Dark Plastic Research Articles

Influence of trap type on the captures of Lymantria dispar L. (Lepidoptera: Erebidae): trials from different European countries.

The spongy moth, Lymantria dispar L. (Lepidoptera: Eribidae), is a serious pest of deciduous forests and causes widespread defoliation. Despite this, few studies have evaluated the wide-ranging surveillance of adult male L. dispar using different types of pheromone-baited traps. We evaluated the effect of trap type on captures of adult male L. dispar at 18 sites in Europe; two in Slovenia, two in Spain, 12 in Greece, one in Hungary, and one in Croatia. Seven different trap types, G trap and eGymer 1-6, were evaluated June-September 2022 and 2023. Generally, captures of L. dispar started in late June and lasted until mid-August. Trap type affected captures. The G trap (consisting of a dark brown plastic rectangular parallel-piped body) caught significantly more L. dispar than other trap types in many instances, particularly when the peak of the flight period occurred. Captures of L. dispar in pairs of different trap types showed a significant correlation in trap catch in most investigations, suggesting that most detected comparable fluctuations in L. dispar abundance. We recommend that the G trap be used for wide-ranging surveillance of L. dispar in Europe.

Quantification of selected heavy metals through inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry in containers of yogurts used in Erbil City, Krg, Iraq

Heavy metals are recently introduced in the manufacturing of various household utensils. The objective of this study was to investigate different heavy metals contents in the composition of yogurts containers collected from the markets of Erbil City. The collected containers were aluminum containers and plastic containers with several colors. An inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer was used to analyse the contents of nine heavy metals including cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, lead, manganese, nickel, and zinc. The level of total detected metal load found in the analyzed containers. The recorded level for total detected metal load in the overall aluminum containers sample was very high and approximately 27 times more than that level in the overall plastic containers sample. Lead and cadmium were known as toxic heavy metals and detected with a high amount in the aluminum containers composition. The total contamination in the aluminum containers composition was noticeably exceeded the permissible world limits for heavy metals in packaging materials. Results obtained clarified that the white color of plastic containers is more preferable and safer than the dark or other multi-color plastic containers items in terms of heavy metals. KEY WORDS: Aluminum and plastic container, Heavy metal, ICP-OES, Yogurt Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2024, 38(6), 1509-1519. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v38i6.1

Recent Developments in Technology for Sorting Plastic for Recycling: The Emergence of Artificial Intelligence and the Rise of the Robots

Plastics recycling is an important component of the circular economy. In mechanical recycling, the recovery of high-quality plastics for subsequent reprocessing requires plastic waste to be first sorted by type, color, and size. In chemical recycling, certain types of plastics should be removed first as they negatively affect the process. Such sortation of plastic objects at Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) relies increasingly on automated technology. Critical for any sorting is the proper identification of the plastic type. Spectroscopy is used to this end, increasingly augmented by machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI). Recent developments in the application of ML/AI in plastics recycling are highlighted here, and the state of the art in the identification and sortation of plastic is presented. Commercial equipment for sorting plastic recyclables is identified from a survey of publicly available information. Automated sorting equipment, ML/AI-based sorters, and robotic sorters currently available on the market are evaluated regarding their sensors, capability to sort certain types of plastics, primary application, throughput, and accuracy. This information reflects the rapid progress achieved in sorting plastics. However, the sortation of film, dark plastics, and plastics comprising multiple types of polymers remains challenging. Improvements and/or new solutions in the automated sorting of plastics are forthcoming.

Evaluation of three physical mixing methods of nanoparticles to orthodontic primer

Background: Demineralization and white spot lesions are the most common complications in fixed orthodontic treatment. It is useful to enhance the remineralization properties of the orthodontic primer by the addition of remineralizing agents. Fluoride and calcium are regarded as the main component of enamel fluorohydroxyapatite crystals. This pilot study compared three mixing methods of calcium fluoride nanoparticles (nCaF2) with conventional orthodontic primer (Transbond XTTM) to develop a primer with enamel remineralization properties. Materials and methods: The nanoparticles were added to Transbond XTTM primer to form 20% (w/w) of the final solution. Three dark plastic bottles were prepared and stored until mixing. The first sample was mixed by a Vortex machine, the second was mixed with an electric agitator, and the third one was mixed with a customized plastic spatula adapted to a dental engine and a straight handpiece. Cured blocks of the developed primer were prepared and were examined for homogeneity, cracks, and agglomeration of the nanoparticles within the primer using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESM). Results: The third Sample showed a continuous distribution of nanoparticles with no apparent cracks or agglomeration of nanoparticles. In contrast, a higher agglomeration was seen in the first sample than in the other two. Conclusion: Mixing of nCaF2 with Transbond XTTM orthodontic primer was best achieved by the customized plastic spatula adapted to a dental engine compared to Vortex and electric agitator machines.

An Evaluation of a Marginal Land’s Geological Engineering Properties in Borikiri Sandfill, Port Harcourt Nigeria

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the geological engineering properties of a marginal land in Borikiri Sandfill, Port Harcourt, Nigeria, using both field and laboratory investigations.
 Study Design: The study design involved the drilling of 4 boreholes and standard penetration tests to determine the soil profile and index properties such as particle size analysis, atterberg limits, and moisture content. Consolidation and triaxial tests were also performed to determine the values of the coefficients of permeability (k), volume compressibility (Mv), and consolidation (Cv).
 Place and Duration of Study: The Study was conducted in Borikiri Sandfill, Port Harcourt between February and May 2020.
 Methods: This study's methodology included field research, laboratory analysis, and testing. Drilling and conventional penetration tests were used to assess the soil profile. Laboratory tests such as particle size analysis, atterberg limits, and moisture content were used to determine the index characteristics. The values of permeability (k), volume compressibility (Mv), and consolidation (Cv) were also determined using triaxial and consolidation tests.
 Results: The results of the study showed that the soil profile consists of five stratigraphic sequences, with a top organic silty layer followed by a sandy layer, a dark plastic layer, a dark silty clayey sand, and a well-graded sand. The clays had an average Liquid limit (LL) of 45% and a Plastic Limit (PL) value of 23%. The values of k, Mv, and Cv were determined to be 2.1 x 10-7 m/s, 1.8 x 10-4–2.5 x 10-4 m2/MN, and 3.8 m2/yr, respectively. The average bearing capacity values at 2.5 m and 4.5 m depths were determined to be 186.39 kPa and 278.71 kPa, respectively. Settlement values were calculated empirically for immediate and consolidation settlement, with immediate settlement being high at 25.85 mm and consolidated settlement being 7.53mm. T50 and T90 values were also determined to be 1.32 and 4.52 years, respectively.
 Conclusion: It is recommended that a shallow foundation, down to the first layer, can be used for any light construction on the marginal land in Borikiri Sandfill, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The values of k, Mv, and Cv also indicate that the soil is relatively compressible, which should be taken into account in any design or construction activities.

Sexual differences in responses of meadow voles to environmental cues in the presence of mink odor.

In rodents, defensive behaviors increase the chances of survival during a predator encounter. Observable rodent defensive behaviors have been shown to be influenced by the presence of predator odors and nearby environmental cues such as cover, odors from conspecifics and food availability. Our experiment tested whether a predator scent cue influenced refuge preference in meadow voles within a laboratory setting. We placed voles in an experimental apparatus with bedding soaked in mink scent versus olive oil as a control across from four tubes that either contained (a) a dark plastic covering, (b) opposite-sex conspecific odor, (c) a food pellet, or (d) an empty, unscented space. A three-way interaction of tube contents, subject sex, and the presence of mink or olive oil on the preference of meadow voles to spend time in each area of the experimental apparatus and their latency to enter each area of the apparatus revealed sex differences in the environmental preference of meadow voles facing the risk of predation. The environmental preference of female, but not male, meadow voles was altered by the presence of mink urine or olive oil. A similar trend was found in the latency of males and females to enter each area of the experimental apparatus. These differences suggest that each sex utilizes different methods to increase their fitness when experiencing a predation risk. The observed sex differences may be explained by the natural history of voles owing to the differences in territorial range and the dynamics of evasion of terrestrial predators.

