Microplastics primarily provide habitats for benthic microalgae in Fujian coastal waters of China.

ABSTRACT: Microplastics (MPs) serve as habitats and vectors for microalgae-termed epimicroplastic microalgae (EMP-MA). This study analyzed the community structure and diversity of EMP-MA in three bays of Fujian Province, and compared them with planktonic microalgae (PM) communities. Results showed both EMP-MA and PM communities mainly comprised diatoms and dinoflagellates, but differed significantly. Specifically, the relative abundance of benthic microalgae in EMP-MA communities was significantly higher than that in PM communities, with all dominant species of EMP-MA communities being benthic species. These results meant that MPs primarily provide habitats for benthic microalgae and may expand their spatial distribution. In addition, environmental variables exerted weaker influences on EMP-MA than

SUBMITTER: Wang K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12616127 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature