Digestion and maternal/paternal transfer of microplastic contaminants in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) food web

Microplastic particles are formed from plastic litter, the most abundant pollutant of the oceans. In addition to contain harmful plastic additives, microplastics have a high surface area to volume ratio and a large potential to accumulate organic toxins. Ingestion of plastic particles have shown to effect the gastrointestinal system, while plastic additives and organic toxins accumulated in microplastics could possibly be absorbed, give physiological harm and/or be transferred through the food web or to the next generation. Microplastic pollution could therefore be a threat to the future production and sustainability of the marine ecosystem. The PlastiCod project will study the effects of microplastic particles and selected organic toxins on the ecosystem of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) through studies of food web transfer of microplastics contaminants from zooplankton to cod larvae, and maternal transfer from cod broodstocks to larvae (long term effects), in addition to study of physiological effects on individual level (short term effects). The project results will be utilized in development of prospective biodynamic modelling tools that can simulate the impacts of contamination with microplastics as well as plastic-associated chemicals on individuals, populations and the food web of marine ecosystem. Further, results from this project will also be useful for the policymakers in formulating better policies.