Detección y cuantificación de partículas plásticas en sangre y huevos en aves de traspatio (Gallus gallus domesticus) en la comunidad Huambula.

Abstract

This research aimed to evaluate the presence, bioavailability, and physiological effects of plastic particles (microplastics and nanoplastics) in the blood and eggs of Creole chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) raised in backyard systems in the community of Huambula, Cotundo parish, Archidona canton, Napo province, Ecuadorian Amazon. The study was conducted using an observational, quantitative, and correlational approach. Twenty-four birds and eleven fresh eggs were sampled with voluntary consent. Blood samples were processed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and serum biochemistry was analyzed using colorimetric methods. Eggs were analyzed by Fenton chemical digestion and optical microscopy. The results revealed the ubiquitous presence of polymers in 100% of the blood samples, registering an average of 20.67 total particles with a marked predominance of the nanometric fraction (X = 13.83 PP; 753.4 nm). The correlation and significance analysis showed a causal link between the microplastic load and impaired renal function, manifested in a significant retention of serum urea (r = 0.52); (p = 0.026). In the hepatobiliary component, the nano size directly influenced the alteration of gamma-glutamyl transferase (p = 0.021), reflecting localized chronic metabolic stress. Finally, massive vertical transfer to the reproductive matrices was demonstrated, accumulating an alarming average of 2535.75 transparent plastic particles per egg. In conclusion, backyard chickens serve as relevant bioindicators of environmental microplastic pollution. The presence of these particles in products intended for human consumption poses an emerging risk to public health and food safety, underscoring the need to strengthen environmental monitoring strategies and comprehensive approaches based on the One Health paradigm.