Control of waste fragment sorting process based on MIR imaging coupled with cautious classification

With the increase in waste streams, industrial sorting has become a major issue. The main challenge is to minimise sorting errors to avoid serious recycling problems and significant quality degradation of the final recycled product. Making use of near infrared (NIR) technology, some industrialists have already designed sorting machines able to discriminate between several types of plastics with good reliability. However, these devices are not suited to dark plastics, which are very common in WEEE (Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment). In order to overcome this obstacle, mid-wavelength infrared (MIR) technology can be used instead of NIR. Nevertheless, the new spectral range is poorer in terms of wavelength for some plastics of interest (2712−5274nm), which makes the sorting task harder in an industrial context where spectrum identification is subject to imprecision and uncertainty. This article shows the benefit of combining this promising optical technology with a cautious machine learning procedure to optimise recycling. When the information provided by the device regarding a plastic fragment to be sorted is insufficient to discriminate between candidate materials, the proposed procedure, taking advantage of the belief functions theory, blows the fragment into a container dedicated to more than one specific material. This cautious sorting enables the containers dedicated to the specific materials to contain less impurities, which leads to higher-quality secondary raw materials. The proposed sorting procedure is illustrated and compared with a more conventional approach using real industrial data.

Shading by marine litter impairs the health of the two Indo-Pacific scleractinian corals Porites rus and Pavona cactus

Marine litter is recognized as one factor affecting coral health. It causes shading, bleaching, physical damage, necrosis, and mortality. This study provides the first evidence that direct contact by plastic and cotton affects coral health within 60 days. In a controlled aquarium experiment, two common Indo-Pacific scleractinian corals, Porites rus and Pavona cactus, were shaded for 60 days by transparent plastic (polypropylene, PP), dark plastic (PP) and cotton. Cotton disintegrated completely after 30 to 42 days, allowing the corals to recover. Transparent plastic became opaque over time due to microfouling, resulting in bleaching of the affected coral parts. Dark plastic had the strongest effect, including bleaching, necrosis and reduced growth within 60 days. Moreover, the two coral species responded differently to the treatments. This is the first report demonstrating that plastic and cotton litter can affect coral health and even cause partial mortality within 60 days.

Quantum cascade laser-based reflectance spectroscopy: a robust approach for the classification of plastic type.

The identification of plastic type is important for environmental applications ranging from recycling to understanding the fate of plastics in marine, atmospheric, and terrestrial environments. Infrared reflectance spectroscopy is a powerful approach for plastics identification, requiring only optical access to a sample. The use of visible and near-infrared wavelengths for plastics identification are limiting as dark colored plastics absorb at these wavelengths, producing no reflectance spectra. The use of mid-infrared wavelengths instead enables dark plastics to be identified. Here we demonstrate the capability to utilize a pulsed, widely-tunable (5.59 - 7.41 µm) mid-infrared quantum cascade laser, as the source for reflectance spectroscopy, for the rapid and robust identification of plastics. Through the application of linear discriminant analysis to the resulting spectral data set, we demonstrate that we can correctly classify five plastic types: polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS), with a 97% accuracy rate.

Wearable electrochemical biosensor based on molecularly imprinted Ag nanowires for noninvasive monitoring lactate in human sweat

We proposed a wearable electrochemical biosensor based on Ag Nanowires (AgNWs) and molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) prepared on the screen-printed electrode for the noninvasive monitoring of lactate in the human sweat. The MIPs were prepared by electropolymerization of 3-aminophenulboronic acid (3-APBA) with imprinted lactate molecule on the AgNWs-coated working electrode. The MIPs-AgNWs biosensor revealed high sensitivity and specificity for the detection of lactate from 10−6 M to 0.1 M, with the detection limit of 0.22 μM. Furthermore, the sensors presented high stability and reproducibility with sensitivity recovery of 99.8% ± 1.7% during 7 months storage in a dark plastic box at room temperature. In addition, the flexible electrodes also showed stable electrochemical response after been bended and twisted for 200 times, respectively. Such MIPs-AgNWs biosensor was attached on volunteers’ skin for the noninvasive monitoring of the perspiration lactate in vivo. The wearable electrochemical biosensor provides feasibility in near future for the evaluation of human sweat in the military, sports and biomedical fields.

Методика расчета режимов орошения хлопчатника двухстрочного посева под полиэтиленовой пленкой

The article discusses the results of two years of experience with a semi-hydromorphic regime of soil formation in the Jizzakh region of Pakhtakor district of a new water-saving technology for irrigation of medium-ripened cotton variety Pakhtakor-1 of a two-line sowing of the irrigated drip method under a mulched dark plastic film and its comparison with the control traditional furrow method and on this basis FAO methodologies. With the new irrigation technology, the cotton yield was 42.0 c/g (irrigation norm 1630 m3/ha), and in the control 36.3 c/ha (irrigation norm 2270 m3/ha), which meets the criteria for assessing crop yields according to the MPES high experience and average on control.

