April 01, 2023
Scientists at the Natural History Museum in London, UK, have discovered a new disease named plasticosis in seabirds, which is caused by the ingestion of plastic waste. According to scientists, consuming small pieces of plastic waste causes inflammation of the birds’ digestive tracts. This damages and scars tissue, giving rise to digestive problems and posing a threat to birds’ growth and survival. It was observed that birds of different ages suffered from this scarring as they accidentally fed on plastic while fishing and also fed their young ones the plastic material.
Did You Know?
More than 170 trillion particles of plastic are present in the oceans of the world.
REFLECTION: Plastic Menace
Name any 5 common plastic trash items found in the sea.
