Marine birds and plastic pollution
Seabirds in the order ProceUariiformes are most vulnerable to the effects of plastic ingeshon due to their smaller gizzard and their inability to regurgitate ingested plastics.
Abstract
The intrinsic properties and widespread presence of plastic particles in the marine environment have profound effects on birds inhabiting the world's oceans. Industrial and user-plastics composed of polystyrene, polypropylene, polyethylene, styrofoam, and polyvinyl chloride are the most prevalent forms of plastic marine pollution. Their dispersal and accumulation, in average densities of 1000 to 4000 pieces km-2, are controlled by surface currents, wind patterns, and different geographic inputs. Seabirds in the order ProceUariiformes are most vulnerable to the effects of plastic ingeshon due to their smaller gizzard and their inability to regurgitate ingested plastics. Planktivores have a higher incidence of ingested plastics than do piscivores as the former are more likely to confuse plastic pellets with copepods, euphausiids, and cephalopods. Hence, e a vanished harmony may yet again inspire the composer; but when the last individual of a race of living beings breathes no more, another heaven and another earth mustpass before such a one can be again.