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Spatial patterns of microplastic contamination, Batophora occidentalis invasion, and physiological responses of Holothuria tubulosa from a Mediterranean coastal lagoon.
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Researchers found microplastics, tiny plastic fragments, mostly from common plastics like polyethylene, throughout a protected Mediterranean lagoon, including inside sea cucumbers living there. The animals showed signs of stress but were able to activate their own antioxidant defenses to cope, at least for now, suggesting these creatures could serve as an early-warning system for pollution. While this study focused on marine life rather than people, it's a reminder that the same persistent plastics accumulating in seafood-producing waters are part of the same pollution making its way into the food we eat.
Microplastic (MP) pollution and biological invasions are major stressors in coastal marine ecosystems, yet the ecological and physiological responses associated with their co-occurrence remain poorly understood. This study assessed the potential relationship between MP contamination, the presence of the invasive macroalga Batophora occidentalis, and the physiological state of the sea cucumber Holothuria tubulosa in S'Estany des Peix lagoon (Formentera, western Mediterranean). MPs were measured in sediment, water, and tissues (intestines and gills), while oxidative stress and detoxification biomarkers (CAT, SOD, GSH, GSSG, GST), along with MDA (lipid peroxidation indicator) and PCC (protein oxidation indicator), were analysed across three zones (internal, middle, and external) with different invasion levels. MPs were detected in all compartments, predominantly as blue fibres, with the highest abundances recorded in the middle zone with 36 items·L in water and 0.89 items·g in sediment. In H. tubulosa, 124 MPs were recovered (64% in intestines; 36% in gills). Polymer composition was analysed by μ-ATR-FTIR on a representative subset, revealing dominance of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), followed by polypropylene (PP) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) across all matrices, indicating common anthropogenic sources and high persistence. Organisms from the internal and middle zones, where higher MP abundances and B. occidentalis cover were recorded, exhibited elevated antioxidant and detoxification enzyme activities, whereas lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation remained stable, suggesting compensatory biochemical responses. These findings demonstrate widespread microplastic contamination in S'Estany des Peix and reveal spatial variation in physiological responses in H. tubulosa in a context of multiple co-occurring environmental stressors. The study supports the use of this species as a sentinel organism for assessing ecological disturbance in vulnerable Mediterranean coastal lagoons and provides baseline information on MP contamination and biomarker responses in a protected Mediterranean lagoon ecosystem.
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Scientists found microplastic pollution—mostly tiny plastic fragments from things like packaging and fishing gear—inside sea cucumbers collected from Indonesian coastal waters, with the highest amounts building up in their digestive systems. Since sea cucumbers are eaten in some cuisines and play a role in ocean food chains, this finding is a reminder that plastic pollution is working its way into seafood, which matters for anyone concerned about what ends up on their plate. The researchers suggest these creatures could even be used as a helpful "early warning system" for tracking plastic pollution in tropical oceans.
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Researchers studied oxidative stress markers in the intestines of sea cucumbers (Holothuria tubulosa) collected from areas with varying levels of human activity and microplastic contamination. The study found elevated oxidative stress indicators in organisms from more polluted sites, suggesting that microplastic ingestion contributes to cellular damage in marine invertebrates.
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Researchers assessed microplastic contamination and plastic-related chemicals in bivalves, fish, and sea cucumbers from a Mediterranean marine protected area. Sea cucumbers that feed on sediment contained the most microplastics, while bivalves accumulated the highest levels of chemical plasticizers like bisphenols and phthalates. The study shows that even organisms in protected marine areas are exposed to significant microplastic and plasticizer contamination.
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Sea cucumbers, a popular seafood in many parts of the world, are absorbing tiny plastic particles called microplastics from ocean sediment as they feed—this review pulled together findings from 41 studies to show just how widespread the problem is. The plastics found were mostly tiny fibers and fragments from common materials like polyethylene (used in bags and bottles), and eating contaminated sea cucumbers could be a hidden way these plastics end up in our diets. While scientists don't yet know exactly how much this affects human health, the findings suggest we need better monitoring of seafood for microplastic contamination.
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Researchers found microplastics (mainly polyethylene and polypropylene) in both the gut and internal fluids of sea cucumbers, confirming that these particles can cross from the digestive tract into body tissues. The microplastics were linked to increased oxidative stress, a type of cell damage. Since sea cucumbers are eaten as food in many cultures, this contamination could be a route of microplastic exposure for humans.
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