Microplastic Ingestion Induces Size-Specific Effects in Japanese Quail

Abstract

Plastic pollution can pose a threat to birds. Yet, little is known about the sublethal effects of ingested microplastics (MP), and the effects of MP < 1 mm in birds remain unknown. This study therefore aimed at evaluating the toxicity of environmentally relevant polypropylene and polyethylene particles collected in the Norwegian coast in growing Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). Birds were orally exposed to 600 mg MP over 5 weeks, covering small (<125 μm) and large (3 mm) MP, both separately and in a mixture. We evaluated multiple sublethal endpoints in quail, including oxidative stress, cytokine levels, blood-biochemical parameters, and reproductive hormones in blood, as well as body mass. Exposure to small MP significantly induced the activities of the antioxidant enzymes catalase, glutathione-S-transferase, and glutathione peroxidase. Exposure to large MP increased the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (liver parameter) and decreased 17β-estradiol levels in females. Body mass was not directly affected by MP ingestion; however, quail exposed to small MP and a mixture of large and small MP had a different growth rate compared to control quail. Our study used similar levels of MP as ingested by wild birds and demonstrated size-dependent effects of MP that can result in sublethal effects in avifauna.

Modelling microplastic bioaccumulation and biomagnification potential in the Galápagos penguin ecosystem using Ecopath and Ecosim (EwE) with Ecotracer

“…First, it is critical to consider microplastics as a class of contaminants [ 96 ]. It is reasonable that their behaviour in the gastrointestinal tract is varied based on their characteristics (e.g., size, shape, microbial biosphere, additives, dyes), as different microplastics and associated chemicals will react differently in the gut [ 97 , 98 ]. There is evidence to suggest that small microplastics and nanoplastics (<1 μm), not measured in this study, can pass through tissue membranes, translocate to tissues, and enter the blood stream [ 99 – 102 ].…”

Towards carbon neutrality: Sustainable recycling and upcycling strategies and mechanisms for polyethylene terephthalate via biotic/abiotic pathways

“…Increasing plastic proliferation threatens global climate change, with almost 1,800 megatons of CO 2 -equivalents in greenhouse gas (GHG) discharged in 2015, and an estimated 6,500 megatons of CO 2 -equivalents to be released by 2050 [ 4 , 5 ]. Exposure to microplastics (1 μm–5 mm) or nano-plastics (<1 μm) leads to adverse effects on living beings and environments [ 6 , 7 ]. Traditional treatments of plastics, including landfill, incineration, and mechanical recycling, are considered as downcycling pathways since they result in the wastes of sources (carbon, energy), environmental issues (i.e., leachates, toxicity, incomplete combustion), or diminished plastic qualities ( Fig.…”