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Microplastics and cellulosic microparticles in North Atlantic deep waters and in the cold-water coral Lophelia pertusa
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Researchers detected microplastics and cellulosic microparticles in deep waters of the North Atlantic and in the cold-water coral Lophelia pertusa at depths up to 2,126 meters. The study found evidence that corals both adsorb and ingest microparticles, with rayon fibers dominating the samples, challenging assumptions about deep-sea habitats acting solely as microplastic sinks and highlighting the vulnerability of deep-water coral ecosystems.
This study explores microplastic and cellulosic microparticle occurrences in the NE Atlantic, focusing on the Porcupine Bank Canyon and Porcupine Seabight. Water samples from depths ranging between 605 and 2126 m and Lophelia pertusa coral samples from 950 m depth were analysed. Microparticles were detected in deep-water habitats, with concentrations varying from 2.33 to 9.67 particles L-1 in the Porcupine Bank Canyon, notably lower at greater depths. This challenges the assumption of deeper habitats solely acting as microplastic sinks. We also found evidence of microparticle adsorption and ingestion by L. pertusa. The presence of microparticles in cold-water corals underscores their vulnerability to pollutants. Furthermore, the dominance of rayon microparticles in both water and coral samples raises questions about marine pollution sources, potentially linked to terrestrial origins. This research emphasises the critical need for comprehensive exploration and conservation efforts in deep-sea environments, especially to protect vital ecosystems like L. pertusa reefs.
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Beyond plastisphere transfer, deep corals are subject to dysbiosis when exposed to plastics
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Researchers investigated the impact of colonized macro- and microplastics on the microbiome of the cold-water coral Lophelia pertusa, finding that plastic exposure caused dysbiosis in the coral-associated bacterial community beyond simple plastisphere transfer, suggesting early biological impacts on deep-sea coral reefs.
Microplastic pollution identified in deep-sea water and ingested by benthic invertebrates in the Rockall Trough, North Atlantic Ocean
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Researchers identified microplastics in deep-sea water samples and found them in the gut contents of benthic invertebrates living on the seafloor — providing evidence that the deep sea is both a sink for microplastics and that deep-sea organisms are ingesting them. The study raises concerns about contamination reaching even the most remote marine ecosystems.
Baseline Assessment of Marine Litter and Microplastic Ingestion by Cold-Water Coral Reef Benthos at the East Mingulay Marine Protected Area (Sea of the Hebrides, Western Scotland)
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Marine litter and microplastics were found in deep-water cold coral reef habitats off Scotland, including inside coral animals and sponges at depths of 140 meters. This shows that microplastic pollution has reached sensitive, remote deep-sea ecosystems that are difficult to monitor and protect.
Plastic microfibre ingestion by deep-sea organisms
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Researchers provided the first evidence that microplastics are being ingested and internalized by deep-sea organisms living on the ocean floor. The study found plastic microfibres in multiple deep-water species, demonstrating that microplastic contamination has already reached some of the most remote habitats on Earth.
Macro- and microplastics affect cold-water corals growth, feeding and behaviour
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Both macro- and microplastics negatively affected the growth, feeding behavior, and overall condition of cold-water corals in laboratory experiments, with microplastics causing more pronounced effects at lower concentrations. The findings raise concerns about the health of deep-sea coral reefs as plastic debris accumulates at depth.
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.