Assessing the impact of air pollution on the associated outcomes of bird species in North China Plain

Background and Objective: Air pollution in the North China Plain frequently exceeds WHO limits and is linked to human respiratory diseases, but its effects on birds remain understudied. This study examines the impacts of air pollutants (AQI, CO, O3, SO2, smoke, and particulate matter) on bird health and behavior in the region, focusing on House sparrows (Passer domesticus) and Rock pigeons (Columba livia). This study includes data from the literature review in December 2023, using Clarivate Analytics

Methods: Data on average air pollution levels, respiratory disease incidence, and behavioral changes were collected from publicly available sources spanning from 2011 to 2023. The study included data from 12 bird colonies and approximately 500 individual birds across the North China Plain. These comprised both migratory and resident species, with a focus on sparrows and pigeons due to their prevalence in the region. The primary species analyzed were House sparrows (Passer domesticus) and Rock pigeons (Columba livia). Behavioral changes were assessed using direct observational studies that were in controlled and natural environments to record alterations in foraging, vocalization, and mobility, respectively. GPS tracking for pigeons was used to monitor flight patterns and homing speed under varying AQI conditions. Respiratory health was evaluated through post-mortem examinations of deceased birds (e.g., lung tissue analysis for lesions or particulate matter accumulation) and non-invasive biomarkers (e.g., nasal swabs and blood tests for inflammatory markers) in live specimens.

Key Findings: High fine particle concentrations were linked to acute respiratory infections and lung damage in sparrows. AQI significantly affected pigeon behavior, with 415 pigeons returning home faster under severe pollution (AQI 144).

Conclusions: Air pollutants are strongly associated with respiratory diseases and behavioral shifts in birds. Mitigating air pollution is critical for avian conservation in the region.