We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Dissolved organic carbon leaching from microplastics and bioavailability in coastal ecosystems
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers evaluated dissolved organic carbon leaching from polyethylene and polypropylene microplastics in coastal ecosystems, finding that up to 85% of the leached carbon was biodegradable by microbial communities. The study found that different coastal environments, such as seagrass beds and river mouths, showed varying abilities to utilize this plastic-derived carbon, suggesting microplastics may be an underappreciated source of dissolved organic carbon in marine systems.
The dissolved organic carbon (DOC) leached from two types of microplastics (polyethylene and polypropylene) frequently found in coastal areas were evaluated in situ. Subsequently, the bioavailability of leached DOC was assessed for microbial inocula from different coastal communities (i.e., estuarine and open-coastal waters, river-mouth waters and seagrass beds). Leached DOC was largely biodegradable (as much as 85 %). However, seagrass beds and river-mouth waters exhibited lower DOC utilization efficiency than estuarine and open-coastal waters, probably because of differences in their microbial communities. The labile/recalcitrant ratio of DOC leached from plastic was similar under illuminated and dark conditions, whereas DOC leached from polyethylene, rather than DOC leached from polypropylene, was preferentially used by microbial communities. We estimated that as many as 21,000 metric tons of DOC leached from plastics may be released into ocean annually. Our results support the need to consider the potential impacts of coastal plastic pollution on microbial communities, including consideration of the trophic webs and coastal carbon cycle.
More Papers Like This
Ecological implications of biodegradable and conventional microplastics: Dissolved organic matter bioavailability and microbial response in marine systems
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers compared the dissolved organic matter released by biodegradable and conventional microplastics and assessed its bioavailability to marine microbial communities. They found that biodegradable plastics like PLA released organic matter that was more readily used by microorganisms, which altered microbial community composition. The study suggests that while biodegradable plastics break down faster, their leached compounds may have distinct and potentially significant ecological effects in marine environments.
Microplastic-derived dissolved organic matter: Generation, characterization, and environmental behaviors
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how microplastics release dissolved organic matter as they break down in the environment, creating a previously overlooked source of carbon and chemical pollution. Researchers found that this microplastic-derived organic matter can interact with other pollutants, affect water quality, and influence microbial communities. The study highlights a lesser-known dimension of microplastic pollution that could have significant environmental consequences.
Dissolved organic carbon leaching from plastics stimulates microbial activity in the ocean
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers discovered that ocean plastics continuously leach dissolved organic carbon into seawater — an estimated 23,600 metric tons per year globally — fueling the growth of bacteria at the base of the marine food web. Because plastic pollution is projected to increase tenfold in the coming decade, this plastic-derived carbon input could significantly alter microbial communities and ocean chemistry in ways not yet fully understood.
Continuous long-term monitoring of leaching from microplastics into ambient water – A multi-endpoint approach
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted continuous long-term monitoring of leaching from 16 types of microplastics into water, finding that most released significant dissolved organic carbon and various chemicals, with leaching patterns varying by polymer type and environmental conditions.
Investigating whether aquatic microbes are inhibited by dissolved organic carbon formed during the photo-dissolution of microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated whether dissolved organic carbon produced when sunlight degrades floating microplastics inhibits aquatic microbial growth, finding that while much of the carbon can fuel microbial activity, some photochemically produced compounds may have inhibitory effects.
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.