PID2022-140057NB-I00 - Las aves como vectores de dispersión de

The general objective of IsoPlastic is to investigate the role of aquatic birds as biovectors of plastics and its ecotoxic-epidemiological implications, using three bird species (white storks, yellow-legged gull and cattle egret) with common use of refuse dumps and connection to wetlands ecosystems. We will select populations feeding on landfills at different degrees, and will estimate plastic load to important wetlands of SW Spain through individual movement data and plastic dispersal models. In addition to feeding habitat information, we will use stable isotope analyses as proxy of the diet and use of food resources from landfills. IsoPlastic project will also consider the relationship between plastics and toxic chemicals exposure. We will include the assessment of the plastisphere associated to the plastics transported by birds