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Posted: 8th February 2013

Oil additive to blame for seabird deaths
Mystery substance coating guillemots identified

Since last week an unidentified "sticky" substance has affected hundreds of seabirds found washed up along the south coast of England. Staff at Plymouth University now believe they have identified the substance as polyisobutene (PIB), a lubricating substance added to oil to improve performance.

The substance was identified by analysts after examination of a guillemot. Chemical analyst Professor Steve Rowland of the university's Centre for Chemical Sciences, said all the data gathered supported the conclusion. He said: "It's very sticky and semi-solid, hence it's acting on birds' feathers like a glue.

"It's quite big as a molecule, and quite difficult for bacteria and other weathering processes. Residues will probably stay around in the environment for some time, though hopefully not in this large mass that pollutes the birds."

Despite the substance being "relatively common," Professor Rowland said he could only think of one other case of a spillage, which occurred in 1994. He added that it would be difficult to trace the source as the substance is "probably transported all over the world."

"Whether we can find out if it was spilled would require a cargo sample to compare it with," Professor Rowland continued.

Since last week more than 300 birds, mainly guillemots but also some razorbills have been treated at the RSPCA West Hatch Centre near Taunton, Somerset. The substance was found congealed on the birds' feathers, reducing their waterproof coating and ability to stay warm and afloat at sea.

Plymouth University has said it will be informing the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, and also the RSPCA of their findings.



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