A study led by the University of Coimbra detected microplastics and chemical compounds in seabirds that breed in sub-Antarctic regions such as South Georgia, which reveals the impact of pollution in remote regions.
The international study, led by researchers from the Department of Life Sciences of the Faculty of Science and Technology of the University of Coimbra (), detected “microplastics and chemical compounds associated with the production of plastics (additives)”, some of which are recognized as endocrine disruptors (which interfere with the hormonal system).
In this published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials, fIndividuals of seven subantarctic seabird species were analyzed, some of which are classified as vulnerable or in danger of extinction.
Not totally, 1,275 particles resulting from human activity were identified in the gastrointestinal tracts of the animals analyzed, with, on average, around 17 particles in each.
PhD student in Biosciences from FCTUC and the British Antarctic Survey (United Kingdom) Joana Fragão explained that “the analyzes revealed that the majority of particles identified were of synthetic origin (59%), in particular plastic.”
They were also found “particles of natural origin, such as cellulose and cotton, but of industrial origin, and may contain additional compounds, such as dyes, which may persist in the environment.”
The study also analyzed the presence of compounds with potential action as endocrine disruptors in the liver and muscle of birds.
Study co-author Filipa Bessa highlighted that “the results show the simultaneous presence of microplastics and these compounds in seabirds in remote regions, although a direct relationship between the two has not yet been established nor their biological effects evaluated”.
Despite that, these data “contribute to a better understanding of the exposure of marine fauna to different types of pollutants”.
The researchers argued for the need to “strengthen international measures aimed at reducing marine pollution and protecting biodiversity”.
The creation of “monitoring programs for plastics and chemical contaminants, even in ecosystems considered isolated”, is one of the measures they consider important to take.
