We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
New tools to characterize the impact of microplastics on bathypelagic microbes at lab scale
AI summary Read the abstract
New tools were developed to characterize the impact of microplastics on microbes and other organisms in the bathypelagic (deep ocean) zone. The work addresses the poorly understood fate and effects of microplastics in deep-sea ecosystems far from surface pollution sources.
International audience
More Papers Like This
A novel method enabling the accurate quantification of microplastics in the water column of deep ocean
AI summary Read the abstract
A new sampling method was developed to accurately measure microplastics in the deep ocean water column, addressing gaps left by traditional net trawls that miss very small particles. Reliable deep-sea sampling is critical since the deep ocean is thought to be a major sink for global microplastic pollution.
Microplastics in the abyss: a first investigation into sediments at 2443-m depth (Toulon, France)
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted the first microplastic investigation of deep-sea sediments at 2,443-m depth near Toulon, France, finding microplastics present in abyssal sediments and suggesting that deep-sea environments are not isolated from surface plastic pollution.
Microplastic pollution in deep-sea sediments
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed deep-sea sediment cores and found microplastics present at depth, providing early evidence that deep-sea sediments globally accumulate microplastic pollution far from coastlines and at the seafloor.
Influence of microplastics on the structure and function of deep-sea communities during long-term enrichment processes
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied how polystyrene microplastics of different sizes and concentrations affect deep-sea microbial communities over 50 days of incubation. They observed that microorganisms caused visible degradation of the plastic surfaces, while the smallest particles and plastic films significantly inhibited bacterial growth and increased reactive oxygen species production. The study reveals that microplastic pollution can substantially alter deep-sea microbial community structure and function.
Weathered microplastics alter deep sea benthic biogeochemistry and organic matter cycling: insights from a microcosm experiment
AI summary Read the abstract
Weathered (aged) microplastics deposited in deep-sea sediments were found to alter benthic biogeochemical cycles, affecting nitrogen and carbon processing by seafloor microorganisms. The findings show that plastic pollution can disrupt the chemical ecology of even the most remote deep-ocean environments.
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.