How Microplastics Could Limit the Energy Production of Tiny Organisms
Microplastics, the tiny pieces of plastic that are found in many of the world’s oceans, have been found to limit the energy production of tiny ocean organisms. A new study conducted by scientists from the University of East Anglia (UEA) and published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has found that microplastics can reduce the metabolic rates of tiny ocean organisms, such as the phytoplankton, by up to 14%.
This is a concerning discovery, as phytoplankton are an essential part of the global ocean carbon cycle. They are responsible for producing half of the world’s oxygen, and they play a key role in regulating our climate.
The researchers found that microplastics can interfere with the production of energy in phytoplankton. They found that the presence of microplastics can lead to a decrease in metabolic activity and thus a decrease in energy production. This is concerning, as it means that phytoplankton are not able to produce the energy they need to survive and thrive in their environment.
This is yet another example of how microplastics can have serious consequences for our planet’s ecosystems. It is essential that we continue to
source: Phys.org