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Multi-endpoint effects of derelict tubular mussel plastic nets on Tigriopus fulvus
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Researchers exposed the marine copepod Tigriopus fulvus to derelict polypropylene mussel farming nets of different colors and found significant multi-endpoint effects including mortality and impaired larval development, demonstrating that discarded aquaculture plastics pose direct toxicological threats to marine invertebrates.
Microplastic debris from direct and indirect human activities is considered a major threat to the marine biodiversity mainly due to its abundance, durability, persistence, and ability to accumulate contaminants from the environment. Derelict tubular plastic nets of various colours (blue (BN), yellow (YN), green (GN), pink (PN), and white (WN) net), used to distinguish mussel farming owners, were collected by scuba-dive from the Mar Piccolo of Taranto (Ionian Sea). All nets were made of polypropylene. Investigations looked for potential acute (mortality) and sub-chronic (mortality, larval development and moult release number, and adult percentage after 5-9 days) effects on Tigriopus fulvus nauplii considering both whole plastics (microplastic (MP), 50 mg/L) and leachates (12.5-100%). Acute test determined a median lethal concentration (LC50) only for BN for both MPs (107 mg/L) and leachates (50.1%). The prolonged exposure (5 days) to microplastics did not affect the T. fulvus survival. After 9 days, YN and BN decreased of approximately 100% larval development.
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Researchers exposed the marine copepod Tigriopus japonicus to combined cadmium and polystyrene microplastic exposure using a full concentration-response design. Co-exposure increased toxicity compared to either contaminant alone, with effects on survival, reproduction, and development, indicating synergistic or additive interactions between cadmium and microplastics.
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Researchers tested how polyethylene and nylon-6 microplastics affect the copepod Tigriopus japonicus, finding that microplastic exposure reduced feeding and reproductive output and suppressed the production of the climate-relevant gas dimethylsulfide during copepod grazing.
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Exposing freshwater amphipods to polyethylene microplastics caused significant mortality, reduced growth, and disrupted swimming behavior and mating, with males more vulnerable to death and females more affected in growth rate. These crustaceans are a key link in freshwater food webs, meaning microplastic-driven population declines could cascade through entire aquatic ecosystems.
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Researchers exposed two amphipod species to environmentally relevant polyethylene microplastic concentrations and found increased mortality and oxidative stress, with species-specific sensitivity suggesting ecological impacts even at low exposure levels.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.