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Microlitter in arctic marine benthic food chains and potential effects on sediment dwelling fauna
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Researchers measured microlitter concentrations in arctic marine sediments and biota at Svalbard and Greenland, finding higher concentrations and greater diversity of plastic types near human settlements and sites of abandoned fishing gear. Laboratory experiments on an arctic amphipod showed physiological effects — including altered feeding rates and respiration — only at concentrations much higher than those currently found in the field.
This report provides both field and impact data on microlitter pollution in the arctic marine environment of Svalbard and Greenland. Microlitter concentrations and characteristics were determined in marine sediments and biota in relation to local sources. Higher concentrations and diversities were found closer to human settlements and sites where lost/dumped fishing gear accumulated. Thus, local microlitter sources were found to be present in the Arctic. The experimental studies on effects of microlitter on feeding rate, microplastic ingestion, respiration and locomotion activity in an arctic amphipod, confirmed previous studies showing effects only at very high concentrations, not yet relevant in the arctic environment. The relatively low field concentrations of microlitter found in this study should be regarded as a ‘window of opportunity’ to act to at least reduce local pollution.
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Researchers examined small microplastics (under 100 µm) and other microlitter components in Arctic amphipods, addressing the relatively understudied size fraction of microplastic contamination in marine invertebrates from polar regions. The study characterized particle types, sizes, and abundances found within these organisms to better understand contamination pathways in Arctic food webs.
Small microplastics and other components of microlitter in Arctic invertebrates (Amphipods)
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Researchers investigated small microplastics (less than 100 µm) and other microlitter components in Arctic amphipod invertebrates, addressing a gap in knowledge since most Arctic microplastics research has focused on particles larger than 100 µm. The study characterised the presence and composition of these smaller particles within this ecologically important invertebrate group.
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Researchers investigated Arctic amphipods as bioindicators of plastic pollution by simultaneously identifying and quantifying small microplastics, plastic additives, and other microlitter components below 100 micrometers in body tissues, focusing on the size fractions most likely to enter the trophic web.
Small microplastics and other components ofmicrolitter in Arctic invertebrates (Amphipods)
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Researchers investigated small microplastics (under 100 micrometers) and other microlitter components — including plastic additives and non-plastic fibers — in Arctic amphipod crustaceans to evaluate their potential as bioindicators of plastic pollution in polar environments. The study quantified and identified small microplastics and microlitter in Arctic amphipod species, noting that their small size facilitates atmospheric and oceanic transport far from pollution sources and easy ingestion by organisms entering the trophic web.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.