Episodic records of jellyfish ingestion of plastic items reveal a novel pathway for trophic transference of marine litter

Sci Rep. 2018 Apr 17;8(1):6105. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-24427-7.

Abstract

Invertebrates represent the most plentiful component of marine biodiversity. To date, only few species have been documented for marine litter intake. Here, we report for the first time the presence of macroplastic debris in a jellyfish species. Such novel target to plastic pollution highlights an under studied vector of marine litter along marine trophic web, raising further concern over the impact on marine wildlife.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Eating
  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Food Chain
  • Plastics* / adverse effects
  • Predatory Behavior*
  • Scyphozoa / physiology*
  • Water Pollutants* / adverse effects

Substances

  • Plastics
  • Water Pollutants