The research led by Trevor Blackall of Kings College London found such pollution contributes to nutrient enrichment and acidification in ecosystems. While most ammonia emissions originate from domesticated animals such as poultry and pigs, the scientists found seabirds are the most significant emitters of ammonia to the atmosphere in remote regions.

The researchers found such emissions may vary between seabird species, with a higher proportion of ammonia volatilized from bare ground nesting birds compared with burrow nesters.

Blackall said the study's findings "will help scientists to predict the likely changing contributions of seabirds to atmospheric emissions of ammonia (and) help further understanding of the effects of biodiversity loss and climate change on ecosystem function."

The research is presented in the journal Atmospheric Environment.