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The impacts of polyethylene terephthalate microplastics (mPETs) on ecosystem functionality in marine sediment
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Researchers found that PET microplastics disrupted key ecosystem functions in marine sediments over a 31-day experiment, impairing nutrient cycling and the activity of bivalves and microphytobenthos. The results suggest that even moderate concentrations of microplastics can harm the ecological services provided by seafloor communities.
The effects of microplastics (MPs) on the ecological functioning in marine sediments is largely unknown. However, coastal marine sediments and their resident communities play critical roles in the transformation of organic matter and the cycling of nutrients that influence both local and global processes. To investigate how microplastics influence ecosystem functions associated with sediment biogeochemistry, large bivalves and microphytobenthos, we conducted a 31-day laboratory experiment. The experiment tested the role of micro-polyethylene terephthalate (mPETs) at five concentrations (0%, 1%, 3%, 6%, and 8% based on wet weight of top 1 cm sediment). Canonical principle of coordinate analysis (CAP) was applied to assess change on the ecosystem functionality with increasing concentrations of mPETs. Our results highlight that stress effects on ecosystem function are the product of the interaction between Macomona liliana, microphytobenthos and mPETs.
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Effects of Polyester Microfibers on Microphytobenthos and Sediment-Dwelling Infauna
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Researchers examined the effects of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microfibers on microphytobenthos, a deposit-feeding bivalve (Macomona liliana), and sediment nutrient cycling across six concentration levels in controlled sediment chambers. The study found that PET microfibers disrupted benthic community structure and altered sediment nutrient fluxes at environmentally relevant concentrations.
Microplastics Affect the Ecological Functioning of an Important Biogenic Habitat
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This study exposed intact sediment cores containing oysters and mussels to microplastics and found significant changes in the diversity and functioning of the bivalve-dominated community, including reduced biodiversity and altered nutrient cycling. The findings show that microplastics affect not just individual animals but entire benthic ecosystem functions important for water quality and marine food production.
Effects of microplastics on greenhouse gas emissions and microbial communities in sediment of freshwater systems
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Researchers found that PET microplastics of different sizes significantly affected greenhouse gas emissions and microbial communities in freshwater sediments, with smaller particles (5 micrometers) notably increasing methane emissions and altering nutrient cycling over 90 days.
Modelled broad-scale shifts on seafloor ecosystem functioning due to microplastic impacts on bioturbation
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Model simulations incorporating experimental bioturbation data found that broad-scale reductions in seafloor bioturbation caused by microplastic impacts on marine invertebrates could significantly alter nutrient cycling in marine sediments at ecosystem scales.
Response of sediment-dwelling bivalves to microplastics and its potential implications for benthic processes
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This microcosm study found that microplastics affect the feeding, burrowing, and bioirrigation behaviors of two sediment-dwelling bivalve species, with effects that could alter benthic nutrient cycling. Changes in bivalve behavior caused by microplastic exposure have broader implications for the ecosystem services these organisms provide in marine sediments.
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