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Microplastics threaten seagrass carbon sinks through microbial changes.

Luis G Egea1, Rocío Jiménez-Ramos1, Lucía Rodríguez-Arias2

  • 1Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Marina (INMAR), Campus de Excelencia Internacional del Mar (CEI·MAR), Universidad de Cádiz, Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain.

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Microplastics (MPs) harm eelgrass by reducing growth and accelerating decomposition. This pollution threatens the carbon sequestration capacity of vital blue carbon ecosystems.

Keywords:
Blue carbonDetritus decompositionMicroorganismsNutrient enrichmentPlastic pollutionPolyethylenePolypropyleneSeagrass

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Area of Science:

  • Marine Ecology
  • Environmental Science
  • Biogeochemistry

Background:

  • Seagrass beds are crucial blue carbon ecosystems.
  • Microplastic (MP) pollution poses a significant threat to their carbon sequestration capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impacts of microplastics (MPs) and nutrient enrichment (NE) on eelgrass (Zostera marina).
  • To evaluate effects on plant performance, microbiome composition, and detritus decomposition.

Main Methods:

  • A 28-day mesocosm experiment was conducted.
  • Tested MP concentrations (320 mg/100 g DW sediment) and NE (70 mg N/100 g DW sediment).
  • Assessed plant growth, microbial community shifts, and detritus decomposition over 60 days.

Main Results:

  • MPs significantly reduced eelgrass leaf growth (-39%), net production (-57%), and rhizome elongation (-35%).
  • Nutrient enrichment altered microbial assemblages.
  • MPs accelerated detritus decomposition (1.5-fold) by promoting specific microbial taxa.
  • MPs decreased sulfur-cycle bacteria, disrupting essential REDOX processes.

Conclusions:

  • Microplastics negatively impact eelgrass health and function.
  • MPs compromise the carbon sequestration capacity of seagrass meadows by altering plant growth and microbial processes.
  • Urgent policies are needed to address plastic pollution and protect seagrass ecosystem services.