Publication details
Přítomnost a distribuce mikroplastů v makrozoobentosu tekoucích vod
| Title in English | Occurence and distribution of microplastics in freshwater benthic macroinvertebrates |
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| Authors | |
| Year of publication | 2025 |
| Type | Conference abstract |
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| Citation | |
| Description | The ubiquity and circulation of microplastics across all environmental compartments are globally discussed phenomena. Research into microplastic pollution in surface waters has, in the last decade, become one of the most rapidly developing scientific fields. In freshwater ecosystems, microplastics can easily enter food webs and potentially accumulate in biota. In running waters, the distribution of microplastics may vary along the longitudinal flow gradient, depending on anthropogenic pollution sources such as inputs from agriculture, industry, or insufficiently treated municipal wastewater. Although a significant number of experimental studies have been conducted to monitor the potential consumption of microplastics by aquatic organisms, current knowledge regarding the distribution and dynamics of microplastics in trophic chains under natural conditions remains limited. In our research, we conducted several pilot field studies to monitor the real-world occurrence and distribution of various types, forms, and sizes of microplastics in different macrozoobenthos taxa, selected based on their feeding strategies. Individuals were collected from ten watercourses, focusing on areas with anthropogenic pollution sources. Field sampling was conducted with minimal use of plastic equipment, and samples were stored in pre-filtered media to prevent plastic contamination. The samples were processed in the laboratory using specific protocols for microplastic isolation from biota (30% H2O2, proteinase), followed by density separation (ZnCl2) where necessary. The resulting microplastic samples were filtered onto Anodisc filters (Whatman), analyzed using µFT-IR transmission spectroscopy (LUMOS II, Bruker), and evaluated with the Microplastic Finder software (Purency GmbH). We found the highest number of microplastic particles in all monitored taxa (Baetis sp., Calopteryx sp., Gammarus sp., Hydropsyche sp., Simulium sp.) among active filter feeders and collectors/scrapers, predominantly in smaller-bodied taxa. Although in lower numbers – 558 individuals with a total of 234 microplastic particles – we observed microplastics in all taxa, including predators, which suggests direct transfer of microplastics within trophic chains. We did not record a significant increase in the quantity of microplastic particles along the longitudinal flow gradient or downstream from anthropogenic pollution sources. Instead, we observed the highest numbers of microplastics in the upper reaches of the streams, even in protected areas. This indicates atmospheric deposition as a very significant source of microplastic pollution. The research was supported by the TACR project SS07010295. |
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