We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Biotoxins, Trace Elements, and Microplastics in the Ocean Sunfishes (Molidae)
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines the accumulation of biotoxins, trace metals, and microplastics in ocean sunfishes (Molidae), large pelagic fish with wide geographic ranges. The study found that these filter-feeding giants can concentrate contaminants, raising concerns about their role in marine food webs and the safety of consuming them.
Any substance may become a contaminant when occurring at a significantly higher concentration than the natural background level in a particular area or organism. Some contaminants exist naturally in the wild, while others are introduced or released into the environment by human activities. One major concern regarding contaminants is their persistence in the marine environment and subsequent accumulation in seawater, sediments and biota. Due to public health concerns, research on the accumulation of contaminants in marine fish is chiefly conducted on economically important species. Since ocean sunfishes (Molidae) have a low commercial value worldwide, this group has been mostly overlooked. This chapter explores new and previously available data on the presence of three types of contaminants (biotoxins, trace elements and microplastics) in ocean sunfishes, primarily Mola spp., and identifies knowledge gaps. Evidence indicates Mola spp. and Masturus lanceolatus do not have tetrodotoxin. Ocean sunfish exhibit a selection of trace elements that vary with tissue, sex, size, season and location. Species differences in elemental content also exist between Mola spp. and Ma. lanceolatus. Lastly, microplastic contamination has been found in the stomach contents of 79 percent of Mola spp. examined thus far.
More Papers Like This
First evidence of microplastic ingestion in the ocean giant sunfish (Mola mola)
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers documented the first evidence of microplastic ingestion in ocean sunfish (Mola mola) in the Northeast Atlantic, finding microplastics in 79% of 53 specimens with a median of 1 item per individual, predominantly blue fibers and styrene acrylic copolymer fragments smaller than 300 micrometers.
Plastic pollution and ocean giants: Investigating the extent and impacts of plastic ingestion by marine megafauna
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated the extent and impacts of plastic pollution on ocean giants including large marine vertebrates such as whales, basking sharks, and manta rays, which are exposed to microplastics through filter feeding and ingestion of contaminated prey. The review found growing evidence of microplastic ingestion in these species, with potential consequences for their health and conservation.
Microplastics: No Small Problem for Filter-Feeding Megafauna
AI summary Read the abstract
This study highlights the emerging threat of microplastic pollution to filter-feeding marine megafauna, including mobulid rays, whale sharks, and baleen whales. These animals are particularly vulnerable because their feeding strategies cause them to ingest large volumes of water along with suspended microplastics and associated toxins. The authors call for more research and public awareness to understand the full scope of microplastic impacts on these flagship species.
Microplastics Contamination of Large Pelagic Fish in the Open Atlantic Ocean
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed microplastic contamination in large pelagic fish including tunas, mackerels, and amberjacks collected from the open Atlantic Ocean to assess plastic exposure in top predators. They found microplastics present in fish from even remote open-ocean habitats, demonstrating the ubiquity of microplastic contamination and the utility of large migratory fish as indicators of ocean health.
Observing the Effects of Marine Debris Bioaccumulation and Biomagnification
AI summary Read the abstract
This study examines how marine debris, particularly microplastics and heavy metals, bioaccumulates and biomagnifies through marine food webs, with organisms ingesting microplastics as they move through ocean currents. The review considers the ecological consequences of microplastic ingestion across trophic levels and the implications for food chain safety as humans sit at the top of 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.