Foraminifera and plastic pollution: Knowledge gaps and research opportunities*

Plastic has become one of the most ubiquitous and environmentally threatening sources of pollution in the Anthropocene. Beyond the conspicuous visual impact and physical damages, plastics both carry and release a cocktail of harmful chemicals, such as monomers, additives and persistent organic pollutants. Here we show through a review of the scientific literature dealing with both plastic pollution and benthic foraminifera (Rhi-zaria), that despite their critical roles in the structure and function of benthic ecosystems, only 0.4% of studies have investigated the effects of micro-and nano-plastics on this group. Consequently, we urge to consider benthic foraminifera in plastic pollution studies via a tentative roadmap that includes (i) the use of their bio-logical, physiological and behavioral responses that may unveil the effects of microplastics and nanoplastics and (ii) the evaluation of the indicative value of foraminiferal species to serve as proxies for the degree of pollution. This appears particularly timely in the context of the development of management strategies to restore coastal ecosystems.

Automated summary

Plastic has become a widespread and environmentally threatening source of pollution. It carries harmful chemicals and only a small fraction of studies have investigated its effects on benthic foraminifera. Therefore, it is important to consider the role of foraminifera in plastic pollution studies, as they can provide insights into the effects of microplastics and nanoplastics, and serve as indicators of pollution.