We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Vignette 10: Biological Repercussions from Microplastics in the Salish Sea
AI summary Read the abstract
This vignette summarises the biological risks of microplastics to marine organisms in the Salish Sea, covering ingestion, physical effects, and chemical toxicity. Researchers concluded that while current concentrations may not yet be causing widespread harm, continued accumulation and the presence of plastic-associated toxins are cause for concern.
Microplastic (< 5 mm) consumption and the movement of microplastic through the marine food web is an emerging concern in the Salish Sea. Upon consumption, marine plastics can physically and chemically affect marine organisms. Effects from plastics may be unique among species, types of contaminants, and types and sizes of plastics. Existing research indicates that current microplastic concentrations within the Salish Sea are not a significant threat to marine organisms. However, factors such as increasing urbanization and climate change may create or exacerbate microplastics impacts on Salish Sea species.
More Papers Like This
Biological Effects and Implications of Micro- and Nanoplastics in the Aquatic Environment
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes what is known about the biological effects and implications of micro- and nanoplastics on aquatic organisms, covering a wide range of species from phytoplankton to fish. It highlights that while laboratory studies show harm at high concentrations, the effects at environmentally relevant levels are still poorly understood.
Environmental toxicology of marine microplastic pollution
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarized a decade of research on the environmental toxicology of marine microplastic pollution across different ocean organisms and trophic levels. Researchers found that microplastics can accumulate in marine life from phytoplankton to fish, causing molecular, metabolic, and physiological harm. The study emphasizes that understanding these toxic effects is essential for assessing the broader ecological risks of plastic pollution in ocean environments.
Biological Effects of Microplastics: A Review.
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed how microplastics harm a wide range of living things, finding they cause physical damage, inflammation, oxidative stress, and reproductive problems in aquatic animals, while also carrying toxic chemicals and dangerous bacteria into organisms. Major gaps remain in understanding the effects of long-term low-dose exposure and the risks posed by even tinier nanoplastics.
Microplastics in the marine environment - A threat to marine biota?
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines the sources, quantities, and effects of microplastics in marine environments to assess whether they pose a genuine threat to marine life. Microplastics are found everywhere from Arctic to Antarctic waters, with the smallest fragments being the most concerning because they are available to a wider range of organisms and have more surface area to carry toxic chemicals.
Occurrence, effects and risks of marine microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes the state of knowledge on the occurrence, biological effects, and ecological risks of microplastics in the marine environment. It covers plastic sources, distribution patterns, ingestion by marine organisms, and the transfer of chemical pollutants through marine food webs, concluding that microplastic pollution poses serious and growing risks to ocean ecosystems.
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.