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Bioturbation and the resuspension of plastic pollutants by spawning common carp degrades lake water quality
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A field experiment in a lake found that invasive common carp, when spawning, churn up bottom sediments so vigorously that microplastic concentrations in the water column increased two to three times compared to undisturbed sites. While microplastic fragments returned to baseline levels after spawning ended, microfiber concentrations remained elevated for weeks. The finding means that wherever invasive carp are present — in lakes, rivers, ponds, and backwaters worldwide — their bottom-feeding behavior may be continuously remobilizing settled microplastics back into the water that aquatic life and people depend on.
Here, findings from a before-after-control-impact (BACI) field experiment are presented that tested the hypothesis that bioturbation (i.e., sediment disturbance through animal activities) from an invasive population of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) degrades water quality by resuspending microplastics and microfibers in lake surface waters during the spawning season. Concentrations of total suspended solids (TSS), microplastics (MP/L), and microfibers (MF/L) were compared before, during, and after a carp spawning event to assess the magnitude and duration of disturbance effects. Concentrations of total suspended solids, microplastics, and microfibers were all similar across sampling sites prior to spawning. As spawning commenced, carp bioturbation increased concentrations of TSS, microplastics, and microfibers by 2-3 times relative to control sites. After spawning ended, TSS and microplastic fragments each returned to ambient concentrations whereas microfiber concentrations remained higher than control sites for multiple weeks. Findings from this study expand the harmful environmental effects of invasive carp to the resuspension of microplastic pollutants and the degradation of lake water quality. Given the widespread distribution of common carp and their propensity for disturbing habitats and eroding water quality, the phenomena described in this study likely extends to many other lakes, floodplain and backwater habitats, ponds, and rivers polluted with plastics and other contaminants.
More Papers Like This
Determination of the presence of biomicroplastics in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) in Almus dam lake
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Every single carp tested from Turkey's Almus Dam Lake had microplastics in its gut, tiny plastic fibers, mostly black, blue, and red, averaging nearly 13 pieces per fish. Bigger fish had even more plastic in them, suggesting these particles build up over the fish's lifetime rather than passing through quickly. Since carp are a common food fish, this raises real questions about how much plastic ends up on our plates and points to the need for better waste management to keep plastic out of our waterways.
Downsizing plastics, upsizing impact: How microplastic particle size affects Chironomus riparius bioturbation activity
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This study tested how different sizes of polyethylene microplastics affect the burrowing behavior of freshwater midge larvae, which play an important role in mixing and aerating lake and river sediments. Smaller microplastics were ingested more readily and disrupted the larvae's sediment-mixing activity more than larger particles. Since these organisms are critical for healthy freshwater ecosystems, the findings suggest that small microplastics could disrupt nutrient cycling in lakes and rivers.
The role of habitat preference and feeding strategy on exposure to microplastic pollution in freshwater fish species
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Researchers examined microplastic contamination in water, sediment, and four commercially important fish species from the Yamula Reservoir in Turkiye. They found that bottom-feeding carp had the highest microplastic burden, while surface-feeding fish had the lowest, indicating that habitat and feeding behavior strongly influence exposure. The most common polymer found was polypropylene, and the study highlights reservoirs as understudied but significantly affected ecosystems.
Chronic exposure to polyethylene and tire wear particles changes the associative behaviour in cyprinid fishes.
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Researchers fed native crucian carp and invasive gibel carp polyethylene (PE) and tire wear particles (TWPs) for 60 days, then measured swimming and social behaviors. Tire wear particles—but not PE—significantly disrupted movement patterns, with the two species responding in opposite ways: native carp became more exploratory while invasive carp withdrew spatially.
Chronic exposure to polyethylene and tire wear particles changes the associative preferences in cyprinid fishes
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This study exposed native crucian carp and invasive gibel carp to polyethylene and tire wear particle microplastics over time, finding that chronic exposure altered associative preferences in both species. The results suggest that microplastic pollution may affect cognitive functions in fish and could influence competitive dynamics between native and invasive species.
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