We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Accumulation of microplastics in tadpoles from different functional zones in Hangzhou Great Bay Area, China: Relation to growth stage and feeding habits
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated microplastic accumulation in tadpoles across different functional zones in China's Hangzhou Great Bay Area, finding that microplastic uptake varies with growth stage, feeding habits, and the level of human activity in surrounding land-use zones.
Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous in freshwater ecosystems, including inland small waterbodies (e.g., ponds and ditches), which are unique habitats for tadpoles. The uptake of MPs by tadpoles is influenced by their habitat, life stage, and feeding strategy. In this study, we investigated MP levels in small waterbodies in three different functional zones from the Hangzhou Great Bay Area, China, and resident tadpoles at different stages of metamorphosis with different feeding habits. Our results indicated that MPs in all three sampling areas were predominantly fibers; and the highest abundances of MPs were observed in water (4.70 ± 2.30 items/L) and sediment (728 ± 324 items/kg) from a textile industrial area, likely the result of nearby human activities. There was no significant difference in MP number in tadpoles between areas; however, omnivorous tadpoles with labial teeth and horny beaks ingested more MPs than did filter feeders. Based on their developmental characteristics, the collected tadpoles were categorized as: pre-metamorphosis, pro-metamorphosis, and metamorphic climax. The MP levels exhibited an upward trend, and MP size gradually increased as tadpole development progressed. This suggests that MPs may accumulate in tadpoles as they grow and potentially affect their metamorphosis from larvae to frogs.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics in Small Waterbodies and Tadpoles from Yangtze River Delta, China
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastics were found in small waterbodies and in the guts of tadpoles collected across the Yangtze River Delta, China, with higher contamination in urban and agricultural areas. The study reveals that even small, isolated freshwater habitats and their amphibian residents are exposed to microplastic pollution.
Coastal zone use influences the spatial distribution of microplastics in Hangzhou Bay, China
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers characterized microplastic abundance, size, and polymer types in water, sediment, and biota across Hangzhou Bay, China, an area heavily influenced by human activities. The study found that different forms of coastal zone use, including mariculture, port activities, and urban development, significantly influenced the spatial distribution of microplastics in the region.
Microplastic Ingestion by Fish with Different Feeding Habits from Different Habitats in a Typical Semi-Enclosed Haizhou Bay
AI summary Read the abstract
A study of eight fish species in China's Haizhou Bay found microplastic detection rates of 53–80% across species, with benthic and omnivorous fish accumulating significantly more MPs than pelagic or predatory fish, and PET, polyamide, and polystyrene linked to marine aquaculture and port construction. Feeding behavior and habitat depth are key determinants of MP accumulation, with bottom-dwelling fish consuming prey that carries greater plastic loads from contaminated sediment layers.
Source or sink role of an urban lake for microplastics from Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao greater bay area, China
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated whether an urban lake in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area acts as a source or sink for microplastics, finding that urbanization-driven inputs and hydrological dynamics determine the lake's shifting role in microplastic cycling.
Microplastic characteristics in organisms of different trophic levels from Liaohe Estuary, China
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers collected organisms from multiple trophic levels at Liaohe Estuary, China, and measured microplastic ingestion across primary consumers, secondary consumers, and top predators, finding that MP abundance did not increase consistently with trophic level, suggesting complex feeding and depuration dynamics.
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.