Oxidative stability of tilapia feeds containing Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Spirulina platensis

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the inclusion of microbial biomass on the oxidative rancidity of tilapia rations stored for 12 months. Treatments included a control diet and diets supplemented with either 0.01% vitamin E, 0.25 and 0.5% of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and 0.25 and 0.5% of Spirulina platensis. Experimental diets were stored in the dark inside plastic bags at room temperature (25 °C) for 12 months. The oxidative rancidity was measured as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). It was concluded that the inclusions of Spirulina platensis at 0.25% (1.734 ± 0.206) and 0.5% (1.629 ± 0.181) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae at 0.5% (1.459 ± 0.305) minimized the oxidative rancidity in comparation to control diet (2.843 ± 0.109) of Nile tilapia until 12 months of storage.

Biological aspects of Pangasius hypopthalmus reared under controlled photoperiod

A study aims to understand the effects of photoperiod manipulation on the biological aspects of Pangasius hypopthalmus was conducted in June 2019. There were 3 treatments applied, namely control (natural light); 24 hours dark (24D) and 18 hours dark (18D). The treated fishes were reared in tarp ponds (75 × 50 × 60 cm) and kept under dark blue plastic tents 24 hours (24D) and 18 hours (18D) continuously. There were 20 fishes/tank and they were fed on commercial fish feed 2 times/day, 5% of total fish body weight. Data on fish growth were collected 3 times, just before the treatment, in the 2nd and 4th weeks after the photoperiod treatment. Data on the fish behavior were collected during the 2nd week, by monitoring fish behavior hourly for 72 hours continuously. Data on blood condition were collected from the fish 2 times, before the treatment and in the 4th week. Results indicates that the 24D provided the best results in fish growth, by the 4th week, the fish TL value was 123.5 mm and BW was 5.6 gr. The blood condition of fish in all treatments were normal and there was not significantly difference, with hematocrit value was 30%, 1.5% of leucocrite levels, 70% of lymphocyte and 30% of other leucocyte types. The shortened photoperiod duration positively affects the growth of P. hypopthalmus growth, but it does not affect the biological aspect of the fish in general.

Recycled electronic plastic and marine litter

Black consumer plastics are often contaminated with hazardous chemicals because of technological constraints on sorting dark plastic during recycling of municipal waste coupled with the convenience of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) as a secondary source of black plastic. In this study, samples of beached plastic litter (n = 524) from southwest England were categorised according to origin, appearance and colour (black versus non-black) before being analysed by x-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry for elements that are characteristic of EEE. The small number of items of WEEE retrieved (n = 36) were largely restricted to wiring insulation and constructed of lead-stabilised polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Among the remaining samples, Br, Cd, Cr and Pb were commonly detected in all categories of black plastics (n = 264) with maximum concentrations of 43,400 mg kg−1, 2080 mg kg−1, 662 mg kg−1 and 23,800 mg kg−1, respectively. Moreover, concentrations of Br were significantly correlated with concentrations of the flame retardant synergist, Sb (n = 22), and 35 samples were potentially non-compliant with regard to limits defined by the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive. For plastics of other colours (n = 224), Br and Pb were detected in fewer samples and Br was co-associated with Sb in only two cases, with occasional high concentrations Cd, Cr and Pb largely attributed to the historical use of cadmium sulphide and lead chromate pigments. An avian physiologically-based extraction test applied to selected samples cut to mm-dimensions revealed bioaccessibilities ranging from <0.1% for Cr in a green fragment to about 2.4% (or about 580 mg kg−1) for Pb in black PVC. The recycling of WEEE into consumer, industrial and marine (e.g. fishing) plastics that are mainly coloured black appears to be an important vehicle for the introduction of hazardous chemicals into the environment and a source of their exposure to wildlife.

