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20 resultsShowing papers similar to Microplastic loads within riverine fishes and macroinvertebrates are not predictable from ecological or morphological characteristics
ClearEcological traits do not predict the uptake of microplastics by fishes in a Neotropical River
Researchers found that ecological traits such as feeding guild, habitat use, and body size do not reliably predict microplastic uptake in fish species from a Neotropical river, suggesting contamination patterns are driven more by local environmental conditions than by species-specific biology.
Microplastics accumulation in functional feeding guilds and functional habit groups of freshwater macrobenthic invertebrates: Novel insights in a riverine ecosystem
Microplastics were found across functional feeding groups and habitat types of freshwater macroinvertebrates in an Italian river, with collector-gatherers and sediment-dwelling species showing higher contamination, confirming that dietary and behavioral ecology shapes microplastic exposure patterns in invertebrate communities.
Microplastic in riverine fish is connected to species traits
Researchers measured microplastic contamination in fish and surface waters from three Lake Michigan tributaries and found that a fish's feeding behavior — particularly bottom-feeding — was a stronger predictor of microplastic ingestion than the local water concentration. Round goby bottom-feeders had the highest microplastic loads, suggesting that food web position plays a key role in how microplastics accumulate in freshwater fish.
A mechanistic and trait-based approach to investigating macroinvertebrates distribution and exposure to microplastics in riverine systems
This study took a mechanistic and trait-based approach to understand how macroinvertebrates are distributed across riverine hydraulic biotopes and how their biological traits relate to microplastic exposure. Organism traits tied to specific flow environments influence both microplastic encounter rates and ingestion risk, offering a framework for ecological microplastic risk assessment in rivers.
Occurrence and characterization of microplastic content in the digestive system of riverine fishes
Researchers found microplastics in 93.8% of riverine fish examined, with polystyrene, polyethylene, and nylon being the most common polymer types concentrated near urban and industrial areas, and small particles (0.025-1 mm) predominating across species.
Ecological traits do not predict the uptake of microplastics by fishes in a Neotropical River
Researchers found that nearly half (49%) of 101 fish examined from a Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest river contained microplastics in their organs, with PET fibers being predominant and blue fibers accounting for 91% of all particles. Importantly, neither trophic level, feeding strategy, nor habitat predicted which fish were most contaminated — individual size and species-specific traits were better predictors. Since 55% of the analyzed species are consumed by humans, the study raises direct concerns about microplastic transfer through the food chain to people.
Comparing effects of microplastic exposure, FPOM resource quality, and consumer density on the response of a freshwater particle feeder and associated ecosystem processes
Researchers found that realistic microplastic concentrations had minimal direct effects on freshwater particle feeders compared to the much stronger influences of food resource quality and consumer density on growth, survival, and ecosystem processes in stream microcosms.
Comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of microplastic prevalence and abundance in freshwater fish species: the effect of fish species habitat, feeding behavior, and Fulton’s condition factor
A meta-analysis of freshwater fish across 42 studies found an average of 2.35 microplastic items per individual, with 80% of research focused on the gastrointestinal tract and 58% on river environments. Contrary to expectations, microplastic ingestion correlated with fish body physiology (size and weight) rather than feeding behavior or habitat, suggesting physical characteristics determine uptake more than ecological niche.
Distinct microplastic patterns in the sediment and biota of an urban stream
Researchers found distinct microplastic contamination patterns between sediments and aquatic biota in an urban stream, with sediments accumulating more particles while biota showed selective uptake based on particle size and shape, highlighting the complex dynamics of microplastic distribution in urban freshwater systems.
Microplastic accumulation in benthic macroinvertebrates is widespread, regardless of the river ecological status
A broad survey of freshwater benthic macroinvertebrates across multiple rivers found that microplastic accumulation was widespread regardless of local urban development levels, suggesting that factors beyond proximity to urban areas—such as river hydrology and upstream sources—drive MP exposure in freshwater invertebrates.
Effect of biological and environmental factors on microplastic ingestion of commercial fish species
Researchers analyzed microplastic ingestion in commercially important fish species, evaluating how biological and environmental factors influence ingestion rates across 2,222 individual fish. The study assessed gastrointestinal tract contents to determine the extent and patterns of microplastic contamination. The findings suggest that both species-specific biology and environmental conditions play important roles in determining microplastic ingestion levels in commercial fish.
Size-selective microplastic uptake by freshwater organisms: Fish, mussel, and zooplankton
Researchers assessed microplastic ingestion by organisms at different trophic levels in the polluted Susurluk River Basin in Turkey, including zooplankton, mussels, and fish. The study found that while no microplastic ingestion was observed in zooplankton, both mussels and fish contained microplastics, with size-selective uptake patterns varying across organism types.
The influence of exposure and physiology on microplastic ingestion by the freshwater fish Rutilus rutilus (roach) in the River Thames, UK
Researchers examined microplastic ingestion by roach in the River Thames and found synthetic particles in fish from six of seven sampling sites, with ingestion rates linked to local microplastic exposure levels and fish feeding behavior. The study suggests that both environmental concentration and physiological factors like gut morphology and diet influence how much microplastic freshwater fish consume.
Widespread microplastic ingestion by fish assemblages in tropical estuaries subjected to anthropogenic pressures
A survey of 2,233 fish from 69 species across two tropical Brazilian estuaries found microplastics in 9% of individuals, with ingestion rates linked to feeding guild, habitat use, and proximity to urban areas. The study demonstrates that microplastic ingestion is widespread even in tropical systems and is shaped by ecology rather than occurring at random.
Microplastic pollution in riverine ecosystems: threats posed on macroinvertebrates
This review examined microplastic abundance, distribution, and impacts on macroinvertebrates across riverine ecosystems globally, finding that ingestion of microplastics can physically harm and inhibit growth, reproduction, and feeding in riverine invertebrates, with fibres and fragments being the most common forms.
Microplastic ingestion in marine mesozooplankton species associated with functional feeding traits
This study examined microplastic ingestion in marine mesozooplankton species with different functional traits, finding that feeding mode, body size, and habitat use are key predictors of plastic uptake across zooplankton communities.
Microplastic burden in marine benthic invertebrates depends on species traits and feeding ecology within biogeographical provinces
Researchers analyzed microplastic levels in the bodies of marine bottom-dwelling invertebrates across different ocean regions and found that the amount of microplastic ingested depended more on the animals' feeding strategies and body traits than on local pollution levels alone. Filter-feeding and deposit-feeding species accumulated the most particles. The study suggests that simply measuring environmental microplastic concentrations may not accurately predict how much wildlife in an area is actually ingesting.
Global distribution characteristics and ecological risk assessment of microplastics in aquatic organisms based on meta-analysis
This meta-analysis assessed the global distribution of microplastics in aquatic organisms across multiple trophic levels, finding that biological characteristics like body size and feeding strategy significantly influence microplastic ingestion rates. The study provides a framework for ecological risk assessment and proposes strategies to reduce microplastic input into water bodies.
Microplastics in fishes in amazon riverine beaches: Influence of feeding mode and distance to urban settlements
Researchers found microplastics in the digestive tracts of 29 fish species from Amazon riverine beaches, with contamination levels influenced by fish feeding mode and distance to urban settlements within a protected area.
Do feeding habits influence anthropogenic particle consumption in demersal fish in a tropical estuary? A study from the northern part of the Tropical Eastern Pacific
This study examined how feeding habits and trophic level influence microplastic ingestion in demersal fish from a tropical Mexican estuary, finding that feeding guild and trophic position both affected the type and quantity of anthropogenic particles consumed.