Tardigrades in the marine plastisphere: New hitchhikers surfing plastics

Type : ACL
Nature : Production scientifique
Au bénéfice du Laboratoire : Oui
Statut de publication : Publié
Année de publication : 2024
Auteurs (3) : LACERDA Ana-luzia FRIAS João PEDROTTI Maria-luiza
Revue scientifique : Marine Pollution Bulletin
Volume : 200
Fascicule :
Pages :
DOI : 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116071
URL : https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X24000481
Abstract : Tardigrades are remarkable microorganisms known for their extraordinary resilience in diverse environments, including extreme conditions such as outer space. They are known for their interactions with natural substrates in terrestrial and aquatic systems, but have remained largely unexplored in relation to marine plastics. This study aims to investigate the colonization of plastics, ranging from fossil fuel-based to bioplastics, in the coastal zones of four countries (Brazil, Ireland, France and Italy). Here, we report the first documented occurrence of tardigrades colonizing plastic substrates. We identified five amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) belonging to the Tardigrada phylum, specifically in a post-consumer polypropylene, in the coastal zone of Galway, Ireland. This discovery raises questions about the characteristics of different plastics influencing on tardigrades' adhesion. Tardigrades hitchhiking on plastics in the oceans could expand their habitat range, possibly displacing native species and altering trophic interactions, with potential consequences for the overall biodiversity.
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Citation :
Lacerda A-L, Frias J, Pedrotti M-L (2024) Tardigrades in the marine plastisphere: New hitchhikers surfing plastics. Mar Pollut Bull 200 | doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116071