Reviewed by Lexie CornerSep 27 2024
Researchers at Lund University in Sweden have investigated the effects of nanoplastic on aquatic life in lakes and rivers. Their surprising findings reveal that while some species remain unaffected, others, such as cyanobacteria responsible for harmful algal blooms, are significantly impacted and are even disappearing. The study has been published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment.
Grazing zooplankton, daphnia, which are an important source of food for fish, were found to be particularly vulnerable. Image Credit: Erik Selander/Lund University
Between five and thirteen million tons of plastic enter the world’s oceans each year. Plastic eventually degrades into imperceptible micro and nanoparticles over time. Lund University researchers investigated the impact of these tiny plastic particles on aquatic ecosystems.
They found that certain grazing zooplankton species, such as daphnia, which are a crucial food source for fish, were particularly vulnerable, and diatoms, a type of phytoplankton, were also severely affected. In contrast, other algae types, like cyanobacteria, responsible for algal blooms, remained completely unaffected.
We don’t yet know why some collapse while others continue to thrive as usual. If the concentrations of nanoplastics increase, even those that can handle a few particles at present will also likely suffer.
Lars-Anders Hansson, Professor, Aquatic Ecology, Lund University
The study was conducted in artificial wetlands designed to closely mimic natural ecosystems, suggesting that the findings could be relevant to real-world environments. Variations in the effects on different organisms, such as the decline in grazing zooplankton and the increase in algal blooms, could lead to significant disruptions in food chains and ecosystem processes.
The concentrations of nanoplastics we used are low, quite close to the concentrations already present in our waters.
Lars-Anders Hansson, Professor, Aquatic Ecology, Lund University
The researchers plan to investigate further how these nanoplastic particles, which can penetrate cell membranes, affect various species in lakes and rivers.
Taking a broader perspective, our study provides knowledge and the basis for future decision-making on how to deal with the obvious problems posed by plastic, even if it is also an excellent material in many aspects of our everyday lives.
Lars-Anders Hansson, Professor, Aquatic Ecology, Lund University
Journal Reference:
Ekwall, TM., et al. (2024) Nanoplastics rewire freshwater food webs. Communications Earth & Environment. doi.org/10.1038/s43247-024-01646-7