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Ingested microplastics identified from macrobenthos collected during the RRS Discovery D340b Research Cruise to the Mingulay Reef Complex (Outer Hebrides, western Scotland, northeast Atlantic)
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Microplastics were identified in the gut contents of 112 benthic specimens collected during a 2009 research cruise on the RRS Discovery, using historic cruise material to establish baseline understanding of microplastic ingestion by deep-sea macrobenthos. The study demonstrates the value of archived biological samples for retrospective assessment of historical microplastic contamination levels.
Analyzing historic cruise data for microplastics is an effective way to create baseline level understanding of microplastic pollution through time. This study analyzed 112 benthic specimens gut contents for ingestion of microplastics. These specimens were collected as part of a research cruise on the RRS Discovery D340b from 26 June to 4 July 2009 as part of the Oceans 2025 programme, the cruise Chief Scientist being Mark Inall. Out of the 112 specimens dissected, only 9 contained microplastic samples. These samples were photographed and their microplastic signatures were analysed using Raman Spectroscopy.
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Marine litter and microplastics were found in deep-water cold coral reef habitats off Scotland, including inside coral animals and sponges at depths of 140 meters. This shows that microplastic pollution has reached sensitive, remote deep-sea ecosystems that are difficult to monitor and protect.
Establishing a baseline for microplastic accumulation in deep-sea animals using an historical sample archive
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This crowdfunded research project aims to establish baseline data on microplastic accumulation in deep-sea animals using historical sample archives. Comparing old and new specimens over time could reveal how plastic pollution in the deep ocean has changed over decades.
Consistent microplastic ingestion by deep-sea invertebrates over the last four decades (1976–2015), a study from the North East Atlantic
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Researchers found consistent microplastic ingestion by deep-sea invertebrates in the North East Atlantic over a 40-year period from 1976 to 2015, demonstrating that microplastic contamination of remote deep-sea habitats is a long-standing and persistent problem.
Consistent microplastic ingestion by deep-sea invertebrates over the last four decades (1976–2015), a study from the North East Atlantic
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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.