Marine biofouling organisms on beached, buoyant and benthic plastic debris in the Catalan Sea. (February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Subías-Baratau, Arnau; Sanchez-Vidal, Anna; Di Martino, Emanuela; Figuerola, Blanca
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 175(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-02
• Subjects: Microplastics -- Biofouling -- Marine litter -- Marine invertebrates; 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.2022.113405
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: Plastic debris provides long-lasting substrates for benthic organisms, thus acting as a potential vector for their dispersion. Its interaction with these colonizers is, however, still poorly known. This study examines fouling communities on beached, buoyant and benthic plastic debris in the Catalan Sea (NW Mediterranean), and characterizes the plastic type. We found 14 specimens belonging to two phyla (Annelida and Foraminifera) on microplastics, and more than 400 specimens belonging to 26 species in 10 phyla (Annelida, Arthropoda, Brachiopoda, Bryozoa, Chordata, Cnidaria, Echinodermata, Mollusca, Porifera and Sipuncula) on macroplastics. With 15 species, bryozoans are the most diverse group on plastics. We also report 17 egg cases of the catshark Scyliorhinus sp., and highlight the implications for their dispersal. Our results suggest that plastic polymers may be relevant for distinct fouling communities, likely due to their chemical structure and/or surface properties. Our study provides evidence that biofouling may play a role in the sinking of plastic debris, as the most abundant fouled plastics had lower densities than seawater, and all bryozoan species were characteristic of shallower depths than those sampled. More studies at low taxonomic level are needed in order to detect new species introduction and potential invasive species associated with plastic debris. Highlights: A diverse range of phyla were reported on buoyant and benthic plastic debris. Fifteen bryozoan species were found on plastics, including a non-indigenous species. Most abundant fouled plastics had lower densities than seawater. All bryozoan species on plastics were from shallower depths than those sampled. Biofouling may play a role in the sinking of plastic debris to the seafloor.