Author(s): Vermeiren Peter; Munoz Cynthia; Ikejima Kou

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Abstract: Microplastics present a global environmental concern with potentially widespread environmental implications. Nonetheless, effects of microplastics at the community level are poorly known. Crab communities are a highly abundant faunal component of estuarine systems, with intricate links to the rest of the ecosystem, and a high potential as bio-indicators of environmental impacts. We aim to produce a microplastic risk map for crab communities inhabiting the riparian zone of estuarine systems. Specifically, we develop a standard protocol to identify microplastics in estuarine sediments and in gut contents of crabs. To overcome errors associated with visual sorting of microplastics, we apply the use of a micro Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopic imaging system to identify and quantify plastic polymers on filtered samples. We then link the feeding ecology of intertidal crabs to their exposure to ingested microplastics. Additionally, we measure microplastic loads and compositions among different riparian habitats to identify those habitats with a high potential for the accumulation of microplastics. The research allows us to establish species and habitats with a high risk to microplastic pollution. The research contributes towards a better understanding of the potential risks of microplastics at the level of biological communities and provides assistance in the management of this pollution in the riparian zone of estuaries.

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Year: 2018