Ever wondered why seabirds consume plastic? Here's a clue

Zee Media Bureau

New Delhi: In a first, US scientists have finally managed to find a clue over why seabirds think of plastic as a food and consume it.

Scientists have found that plastic pollution which exists in the sea throws off a peculiar smell that attracts seabirds and therefore they consume it.

As per a report published in BBC, the smell, that is very much similar to that of rotten seaweed, is caused by the breakdown of plankton that sticks to floating bits of plastic.

Almost 90% of seabirds consume plastic and may also keep some in their bellies, which inturn puts their health at risk.

Seabirds associate the smell of plastic with food and therefore swallow plastic waste.