Scientists Say Plastic Swallowed by Seabirds ‘Could Discharge Toxic Elements in Their Stomach’

Researchers have stated, tiny bits of plastic eaten by seabirds could discharge toxic chemicals in their stomachs and cause a threat to their long-term healthiness.

The discoveries, printed in the journal Frontiers in Environmental Science, are established on an assessment of stomach oil of northern fulmars, a popular seabird found around the shores of the UK.

Plastic Contamination Is Seen as A Rising Hazard to Wildlife

Plastic litter is seen as a rising hazard to wildlife as birds, such as fulmars, can mistake it for food.

Swallowing plastic has been known to initiate blockages in the intestinal system, but scientists have questioned whether these human-made materials could also release harmful elements as well.

Lead author Susanne Kuhn, a student at the Wageningen Marine Research in the Netherlands, said, ‘I have been employed on northern fulmars for nearly 10 years. As these seabirds consume plastics frequently, and 93 percent of the fulmars from the North Sea have some plastic in their bellies, it is important to understand the possible damage this could trigger.’

Ms. Kuhn, along with a crew of investigators, duplicated the circumstances of the fulmar stomach in the research laboratory.

It was exposed by the researchers that stomach oil, a nutrient-rich liquid found in the fulmar stomach, to tiny pieces of plastic usually found in the beach which seabirds would be likely to consume.

For 90 days, the plastic experiments were developed in stomach oil, and chemical testing was performed at different time points to see whether the pieces of plastic seeped over time to distribute chemicals.

Data of 15 chemicals was discovered by the researchers, added by plastic companies during the making process, in the stomach oil.

These incorporated plasticizes, antioxidants, UV stabilizers, fire retardants, and preservers.

Increase in threatened dolphins, turtles, sharks, and rays sinking in Australia’s killer shark nets

The figure of threatened dolphins, turtles, sharks, and rays sinking in shark nets off the Australian coast has climbed to what environmentalists say are alarming altitudes.

According to official data, in the latest annual season, 284 dolphins, turtles, sharks, and rays were killed in the nets.

Nets are created to slay sharks, but they are also deadly to many other species, including specific sharks that are harmless to humans.

There are 51 shark nets installed at numerous beaches in New South Wales, involving all those in Sydney.

The newly published information reveals, between September last year and April, some 480 animals were caught in webs.

Of those that deceased, 183 were categorized as endangered or safe, containing seven dolphins, six turtles, and 14 grey nurse sharks, labeled as dangerously rare and harmless.

Nicola Beynon, of Humane Society International (HSI)/Australia said the numbers disclosed a stunning wildlife death toll and that the death of 14 grey nurse sharks in certain would have a considerable influence.

She added, ‘The rescue strategy for the grey nurse shark reveals, because the species is so rare, the death of just one individual on the east coast is substantial.’