We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastic ingestion and egestion by copepods in the Black Sea
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed microplastic ingestion and excretion by copepods in the Black Sea for the first time, alongside measuring plastic pollution in the water column. They found microplastics at all sampling stations, with the highest concentrations near river mouths, and confirmed that copepods actively ingest and excrete these particles. The findings suggest that microplastic contamination is widespread in the Black Sea and is entering the base of the marine food web.
Ingestion and egestion of microplastics by copepods in the Black Sea was assessed for the first time. Composition and concentration of microplastics in the water column was also evaluated. Samples were collected from three stations (river mouth, coastal and open water) in the Southeastern Black Sea over the course of one year. Microplastic concentration in the water column ranged between 0.12 and 7.62 mp·m (mean 2.04 ± 1.05 mp·m) with significantly higher concentrations in the river mouth. The most common types of microplastics were fibres, followed by films and fragments. A total of 11 colours of microplastics were found, being blue the most common colour. Analysis of 1126 C. euxinus and 1065 A. clausi, resulted in 26 and 9 microplastics being detected, respectively. This resulted in a microplastic ingestion of 0.024 ± 0.020 mp. Calanus and 0.008 ± 0.006 mp. Acartia. Analysis of 351 faecal pellets, resulted 4 microplastics being found. The average size of ingested microplastics was greater in C. euxinus (0.100 mm ± 0.153 mm) than in A. clausi (0.062 mm ± 0.056 mm). Size of ingested microplastics was in the size range of natural preys of these copepods. Fragments were the most common type of ingested microplastics, followed by films and fibres. The colour of ingested particles was black, blue and red. Our results show that the copepods and the pelagic environment of the Black Sea are contaminated by microplastics. Critical functions of zooplankton in this degraded ecosystem are under risk and zooplankton are likely to act as a vector for the transfer of microplastics and associated toxic chemicals to upper trophic levels including humans in the Black Sea.
More Papers Like This
Microplastic Ingestion by Planktonic Larvae of Gastropods and Bivalves in The Black Sea
AI summary Read the abstract
This study measured microplastic ingestion by planktonic larvae of gastropods and bivalves in the Black Sea, finding that larvae consumed microplastic particles at rates that could impair normal feeding and development. The results raise concerns for shellfish aquaculture and coastal ecosystem recruitment.
Functional study of the ingestion and excretion of microplastics by marine coastal copepods
AI summary Read the abstract
This study examined how marine coastal copepods ingest and excrete microplastics and assessed their role as vectors for plastic dispersal in the water column. Copepods readily ingested microplastics, retained particles for variable periods depending on size and feeding rate, and excreted aggregated fecal pellets that could redistribute plastics vertically in the ocean.
A First Record on Microplastic Ingestion by Tropical Estuarine Copepods of Bangladesh
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers documented for the first time microplastic ingestion by calanoid and cyclopoid copepods in the Lower Meghna Estuary of Bangladesh over a one-year sampling period. Fibers accounted for over 50 percent of ingested particles in both copepod groups, with acid digestion and SEM used for extraction and identification.
Global Meta-Analysis and Review of Microplastic in Marine Copepods
AI summary Read the abstract
This global meta-analysis examines how copepods — tiny crustaceans at the base of the ocean food chain — interact with microplastics. It finds that despite individually low ingestion rates, the sheer abundance of copepods makes them significant microplastic reservoirs, with potential consequences that ripple up the food chain to fish and ultimately humans.
Is Zooplankton an Entry Point of Microplastics into the Marine Food Web?
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated microplastic ingestion by zooplankton in natural marine environments, examining whether copepods and other zooplankton serve as an entry point for transferring microplastics from the water column into the marine food web.
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.