Anthropogenic particles and associated metals in Antarctic seabirds from Victoria Land (Antarctica)

This study investigates the presence, types, and chemical characteristics of anthropogenic particles (APs), including microplastics (MPs), found in the scats of three Antarctic seabird species, emperor penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri), Adélie penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae), and south polar skua (Catharacta maccormicki), collected from the coastal area of Victoria Land. A total of 52 scats were analysed. APs were detected in all three species, with the highest abundance in emperor penguins (1.14 items/scat) followed by skuas (0.75 items/scat) and Adélie penguins (0.60 items/scat). Raman spectroscopy identified synthetic polymers such as polystyrene, polyethylene, polyurethane, and copolymers, and man-made fibres including cotton and dyed cellulose. Notably, for the first time, this study investigates the presence of metals (e.g., Ti, Fe, Cu, and Cr) adsorbed onto the surface of MPs in Antarctic seabird scats using SEM-EDX spectroscopy, providing new insights into the potential risks associated with chemical pollutants in Antarctic ecosystems. These findings further underscore the importance of seabirds as bioindicators and the vulnerability of Antarctic ecosystems to persistent contaminants. The detection of chemically complex and contaminated MPs in bird scats points to the need for improved environmental monitoring and stricter waste management policies in polar regions. Non-invasive sampling of seabird scats offers a valuable tool for assessing pollutant dynamics in the Antarctic food web.