April 1, 2020 Journal article Open Access

Microplastic accumulation in benthic invertebrates in Terra Nova Bay (Ross Sea, Antarctica)

Andrea Augusto Sfriso; Yari Tomio; Beatrice Rosso; Andrea Gambaro; Adriano Sfriso; Fabiana Corami; Eugenio Rastelli; Cinzia Corinaldesi; Michele Mistri; Cristina Munari

Microplastic contamination of the benthic invertebrate fauna in Terra Nova Bay (Ross Sea, Antarctica) was determined. Twelve macrobenthic species, characterized by different feeding strategies, were selected at 3 sampling sites at increasing distance from the Italian Scientific Base (Mario Zucchelli, Camp Icarus, Adelie Cove). The 83% of the analyzed macrobenthic species contained microplastics (0.01–3.29 items mg−1). The size of the particles, measured by Feret diameter, ranged from 33 to 1000 µm with the highest relative abundance between 50 and 100 µm. Filter-feeders and grazers displayed values of microplastic contamination from 3 to 5 times higher than omnivores and predators, leading to the hypothesis that there is no evident bioaccumulation through the food web. The prevalent polymers identified by micro-FTIR were nylon (86%) and polyethylene (5%); other polymers identified in Antarctic benthos were polytetrafluoroethylene, polyoxymethylene, phenolic resin, polypropylene, polystyrene resin and XT polymer. Keywords: Antarctica, Benthos, Microplastics, Food web, FTIR, Nile red