File(s) under permanent embargo
Ingested plastic and trace element concentrations in short-tailed shearwaters (Ardenna tenuirostris)
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-20, 13:56 authored by Peter PuskicPeter Puskic, Jennifer Lavers, Louise AdamsLouise Adams, Alexander BondAlexander BondPollution of marine environments is concerning for complex trophic systems. Two anthropogenic stresses associated with marine pollution are the introduction of marine plastic and their associated chemicals (e.g., trace elements) which, when ingested, may cause harm to wildlife. Here we explore the relationship between plastic ingestion and trace element burden in the breast muscle of Short-tailed Shearwaters (Ardenna tenuirostris). We found no relationship between the amount of plastic ingested and trace element concentration in the birds' tissues. Though the mass and number of plastic items ingested by birds during 1969–2017 did not change significantly, trace element concentrations of some elements (Cu, Zn, As, Rb, Sr and Cd), appeared to have increased in birds sampled in 2017 compared to limited data from prior studies. We encourage policy which considers the data gleaned from this sentinel species to monitor the anthropogenic alteration of the marine environment.
History
Publication title
Marine Pollution BulletinVolume
155Article number
111143Number
111143Pagination
1-6ISSN
0025-326XDepartment/School
Institute for Marine and Antarctic StudiesPublisher
Pergamon-Elsevier Science LtdPlace of publication
The Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford, England, Ox5 1GbRights statement
© 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Repository Status
- Restricted