Journal of Biology and Today's World

Microplastic Pollution in Marine Food Webs: Implications from Plankton to Apex Predators

Douglas Marielle^{* *}Correspondence: Douglas Marielle, Department of Pathological Sciences, University of Canberra, Bruce ACT, Australia, Email:

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Description

Plankton and apex predators are among the species affected by microplastic contamination, which is becoming a widespread problem in marine environments. These tiny plastic particles which are typically less than 5 millimeters come from a variety of sources, including as synthetic fibers, cosmetic microbeads and deteriorated plastic trash. Microplastics cause a wide range of ecological and health problems once they are released into the marine environment and consumed by various creatures. The causes, distribution and particular effects of microplastics on marine species across the food chain are described in this synopsis.

Surface waters, deep-sea sediments and even marine life itself have been shown to contain microplastics. Industry waste, inappropriate plastic disposal and the slow decomposition of bigger objects like bottles and fishing nets are the main sources of these plastics. These particles are spread out across large regions by ocean currents and gather in locations called plastic gyres, such as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. The environmental impact of these persistent particles is exacerbated by the fact that they continuously threaten biodiversity and serve as transporters of other contaminants, including viruses and heavy metals. Microplastics substantially impact plankton, which is the base of marine food webs. Exposure to microplastics poses serious problems for both phytoplankton and zooplankton, which supply vital nutrients to higher trophic levels. These particles can physically injure plankton by causing damage to their digestive systems, decreasing their ability to reproduce and affecting how well they eat. They can even change how plankton behave, interfering with vital functions involved in primary production and nutrient cycling, including as eating and swimming. Because tiny fish eat zooplankton, which carries microplastics and related contaminants to higher trophic levels, the impacts on plankton have an impact all the way up the food chain. As a result, the health of the entire ecosystem may be impacted by the accumulation of microplastics in bigger marine species and apex predators.

Shellfish, crabs and mollusks are among the marine invertebrates that are most vulnerable to ingesting microplastics. By filter-feeding, these organisms frequently catch food particles, which may lead to unintentional consumption of microplastics. According to research, crustaceans such as copepods and shrimp either directly swallow microplastics or eat contaminated prey. The physical consequences of invertebrates consuming microplastics include tissue injury, changed eating habits and decreased development and reproduction. Additionally, when microplastics build up in the digestive tracts of invertebrates, obstructions and starvation may occur. These effects on invertebrates are particularly worrisome since they recycle nutrients and provide food for higher food web levels, which is essential to the stability of ecosystems. Reduced biodiversity and disturbance of marine environments can result from declining invertebrate health. Fish and marine animals, including seals, whales and sea turtles, are directly impacted by microplastic pollution when they mistake plastics for food, or indirectly when they eat microplastic-contaminated prey. Fish digestive systems can be harmed by microplastics, which can also cause inflammation in the stomach and hinder the absorption of nutrients. Concerns regarding bioaccumulation and biomagnification are raised by the fact that microplastics in certain fish build up not only in the gut but also in other tissues such the muscles, gills and liver.

Microplastics can enter the bodies of other marine species through this ingestion mechanism. While seals and whales can consume microplastics through their meals, sea turtles, for instance, may mistake plastic waste for jellyfish and end up consuming it. These animals are at risk for reproductive problems, decreased eating efficiency and gastrointestinal obstructions. When fish and vertebrates consume microplastics, they are exposed to harmful chemicals that may have longterm effects on their immune systems, development and reproduction. This is because pollutants stick to microplastics. Sharks, big fish and marine mammals are examples of apex predators that are especially at risk because microplastics biomagnify up the food chain. Because they eat a lot of food, these predators absorb significant quantities of harmful chemicals and microplastics. Reproductive failure, compromised immunological responses and brain damage are just a few of the serious health problems that can result from this bioaccumulation. Apex predators are essential for controlling population sizes within the ecosystem, hence their extinction or decrease can have a significant impact. Balance is upset when apex predator populations decline, which may cause prey species populations to rise and further impact marine biodiversity.

Conclusion

Marine food webs are seriously threatened by microplastic contamination, which has far-reaching effects on everything from plankton to apex predators. Marine species that consume microplastics may have a variety of negative consequences, such as physical injury, behavioral changes, decreased chances of successful reproduction and the buildup of hazardous compounds. Given the mounting evidence that microplastics are making their way into the food chain and building up in apex predators, the effects of microplastic pollution are especially worrisome and might have long-term ecological and health repercussions.