The researchers believe that this phenomenon could also occur in humans.
Scientists have long known that seabirds ingest microplastics by mistaking them for food. And according to a study published Monday, March 27 in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolutionthis waste not only clogs or passes through the stomach, but also disrupts the balance of the entire digestive system.
By studying the digestive tracts of two Atlantic seabird species, the Northern fulmar and the Cory’s shearwater, researchers found that the tiny plastic particles messed up their microbiome – a complex set of microorganisms, including good and bad bacteria. Basically, the more microplastics the bird ingests, the more gastric bacteria, mostly beneficial, decrease, while potentially pathogenic agents proliferate.
Possible consequences for humans
Microplastics, derived from the breakdown of plastic products in the environment, are found across the globe, from the deepest ocean trenches to the summit of Mount Everest, and in most animal food chains. In humans, traces have been detected in blood, breast milk and placenta.
The study confirms previous findings that prolonged ingestion of microplastics causes what is called gut dysbiosis, which is an imbalance between healthy bacteria and harmful bacteria in the digestive tract. Its implications can be far-reaching because, like birds, many species, including humans, have an important microbiome within their digestive system. “It’s a whole symbiosis that takes place, both in birds and in humans”pointed out to AFP Gloria Fackelmann, of the University of Ulm (Germany), main author of the study.
The study authors hope that their findings in seabirds will lead to related studies in humans. “If this man-made substance (plastic) can alter our microbiome, I think that should give people pause”said Gloria Fakelmann.