We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Evaluation of microplastics in marine selective and non-selective suspension-feeding benthic invertebrates
Summary
This global meta-analysis of 144 studies found that non-selective suspension-feeding marine invertebrates contain significantly more microplastics than selective feeders, both per individual and per gram of tissue. Polyethylene, PET, and polypropylene were the dominant polymers across 131 species, with feeding strategy emerging as a key factor determining microplastic contamination levels in seafood organisms.
Microplastic (MP) pollution is ubiquitous in marine ecosystems, presenting significant concerns to organisms and fisheries. Suspension-feeding invertebrates are particularly susceptible to encountering and consuming these particles due to their feeding strategy. This meta-analysis assessed MP contamination in selective suspension-feeding (SSF) and non-selective suspension-feeding (NSSF) benthic marine invertebrate species globally. Data reported from 144 peer-reviewed articles, covering as wide of a geographic scope as possible, were extracted and analyzed. In total, 518 independent batches of organisms (i.e. rows in the spreadsheet) were compiled, representing seven Phyla, 12 Classes, 53 Families, and 131 species. In both SSFs and NSSFs, microfibers and fragments were the most common MP shapes found, with polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polypropylene being the predominant polymer types. While the mean detection frequencies of MPs within individuals of each independent sample batch were similar between SSFs (63 % ± 18 95 %CI) and NSSFs (73 % ± 5 95 %CI), NSSFs had significantly greater MP concentrations than SSFs (i.e. 9.13 MPs ind-1 ±8.87 95 %CI; 138.52.74 MP g ww ±114.6 95 %CI vs. 6.33 MPs ind-1 ±1.53 95 %CI; 3.45 MP g ww ±1.19 95 %CI, respectively). Significant differences in the relative abundance of MPs were also found based on taxonomy. Collectively, these results highlight important differences in MP concentrations in suspension-feeding benthic invertebrates globally and may help inform future efforts in determining appropriate sentinel species for future MP surveys.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics in invertebrates on soft shores in Hong Kong: Influence of habitat, taxa and feeding mode
Researchers surveyed microplastic occurrence in 38 invertebrate species across 18 mudflats and sandy beaches in Hong Kong, finding that feeding mode and habitat type were stronger predictors of microplastic ingestion than taxonomic group, with suspension feeders in mudflat environments showing the highest contamination. The study provides a broad baseline for microplastic uptake across coastal invertebrate communities.
Microplastic burden in marine benthic invertebrates depends on species traits and feeding ecology within biogeographical provinces
Researchers analyzed microplastic levels in the bodies of marine bottom-dwelling invertebrates across different ocean regions and found that the amount of microplastic ingested depended more on the animals' feeding strategies and body traits than on local pollution levels alone. Filter-feeding and deposit-feeding species accumulated the most particles. The study suggests that simply measuring environmental microplastic concentrations may not accurately predict how much wildlife in an area is actually ingesting.
Presence of microplastics in benthic and epibenthic organisms: Influence of habitat, feeding mode and trophic level
This study examined microplastic occurrence in benthic and epibenthic invertebrates from the Western English Channel, finding that habitat type, feeding mode, and trophic level all influenced microplastic ingestion rates. The results suggest that bottom-dwelling filter feeders and deposit feeders are among the most exposed organisms in seafloor food webs.
Feeding type affects microplastic ingestion in a coastal invertebrate community
Researchers exposed a coastal Baltic Sea invertebrate community — including mussels, crustaceans, and deposit feeders — to microplastic beads at three concentrations and found that feeding mode strongly determined ingestion rates, with filter-feeding bivalves accumulating significantly more particles than deposit feeders or free-swimming crustaceans.
Global distribution characteristics and ecological risk assessment of microplastics in aquatic organisms based on meta-analysis
This meta-analysis assessed the global distribution of microplastics in aquatic organisms across multiple trophic levels, finding that biological characteristics like body size and feeding strategy significantly influence microplastic ingestion rates. The study provides a framework for ecological risk assessment and proposes strategies to reduce microplastic input into water bodies.