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Stable Isotope Insights into Microplastic Contamination within Freshwater Food Webs.
Flavien Garcia1,2, Aline Reis de Carvalho1,2, Louna Riem-Galliano1
1UMR 5174 EDB (Laboratoire Évolution and Diversité Biologique), CNRS, Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, IRD, 118 Route de Narbonne, 31062 Toulouse, France.
Environmental Science & Technology
|January 7, 2021
Summary
Microplastic ingestion in freshwater ecosystems is common but not linked to trophic position. Organism size and diet, not bioaccumulation, influence microplastic uptake in macroinvertebrates and fish.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Ecotoxicology
- Freshwater Ecology
Background:
- Microplastic pollution is widespread in freshwater environments.
- The role of trophic interactions in microplastic ingestion remains poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify microplastic contamination in macroinvertebrates and fish from the Garonne River.
- To assess the influence of trophic niche on microplastic ingestion levels and characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Quantified microplastic (700 μm–5 mm) contamination in aquatic organisms.
- Utilized stable isotope analyses (δ13C and δ15N) to determine trophic niches.
- Analyzed microplastic characteristics (shape, color, size, polymer composition) in abiotic and biotic compartments.
Main Results:
- Microplastic abundance differed between macroinvertebrates and fish, unrelated to ambient pollution levels.
- Ingested microplastic characteristics varied between environmental compartments and organisms.
- Microplastic ingestion increased with organism size and, for macroinvertebrates, tended to increase with trophic position.
- Dietary resource origin significantly impacted microplastic ingestion in fish.
Conclusions:
- Microplastic bioaccumulation is unlikely in freshwater food webs; direct, accidental ingestion dominates.
- Stable isotope analysis is vital for understanding microplastic uptake in wild aquatic organisms.
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