Are microplastics ending up in Atlantic lobster? This researcher hopes to find out
An assistant professor in Nova Scotia has recently been granted a five-year research fund to delve into the combined impact of microplastics and climate change on aquatic organisms. Jordan Park, an esteemed researcher at Université Sainte-Anne, will spearhead this groundbreaking study using lobster larvae and zooplankton as his primary subjects. The ultimate goal of Park’s research is to uncover whether microplastics ultimately find their way into lobsters inhabiting the Atlantic waters.
The grant for Park’s research endeavors has been generously provided by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada. Microplastics, as described by Park, are minuscule fragments of plastic, often smaller than the diameter of a single strand of hair. These particles originate from larger plastic items, such as food packaging, that find their way into the ocean and gradually break down over time.
Through a process called weathering, these plastics degrade into smaller pieces, forming what is known as microplastics, and can even further deteriorate into nanoplastics. Park emphasized that due to their diminutive size, microplastics are easily ingested by various aquatic organisms through their food sources. This ingestion sets off a chain reaction whereby larger organisms consume smaller organisms that have already ingested microplastics, leading to the biomagnification of these pollutants within the organism.
To further elucidate this process, Park’s research will investigate both direct and indirect exposure of lobster larvae to microplastics. This will involve exposing the larvae to microplastics directly and also exposing them to zooplankton that have previously come into contact with microplastics.
In identifying exposure to microplastics, Park highlighted certain biomarkers that indicate whether organisms have ingested these pollutants, such as their presence in the gastrointestinal tract. Once the gastrointestinal tract becomes obstructed by accumulated nanoplastics or microplastics, it can lead to an imbalance in the organism’s microbiome, affecting various aspects of their health, including their immune system and stress-related proteins.
Moreover, Park emphasized the connection between climate change and the study of microplastics in aquatic organisms. He revealed that many fishermen have noted fluctuations in lobster populations, prompting him to explore how exposure to pollutants like microplastics intersects with the effects of climate change. By conducting controlled experiments, Park will be able to assess the impact of various factors, including temperature, pH, salinity, and pollutants like microplastics, on aquatic organisms like lobsters.
In conclusion, Jordan Park’s research represents a vital step towards understanding the intricate relationship between microplastics, climate change, and aquatic organisms. By shedding light on these complex interactions, Park’s work has the potential to inform critical conservation efforts and strategies for preserving the health of our oceans and marine life.
