Ecological implications beyond the ecotoxicity of plastic debris on marine phytoplankton assemblage structure and functioning

Latest Advances and Developments to Detection of Micro‐ and Nanoplastics Using Surface‐Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

“…[ 36 ] Moreover, ecological impact on phytoplankton assemblage structure is now related with the presence of nanoplastics. [ 37 ] Finally, the transfer of toxic chemicals to biota via microplastic ingestion is a significant concern. In particular, nanoplastics were identified in the form of fibers, which is a critical determinant in toxicology due to high‐aspect‐radio of fibrous particles that physically can resemble asbestos fibers.…”

Temporal changes of plastic litter and associated encrusting biota: Evidence from Central Italy (Mediterranean Sea)

“…Every year, ca. 300.000 million tons of single-use plastic objects are produced worldwide for different uses and applications which, due to their low-recycling rates, durability, high resistance, and inadequate disposal, often enter and persist for centuries the marine environment as waste (Lebreton et al, 2017;Casabianca et al, 2021;Cau et al, 2022).…”

“…Besides, adsorption of harmful pollutants from the surrounding environment (persistent organic pollutants, heavy metals, endocrine disrupting chemicals) in addition to the toxics released from plastic materials can be bioaccumulated and biomagnificated through the entire food web, causing numerous mechanical and chemical harms still little investigated (Rochman et al, 2013;Auta et al, 2017). Another consequence regarding plastic debris is the use of these items as substrates for colonization and transport of micro-and macro-organisms (Barnes and Fraser, 2003;Eriksen et al, 2014;Casabianca et al, 2021;Póvoa et al, 2021). This process depends on the physico-chemical characteristics of plastic debris, such as polymer composition, density, roughness, and tridimensionality of the items (Póvoa et al, 2021) and is collectively known as rafting, biofouling, plastisphere, or periphyton (Zettler et al, 2013;Rummel et al, 2017;Casabianca et al, 2021).…”

“…Another consequence regarding plastic debris is the use of these items as substrates for colonization and transport of micro-and macro-organisms (Barnes and Fraser, 2003;Eriksen et al, 2014;Casabianca et al, 2021;Póvoa et al, 2021). This process depends on the physico-chemical characteristics of plastic debris, such as polymer composition, density, roughness, and tridimensionality of the items (Póvoa et al, 2021) and is collectively known as rafting, biofouling, plastisphere, or periphyton (Zettler et al, 2013;Rummel et al, 2017;Casabianca et al, 2021). In particular, this phenomenon can become an environmental concern since plastics may act as vehicle for harmful and toxic species and nonindigenous species (Hoeksema and Hermanto, 2018;Teixeira and Creed, 2020;Póvoa et al, 2021), which might move from native to new habitats.…”

Zooplankton and benthic fauna composition of Isaka-bundu mangrove swamp, Niger delta, Nigeria: A polluted tidal mangrove tropical creek

“…The health of the aquatic ecosystem depends on the plankton colonies, as they play a crucial role as part of the food chain [7]; [8]. However, zooplankton and benthic fauna communities are micro and macro-organisms that live at different trophic levels, and the health of the aquatic ecosystem depends on the plankton colonies as they play an essential role as part of the food chain [9]; [10]. These discharges, especially those from factories, contain heavy inorganic metals [11]; [12].…”