Diversity and Activity of Communities Inhabiting Plastic Debris in the North Pacific Gyre.

ABSTRACT: Marine plastic debris has become a significant concern in ocean ecosystems worldwide. Little is known, however, about its influence on microbial community structure and function. In 2008, we surveyed microbial communities and metabolic activities in seawater and on plastic on an oceanographic expedition through the "great Pacific garbage patch." The concentration of plastic particles in surface seawater within different size classes (2 to 5 mm and >5 mm) ranged from 0.35 to 3.7 particles m^-3 across sampling stations. These densities and the particle size distribution were consistent with previous values reported in the North Pacific Ocean. Net community oxygen production (NCP = gross primary production - community respiration) on plastic debris was positive and so net autotrophi

SUBMITTER: Bryant JA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5069773 | biostudies-literature | 2016 May-Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature