We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Impacts of Microplastics on the Swimming Behavior of the Copepod Temora turbinata (Dana, 1849)
Summary
This study used high-resolution video tracking to show that polystyrene microbeads significantly altered the swimming patterns of the marine copepod Temora turbinata, reducing swimming speed and increasing erratic movement. Changes in copepod swimming behavior from microplastic exposure could impair their ability to forage, escape predators, and maintain their position in the water column.
Zooplankton are prone to the ingestion of microplastics by mistaking them for prey. However, there is a lack of knowledge about the impacts of microplastic availability on zooplankton behavior. In this study, we investigated the effects of polystyrene microbeads on swimming patterns of the calanoid copepod Temora turbinata under laboratory conditions. We acquired high-resolution video sequences using an optical system containing a telecentric lens and a digital camera with an acquisition rate of 20 frames per second. We estimated the mean speed, NGDR (Net-to-Gross Displacement Ratio, a dimensionless single-valued measure of straightness) and turning angle to describe the swimming behavior in three different treatments (control, low and high concentration of microplastics). Our results revealed that swimming speeds decreased up to 40% (instantaneous speed) compared to controls. The NGDR and turning angle distribution of the organisms also changed in the presence of polystyrene microbeads, both at low (100 beads mL−1) and high microplastic concentration (1000 beads mL−1). These results suggest that the swimming behavior of Temora turbinata is affected by microbeads.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
The effect of microplastics on the speed, mortality rate, and swimming patterns of Daphnia Magna
This study compared how polystyrene and polyethylene microplastics affect the swimming speed, mortality, and movement patterns of Daphnia magna water fleas, finding both plastics caused behavioral changes. Daphnia are key animals in freshwater food webs, and microplastic-induced behavioral impairment could affect their role in aquatic ecosystems.
Microplastic Consumption and Its Effect on Respiration Rate and Motility of Calanus helgolandicus From the Marmara Sea
Researchers found that the copepod Calanus helgolandicus from the Marmara Sea actively consumed polystyrene microplastic beads of 6, 12, and 26 µm, with the strongest preference for 6 µm beads, and that microplastic ingestion increased respiration rate and reduced motility, indicating energetic costs from plastic consumption.
Tracking Nano- and Microplastics Accumulation and Egestion in a Marine Copepod by Novel Fluorescent AIEgens: Kinetic Modeling of the Rhythm Behavior
Researchers used advanced fluorescent probes to precisely track how a marine copepod species takes in and expels nano- and microplastic particles of different sizes and surface types. They found that the copepods followed rhythmic feeding and excretion patterns, with smaller nanoplastics accumulating more readily and being expelled more slowly than larger particles. The study provides detailed data on how tiny marine organisms process plastic particles, which is important for understanding how plastics move through ocean food webs.
Real-time visualization reveals copepod mediated microplastic flux
Real-time microscopy revealed how copepods (tiny marine crustaceans) mediate the transport and fragmentation of microplastics through feeding and egestion behavior. This shows that zooplankton play an active biological role in shaping the distribution and size spectrum of microplastics in marine waters.
The impact of polystyrene microplastics on feeding, function and fecundity in the marine copepod Calanus helgolandicus.
Marine copepods (Calanus helgolandicus) exposed to 20 µm polystyrene beads at 75 particles/mL ingested 11% fewer algal cells and 40% less carbon biomass, and shifted toward smaller prey. Fecundity was also reduced, suggesting microplastic ingestion could impair energy transfer through this critical trophic link.