Understanding How Microplastics Affect Marine Biota on the Cellular Level Is Important for Assessing Ecosystem Function: A Review

Abstract

Plastic has become indispensable for human life. When plastic debris is discarded into waterways, these items can interact with organisms. Of particular concern are microscopic plastic particles (microplastics) which are subject to ingestion by several taxa. This review summarizes the results of cutting-edge research about the interactions between a range of aquatic species and microplastics, including effects on biota physiology and secondary ingestion. Uptake pathways via digestive or ventilatory systems are discussed, including (1) the physical penetration of microplastic particles into cellular structures, (2) leaching of chemical additives or adsorbed persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and (3) consequences of bacterial or viral microbiota contamination associated with microplastic ingestion. Following uptake, a number of individual-level effects have been observed, including reduction of feeding activities, reduced growth and reproduction through cellular modifications, and oxidative stress. Microplastic-associated effects on marine biota have become increasingly investigated with growing concerns regarding human health through trophic transfer. We argue that research on the cellular interactions with microplastics provide an understanding of their impact to the organisms' fitness and, therefore, its ability to sustain their functional role in the ecosystem. The review summarizes information from 236 scientific publications. Of those, only 4.6% extrapolate their research of microplastic intake on individual species to the impact on ecosystem functioning. We emphasize the need for risk evaluation from organismal effects to an ecosystem level to effectively evaluate the effect of microplastic pollution on marine environments. Further studies are encouraged to investigate sublethal effects in the context of environmentally relevant microplastic pollution conditions.

Micro- and nano-plastics activation of oxidative and inflammatory adverse outcome pathways

“…Until now, several laboratory studies demonstrated transfer of plastic particles in low-tier food chains, however, whole system trophic transfers require further investigation [ 98 , 99 ]. For further information regarding trophic level transfers of MPs/NPs, we refer readers to Prinz et al [ 6 ] and Prokić et al [ 7 ] who provided detailed overview on this topic.…”

“…The number of studies addressing MP/NPs toxicity is rapidly increasing, with focus on polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) which have the highest production and utilization among many species of plastic materials [ 1 ]. Rising interest in investigations of MP/NPs is likely related to their ability to translocate through biological barriers while at the same time maintaining large surface/mass ratio, as well as their potential to accumulate in the higher trophic level organisms via the food chain [ 6 , 7 ]. It is therefore of high interest of research and regulatory community to evaluate potential ecological as well as human health hazards of MPs/NPs.…”

Microplastics in Ecosystems: From Current Trends to Bio-Based Removal Strategies

“…Normally, high-density particles sink and accumulate in the sediment, while low-density particles float at the sea surface. However, due to their small dimensions, microplastics are easily available for uptake to a wide range of marine organisms [ 27 , 28 ]. This reduction in size not only impairs the cleanliness of the waters, but also causes some marine animals death due to ingestion.…”

Sequestration of Polystyrene Microplastics by Jellyfish Mucus

“…Microplastics have been found in almost every marine habitat and their ingestion has effects on marine and freshwater organisms, either as a consequence of their physical penetration, leaching of chemical additives or infection caused by microbial communities on microplastics (Prinz and Korez, 2020). Moreover, microplastics can be transferred to higher trophic levels in the food web (Lusher, 2015), thus sustaining and multiplying their detrimental effects.…”