We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Spatial occurrence and effects of microplastic ingestion on the deep-water shrimp Aristeus antennatus
Summary
Researchers found that 39% of deep-water shrimp (Aristeus antennatus) sampled across the Mediterranean contained microplastics in their stomachs, with ingestion rates reaching 100% near Barcelona, and that microfibers were likely retained long-term due to stomach morphology — though no measurable effects on the shrimps' physical condition were detected.
Microplastic (MP) ingestion has been reported in a wide variety of organisms, however, its spatial occurrence and effects on wild populations remain quite unknown. The present study targets an economically and ecologically key species in the Mediterranean Sea, the shrimp Aristeus antennatus. 39.2% of the individuals sampled had MP in their stomachs, albeit in areas close to Barcelona city the percentage reached values of 100%. Overall, MP ingestion was confirmed in a wide spatial and depth (630-1870 m) range, pointing out the great dispersion of this pollutant. The benthophagous diet and close relationship with the sea bottom of A. antennatus might enhance MP exposure and ultimately lead to accidental ingestion. Detailed analysis of shrimps' diet revealed that individuals with MP had a higher presence of endobenthic prey. Microplastic fibers are probably retained for long periods due to stomach's morphology, but no negative effects on shrimp's biological condition were observed.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Comparative assessment of microplastic ingestion among deep sea decapods: Distribution analysis in Sardinian and Catalan waters
Researchers examined microplastic ingestion in four species of deep-sea shrimp and lobster from the Mediterranean Sea, finding that nearly 73% of the animals had consumed microplastics. Fiber-shaped microplastics were by far the most common type found, and contamination levels varied between species and regions. The study shows that even deep-sea crustaceans consumed by humans are exposed to significant microplastic pollution.
A closer look at anthropogenic fiber ingestion in Aristeus antennatus in the NW Mediterranean Sea: Differences among years and locations and impact on health condition
Deep-sea shrimp from the northwest Mediterranean Sea had anthropogenic fibers in over 65% of individuals at all sampling locations, with fiber loads varying significantly by location and showing a 30-fold increase in Barcelona shrimp compared to other sites. No consistent effects on shrimp health were found despite high contamination levels.
Occurrence and human exposure risk of microplastics in commercially important shrimp species from Northeastern Mediterranean Sea
Researchers examined three commercially important shrimp species from the Northeastern Mediterranean Sea and found microplastics in their digestive organs, primarily polyethylene and polypropylene fibers smaller than 500 micrometers. Smaller shrimp tended to have more ingested microplastics relative to their body weight. The study estimates that people who regularly eat these shrimp could be consuming hundreds of microplastic particles per year, highlighting the need for protective measures.
Detection of microplastic fibers tangle in deep-water rose shrimp (Parapenaeus longirostris, Lucas, 1846) in the northeastern Mediterranean Sea
Researchers detected microplastic fibers — at an average of 18.8 particles per individual — in 100% of deep-water rose shrimp sampled from two sites in the northeastern Mediterranean, indicating pervasive microplastic contamination even in deep-sea commercial crustaceans.
Microplastics ingestion by deep-sea decapod crustaceans from the Western Mediterranean
Researchers investigated microplastic ingestion by four deep-sea decapod crustacean species in the Sardinian and Catalan regions of the Western Mediterranean, analyzing gastrointestinal tracts from 210 individuals to assess abundance, characterization, and species- and region-level differences, finding ingestion prevalence of approximately 70%.