Mass Spectroscopic Evaluation of Virgin Olive Oils (VOOs) Fatty Acid Profile in terms of Cultivar, Geographical Origin, Extraction and Packaging Type

Ensuring the olive oil quality and authenticity has become a great importance for both traditional and emerging olive oil producing countries. The chemical composition in olive oil heavily varies depending on the olive cultivar and its growing region, the agronomic applications, the olive oil production methods and the process and storage conditions. With the help of some analytical techniques and data evaluation methods, it is possible to grade olive oils in terms of their differences. This research examines particularly fatty acid composition of commercial olive oils (2017/2018 season) with mass detector coupled with gas chromatography (GC/MS). Results were evaluated for grading of them according to IOC regulations based on cultivar (ripe or unripe Ayvalik and Memecik), production (organic, stone mill, cold press, two or more centrifugation systems, filtered or unfiltered) and packing type (transparent or dark glass bottle and plastic bottle), and also their geographic origin (Ayvalik and Edremit towns, the Cunda Island, North Aegean region or South Aegean Region). According to overall data processing, virgin olive samples could be successfully distinguished in terms of theirs geographic origin and cultivar roots. Moreover, it was also explained that the effect of process and package type for grading of olive oils as ‘extra virgin‘ or ‘virgin‘.

Titus Andronicus by F. M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre

Reviewed by: Titus Andronicusby F. M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre Barbara Ann Lukacs Titus AndronicusPresented by the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey at the F. M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, Drew University, Madison, NJ. 07 18– 08 5, 2018. Directed by Brian B. Crowe. Scenic design by Dick Block. Costumes by Yao Chen. Lighting by Andrew Hungerford. Sound design by Karin Graybash. Fight director Rick Sordelet. With Oliver Archibald (Bassianus), Clark Scott Carmichael (Lucius), Brent Comer (Alarbus), Bruce Cromer (Titus), Robert Cuccioli (Marcus), Benjamin Eakeley (Saturninus), Torsten Johnson (Demetrius), Emery Lawrence (Mutius), Quentin McCuiston (Chiron), Vanessa Morosco (Tamora), Jackson Knight Pierce (Martius), Fiona Robberson (Lavinia), Braden Spear (Quintus), Chris White (Aaron), and others. Director Brian Crowe's 2018 production of Titus Andronicusat the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey presented this bloody and violent play as an elegant and dignified study of family and revenge. In the program, Crowe wrote that the time was right to do this play because of the current political and societal climate in the USA. The culture of violence in life and in the media facilitated acceptance of Shakespeare's early revenge tragedy. Beyond a visceral level, Crowe saw the text in terms of a particular type of family, one rooted in vengeance. Titus and Tamora demonstrated the extremes to which one can go to avenge family members. I found Crowe's approach to this often-neglected play interesting because it went beyond the base thrill of seeing two families engaged in mutual acts of destruction, suggesting instead that this play was a picture of the human condition, the never-ending cycle of vengeance for wrongs committed against oneself or one's family. To establish a bleak tone for this production, the set was in shades of black and gray, save for the red of blood. In an abstract and symbolic way, it depicted the ruins of war. Two giant swords hung stage right. At stage left was an enormous ancient helmet tilted to its left and partially buried in the floor so that only part of the left eye socket was visible. A hidden staircase enabled the actors to ascend to the top of the helmet, which served as an upper playing area. For the hunting scene, a green plastic tarp was unrolled to cover the helmet so that it functioned as a hill with [End Page 734]the eye sockets being cave openings. Sharp spikes projected from timbers that framed the stage. I found the rear wall intriguing as it consisted of panels of dark green plastic sheeting. With each act of violence, a portion of the sheeting was ripped away, exposing a craggy red surface behind it. The moment Titus dispatched Tamora, the entire sheeting came down to expose the red wall, which symbolized that all hell had broken loose. For acts of consecration, as when the bodies of Titus's sons were buried, white paper slips were strewn by the actors. For acts of celebration, silver paper slips showered down or were tossed into the air. Crowe wisely dispensed with the gushing forth of "blood" by substituting a release of copious amounts of red paper slips whenever a bloodletting took place. To me, the brutality of the act remained shockingly evident, without the need for an accompanying visual effect of spurting liquid. Crowe added silent street sweepers who were present on stage and in the aisles both before and throughout the performance. These entities moved ever so wearily, as they toiled to sweep up the large amount of paper slips that were present on stage as the audience entered. When I questioned Crowe about them, he said that they represented the masses who had to clean up after each repetition in an eternal cycle of violence and retribution, which included the one about to unfold. Although the time period was ancient Rome, the costuming was anachronistic. Initially, Titus and his soldiers were in gray military frock coats with black leather belts and swords. Later, Titus was in a white shirt and gray pants. Marcus and his fellow tribunes wore off-white contemporary suits with maroon sashes. In later scenes, Marcus shifted to gray pants, gray cape, and a brown shirt. The...

