We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Understanding the influence of biota in the transfer of different sized microplastics between environmental compartments of marine ecosystem
AI summary Read the abstract
This study investigated how marine micro- and macro-biota influence the transport of microplastics between environmental compartments such as water, sediment, and organisms, finding that biological interactions substantially alter the distribution of particles beyond what hydrodynamics alone would predict.
In addition to the microplastics (MPs) physical properties and the environmental hydrodynamic processes, the MP transport and distribution among the different marine environmental compartments is strongly influenced by the interaction with micro and macro biota. However, due to the methodological complexity and the lack of data there are nearly no models that consider the influence of biota on the transport of MPs. Thus, the aim of this study is to determine the influence of three ecologically relevant marine organism ( Mytilus galloprovincialis , Hediste diversicolor , Palaemon elegans ) from different compartments and feeding behaviour, in the transport and fate of two different size MPs (1 and 5 μm) between water column and sediment, through a microcosm experiment, during both exposure (5 days) and system depuration periods (14 days). Organisms were exposed to MPs through different experimental set ups: 1/5 treatment with 1 μm MPs spiked in seawater and 5 μm MP spiked in sediment, and 5/1 treatment with 5 μm and 1 μm MP spiked in seawater and sediment, respectively; both compartments were spiked with the same particle number. After experiment, organisms were subjected to procedures for both quantitative (alkaline digestion followed by filtration) and qualitative (cryosectioning) examination under fluorescence microscopy. All species accumulated MPs spiked in the water column and sediment irrespective of their habitat, and MPs appeared to transfer vertically by the influence of biota in relation to particle size. The three experimental organisms showed a higher accumulation of MPs spiked in the seawater column compared to sediment, with a trend of increased uptake for bigger particles. However, mussels were the only organisms able to depurate the accumulated MPs, with a significant reduction for smaller particles. Thus, mussels showed to be the main contributors to the vertical transport of MP present in the water column by ingestion and excretion processes, which might lead to the deposition of MPs through faeces in sediments, fostering their bioavailability for polychaetes and shrimps. MP of both sizes were found predominantly in the lumen of digestive tract of the three studied species, seemingly recording particle internalization in stomach epithelium of mussels. • MP migration among environmental compartments showed to be size dependent. • Mussels were the main contributors to the vertical transport of MP through faeces. • Polychaetes and shrimps mainly ingested MPs spiked in seawater, via mussel faeces. • MPs were reintroduced into seawater from sediments due to benthic organism activity. • MPs appeared in digestive tract lumen of all species and mussel stomach epithelia.
More Papers Like This
Microplastic accumulation, depuration dynamics and localization in environmental compartments: combination of experimental set ups and field studies
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tracked microplastic accumulation and depuration in multiple environmental compartments and marine organisms using controlled microcosm experiments. The study found that particles distribute differently across sediment, water, and biota, and that biological depuration is incomplete within realistic timeframes.
Investigating the environmental partitioning of microplastics in two contrasting marine ecosystems.
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated how microplastics partition between water, sediment, and biota in marine ecosystems, examining which environmental compartment accumulates the most plastic. They found that plastic distribution is uneven and influenced by particle properties, water chemistry, and biological activity. The study helps quantify the exposure risk to marine organisms across different habitat types.
On some physical and dynamical properties of microplastic particles in marine environment
AI summary Read the abstract
This study examined the physical and dynamical properties of microplastic particles in marine environments, using modeling to predict how particle shape, density, and size govern transport, dispersion, and accumulation patterns.
Recent advances on the transport of microplastics/nanoplastics in abiotic and biotic compartments
AI summary Read the abstract
This review synthesizes recent findings on how microplastics and nanoplastics are transported through environmental compartments including water, soil, atmosphere, and biological systems, highlighting key factors that govern their fate and distribution.
The movement of plastics through marine ecosystems and the influences on bioavailability and uptake into marine biota
AI summary Read the abstract
This study examined the movement of plastics through marine ecosystems, tracing pathways from initial release through transport, fragmentation into microplastics, and ingestion by marine organisms. Understanding these transport dynamics is fundamental to predicting where plastic pollution impacts will be greatest.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.