Impact of Urbanization on Circadian Rhythms, Reproductive Health, and Behavior of Aquatic and Terrestrial Wildlife: Effects of Noise, Light Pollution, and Microplastics
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62497/ijrab.220Keywords:
Urbanization, Wildlife, Pollution, Light Pollution, Noise Pollution, Soil Pollution, MicroplasticsAbstract
Background: Human activities introduce a range of pollutants such as noise, artificial light at night (ALAN), and microplastics to wildlife. Such contaminants can affect the circadian cycles, reproduction, and behavior of aquatic and terrestrial wildlife.
Objective: To explore the impacts of noise, ALAN and microplastics on the circadian, reproductive, and behavioral aspects of wildlife near Kohat University of Science and Technology (KUST).
Methodology: This two-year observational descriptive study (January 2021 to December 2022) was conducted in water and land habitats. 120 samples of wildlife (birds, fishes, amphibians, small mammals and reptiles) were assessed. Light and noise (using sound level meters and lux meters) and microplastics (water, sediment, and gut samples with FTIR/Raman identification) were measured. Activity patterns, and reproduction were recorded. Data were analysed using SPSS v25 via descriptive and inferential statistical tools (ANOVA, regression and correlation, p < 0.05).
Results: Land habitats were noisier (63.45 ± 7.12 dB) and illuminated (18.54 ± 5.91 lux) than water habitats, which had more microplastics (112.37 ± 28.52 particles/L). 66.67% of animals were circadian-disturbed, 67.50% were behaviorally-altered and 44-48% had decreased reproduction. High contaminant exposure was significantly (p < 0.01) related to biological effects.
Conclusion: Urban stressors have a significant impact on wildlife circadian rhythm, reproduction and behavior. A multidisciplinary approach is required to protect peri-urban environmental health.
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