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Cole, MJ, Lindeque, PK, Fileman, ES, Halsband, C and Galloway, TSG 2015 The Impact of Polystyrene Microplastics on Feeding, Function and Fecundity in the Marine CopepodCalanus helgolandicus. Environmental Science & Technology, 49 (2). 1130-1137. https://doi.org/10.1021/es504525u
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Cole et al Env Sci & Tech 2015.pdf - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (2MB) | Preview |
Abstract/Summary
Microscopic plastic debris, termed “microplastics”, are of increasing environmental concern. Recent studies have demonstrated that a range of zooplankton, including copepods, can ingest microplastics. Copepods are a globally abundant class of zooplankton that form a key trophic link between primary producers and higher trophic marine organisms. Here we demonstrate that ingestion of microplastics can significantly alter the feeding capacity of the pelagic copepod Calanus helgolandicus. Exposed to 20 μm polystyrene beads (75 microplastics mL–1) and cultured algae ([250 μg C L–1) for 24 h, C. helgolandicus ingested 11% fewer algal cells (P = 0.33) and 40% less carbon biomass (P < 0.01). There was a net downward shift in the mean size of algal prey consumed (P < 0.001), with a 3.6 fold increase in ingestion rate for the smallest size class of algal prey (11.6–12.6 μm), suggestive of postcapture or postingestion rejection. Prolonged exposure to polystyrene microplastics significantly decreased reproductive output, but there were no significant differences in egg production rates, respiration or survival. We constructed a conceptual energetic (carbon) budget showing that microplastic-exposed copepods suffer energetic depletion over time. We conclude that microplastics impede feeding in copepods, which over time could lead to sustained reductions in ingested carbon biomass.
| Item Type: | Publication - Article |
|---|---|
| Subjects: | Chemistry Ecology and Environment Marine Sciences |
| Divisions: | Plymouth Marine Laboratory > National Capability categories > Western Channel Observatory Plymouth Marine Laboratory > Science Areas > Marine Ecology and Biodiversity |
| Depositing User: | Elaine Fileman |
| Date made live: | 21 Jan 2016 11:56 |
| Last Modified: | 09 Nov 2018 12:20 |
| URI: | https://plymsea.ac.uk/id/eprint/6749 |
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