Bioavailability and toxicity of microplastics to zooplankton

• Published in: Gondwana research 2022-08, Vol.108, p.120-126
• Main Authors: He, Meiting, Yan, Muting, Chen, Xiaofeng, Wang, Xukun, Gong, Han, Wang, Wenjing, Wang, Jun
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ingestion; Integration; Microplastics; Toxicity; Zooplankton
• ISSN: 1342-937X; 1878-0571
• DOI: 10.1016/j.gr.2021.07.021

[Display omitted] •Occurrence and characteristics of MPs in various zooplankton are reviewed.•Toxic effects, bioaccumulation and bioavailability of MPs in zooplankton are discussed.•MPs constitute an uncertain threat to zooplankton.•Integration of MPs into the zooplankton community affects filtering organisms feeding.•Future research directions are discussed. In recent years, microplastic (MP) pollution has been widely reported. Many studies have shown that MPs in the oceans not only exist in the water but also are eaten by plankton and may be transferred to other trophic levels via the plankton food web. This paper reviews the relationship between MPs and zooplankton, and discusses two aspects of the potential harm of MPs to zooplankton: the effects of MPs on zooplankton ingestion and the influence of MP toxicity on zooplankton. MPs are often eaten by zooplankton because they resemble prey in size, color, and buoyancy. Zooplankton ingest MPs directly or indirectly, resulting in intestinal damage, reduced ingestion, slow or delayed growth, reduced spawning, shortened lifespan, and abnormal or even fatal gene expression. MP ingestion by zooplankton also affects their behavior, reproduction, and offspring. MPs constitute an uncertain threat to zooplankton. Integration of MPs into the zooplankton community affects filtering organisms feeding. The mechanism of MP toxicity in zooplankton is not yet fully understood and more studies are needed.