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Microplastic contamination of coral reef fish larvae of the Great Barrier Reef: baseline data and influences of oceanographic and ecological features
Summary
Researchers found microplastics in coral reef fish larvae collected from the Great Barrier Reef, with particles concentrated by the same oceanographic processes that aggregate zooplankton prey. The similarity in size between microplastics and natural prey items increases the likelihood of accidental ingestion by larvae.
Larval life stages of fishes as well as other mesozooplankton are uniquely susceptible to microplastic plastic pollution. Microplastics, which were found to be aggregated by the same oceanographic process that amass mesozooplankton in coastal and oceanic waters, can be similar in size to their natural prey increasing risks of exposure and contamination. In coral reef ecosystems, fish larvae play a crucial role due to their significant contributions to the biodiversity, structure, and functioning of these environments. Thereby, it is important to understand the extent to which microplastic contamination is happening in coral reef fish larvae and what might be driving such status. Still, this topic is incipient in the literature. Here, field and laboratory experiments aimed to (i) generate baseline data on microplastics contamination of coral reef fish larvae of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR, Australia) and (ii) investigate influences of oceanographic features (presence or absence of slicks) and ecological traits (taxa and number of fish, in the presence or absence of food) on fish contamination. More than 1,000 fish larvae from 18 different families were examined in this study. Seawater samples were also collected to characterize the surrounding environment. Field results suggest microplastic contamination of coral reef fish larvae of different species is occurring in the GBR and can increase in the presence of slicks. Pomacentridae fish species were the most contaminated, followed by Apagonidae and Clupenidae fishes. In the laboratory, influence of microplastic concentration and fish species were also observed, as well as influence of food and/or fish density. Yet, both field and laboratory data, indicate overall low susceptibility of coral reef fish larvae to microplastic ingestion, with high number of individuals being microplastic-free. Results of this study are expected to extend our current knowledge of microplastic ecological risks faced by coral reef ecosystems, including the GBR. Also see: https://micro2024.sciencesconf.org/559389/document
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