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Airborne microplastics detected in the lungs of wild birds in Japan
Yurika Tokunaga1, Hiroshi Okochi2, Yuto Tani2
1Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Tokyo, Japan.
Abstract:
Microplastics (MPs) have been found in a wide range of animal species including humans. The detection of MPs in human lungs suggests that humans inhale airborne microplastics (AMPs). Although birds respire more efficiently than mammals and are therefore more susceptible to air pollution, little is known about their inhalation exposure to MPs. In this study, we analyzed samples isolated from the lungs of several species of wild birds in Japan by attenuated total reflection (ATR) imaging method of micro-Fourier transform infrared (μFTIR) spectroscopy to clear whether AMPs can be inhaled and accumulate within the lungs of wild birds. To isolate MPs from lung samples of rock doves (Columba livia), black kites (Milvus migrans), and barn swallows (Hirundo rustica) euthanized for pest control, digestion and density separation were performed. After each sample collected on an alumina filter was measured by ATR imaging method using μFTIR spectroscopy, the physical and chemical characteristics of the detected MPs were evaluated. Six MPs were detected in 3 of 22 lung samples. Polypropylene and polyethylene were found in rock doves and ethylene vinyl acetate was found in a barn swallow. Most MPs were fragments of 28.0-70.5 μm. Our results demonstrated that in addition to dietary sources, some wild birds are exposed to MPs by inhalation, and these MPs reach the lungs.
Insights
Wild birds can inhale airborne microplastics (AMPs), with particles found in the lungs of rock doves and barn swallows. This study confirms AMPs exposure in birds, highlighting a new pathway for microplastic contamination.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Ecotoxicology
- Wildlife Health
Background:
- Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive environmental contaminants found in diverse species, including humans.
- Human lung detection suggests inhalation of airborne microplastics (AMPs).
- Birds, with efficient respiration, are potentially vulnerable to air pollutants like AMPs, yet their exposure is poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the inhalation exposure and lung accumulation of airborne microplastics (AMPs) in wild bird populations.
- To determine if wild birds inhale and retain AMPs in their respiratory systems.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of lung tissue samples from wild birds (rock doves, black kites, barn swallows) in Japan.
- Isolation of microplastics (MPs) using digestion and density separation techniques.
- Identification and characterization of MPs using micro-Fourier transform infrared (μFTIR) spectroscopy with an attenuated total reflection (ATR) imaging method.
Main Results:
- Six microplastics (MPs) were detected in lung samples from three out of 22 wild birds analyzed.
- Identified MPs included polypropylene, polyethylene, and ethylene vinyl acetate.
- The detected MPs were primarily fragments ranging from 28.0 to 70.5 μm in size.
Conclusions:
- Wild birds are exposed to airborne microplastics (AMPs) through inhalation, in addition to dietary intake.
- Inhaled microplastics can reach and accumulate within the lungs of wild birds.
- This study provides evidence of AMPs exposure in avian species, indicating a significant route of environmental contamination.
