Scientists from Australia and the UK discovered “Plasticosis”—scarred tissues in the digestive tracts of birds brought on by a diet rich in plastics. Scientists have identified a novel ailment in birds that is only brought on by plastic ingestion.
The sickness is brought on by the “permanent presence of plastic in the body’s digestive system,” which can result in chronic inflammation and even the production of scar tissue claims the study, which was published in the journal of Hazardous Materials.
In 30 flesh-footed shearwater birds, including 21 fledglings between 80 and 90 days old that had recently passed away, the Scientists discovered plastic residues. These were gathered on Australia’s Lord Howe Island.
They examined the birds closely and discovered microplastic fragments inside their bodies. It was discovered that a bird had devoured 12.5% of its body weight in plastic. According to the study, a bird’s tissues became scarred the more plastic it consumed.
Condition can cause the tubular glands in the proventriculus to gradually degenerate
They claim that the condition can cause the tubular glands in the proventriculus to gradually degenerate. The loss of these glands may make the birds more susceptible to parasites and infections, as well as impair their capacity to properly digest food and absorb some vitamins.
To make it apparent that plastic in the environment was the source of fibrotic disease, scientists gave it the name plasticosis.
“While these birds can look healthy on the outside, they’re not doing well on the inside. This study is the first time that stomach tissue has been investigated in this way and shows that plastic consumption can cause serious damage to these birds’ digestive system,” Dr. Alex Bond, principal curator in charge of birds at the Natural History Museum, was quoted as saying by the Guardian newspaper.
They suggested that because plastic emissions are rising and plastic pollution is becoming more pervasive throughout all ecosystems, all creatures are susceptible to exposure to plastic.