Investigating Plastic Incorporation in Benthic Foraminifera Using FTIR Microscopy

To understand the fate of plastic in oceans and the interaction with marine organisms, we investigated the incorporation of (bio)polymers and microplastics in selected benthic foraminiferal species by applying FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared) microscopy.

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G. Birarda  et al. Environmental Pollution, 279, 116912 (2021)

Our study reveals the first molecular-scale evidence of plastic incorporation in benthic foraminifera, using FTIR microscopy to examine both laboratory-cultured and naturally occurring specimens. We discovered three distinct mechanisms of plastic-organism interaction: direct colonization of plastic debris by foraminifera with associated stress responses, incorporation of plastic additives (DEHP) into foraminiferal cytoplasm, and integration of microplastic particles into both cytoplasm and shells. These findings suggest that plastic pollution may interfere with biomineralization processes in these

crucial marine organisms, potentially compromising their role in marine carbon storage when combined with ocean acidification effects. This research addresses critical knowledge gaps in understanding how marine microorganisms interact with plastic pollution in ocean ecosystems.

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Plastics, (bio)polymers and their apparent biogeochemical cycle: an infrared spectroscopy study on foraminifera;

 

 

Ultima modifica il Lunedì, 10 Febbraio 2025 16:21