A new study reveals the presence of harmful microplastics in bird lungs, highlighting urgent environmental and health concerns for both wildlife and humans.
Microscopic plastic pollutants are not just a problem for oceans and landfills — they’re also in the air we breathe. A new study, conducted by the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) alongside researchers from Sichuan University and Chengdu Tianfu International Airport in China, has discovered alarming levels of microplastics lodged in bird lungs, hinting at broader environmental threats that could affect humans as well.
The research, published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials, underscores the role of birds as crucial indicators of environmental health.
“Birds serve as important indicators of environmental conditions,” co-author Shane DuBay, an assistant professor of biology at UTA, said in a news release. “They help us understand the state of the environment and make informed decisions about conservation and pollution control.”
The team studied 56 wild birds from 51 different species around Tianfu airport, using advanced chemical analyses to detect microplastics in their lungs. They employed laser direct infrared technology and pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to measure microplastics and even nanoplastics — tiny particles that can enter the bloodstream and reach the lungs.
The findings were startling. Birds had an average of 221 microplastic particles per species and 416 particles per gram of lung tissue.
The plastics most commonly identified were chlorinated polyethylene, often used for pipe and wire insulation, and butadiene rubber, a material found in tires.
While no official safe level of microplastic particles in lung tissue has been established, high levels have been associated with serious health issues, including heart disease, cancer, respiratory problems and fertility issues.
“Our research highlights an urgent need to address plastic pollution in our environments, as these contaminants can have far-reaching impacts on ecosystem health, as well as human health,” DuBay added. “Our findings call for further research, funding and action to mitigate the harmful effects of plastic pollution and ensure a healthier environment.”
This study serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive reach of plastic pollution, affecting not only wildlife but potentially human health. Birds, present almost everywhere humans live, provide a crucial window into understanding the extent of environmental contamination and its implications.