Plasticosis: a new disease that has taken over the world’s waters

A new disease worries scientists plasticosisa disease that mainly affects seabirds and is caused by small pieces plastic that inflame the digestive tract. Over time, persistent inflammation leads to scarring and tissue deformity, which indirectly affects growth, digestion, and survival.

Study co-author Dr. Alex Bond commented: “This study is the first time that stomach tissue has been examined in this way, and it shows that plastic consumption can cause serious damage to the digestive systems of these birds.”

While plasticosis has only been known in one species so far, the extent of plastic pollution means it could be much more common. It may even have implications for human health.

The scientists discovered the disease as part of their research at Lord Howe Island, where they have been studying seabirds for the past decade.

Despite the island being 600 kilometers off the coast of Australia, the team previously found that meat petrels living there are the most plastic-polluted birds in the world, consuming pieces of plastic in the sea, mistaking them for food.

“Tubular glands that secrete digestive compounds are perhaps the best example of the effects of plastidosis,” explains Alex Bond. “When plastic is consumed, these glands gradually atrophy until they eventually completely lose their tissue structure at the highest levels of exposure.”

The loss of these glands can make birds more vulnerable to infections and parasites and affect their ability to absorb certain vitamins. Scarring can also make the stomach hard and less flexible.

The results of the study were published in Journal of Hazardous Materials.