Dynamics and effects of plastic contaminants' assimilation in gulls

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2024

Authors

Verissimo, SN (Author) Other; Cunha, SC (Author) Other; Fernandes, JO (Author) FFUP; Casero, M (Author) Other; Ramos, JA (Author) Other; Norte, AC (Author) Other; Paiva, VH (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Marine Environmental Research

Vol. 196

ISSN: 0141-1136

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-010-77R

DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106396

Abstract (EN): Polybrominated diphenyl ethers are persistent disrupters assimilated by organisms, yet little is known about their link to plastic ingestion and health effects. In an experiment, two groups of yellow-legged/lesser black-backed gulls (Larus michahellis/Larus fuscus) were fed plastics with BDE99 to assess leaching into brain, preen oil, liver and fat tissues and evaluate effects on health and stress parameters. Although most plastic was regurgitated, we observed a clear relation between plastic ingestion and chemical leaching. BDE99 exhibited higher levels in brain tissue of gulls from the plastic groups. Also, only values of cholinesterases measured in plasma were significantly reduced in the 'plastic' groups. Cholinesterase activity in the brain also tended to decrease, suggesting a negative effect in gulls' neurofunction. Results indicate that chemical leaching occurs, even when plastics stay in the stomach for a short period of time and showed that this can affect gulls' health.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 11