We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
DNA barcoding of intertidal barnacles as potential bioindicators of microplastic pollution in Seribu Islands and Jakarta Bay, Indonesia
Summary
Researchers used DNA barcoding to identify barnacle species at Indonesian coastal sites and assessed their potential as bioindicators of microplastic pollution. The barnacle Amphibalanus amphitrite accumulated the highest microplastic concentrations (up to 53 particles per gram), making it a strong candidate for monitoring contamination due to its wide distribution and easy identification. This matters because reliable biological sentinels can simplify large-scale tracking of microplastic pollution in coastal ecosystems.
Abstract. Raufanda MS, Prabowo RE, Nuryanto A. 2024. DNA barcoding of intertidal barnacles as potential bioindicators of microplastic pollution in Seribu Islands and Jakarta Bay, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 4664-4676. Barnacles, with their sessile nature and filter-feeding behavior, hold significant potential as bioindicators of microplastic pollution. Due to the diverse morphotypes across barnacle species, DNA barcoding is a reliable technique for accurate taxonomic identification. This research aimed to determine intertidal barnacle species and identify potential bioindicators of microplastic pollution in Seribu Islands and Jakarta Bay, Indonesia. Barnacle samples were collected from seven locations using purposive sampling. Microplastic characteristics were analyzed visually and polymer-type testing was performed using Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). Data was analyzed using Pearson correlation and bioconcentration factors to determine potential microplastic bioindicator species based on three criteria. The significance level was set at p<0.05 and all statistical analyses were performed using SPSS. Four species of intertidal barnacles were identified in Seribu Islands and Jakarta Bay, namely Amphibalanus amphitrite, Striatobalanus amaryllis, Amphibalanus zhujiangensis, and Newmanella radiata. DNA barcoding was used to determine the first three species, while morphological analysis identified the fourth species. The microplastic particle count varied among the species, with A. amphitrite showing the highest concentration at 42-53 particles/g. Due to its clear taxonomy, ease of surveying, and wide distribution, A. amphitrite has strong potential as a bioindicator of microplastic pollution, as it can accumulate more than other species.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Barnacle analysis as a microplastic pollution bioindicator on the East Coast of Surabaya
A total of 196 microplastic particles were found in barnacles, water, and sediment on the east coast of Surabaya, with barnacles dominated by very small fragments in the 1-10 micron range. Amphibalanus amphitrite was identified as a potential bioindicator species for microplastic monitoring in coastal environments.
Barnacles as potential bioindicator of microplastic pollution in Hong Kong
Researchers examined microplastic occurrence in four barnacle species collected from 30 sites across Hong Kong waters, finding microplastics — predominantly fibers — in all species and proposing barnacles as potential bioindicators of coastal microplastic pollution.
Experimental accumulation of microplastics in acorn barnacle Amphibalanus amphitrite and its use in estimating microplastic concentration in coastal waters
Researchers assessed the potential of acorn barnacles (Amphibalanus amphitrite) as bioindicators for microplastic pollution, finding that these filter feeders accumulate polypropylene fibers and fragments in ways that could help estimate coastal water contamination levels.
Barnacles as silent sentinels of microplastic pollution: Evidence from Gujarat coast, India and a global meta-analysis of sessile marine species
This study found microplastics in all eight barnacle species sampled across 13 coastal sites in Gujarat, India, with fibers and fragments of polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene predominating. A global meta-analysis confirmed that sessile marine organisms like barnacles serve as reliable bioindicators of local microplastic contamination levels.
Non-selective feeding on microplastics in the acorn barnacle Amphibalanus amphitrite: the implications in assessing barnacles as global microplastics bioindicators
Researchers studied microplastic ingestion by striped barnacles (Amphibalanus amphitrite) by exposing them to three plastic types, two sizes, and two concentrations, with and without biofilm coatings. Barnacles ingested microplastics non-selectively regardless of type or biofilm status, confirming them as useful bioindicators of plastic pollution in marine environments.