Spatial occurrence and effects of microplastic ingestion on the deep-water shrimp Aristeus antennatus. (August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Carreras-Colom, Ester; Constenla, Maria; Soler-Membrives, Anna; Cartes, Joan E.; Baeza, Mireia; Padrós, Francesc; Carrassón, Maite
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 133(2018)
• Page Start: 44
• Page End: 52
• Publication Date: 2018-08
• Subjects: Microplastic ingestion -- Fibers -- Mediterranean Sea -- Deep Sea -- Aristeus antennatus; Marine pollution -- Periodicals; Marine Biology -- Periodicals; Water Pollution -- Periodicals; Mer -- Pollution -- Périodiques; Publications périodiques; Pollution des mers; Lutte antipollution; Electronic journals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.05.012
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: Microplastic (MP) ingestion has been reported in a wide variety of organisms, however, its spatial occurrence and effects on wild populations remain quite unknown. The present study targets an economically and ecologically key species in the Mediterranean Sea, the shrimp Aristeus antennatus . 39.2% of the individuals sampled had MP in their stomachs, albeit in areas close to Barcelona city the percentage reached values of 100%. Overall, MP ingestion was confirmed in a wide spatial and depth (630–1870 m) range, pointing out the great dispersion of this pollutant. The benthophagous diet and close relationship with the sea bottom of A. antennatus might enhance MP exposure and ultimately lead to accidental ingestion. Detailed analysis of shrimps' diet revealed that individuals with MP had a higher presence of endobenthic prey. Microplastic fibers are probably retained for long periods due to stomach's morphology, but no negative effects on shrimp's biological condition were observed. Highlights: Aristeus antennatus from the Mediterranean Deep Sea ingested microplastic fibers. Higher microplastic ingestion found in areas close to Barcelona metropolitan area. Endobenthic prey items were positively correlated with presence of microplastics. No significant effects of microplastics upon shrimp's condition were found.