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Sources, distribution and fate of microfibres on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia
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Widespread microdebris contamination was documented across the central Great Barrier Reef, with microfibres comprising 86% of detected particles and intake by coral reef fish being non-random with preferences for particular chemical compositions, shapes, and colors. The study identifies riverine input as a major source and demonstrates that fish are selectively ingesting certain microfiber types rather than consuming them passively.
Marine microdebris, in particular microplastics (plastics <5 mm), has become an issue of international concern due to its prevalence, persistence and potential adverse impacts on marine ecosystems. Informing source reduction based on ecological effects requires an understanding of the origin, distribution and characteristics of microdebris and the interactions with marine organisms. Here we show widespread contamination of the central Great Barrier Reef environment with microdebris, with microfibres comprising 86% of all items detected. Microdebris intake by coral reef fish was non-random, with chemical composition, shape and colour differing significantly from that detected in surface waters. Furthermore, the origin of microdebris contamination in surface waters is non-random with riverine discharge a likely source for microdebris detected at inshore, but not at offshore reef locations. Our findings demonstrate the complexities associated with determining marine microdebris exposure and fate, and assist in improving future ecological assessments and prioritizing source reduction.
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Microplastic contamination of coral reef fish larvae of the Great Barrier Reef: baseline data and influences of oceanographic and ecological features
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Researchers found microplastics in coral reef fish larvae collected from the Great Barrier Reef, with particles concentrated by the same oceanographic processes that aggregate zooplankton prey. The similarity in size between microplastics and natural prey items increases the likelihood of accidental ingestion by larvae.
Ingestion and retention of biodegradable vs. non-biodegradable microplastics in a tropical coral reef fish: The role of chemical and physical characteristics
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Researchers examined how biodegradable versus non-biodegradable microplastics are ingested and retained by juvenile tropical reef fish. The study measured how polymer type, particle shape, size, and color influenced ingestion preferences and gastrointestinal transit time. The dataset provides detailed experimental measurements that help clarify which physical and chemical characteristics of microplastics drive their uptake by marine fish.
Ingestion and retention of biodegradable vs. non-biodegradable microplastics in a tropical coral reef fish: The role of chemical and physical characteristics
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Researchers investigated how biodegradable and non-biodegradable microplastics differ in their ingestion and retention by a tropical coral reef fish species. The study assessed how polymer type, particle shape, size, and color influenced the fish's microplastic ingestion preferences and gut transit times. The findings provide experimental data on the physical and chemical characteristics that drive microplastic uptake in marine organisms.
Microplastic contamination of coral reef fish larvae of the Great Barrier Reef: baseline data and influences of oceanographic and ecological features
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This study found microplastic contamination in coral reef fish larvae from the Great Barrier Reef, where larval fish are uniquely vulnerable because microplastics overlap in size with their natural zooplankton prey and are concentrated by the same oceanographic processes. Ingestion of microplastics by larvae could impair early development and recruitment to reef fish populations.
Deposition characteristics of microplastics in coral reef fish with different feeding habits from the Xisha Islands Waters, South China Sea
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Researchers examined microplastic contamination in the gills and gastrointestinal tracts of 96 coral reef fish from the South China Sea, finding that nearly 98% of sampled fish contained microplastics. Fibers were the most common shape, with most particles smaller than 1 mm, and the predominant polymers were PET, PE, and PP. The study found that herbivorous fish had higher microplastic content than omnivorous or carnivorous species, likely because they feed primarily on microplastic-polluted coral reefs.
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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.