Microplastics may pose a greater threat to the base of marine food webs

Summary

This perspective argues that small animals at the base of marine food webs—such as zooplankton and filter feeders—are likely ingesting microplastics at higher rates than larger organisms, yet receive far less research attention. Because these foundational species transfer energy and contaminants to every level of the food chain, microplastic impacts at the base could have outsized consequences for entire marine ecosystems and human seafood safety.