Patterns, dynamics and consequences of microplastic ingestion by the temperate coral, Astrangia poculata.

ABSTRACT: Microplastics (less than 5 mm) are a recognized threat to aquatic food webs because they are ingested at multiple trophic levels and may bioaccumulate. In urban coastal environments, high densities of microplastics may disrupt nutritional intake. However, behavioural dynamics and consequences of microparticle ingestion are still poorly understood. As filter or suspension feeders, benthic marine invertebrates are vulnerable to microplastic ingestion. We explored microplastic ingestion by the temperate coral Astrangia poculata. We detected an average of over 100 microplastic particles per polyp in wild-captured colonies from Rhode Island. In the laboratory, corals were fed microbeads to characterize ingestion preference and retention of microplastics and consequences on feeding behaviour. Co

SUBMITTER: Rotjan RD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6599985 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature