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Microplastics primarily provide habitats for benthic microalgae in Fujian coastal waters of China

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Kang Wang, Conghui Peng, Baohong Chen, Conghui Peng, Conghui Peng, Hui Lin Hui Lin Hui Lin Hui Lin Hui Lin Huina Lin, Hui Lin Hui Lin Huina Lin, Baohong Chen, Hui Lin Hui Lin Hui Lin Hui Lin Hui Lin Hui Lin Baohong Chen, Yahui Gao, Hui Lin Hui Lin Hui Lin Hui Lin Yahui Gao, Hui Lin Yahui Gao, Hui Lin Yahui Gao, Hui Lin Baohong Chen, Hui Lin Hui Lin Hui Lin Hui Lin Hui Lin Baohong Chen, Hui Lin Hui Lin

Summary

Researchers analyzed epimicroplastic microalgae (EMP-MA) communities colonizing microplastics in three bays of Fujian Province, China, finding that benthic microalgae dominated EMP-MA communities despite being underrepresented in surrounding planktonic communities. The results suggest that microplastics primarily serve as habitats for benthic microalgae and may expand their spatial distribution beyond typical bottom-dwelling zones.

Microplastics (MPs) serve as habitats and vectors for microalgae-termed epimicroplastic microalgae (EMP-MA). This study analyzed the community structure and diversity of EMP-MA in three bays of Fujian Province, and compared them with planktonic microalgae (PM) communities. Results showed both EMP-MA and PM communities mainly comprised diatoms and dinoflagellates, but differed significantly. Specifically, the relative abundance of benthic microalgae in EMP-MA communities was significantly higher than that in PM communities, with all dominant species of EMP-MA communities being benthic species. These results meant that MPs primarily provide habitats for benthic microalgae and may expand their spatial distribution. In addition, environmental variables exerted weaker influences on EMP-MA than on PM, which might be attributed to the buffering effects of biofilm. This study holds significance for deepening the understanding of the vertical distribution dynamics of marine microalgae and the effects of MPs on marine biological processes.

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