment to measure the effect of artificial materials included as part of the nest structure, on nest thermoregulation. We used as a model, nests of the clay-colored thrush (Turdus grayi), an urban bird species that have been reported using artificial nest materials. In our experiment, we measured how variation in artificial materials mass affects the nest cooling rate in a climate-controlled room. We found that artificial materials increased the cooling rate of clay-colored thrush nests, compared with nests with only natural materials. This result is especially relevant because showed a negative direct effect of the use of artificial material for nest building in birds. Considering that the availability of artificial material is increasing in urban areas, while natural material is decreasing, it is expected that the negative effect of using artificital material for nest construction would increase in the clay-colored thrush and other city bird species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josué Corrales-Moya
- Sistema de Estudios de Posgrado, Universidad de Costa Rica, Costa Rica; Laboratorio de Ecología Urbana y Comunicación Animal, Universidad de Costa Rica, Costa Rica; Escuela de Biología, Universidad de Costa Rica, Costa Rica.
| | | | | | - Luis Sandoval
- Laboratorio de Ecología Urbana y Comunicación Animal, Universidad de Costa Rica, Costa Rica; Escuela de Biología, Universidad de Costa Rica, Costa Rica
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Bond AL, Hutton I, Lavers JL. Plastics in regurgitated Flesh-footed Shearwater (Ardenna carneipes) boluses as a monitoring tool. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 168:112428. [PMID: 33940375 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Plastic production and pollution of the environment with plastic items is rising rapidly and outpacing current mitigation measures. Success of mitigation actions can only be determined if progress can be measured reliably through incorporation of specific, measurable targets. Here we evaluate temporal changes in the amount and composition of plastic in boluses from Flesh-footed Shearwaters during 2002-2020 and assess their suitability for measuring progress against national and international commitments to reduce plastic pollution. Plastic in the shearwater boluses showed a generally decreasing pattern from 2002 to 2015 and increasing again to 2020. The colour and type of plastics in boluses was comparable to items recovered from live and necropsied birds, but a much smaller sample size (~35 boluses/year) was required to detect changes in plastic number and mass over time. We therefore suggest shearwater boluses are a low-effort, high-statistical power monitoring tool for quantifying progress against environmental policies in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander L Bond
- Bird Group, Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, Tring, Hertfordshire HP23 6AP, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Hutton
- Lord Howe Island Museum, P.O. Box 157, Lord Howe Island, New South Wales 2898, Australia
| | - Jennifer L Lavers
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, Tasmania 7004, Australia.
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Kaviarasan T, Naik S, Sivadas SK, Dhineka K, Sambandam M, Sivyer D, Mishra P, Ramana Murthy MV. Assessment of litter in the remote beaches of Lakshadweep Islands, Arabian Sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 161:111760. [PMID: 33096401 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to obtain baseline data on litter from three beaches of the Lakshadweep Islands (Kadmat, Suheli Par, and Minicoy). At each site, three transects of 20 × 20 m of the foreshore and intertidal zone were sampled during low tide. All macro litter (size >2.5 cm to <1 m) within each transect were collected and counted. A total of 1231 litter items belonging to 22 categories were recorded. The highest average abundance (193 ± 97 items/400 m2) of marine litter was found in Kadmat, followed by Suheli Par (154 ± 31items/400 m2) and Minicoy (63 ± 49 items/400 m2) islands. The Clean Coast Index (CCI) suggests that Minicoy Island has a clean beach (CCI 3.15) while Suheli Par (CCI 8) and Kadmat (CCI 10) were moderate. The primary contributing sources of litter on the beaches were fishing (45%) and public (34%). Better management practices are required to control litter sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Kaviarasan
- National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), Ministry of Earth Sciences, Govt. of India, NIOT Campus, Pallikaranai, Chennai 600 100, India
| | - Subrat Naik
- National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), Ministry of Earth Sciences, Govt. of India, NIOT Campus, Pallikaranai, Chennai 600 100, India
| | - S K Sivadas
- National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), Ministry of Earth Sciences, Govt. of India, NIOT Campus, Pallikaranai, Chennai 600 100, India
| | - K Dhineka
- National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), Ministry of Earth Sciences, Govt. of India, NIOT Campus, Pallikaranai, Chennai 600 100, India
| | - M Sambandam
- National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), Ministry of Earth Sciences, Govt. of India, NIOT Campus, Pallikaranai, Chennai 600 100, India
| | - David Sivyer
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Suffolk NR33 OHT, United Kingdom
| | - Pravakar Mishra
- National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), Ministry of Earth Sciences, Govt. of India, NIOT Campus, Pallikaranai, Chennai 600 100, India.
| | - M V Ramana Murthy
- National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), Ministry of Earth Sciences, Govt. of India, NIOT Campus, Pallikaranai, Chennai 600 100, India
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