Microscopic anthropogenic waste ingestion by small terrestrial European passerines: evidence from finch and tit families
Abstract Microscopic anthropogenic waste (MAW) has become a major environmental concern worldwide. Our study aimed to assess the accumulation of MAW in the gastrointestinal tracts of nine common European passerine species from finch (Fringillidae) and tit (Paridae) families, and evaluate their suita...
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Nature Portfolio
2025-05-01
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-01608-9 |
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| author | Krzysztof Deoniziak Anna Winiewicz Marta Nartowicz Weronika Mierzejewska Sławomir Niedźwiecki Wojciech Pol Alina T. Dubis |
| author_facet | Krzysztof Deoniziak Anna Winiewicz Marta Nartowicz Weronika Mierzejewska Sławomir Niedźwiecki Wojciech Pol Alina T. Dubis |
| author_sort | Krzysztof Deoniziak |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Microscopic anthropogenic waste (MAW) has become a major environmental concern worldwide. Our study aimed to assess the accumulation of MAW in the gastrointestinal tracts of nine common European passerine species from finch (Fringillidae) and tit (Paridae) families, and evaluate their suitability for environmental monitoring. We searched for MAW in the birds’ stomachs and intestines and identified suspected particles using Raman microspectroscopy. In total, we found 57 MAW particles in 31 out of 149 analyzed individuals, 7 of which were microplastics (polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene), 1 was identified as carbon nanotube, while 49 were cellulosic-based (cotton, cellulose, rayon, viscose). The generalized linear mixed models identified bird family and time in season as significant predictors of MAW ingestion. Finches ingested more MAW than tits, and higher ingestion rates were observed during the non-breeding period. Other predictors, including bird sex, age, gastrointestinal tract section, and site, showed varying but non-significant effects. As predicted, the studied species exhibited a lower ingestion rate of MAW compared to terrestrial birds studied so far, possibly due to their diet and feeding behavior. Given that these species are prey for many avian and non-avian predators, they may contribute to the transfer of MAW to higher trophic levels. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-0acb8b9d6b04450ab3a0eea09a50e9b5 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2045-2322 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-05-01 |
| publisher | Nature Portfolio |
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| series | Scientific Reports |
| spelling | doaj-art-0acb8b9d6b04450ab3a0eea09a50e9b52025-08-20T03:10:20ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-05-0115111210.1038/s41598-025-01608-9Microscopic anthropogenic waste ingestion by small terrestrial European passerines: evidence from finch and tit familiesKrzysztof Deoniziak0Anna Winiewicz1Marta Nartowicz2Weronika Mierzejewska3Sławomir Niedźwiecki4Wojciech Pol5Alina T. Dubis6Division of Biodiversity and Behavioural Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of BialystokThe Włodzimierz Chętnicki Biological Science Club, Faculty of Biology, University of BialystokThe Włodzimierz Chętnicki Biological Science Club, Faculty of Biology, University of BialystokThe Włodzimierz Chętnicki Biological Science Club, Faculty of Biology, University of BialystokGlass Traps FoundationDepartment of Water Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of BialystokFaculty of Chemistry, University of BialystokAbstract Microscopic anthropogenic waste (MAW) has become a major environmental concern worldwide. Our study aimed to assess the accumulation of MAW in the gastrointestinal tracts of nine common European passerine species from finch (Fringillidae) and tit (Paridae) families, and evaluate their suitability for environmental monitoring. We searched for MAW in the birds’ stomachs and intestines and identified suspected particles using Raman microspectroscopy. In total, we found 57 MAW particles in 31 out of 149 analyzed individuals, 7 of which were microplastics (polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene), 1 was identified as carbon nanotube, while 49 were cellulosic-based (cotton, cellulose, rayon, viscose). The generalized linear mixed models identified bird family and time in season as significant predictors of MAW ingestion. Finches ingested more MAW than tits, and higher ingestion rates were observed during the non-breeding period. Other predictors, including bird sex, age, gastrointestinal tract section, and site, showed varying but non-significant effects. As predicted, the studied species exhibited a lower ingestion rate of MAW compared to terrestrial birds studied so far, possibly due to their diet and feeding behavior. Given that these species are prey for many avian and non-avian predators, they may contribute to the transfer of MAW to higher trophic levels.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-01608-9MicrofibersMicroplasticsCellulosic fibersTerrestrial ecosystemsRaman microspectroscopyBirds |
| spellingShingle | Krzysztof Deoniziak Anna Winiewicz Marta Nartowicz Weronika Mierzejewska Sławomir Niedźwiecki Wojciech Pol Alina T. Dubis Microscopic anthropogenic waste ingestion by small terrestrial European passerines: evidence from finch and tit families Scientific Reports Microfibers Microplastics Cellulosic fibers Terrestrial ecosystems Raman microspectroscopy Birds |
| title | Microscopic anthropogenic waste ingestion by small terrestrial European passerines: evidence from finch and tit families |
| title_full | Microscopic anthropogenic waste ingestion by small terrestrial European passerines: evidence from finch and tit families |
| title_fullStr | Microscopic anthropogenic waste ingestion by small terrestrial European passerines: evidence from finch and tit families |
| title_full_unstemmed | Microscopic anthropogenic waste ingestion by small terrestrial European passerines: evidence from finch and tit families |
| title_short | Microscopic anthropogenic waste ingestion by small terrestrial European passerines: evidence from finch and tit families |
| title_sort | microscopic anthropogenic waste ingestion by small terrestrial european passerines evidence from finch and tit families |
| topic | Microfibers Microplastics Cellulosic fibers Terrestrial ecosystems Raman microspectroscopy Birds |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-01608-9 |
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