Shorebird droppings analysis: Microplastics and heavy metals in a key conservation reserve and adjoining sand beaches in the west coast of India

Coastlines are susceptible to plastic and heavy metal pollution, which can accumulate from both marine and terrestrial sources. Shorebirds, top-level predators in these fragile ecosystems are considered as indicators of environmental health. Here, we tested the occurrence of microplastics and heavy...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Marine pollution bulletin 2024-10, Vol.207, p.116929, Article 116929
Main Authors: Athira, T.R., Rubeena, K.A., Reshi, Omer R., Jishnu, K., Jobiraj, T., Thejass, P., Manokaran, Seerangan, Aarif, K.M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Conservation
Heavy metals
Kadalundi-Vallikkunnu Community Reserve
Microplastics
Shorebirds
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Summary:Coastlines are susceptible to plastic and heavy metal pollution, which can accumulate from both marine and terrestrial sources. Shorebirds, top-level predators in these fragile ecosystems are considered as indicators of environmental health. Here, we tested the occurrence of microplastics and heavy metals in the droppings of ten regular wintering migrant shorebird species in Kadalundi-Vallikkunnu Community Reserve and adjoining sand beaches during November, December and January, each year, between 2019 and 2021. Heavy metals were analysed by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer and the microplastic polymer compositions were identified using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. We detected high concentrations of heavy metals such as Zinc, Copper, Cobalt, Chromium, Lead and Cadmium in droppings. Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Polystyrene, Poly Vinyl Chloride, Nitrile and Polyethylene terephthalate were the polymers identified. Polystyrene (42.6 %) and chromium (ranges between 7.83 and 88.45 mg/kg) were found to be the most abundant contaminants in most of the species. [Display omitted] •Microplastic and heavy metal co-occurrence observed in conspecific shorebird guano.•Elevated concentration of heavy metals exceeding environmental limits identified.•Six different microplastic polymers identified.•Polystyrene found to be the most abundant microplastic.•Chromium found to be the most abundant heavy metal.
ISSN:0025-326X
1879-3363
1879-3363
DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116929