We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastic contamination of coral reef fish larvae of the Great Barrier Reef: baseline data and influences of oceanographic and ecological features
AI summary Read the abstract
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
More Papers Like This
Microplastic contamination of coral reef fish larvae of the Great Barrier Reef: baseline data and influences of oceanographic and ecological features
AI summary Read the abstract
This study found microplastic contamination in coral reef fish larvae from the Great Barrier Reef, where larval fish are uniquely vulnerable because microplastics overlap in size with their natural zooplankton prey and are concentrated by the same oceanographic processes. Ingestion of microplastics by larvae could impair early development and recruitment to reef fish populations.
Microplastic contamination in coral reef fish larvae: ecological and oceanographic features influence exposure risk.
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated microplastic contamination in coral reef fish larvae, finding that ecological and oceanographic features such as larval aggregation processes and proximity to plastic accumulation zones significantly influence the degree of microplastic exposure risk for larval fish.
Evaluation of microplastic ingestion by tropical fish from Moorea Island, French Polynesia
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers evaluated microplastic ingestion by four genera of adult tropical fish around Moorea Island, French Polynesia, finding microplastics in 21% of 133 digestive tracts examined. Ingested microplastic pieces averaged 1.25 per individual, with 70% of particles smaller than 0.3 mm, indicating widespread contamination of coral reef food webs.
Microplastic ingestion by fish from beaches with different characteristics in a tropical bay
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studying fish in a tropical bay found that 1 in 5 fish had microplastics in their stomachs, and this happened across all species, sizes, and locations, including areas far from big cities. Even fish-eating predators (which many humans also eat) showed contamination, suggesting plastic pollution is now baked into the food web from top to bottom. Since some of these fish end up on dinner plates, this study is a reminder that microplastic exposure through seafood may be more widespread than we think, and more research is needed to understand what that means for our health.
Sources, distribution and fate of microfibres on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia
AI summary Read the abstract
Widespread microdebris contamination was documented across the central Great Barrier Reef, with microfibres comprising 86% of detected particles and intake by coral reef fish being non-random with preferences for particular chemical compositions, shapes, and colors. The study identifies riverine input as a major source and demonstrates that fish are selectively ingesting certain microfiber types rather than consuming them passively.
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.