Microplastics in Arctic invertebrates: status on occurrence and recommendations for future monitoring

• Published in: Arctic Science
• Main Authors: Bjørn Einar Grøsvik, Maria E. Granberg, Tanja Kögel, Amy L. Lusher, Alessio Gomiero, Halldor P. Halldorsson, Alexander Klevedal Madsen, Julia E. Baak, Hermann Dreki Guls, Kerstin Magnusson
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English; French
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 2022
• Subjects: Arctic; microplastics; invertebrates; occurrence; monitoring; Arctique; Environmental sciences; GE1-350; Environmental engineering; TA170-171; Arctique*
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1139/as-2022-0004; https://doaj.org/article/9786bb11f89840cbace8f82dddbe1338

Few studies have been published on the occurrence and distribution of microplastics (MPs) in invertebrates from the Arctic. We still need to develop harmonized methods to enable good comparison between studies taking into account recovery rates, size ranges, shapes, and polymer types. Here, we review studies on MPs in invertebrates from the Arctic and present suggestions on sampling protocols and potential indicator species. Since information on MPs in Arctic invertebrates is vastly lacking, we recommend to at least include suspension feeding bivalves like mussels in monitoring programmes to function as indicator species in the Arctic. Mussels have also been suggested as indicator species for MP monitoring in coastal regions further south. Although we recognize the challenge with particle selection and egestion in mussels as well as the relatively low concentrations of MPs in Arctic waters, uptake levels seem to represent recent exposures. More research is needed to understand these selection processes and how they affect the bioaccumulation processes. Future research should include studies on whether different functional groups of invertebrates have different exposures to MPs, e.g., if there are differences between sessile versus motile species or different feeding strategies. More knowledge on monitoring strategies for pelagic and benthic species is needed.