Automated μFTIR Imaging Demonstrates Taxon-Specific and Selective Uptake of Microplastic by Freshwater Invertebrates
Chang‐Gui Pan, Svenja M. Mintenig, Paula E. Redondo‐Hasselerharm, Paula H. M. W. Neijenhuis, Kefu Yu, Yinghui Wang, Albert A. Koelmans
Abstract
fibers) was twice as high in sediments than in Astacidea. Acrylates/polyurethane/varnish was predominately found in sediments, while soft and rubbery polymers ethylene propylene diene monomer and polyethylene-chlorinated were the dominant polymers found in invertebrates. Microplastic polymer composition and thus polymer density differed significantly between invertebrates and their host sediment. Trophic transfer at the base of the food web appears to have a filter function with respect to microplastic particle types and shapes. Together with the very high ingestion rates, this has clear implications for ecological and human health risks, where uptake concerns edible species (e.g., Astacidea).