We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Ingested microplastic as a two-way transporter for PBDEs in Talitrus saltator
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that the supralittoral amphipod Talitrus saltator ingested microplastics contaminated with polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and subsequently released the chemicals back into the environment, demonstrating that microplastics can serve as bidirectional transporters of persistent organic pollutants in coastal food webs.
The presence and accumulation of plastic waste into the marine environment are well known environmental issues. Microplastics (MPs) end up in sea waters and, due to their hydrophobicity and high surface/volume ratio, POPs tend to sorb and accumulate to their surface. The supralittoral amphipod Talitrus saltator (T. saltator) was selected to study the role of MPs in the transfer of organic pollutants and to investigate if ingested MPs could either transfer contaminants to biota or clean it adsorbing pollutants taken from the diet. T. saltator is an established POPs (Persistent Organic Pollutants) biomonitor in coastal environments and it is able to swallow microplastics in natural condition. Two laboratory experiments were performed and T. saltator was exposed to a labelled polybrominated diphenyl ether (C-labelled BDE-47) to investigate the opposite gradient role of MPs. X Ray Micro-CT (Micro-Computed Tomography) analyses were also performed on sandhopper samples to evaluate the uptake of MPs via digestive tract. The results showed that MPs ingestion could whether transfer and remove contaminants from T. saltator, indicating a partial balance among positive and negative effects. This study has underlined MP potential double role demonstrating that MP can act both as a carrier and scavenger for the bioaccumulation of organic pollutants (i.e. PBDEs), suggesting that chemicals leaching from MPs could have a limited impact to biota.
More Papers Like This
Assimilation of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers from Microplastics by the Marine Amphipod, Allorchestes Compressa
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated whether the marine amphipod Allorchestes compressa could assimilate polybrominated diphenyl ethers from ingested microplastic particles isolated from facial cleansing products. The study found that amphipods ingested and evacuated the microplastics within 36 hours, and that persistent organic pollutants sorbed to the particles could transfer to the organisms' tissues.
Role of Microplastics in the Biomagnification of PBTs in Marine Organisms
AI summary Read the abstract
This paper reviews how microplastics may facilitate the biomagnification of persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT) chemicals in marine food webs, given that plastic particles can adsorb and concentrate pollutants. The work highlights microplastics as a potential new vector for introducing toxic chemicals into marine organisms and up through the food chain.
Ingestion of microplastics by the chironomid Chironomus sancticaroli and effects on the microbiome in the presence of PBDEs
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed the freshwater midge larva Chironomus sancticaroli to microplastics contaminated with flame-retardant PBDEs, finding that the organisms ingested microplastics and experienced effects including altered behavior and increased pollutant body burden — demonstrating that microplastics can serve as vectors for toxic chemical transfer to aquatic invertebrates.
Microplastics in Talitrus saltator (Crustacea, Amphipoda): new evidence of ingestion from natural contexts
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastic particles were found in the digestive tracts of the beach amphipod Talitrus saltator collected in central Italy, probably ingested while feeding on organic debris. Sand hoppers like this species are important members of beach ecosystems and their contamination indicates widespread coastal microplastic pollution.
Uncovering the Hidden Dangers of Microplastic Pollution in Lake Ecosystems: Effects of Ingestion on Talitrid Amphipods
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers demonstrated that talitrid amphipods from Lake Albano readily ingested multiple polymer types delivered through food tablets, and within 24 hours the microplastics disrupted energy metabolism by altering glucose, glycogen, and lipid levels in the organisms.
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.