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Microplastics stunt fish growth and alter behavior
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A study of European perch larvae found that high levels of polystyrene microplastics inhibited hatching, stunted growth, and made fish more likely to be eaten by predators. These findings raised serious concern about microplastic impacts on fish populations and the marine food supply that humans depend on.
Microplastics, which include microbeads intentionally placed in personal care products and tiny bits of plastic that shear off larger objects, are increasingly polluting oceans worldwide. And concern is growing that these particles are hurting marine organisms and making their way into the human diet. A new study of fish now helps validate those fears by showing that high levels of polystyrene microplastics inhibit hatching, stunt growth, and boost predation of perch (Science 2016, DOI: 10.1126/science.aad8828). The findings are “a serious cause for concern,” says Oona M. Lönnstedt, who carried out the study with Peter Eklöv at Uppsala University. “Microplastic particles often accumulate in shallow coastal areas, where many developmental stages of aquatic organisms are found.” The research could help support microplastics prohibition efforts. Last year, the United Nations Environment Programme called for a phaseout and ban of microbeads in personal care and cosmetic products, and President Barack Obama signed a
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Fish larvae feeding on microplastic particles display altered behavior
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Larval perch exposed to polystyrene microplastics showed stunted growth and altered feeding behavior, choosing microplastic particles over natural prey. These findings from Uppsala University researchers were among the first to demonstrate that microplastic exposure can change the behavior and development of larval fish, with implications for fish population survival.
Some Behavioural and Physiological Effects of Plastics (Polyethylene) on Fish
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Researchers examined behavioral and physiological effects of polyethylene microplastics on fish, finding that plastic exposure disrupted endocrine function, altered behavior, and impaired normal development and reproduction.
Polystyrene microplastics alter the behavior, energy reserve and nutritional composition of marine jacopever (Sebastes schlegelii)
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Researchers exposed juvenile jacopever fish to polystyrene microplastics and observed significant changes in feeding behavior, swimming activity, and energy reserves. The fish took longer to find food, moved less, and showed reduced levels of stored energy and altered nutritional composition in their tissues. The study suggests that microplastic exposure can impair the basic survival behaviors and overall fitness of marine fish.
Microplastic's triple threat
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A brief research summary describes how Eurasian perch larvae exposed to microplastics became less active, stopped responding to predator cues, and preferred eating plastic over natural prey. The study demonstrated that microplastics have multiple compounding harmful effects on fish behavior and survival.
Effects of microplastics on the feeding rates of larvae of a coastal fish: direct consumption, trophic transfer, and effects on growth and survival
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Researchers tested whether microplastics in seawater affect the feeding rates, growth, and survival of California Grunion fish larvae. They found that microplastics reduced feeding rates and demonstrated that trophic transfer of microplastics from zooplankton to larval fish occurs readily. The study suggests that microplastic pollution may impair early fish development by interfering with feeding behavior and introducing contaminants through the food chain.
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