Testing for levels of microplastic contamination in marine plankton aims to help develop new ways to assess and manage the rising global pollution problem, Flinders University experts say.
Researchers examined the effects of five different chemical digestive aids on common plastics using low, medium and high levels of zooplankton and have published the results in a new article in Science of the Total Environment.
Plastic pollution is the leading form of marine litter, with ever-increasing levels of plastic waste pouring into streams and oceans every year, says Flinders University PhD candidate Elise Tuuri.
"Plastic pollution is found in deep-sea and shoreline sediments, surface waters and in marine biota. This has far-reaching impacts on ecosystems, including harm to marine animals, and has the potential to impact food webs and habitats," she says.
"If scientists can find a way to determine the association of microplastics with zooplankton, we have a chance to understand and potentially curb damage from microplastics."