The Responses of Mulch Closure on the Germination of Mindi (Melia azedarach Linn.)

One of the factors that determine the successful of the development of mindi is the availability of seedling. The seedlings can be propagated generatively by using seeds, however there is a problem related to the hardness of the testa that make it difficult to germinate, so it needs environment condition treatments to get optimal germination, one of this is mulching. The use mulch possibly get the improvement of temperature, humidity, infiltration and evapotranspiration. The study is aimed to determine the effect of mulch and to find out the best mulch type on the germination of mindi (Melia azedarach Linn.) seed. Randomized completely design was employed that arranged factorially, consisted of (A) mulch types factor and mulch thicknesses factor (B). There were 5 (five) types of mulch treatment i.e rice straws, transparent plastics, dark plastics, zeolite and without mulch. The thicknesses of mulch consisted of one layer and two layers of mulch. Germination capacity, germination speed and growth simultaneously were observed. The results showed, mulching effect on germination mindi the best type of mulch is black or transparent plastic mulch while the thickness of the mulch does not affect the germination. Mindi seed capable of germination in the dark and light conditions on the conditions of temperature and humidity high temperatures.

Marine debris ingestion and Thayer's law – The importance of plastic color

In recent years marine plastic pollution has gained considerable attention as a significant threat to marine animals. Despite the abundant literature related to marine debris ingestion, only a few studies attempted to understand the factors involved in debris ingestion. Plastic ingestion is commonly attributed to visual similarities of plastic fragments to animal's prey items, such as plastic bags and jellyfish. However, this simple explanation is not always coherent with the variety of debris items ingested and with the species' main prey items. We assess differences in the conspicuousness of plastic debris related to their color using Thayer's law to infer the likelihood that visual foragers detect plastic fragments. We hypothesize that marine animals that perceive floating plastic from below should preferentially ingest dark plastic fragments, whereas animals that perceive floating plastic from above should select for paler plastic fragments.

Non-invasive identification of plastic materials in museum collections with portable FTIR reflectance spectroscopy: Reference database and practical applications

In this work, portable Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) reflectance spectroscopy was used for the contactless, non-invasive, and in situ analysis of historic plastics. For the first time, this paper presents the complete database of polymer spectra of a set of reference materials widely used in the cultural heritage community. Over 100 samples from the ResinKitTM and SamCo (Popart Project) collections, which also include samples such as foams, thin films, dark plastics, and other challenging materials, were analyzed. The extensive database of spectral signatures that was acquired for this work represented the departure point for a field study aiming at the identification of the components of a variety of plastic artifacts in the collections of Architecture and Design and Contemporary Art of the Art Institute di Chicago. Reflectance FTIR spectroscopy was confirmed in situ to be a fast and effective method of identification of historic plastics. In some cases, in addition to the main polymers, it was also possible to identify additives in plastic blends, such as plasticizers and inorganic fillers.

The frequency of ingested plastic debris and its effects on body condition of Short-tailed Shearwater (Puffinus tenuirostris) pre-fledging chicks in Tasmania, Australia

In recent years, there have been increasing reports of ingestion of marine plastic debris in seabirds. Our aim was to assess the frequency and effects of ingested plastic debris in pre-fledging Short-tailed Shearwaters (Puffinus tenuirostris) in Tasmania. We conducted necropsies of 171 Shearwater chicks, confiscated after illegal poaching, to determine the presence of plastic debris in the proventriculus and ventriculus. We also examined whether there was a correlation between body condition (based on body mass and fat-scores) and quantity of plastic ingested (by count and weight). We recorded 1032 ingested plastic particles, consisting of industrial plastic (31%) and user plastic (69%). Most of the Shearwater chicks (96%) contained plastic debris with a mean of 148.1 mg per bird (s.e. 8.1). Most plastic was found in the ventriculus. Light-coloured plastic dominated (63.8%), with the rest medium (22.1%) and dark (14.1%) plastics. We found that total mass of ingested plastic was not significantly related to body condition, or fat-scores or mass individually. Our study highlights the prevalence of plastic pollution in apparently healthy Shearwater chicks and underscores concern regarding the effects of increasing marine pollution on a global scale.