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Comparative Bioaccumulation Potential of Trace Elements and Microplastics in Marine Sponges as Bioindicators
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Researchers analyzed trace element and microplastic accumulation in three marine sponge species off southwest India, finding that encrusting species like Clathria sp. accumulated the most microplastics, primarily high-density polyethylene, while different species showed distinct trace element uptake patterns. Marine sponges show strong potential as passive bioindicators for simultaneously monitoring microplastic and heavy metal pollution in coastal ecosystems.
Trace elements and microplastics are pervasive contaminants in marine ecosystems, posing significant risks to aquatic life and human health. Marine sponges serve as valuable bioindicators and archives of these pollutants. In this study, we analysed and compared the trace element accumulation and microplastics in three different marine sponges; Clathria sp. (encrusting morphology), Haliclona sp. (encrusting with slightly branching) and Callyspongia fibrosa (branching morphology) collected from the southwest coast of India. The bioaccumulation potential of trace elements such as Fe, Cu, Ni, Zn, Mn, Cr, Cd, Pb, V, As and Se was estimated using bio-water accumulation factor (BWAF) and bio-sediment accumulation factor (BSAF). Significant differences in trace element and microplastic accumulation were observed between the three sponges. Clathria sp. accumulated the highest concentration of Pb, Mn and Fe, Haliclona sp. accumulated Cd and Cu and C. fibrosa accumulated Zn and Ni. Clathria sp. exhibited the highest abundance of microplastics compared to the other sponges. The microplastics were primarily composed of high-density polyethylene in all three sponges, with the highest proportion found in C. fibrosa. These findings highlight the potential of marine sponges, particularly encrusting species, as bioindicators for monitoring pollution in marine ecosystems.
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