Oceanic regions shape the composition of the Antarctic plastisphere
Abstract Antarctica, once considered pristine, is increasingly threatened by plastic pollution, with debris found in its waters, sediments, sea ice, and biota. Here, we provide a comprehensive molecular survey of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic diversity on plastics around the Antarctic Peninsula, a...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Nature Portfolio
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Communications Earth & Environment |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-025-02445-4 |
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| author | Ana L. Lacerda Maíra C. Proietti Felipe Kessler Carlos R. Mendes Eduardo R. Secchi Joe D. Taylor |
| author_facet | Ana L. Lacerda Maíra C. Proietti Felipe Kessler Carlos R. Mendes Eduardo R. Secchi Joe D. Taylor |
| author_sort | Ana L. Lacerda |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Antarctica, once considered pristine, is increasingly threatened by plastic pollution, with debris found in its waters, sediments, sea ice, and biota. Here, we provide a comprehensive molecular survey of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic diversity on plastics around the Antarctic Peninsula, addressing a gap in existing research. Using eDNA metabarcoding, we identified diverse communities, with Pseudomonadota and Bacteroidota dominating prokaryotic communities, while Gyrista (mostly diatoms), Fungi and Arthropods were prevalent among eukaryotes. Geographic location significantly influenced community composition, with differences between the Bransfield Strait and the Gerlache Strait/Bellingshausen Sea. Polymer type and plastic shape did not impact species richness or community structure. These findings offer new insights into the complexity of the Antarctic plastisphere, highlighting potential impacts on biodiversity, ecosystem functions, and the broader implications of marine plastic pollution. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-d71c4ea3d1de404ea1ec2192e3fabbca |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2662-4435 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
| publisher | Nature Portfolio |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Communications Earth & Environment |
| spelling | doaj-art-d71c4ea3d1de404ea1ec2192e3fabbca2025-08-20T02:07:41ZengNature PortfolioCommunications Earth & Environment2662-44352025-06-016111210.1038/s43247-025-02445-4Oceanic regions shape the composition of the Antarctic plastisphereAna L. Lacerda0Maíra C. Proietti1Felipe Kessler2Carlos R. Mendes3Eduardo R. Secchi4Joe D. Taylor5Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG)Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG)Escola de Química e Alimentos, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG)Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG)Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG)UK Centre for Ecology and HydrologyAbstract Antarctica, once considered pristine, is increasingly threatened by plastic pollution, with debris found in its waters, sediments, sea ice, and biota. Here, we provide a comprehensive molecular survey of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic diversity on plastics around the Antarctic Peninsula, addressing a gap in existing research. Using eDNA metabarcoding, we identified diverse communities, with Pseudomonadota and Bacteroidota dominating prokaryotic communities, while Gyrista (mostly diatoms), Fungi and Arthropods were prevalent among eukaryotes. Geographic location significantly influenced community composition, with differences between the Bransfield Strait and the Gerlache Strait/Bellingshausen Sea. Polymer type and plastic shape did not impact species richness or community structure. These findings offer new insights into the complexity of the Antarctic plastisphere, highlighting potential impacts on biodiversity, ecosystem functions, and the broader implications of marine plastic pollution.https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-025-02445-4 |
| spellingShingle | Ana L. Lacerda Maíra C. Proietti Felipe Kessler Carlos R. Mendes Eduardo R. Secchi Joe D. Taylor Oceanic regions shape the composition of the Antarctic plastisphere Communications Earth & Environment |
| title | Oceanic regions shape the composition of the Antarctic plastisphere |
| title_full | Oceanic regions shape the composition of the Antarctic plastisphere |
| title_fullStr | Oceanic regions shape the composition of the Antarctic plastisphere |
| title_full_unstemmed | Oceanic regions shape the composition of the Antarctic plastisphere |
| title_short | Oceanic regions shape the composition of the Antarctic plastisphere |
| title_sort | oceanic regions shape the composition of the antarctic plastisphere |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-025-02445-4 |
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