"Alarming Levels of Microplastic Ingestion Found in Antarctic Seabirds"

A review of 40 years of research into seabird ingestion of microplastics in the polar regions reveals that 97% of sampled Antarctic seabirds have ingested microplastics, with at least 1 microplastic particle found in 90% of Arctic samples. The study identified 14 polymer types, with polyethylene being the dominant form, and highlighted the potential impacts on seabirds, including blockage of their gastrointestinal tract, toxicity, and oxidative stress. The findings underscore the pervasive reach of plastic pollution in the polar ecosystems and the urgent need for stricter conservation measures to mitigate environmental stressors in these regions.