We’ve all heard of the dangers of plastic pollution, but did you know even tiny pieces of plastic can be harmful to microscopic invertebrates? A new study has found that microplastics can be ingested by microscopic invertebrates, leading to potential health problems.

Researchers at the University of Warwick used a combination of microscopy and chemical analysis to examine the effects of microplastics on the microscopic invertebrates Daphnia magna. They discovered that the invertebrates were able to ingest microplastics, and the microplastics were then absorbed into their bodies.

The study found that the ingested microplastics had the potential to interfere with the organisms’ ability to feed, reproduce, and metabolize. This could have serious implications for the health of these species, as well as the ecosystems they inhabit.

These findings demonstrate the need for further research into the impacts of microplastics on the environment and the potential dangers they pose to aquatic life.

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source: Phys.org