We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Analysis of Microplastic in Holothuria (Mertensiothuria) leucospilota (EchinodermataHolothuroidea) and Sediments from Karachi coast, (Northern Arabian Sea)
Summary
Researchers examined microplastic contamination in sea cucumbers (Holothuria leucospilota) and coastal sediments from the Karachi coast of Pakistan, finding up to 40 microplastic pieces per individual sea cucumber across gut, respiratory tree, and tentacles, with fibres comprising 99% of particles — indicating widespread contamination in the northern Arabian Sea.
Microplastics are found in all aquatic environments, and they can have several negative impacts on marine life. In this study, the distribution of microplastics in the sediment and in the organs (gut, respiratory tree, and tentacles) of sea cucumber (Holothuria leucospilota) collected from Mubarak Village and Cape Monze on the Karachi coast of Pakistan were investigated. The microplastic amount in different organs of H. leucospilota was found as 15.3-40.45 pieces/individual in the gut, 15.45-23.9 pieces/individual in the respiratory tree, 8.9-9.55 pieces/individual in tentacles. The microplastic amount of sediment samples was 57.40-129.35 pieces/kg. Fibers were the dominant microplastic type, up to 99% of all samples. The results of the present study show that the region is contaminated with microplastics both in biota and in sediments.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Microplastic Contamination of Holothuria (Thymiosycia) arenicola Semper, 1868, Holothuria pardalis Selenka, 1867, Sediments and Seawater From Karachi Coast, Northern Arabian Sea, Pakistan
Researchers investigated microplastic contamination in two species of sea cucumber, surrounding sediment, and seawater from the coast of Karachi, Pakistan. They found microplastics in all samples, with fibers being the predominant type, and the gut containing the highest concentrations among body parts. The study highlights the potential for microplastics to move through marine food chains, as sea cucumbers are ecologically important organisms in marine ecosystems.
Spatial distribution of microplastics ingested by Holothuria atra (Echinodermata: Holothuroidea) in the tourism and marine mariculture development zone, Karimunjawa, Indonesia
Researchers examined microplastics ingested by sea cucumbers (Holothuria atra) in Karimunjawa, Indonesia, finding an average of 14,166 particles per individual, predominantly fibers, with polymer types including polyamide, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene linked to local hydrodynamic patterns.
An Analysis of Microplastics Ingested by the Mediterranean Detritivore Holothuria tubulosa (Echinodermata: Holothuroidea) Sheds Light on Patterns of Contaminant Distribution in Different Marine Areas
Researchers analyzed microplastic ingestion by the Mediterranean sea cucumber Holothuria tubulosa across different marine areas, revealing spatial patterns of contamination that reflect local pollution levels and the species' potential as a bioindicator.
Microplastics abundance in sea cucumber Holothuria scabra from Pulau Malawali, Sabah, Malaysia
Researchers measured microplastic abundance in sea cucumbers (Holothuria scabra) from Pulau Malawali in Sabah, Malaysia, finding microplastic particles in all examined specimens. Fibres were the dominant particle type, and concentrations were similar to those reported for sea cucumbers in other tropical regions, confirming widespread microplastic exposure in this commercially important species.
Microplastic ingestion in the black sea cucumber Holothuria leucospilota (Brandt, 1835) collected from Rambut Island, Seribu Islands, Jakarta, Indonesia
Scientists found microplastics inside sea cucumbers collected from Indonesian coastal waters near Jakarta, with plastic particles concentrated in the intestines. Sea cucumbers are sediment-feeding bottom dwellers, making them useful indicators of microplastic contamination on the seafloor.