Microplastics and cellulosic microparticles in North Atlantic deep waters and in the cold-water coral Lophelia pertusa.
Mar Pollut Bull
; 206: 116741, 2024 Sep.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-39089204
ABSTRACT
This study explores microplastic and cellulosic microparticle occurrences in the NE Atlantic, focusing on the Porcupine Bank Canyon and Porcupine Seabight. Water samples from depths ranging between 605 and 2126 m and Lophelia pertusa coral samples from 950 m depth were analysed. Microparticles were detected in deep-water habitats, with concentrations varying from 2.33 to 9.67 particles L-1 in the Porcupine Bank Canyon, notably lower at greater depths. This challenges the assumption of deeper habitats solely acting as microplastic sinks. We also found evidence of microparticle adsorption and ingestion by L. pertusa. The presence of microparticles in cold-water corals underscores their vulnerability to pollutants. Furthermore, the dominance of rayon microparticles in both water and coral samples raises questions about marine pollution sources, potentially linked to terrestrial origins. This research emphasises the critical need for comprehensive exploration and conservation efforts in deep-sea environments, especially to protect vital ecosystems like L. pertusa reefs.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Contaminantes Químicos del Agua
/
Monitoreo del Ambiente
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Antozoos
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Microplásticos
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Mar Pollut Bull
/
Mar. pollut. bull
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Marine pollution bulletin
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article