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The need for a sentinel species: considerations towards regional bioindicators
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Researchers examined the case for establishing sentinel species as regional bioindicators for microplastic monitoring, evaluating candidate organisms including fish and shellfish for their suitability based on geographic range, abundance, ecological relevance, and ability to reflect the bioavailable fraction of marine litter.
As we move towards increased policy intervention and mitigation strategies against marine litter and microplastics, there is a need for powerful monitoring data. There is currently no accepted bioindicator for microplastics which is required to understand the bioavailable fraction of litter and inform ecotoxicological experiments and risk models. Commonly suggested bioindicators include fish and shellfish as they are abundant, have a wide geographical range and are of economic importance. The present study explores the suitability of the blue mussel (Mytilus edulis), demersal flatfish common dab (Limanda limanda) and small pelagic fishes European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) and European sardine (Sardina pilchardus) as sentinel species for microplastics. Samples were collected from around the coast of England and Wales between 2019 and 2023 and were digested in a potassium hydroxide and sodium hypochlorite digestion. To increase particle recovery, microplastics were fluorescently tagged with Nile red and samples were searched under blue light and white light. Particles of interest were then analysed with micro-FTIR and LDIR spectrometry to identify the polymers present. Microplastics were detected in all species, but to differing degrees. Over half (53 Also see: https://micro2024.sciencesconf.org/559412/document
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Researchers examined the need for sentinel bioindicator species to generate robust monitoring data for marine litter and microplastics, evaluating candidate species including fish and shellfish based on criteria such as geographic range, abundance, and economic importance. The study proposed a framework for selecting effective regional bioindicators to inform ecotoxicological models and support emerging plastic pollution policy.
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Researchers reviewed strategies for selecting the best 'sentinel' species — from mussels to earthworms — to serve as biological indicators of microplastic and nanoplastic pollution in both aquatic and land environments. Choosing the right species based on behavior, habitat, and exposure pathways is essential for building consistent, comparable monitoring programs that can track plastic pollution over time.
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