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AuthorMukhanov, Vladimir
AuthorTatiana, Rauen
AuthorEvgeniy, Sakhon
AuthorVeerasingam, Subramanian
AuthorBagaev, Andrei
Available date2023-02-19T05:43:15Z
Publication Date2023-03-31
Publication NameChemosphere
Identifierhttp://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.137843
CitationVladimir, Mukhanov, Rauen Tatiana, Sakhon Evgeniy, Subramanian Veerasingam, and Andrei Bagaev. "Vertical and seasonal variations in biofilm formation on plastic substrates in coastal waters of the Black Sea." Chemosphere (2023): 137843.
ISSN00456535
URIhttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0045653523001091
URIhttp://hdl.handle.net/10576/40114
AbstractPlastic contamination of the marine environment is an increasing concern worldwide. Therefore, it is important to understand the kinetics of biofilms on plastics to study their behavior, fate, and transport pathways in the ocean. In this study, the vertical and seasonal variations in biofouling formation on transparent polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic fragments in the Southwest Crimea coastal waters of the Black Sea were investigated. Biofilms were identified in the transient light as ‘dark spots’ on the plastic surface, for which the numbers, size, and area were measured using specialized software. The rate of biofouling in the surface water layer was lower than those found in the middle and near-bottom water column, which could be due to a damaging effect of turbulent mixing on the biofilm. The highest rates of biofouling and diverse community were observed during the summer. The epibiotic assembly was represented by diatoms (11 taxa), dinoflagellates (3 taxa), green algae, filamentous cyanobacteria, small flagellates, and ciliates. Significant differences between the biofouling rates observed in different seasons made it difficult to estimate the period of time the plastic substrate has been in the marine environment. It was proposed to use the green alga Phycopeltis arundinacea (Montgn) De Tender et al., 2015 as a bioindicator to study the age of the biofouling community. Discoid thalli were identified at all stages of colonization of the plastic fragments in different seasons. Results obtained in this study demonstrate that biofouling organisms may be good model organisms in revealing age of biofilm formation and longevity of plastic debris in the ocean. Consequently, it is proposed that such biofouling organisms could be used as target species to monitor the biodegradation of plastic debris.
SponsorThis work is a part of the joint Indo-Russian research project, entitled ‘Identification and modelling of microplastics transport in the coastal areas under the influence of dominant wind patterns’ (Russian authors were supported by RFBR grant #18-55-45024), and the Russian state assignment No. 121040600178–6. For additional analysis and manuscript preparation AB was supported by the state assignment of MHI on theme No. 555-2021-0005.
Languageen
PublisherElsevier
SubjectBiofilm
Plastic waste
Seasonal variation
Bioindicator
Black sea
TitleVertical and seasonal variations in biofilm formation on plastic substrates in coastal waters of the Black Sea
TypeArticle
Volume Number317
dc.accessType Full Text


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