Plastic pollution and ocean acidification reduce Antarctic krill development

[UngulateNerd92]

Plastic pollution combined with ocean acidification hinders the development of Antarctic krill in the Southern Ocean, research published today (4 August 2021) in Marine Frontiers reveals.

Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) are shrimp-like crustaceans that play a critical role in the polar oceans. They are the main diet of whales, penguins and seals and play a critical role in promoting the transport of carbon to the depths of the ocean. However, krill and their habitats are threated by the impacts of climate change and a wide range of pollutants, including plastics.

Plastic pollution and ocean acidification reduce Antarctic krill development - British Antarctic Survey

 

[UngulateNerd92]

Here is another relevant article.

Microplastic found in Antarctic krill and salps

A new study led by researchers at the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) discovered microplastics in krill (Euphausia superba), a small shrimp-like crustacean, and salps (Salpa thompsoni), a gelatinous marine invertebrate. The results are published today (March 29) in the journal Royal Society Open Science.

Microplastic found in Antarctic krill and salps