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Microplastics may pose a greater threat to the base of marine food webs
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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.
We need to advance our understanding of the effects of microplastics on aquatic ecosystems, especially on small animals at the base of food webs that might be ingesting more of these particles.
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Researchers reviewed the global dangers of microplastics to human health and ecosystems, characterizing these particles as a pervasive pollutant with the potential to cause widespread harm across multiple environmental compartments and biological systems.
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A broad review of wildlife studies finds that microplastics frequently cause negative biological effects including reduced reproduction, altered feeding behavior, and physical damage, though results vary considerably across species and plastic types. The inconsistency highlights the need for standardized research methods to better understand which organisms and exposure levels pose the greatest ecological risk.
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Researchers reviewed how micro- and nanoplastics contaminate marine-sourced foods including fish, shellfish, and seaweed, raising concerns about human dietary exposure. With billions of metric tons of plastic produced since 1950, ocean food sources represent a significant and growing pathway for plastic particles entering the human body.
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.