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<p>Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous anthropogenic particles that accumulate in coastal zones, sediments, and the water column. The exposure of organisms to MPs in these habitats may depend on foraging strategies and landscape characteristics. This study compared MP contamination in the feces of waterbirds from two trophic groups: benthivores (American oystercatcher <i>Haematopus palliatus</i>; white-backed stilt <i>Himantopus melanurus</i>) and piscivores (black skimmer <i>Rynchops niger</i>; common tern <i>Sterna hirundo</i>) in Lagoa do Peixe National Park, southern Brazil. Spatial variation in contamination was also analyzed across four breeding sites of the American oystercatcher in the region. Thirty-five fecal samples from each trophic group were analyzed, revealing 2,447 particles. Benthivorous birds exhibited higher contamination (MPs/cm²) than piscivorous birds. Additionally, 57 fecal samples from oystercatchers showed significantly higher contamination in breeding areas near urban zones. Micro-FTIR analysis identified particles mainly composed of natural and artificial cellulosic particles (NACP), as well as polyester (PES) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Differences between trophic groups highlight the impact of foraging strategies on MPs contamination, as benthivorous birds interact directly with sediments and consume filter-feeding or detritivorous prey. Spatial variation suggests that a heterogeneous distribution of MP abundance may be influenced by urbanization or dietary differences. Cellulosic particles, even when naturally derived, may be considered anthropogenic if they have undergone manufacturing processes and could pose risks similar to those of MPs. This study emphasizes the role of waterbirds as sentinels of anthropogenic pollution in coastal regions and the influence of foraging strategies on MPs contamination.</p>

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Differential microplastic contamination of waterbirds in a coastal region associated with trophic groups and spatial distribution

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月3日

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  • Maicon Pegoraro,
  • Júlia Jacoby,
  • Crislaine Bertoldi,
  • Raimara S. Gomes,
  • Andreia N. Fernandes,
  • Guilherme T. Nunes

摘要

Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous anthropogenic particles that accumulate in coastal zones, sediments, and the water column. The exposure of organisms to MPs in these habitats may depend on foraging strategies and landscape characteristics. This study compared MP contamination in the feces of waterbirds from two trophic groups: benthivores (American oystercatcher Haematopus palliatus; white-backed stilt Himantopus melanurus) and piscivores (black skimmer Rynchops niger; common tern Sterna hirundo) in Lagoa do Peixe National Park, southern Brazil. Spatial variation in contamination was also analyzed across four breeding sites of the American oystercatcher in the region. Thirty-five fecal samples from each trophic group were analyzed, revealing 2,447 particles. Benthivorous birds exhibited higher contamination (MPs/cm²) than piscivorous birds. Additionally, 57 fecal samples from oystercatchers showed significantly higher contamination in breeding areas near urban zones. Micro-FTIR analysis identified particles mainly composed of natural and artificial cellulosic particles (NACP), as well as polyester (PES) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Differences between trophic groups highlight the impact of foraging strategies on MPs contamination, as benthivorous birds interact directly with sediments and consume filter-feeding or detritivorous prey. Spatial variation suggests that a heterogeneous distribution of MP abundance may be influenced by urbanization or dietary differences. Cellulosic particles, even when naturally derived, may be considered anthropogenic if they have undergone manufacturing processes and could pose risks similar to those of MPs. This study emphasizes the role of waterbirds as sentinels of anthropogenic pollution in coastal regions and the influence of foraging strategies on MPs contamination.