Species diversity and community structure of microalgae living on microplastics in Luoyuan Bay, China

This study was carried out in Luoyuan Bay in March 2021. The species composition of microalgae community colonizing on microplastics called epimicroplastic microalgae (EMP-MA) was analyzed and compared with planktonic microalgae (PM) community. The species number of EMP-MA community (73) was higher than that of PM community (56). However Simpson Index and Pielou Evenness Index of EMP-MA community were significantly lower than that of PM community (P < 0.05). Although diatom was the most diverse and abundant taxa in both EMP-MA and PM community, their species compositions were significantly different (P < 0.05). Dominant species were also different between the two communities. Moreover, 12 harmful algal species were found in EMP-MA community, which may drift with microplastics and increase the risks of harmful algal blooms (HABs). This study is helpful to reveal the dispersal mechanism of HABs and potential impacts of EMP-MA on marine ecosystem.

Automated summary

This study analyzed and compared the species composition of microalgae on microplastics (called epimicroplastic microalgae or EMP-MA) and planktonic microalgae (PM) in Luoyuan Bay. The study found that the number of species in the EMP-MA community was higher than that in the PM community, but the diversity and evenness of the EMP-MA community were lower. Additionally, 12 harmful algal species were found in the EMP-MA community, suggesting an increased risk of harmful algal blooms.