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Shiye Zhao^1,2, J Evan Ward³, Meghan Danley⁴

¹State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research , East China Normal University , 3663 Zhongshan N. Road , 200062 Shanghai , P.R. China.

Environmental Science & Technology

|August 30, 2018

Abstract:

Marine aggregates incorporate particles from the environment, including microplastic (MP). The characteristics of MP in aggregates and the role of aggregates in linking MP with marine organisms, however, are poorly understood. To address these issues, we collected aggregates and blue mussels, Mytulis edulis, at Avery Point, CT, and analyzed samples with microspectrometers. Results indicate that over 70% of aggregates sampled harbored MP (1290 ± 1510 particles/m³). Fifteen polymer types were identified, with polypropylene, polyester and synthetic-cellulose accounting for 44.7%, 21.2% and 10.6%, respectively, of the total MP count. Over 90% of MP in aggregates were ≤1000 μm, suggesting that aggregations are a sink for this size fraction. Although size, shape, and chemical type of MP captured by mussels were representative of those found in aggregates, differences in the sizes of MP in pseudofeces, feces and digestive gland/gut were found, suggesting size-dependent particle ingestion. Over 40% of the MP particles were either rejected in pseudofeces or egested in feces. Our results are the first to identify a connection between field-collected marine aggregates and bivalves, and indicate that aggregates may play an important role in removing MP from the ocean surface and facilitating their transfer to marine food webs.

Insights

Marine aggregates are significant sinks for microplastics (MP), with over 70% containing MP particles. These aggregates facilitate the transfer of MP to marine organisms like blue mussels, impacting marine food webs.

Area of Science:

Environmental Science
Marine Biology
Ecotoxicology

Background:

Marine aggregates are crucial environmental components that can interact with and transport various particles.
The role of marine aggregates in the fate and transport of microplastics (MP) and their interaction with marine fauna remains largely unknown.
Understanding MP characteristics within aggregates and their biological uptake is vital for assessing marine pollution impacts.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the presence and characteristics of microplastics (MP) within marine aggregates.
To determine the role of marine aggregates in the transfer of MP to blue mussels (Mytulis edulis).
To analyze the ingestion and egestion patterns of MP by blue mussels.

Main Methods:

Collection of marine aggregates and blue mussels from Avery Point, CT.
Analysis of samples using microspectrometry to identify polymer types and quantify MP.
Examination of MP in mussel pseudofeces, feces, and digestive tissues to assess ingestion and egestion.

Main Results:

Over 70% of sampled marine aggregates contained MP, with concentrations of 1290 ± 1510 particles/m³.
Fifteen polymer types were identified; polypropylene, polyester, and synthetic-cellulose were most abundant.
MP within aggregates were predominantly ≤1000 μm, indicating aggregates act as a sink for this size fraction.
Mussels ingested MP representative of aggregate composition, with size-dependent ingestion and egestion patterns observed.
Over 40% of ingested MP were rejected or egested by mussels.

Conclusions:

Marine aggregates serve as significant reservoirs for microplastics, particularly smaller size fractions.
A direct link between field-collected marine aggregates and bivalves (blue mussels) has been established.
Marine aggregates play a critical role in the removal of MP from the ocean surface and their subsequent transfer into marine food webs.

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