We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Field evidence for microplastic interactions in marine benthic invertebrates
AI summary Read the abstract
Field evidence was gathered for microplastic interactions with two polychaete species of different feeding strategies in the Mediterranean benthos, finding that both sessile filter feeders and mobile deposit feeders ingested and accumulated microplastics from benthic environments.
Microplastics represent an important issue of concern for marine ecosystems worldwide, and closed seas, such as the Mediterranean, are among the most affected by this increasing threat. These pollutants accumulate in large quantities in benthic environments causing detrimental effects on diverse biocenoses. The main focus of this study is on the 'polychaetes-microplastics' interactions, particularly on two species of benthic polychaetes with different ecology and feeding strategies: the sessile and filter feeder Sabella spallanzanii (Gmelin, 1791) and the vagile carnivorous Hermodice carunculata (Pallas, 1766). Since not standardized protocols are proposed in literature to date, we compared efficiencies of diverse common procedures suitable for digesting organic matter of polychaetes. After the definition of an efficient digestion protocol for microplastics extraction for both polychaetes, our results showed high microplastics ingestion in both species. Microplastics were found in 42% of individuals of S. spallanzanii, with a mean of 1 (± 1.62) microplastics per individual, in almost all individuals of H. carunculata (93%), with a mean of 3.35 (± 2.60). These significant differences emerged between S. spallanzanii and H. carunculata, is probably due to the diverse feeding strategies. The susceptibility to this pollutant makes these species good bioindicators of the impact of microplastics on biota.
More Papers Like This
Presence of microplastics in benthic and epibenthic organisms: Influence of habitat, feeding mode and trophic level
AI summary Read the abstract
This study examined microplastic occurrence in benthic and epibenthic invertebrates from the Western English Channel, finding that habitat type, feeding mode, and trophic level all influenced microplastic ingestion rates. The results suggest that bottom-dwelling filter feeders and deposit feeders are among the most exposed organisms in seafloor food webs.
Microplastic accumulation by tube-dwelling, suspension feeding polychaetes from the sediment surface: A case study from the Norwegian Continental Shelf
AI summary Read the abstract
This study found microplastics in the sediment and tube-dwelling polychaete worms on the Norwegian Continental Shelf, including in areas near oil and gas installations and in remote locations. Even offshore industrial areas in the Arctic Ocean contain microplastics in their sediments, with polychaetes actively incorporating these particles through filter feeding.
Are feeding traits and habitat responsible of microplastics ingestion in fish, crustaceans and elasmobranches at the western Mediterranean?
AI summary Read the abstract
This western Mediterranean study examined microplastic ingestion across multiple species of fish, crustaceans, and elasmobranchs, finding that feeding traits and habitat influenced but did not fully explain plastic uptake rates. The results indicate that a range of commercially important marine species are exposed to microplastics, with mean ingestion rates up to 2.3 particles per individual.
Exploring the relation between plastic ingestion in species and its presence in seafloor bottoms
AI summary Read the abstract
This study examined the relationship between microplastic abundance on the western Mediterranean seafloor and microplastic ingestion by marine species caught in the same bottom trawl hauls. Fish and invertebrates that live near plastic-rich seafloor sediments had higher rates of microplastic ingestion, suggesting that benthic plastic accumulation drives exposure in bottom-feeding organisms.
Microplastics abundance in marine sediments and stomach contents of benthic organisms
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers quantified microplastic abundance in marine sediments and benthic organism stomachs across the Eastern South Pacific Ocean and Southern Caribbean Sea, finding finer sediments retained more microplastics, blue and red fibers under 2 mm dominated both regions, and polychaetes were the primary consumers — making them useful bioindicators of microplastic pollution.
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.