A groundbreaking study from the University of Tasmania uncovers surprising effects of microplastics on Antarctic krill. Researchers observed that krill exposed to microplastics produced three times more food boluses than those in clean conditions. These food boluses, which are compacted bits of undigested material, play a key role in the carbon cycle of the Southern Ocean.
Microplastics Change Krill Feeding Behavior
Scientists found that when krill consume microplastics, these particles interfere with their normal digestion. As a result, the krill create more boluses to expel the unwanted material. This process potentially alters how carbon gets exported from the surface to the deep sea, since krill are crucial for moving carbon through their feeding and waste production.
Impact on the Ocean Ecosystem
Antarctic krill sit at the heart of the Southern Ocean food chain. Their response to microplastics could have far-reaching effects on marine ecosystems and global carbon cycles. The study highlights the urgent need to address microplastic pollution in our oceans.
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Read the full study here
