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Microplastic filtering and its physiological effects on the Mediterranean bath sponge Spongia officinalis (Porifera, Demospongiae)
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Researchers tested how the Mediterranean bath sponge filters and responds to microplastic particles in seawater. They found that these sponges are highly efficient at capturing microplastics in the 1-5 micrometer size range but showed signs of physiological stress including changes in respiration and cellular damage. The findings suggest that filter-feeding marine organisms like sponges are both exposed to and affected by microplastic contamination.
Microplastics (MPs) pose an increasing and significant threat to marine biodiversity and there is a current need to determine the effects of exposure on benthic sessile invertebrates. This study examines the filtration capacity and retention of MP particles, as well as their physiological impacts in the marine sponge Spongia officinalis, a bioindicator species. The findings revealed a very high filtration capacity for MPs within the size range of 1-5 μm, along with a rapid turnover rate, as a large portion of particles were expelled within 48 h of exposure. Histological analyses detected MP particles within the cellular structures of the analyzed tissues, indicating that MPs of this size can penetrate cellular barriers. In terms of physiological effects, detoxification activity was activated during the depuration phase, and lipid peroxidation was observed during both the exposure and depuration phases. Overall, this study provides critical insights into the filtration and retention capacity, intercellular integration of MP particles, and the physiological effects of MP exposure in S. officinalis, providing a baseline for future research.
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Researchers investigated how microplastics affect marine sponges, which are important filter feeders in coastal ecosystems, noting that very little research had examined sponge-microplastic interactions. The study aimed to fill a knowledge gap about microplastic impacts on a key group of benthic organisms that filter large volumes of seawater.
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Researchers investigated how microplastics affect marine sponges, which are important filter feeders in coastal ecosystems, noting that very little research had examined sponge-microplastic interactions. The study aimed to fill a knowledge gap about microplastic impacts on a key group of organisms that filter large volumes of seawater.
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This systematic review looks at how marine sponges — natural filter feeders — accidentally take in microplastics along with their food. The research shows sponges can accumulate significant amounts of tiny plastic particles, which may affect their health and the broader reef ecosystem. Since sponges play an important role in ocean nutrient cycling, their contamination with microplastics signals wider pollution concerns for marine food webs.
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