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Microplastic abundance in gull nests in relation to urbanization
K A Lato1, L H Thorne1, M Fuirst1
1Stony Brook University, School Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, 100 Nicholls Rd, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA.
Marine Pollution Bulletin
|January 30, 2021
Summary
Urbanization increases microplastic pollution in coastal ecosystems. Seabird nests near urban areas accumulate more microplastics, indicating widespread environmental contamination.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Ecology
- Marine Biology
Background:
- Human activities and urbanization significantly alter natural environments.
- Microplastics, persistent human-made materials, pose risks to organism health in marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify microplastics in herring gull (Larus argentatus) and great black-backed gull (Larus marinus) nests.
- To assess the relationship between urbanization levels and microplastic accumulation in coastal bird colonies.
Main Methods:
- Microplastic quantification in gull nests from three colonies in the northeastern United States.
- Colonies were selected based on varying degrees of urbanization: Jamaica Bay (urban), Youngs Island (semi-urban), and Tuckernuck Island (remote).
Main Results:
- Nests from urban colonies exhibited a higher proportion of microplastics compared to nests from the remote colony.
- A positive correlation was found between the degree of urbanization and microplastic presence in seabird nests.
Conclusions:
- Urbanization is directly linked to increased microplastic contamination in coastal environments.
- Monitoring microplastics in seabird nests offers a viable method for assessing exposure in coastal wildlife.
