Trophic transfer of microplastics in an estuarine food chain and the effects of a sorbed legacy pollutant
Open accessAbstract
Microplastics are of increasing concern as they are readily ingested by aquatic organisms. This study investigated microplastic trophic transfer using larval inland silversides (Menidia beryllina) (5 d posthatch) and unicellular tintinnid (Favella spp.) as a model food chain relevant to North American estuaries. Low‐density polyethylene microspheres (10–20 μ m) were used to compare direct ingestion of microplastics by larval fish and trophic transfer via tintinnid prey. Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT)‐treated microspheres were used to determine sorbed pollutant effects on microplastic ingestion. Larval fish exposed directly to microspheres ingested significantly fewer than those exposed via contaminated prey. Larvae ingested significantly more ciliates containing DDT‐treated microspheres than ciliates containing untreated plastics but did not discriminate when exposed directly. Larvae reared for 16 d following a direct 2 h exposure had significantly lower wet weight values than unexposed controls. Our results demonstrate that trophic transfer is a significant route of microplastic exposure that can cause detrimental effects in sensitive life stages.
AI snapshot
Written from the paper’s full text.
TL;DR
This study provides the first evidence for trophic transfer of microplastics in a model North American estuarine food chain, using larval *Menidia beryllina* and ciliate *Favella* spp., and examines effects of sorbed DDT. It finds trophic transfer can be a significant exposure route and that a brief microplastic exposure reduces larval wet weight 16 days later.
Key findings
- *Favella* spp. readily ingested LDPE microspheres: 44% contained ingested plastics after 1 h, and 15% contained 10 or more particles; ingestion did not differ significantly between untreated and DDT-treated microspheres (Student’s t-test, p > 0.05).
- Larval silversides ingested significantly more microspheres via trophic transfer from DDT-treated ciliates (205.4 ± 89.9 particles larva⁻¹) than from untreated ciliates (81.8 ± 42.0 particles larva⁻¹; ANOVA, Tukey HSD, p = 0.0001), despite no significant difference in direct ingestion of DDT-treated (25.9 ± 35.2 particles larva⁻¹) versus untreated microspheres (37.1 ± 23.9 particles larva⁻¹).
- Larvae ingested significantly more LDPE particles from microplastic-contaminated prey than by direct ingestion from the water column (ANOVA, Scheffe’s test, p < 0.05), with up to 320 particles individual⁻¹ retained in guts.
- Sixteen days after a 2 h direct microplastic exposure, larval wet weight was significantly lower than controls (ANOVA, Tukey HSD, p = 0.0108 for untreated, p = 0.0105 for DDT-treated), while caudal length did not differ significantly (p > 0.05).
Methods
- Model food chain: larval *Menidia beryllina* (5 d posthatch) and microzooplankton prey *Favella* spp.; LDPE microspheres (10–20 μm) were untreated or DDT-treated (0.21 mg g⁻¹ polyethylene) and used at approximately 5 × 10⁵ microspheres mL⁻¹.
- Six treatment groups: unfed control, unfed ciliate prey, DDT direct ingestion, DDT trophic transfer, untreated direct ingestion, and untreated trophic transfer; direct/unfed groups had 4 replicate beakers, trophic transfer groups had 3 replicate beakers, and each beaker contained 5 larvae.
- Additional experiments measured egestion over 2.5–72 h and long-term growth after a 2 h direct feeding followed by 16 d grow-out; analyses used Student’s t-test, ANOVA with Tukey HSD/Scheffe’s test, and a Poisson GLM in JMP 11.0.
Limitations
- The paper states that microplastic and DDT concentrations were high compared with typical environmental levels, that the DDT concentration was higher than reported environmental concentrations on LDPE, and that microplastic levels were orders of magnitude higher than concentrations typically found in southeastern U.S. estuaries; it calls for more environmentally relevant conditions and broader estuarine predator–prey models.
- Evident from the text: this is a laboratory proof-of-principle study using a single fish–ciliate model, with a short 2 h exposure and limited trophic-transfer replication (3 beakers) due to restrictions on *Favella* availability.
- Evident from the text: the study did not detect DDT leaching from particles into the experimental medium during the 2 h exposure, so effects are attributed to ingested contaminated particles rather than dissolved DDT.
Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.
Integrity signals
Registry
Cites
Statistics
Claims the paper makes
0 of 19 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged
- Findingown data
The DDT concentration on the microspheres was determined to be 0.21 mg g-1 of polyethylene.
“the DDT concentration on the microspheres was determined to be 0.21 mg g -1 of polyethylene.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Larvae ingested significantly more LDPE particles from microplastic-contaminated prey than by direct ingestion of particles from the water column.
“larvae ingested significantly more LDPE particles from microplastic-contaminated prey than by direct ingestion of particles from the water column (ANOVA, Schefe's test, p < 0.05, n = 2)”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Larvae from the DDT trophic transfer treatment contained significantly greater amounts of microspheres (205.4 ± 89.9 particles larva-1) in their digestive tracts compared to larvae from the untreated trophic transfer treatment (81.8 ± 42.0 particles larva-1).
“larvae from the DDT trophic transfer treatment contained significantly greater amounts of microspheres (205.4Æ 89.9 particles larva -1 ) in their digestive tracts compared to larvae from the untreated trophic transfer treatment (81.8 Æ 42.0 particles larva -1 , ANOVA, Tukey HSD, p = 0.0001)”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Larval silversides directly ingest microspheres following 24 h starvation.
“The present study demonstrated that larval silversides will directly ingest microspheres following 24 h starvation”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
The rate of egestion for the first 6 h after ingestion was 0.4 particles h-1.
“Rate of egestion for the first 6 h after ingestion was 0.4 particles h -1”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
- Findingown data
Sixteen days post direct-ingestion of LDPE microspheres, wet weight values for both plastic treatment groups were significantly smaller than the wet weight values of the control group.
“Sixteen days post direct-ingestion of LDPE microspheres, wet weight values for both plastic treatment groups were significantly smaller than the wet weight values of the control group (ANOVA, Tukey HSD, p = 0.0108 [UT], p = 0.0105 [DDT], Fig. 5A).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Most directly ingested microplastics were excreted within 24 h of ingestion.
“While most directly ingested microplastics were excreted within 24 h of ingestion”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
No plastics were detected in the controls.
“No plastics were detected in the controls”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
There was no significant difference in particle ingestion between untreated LDPE microspheres and DDT-treated LDPE microspheres in Favella.
“no significant difference in particle ingestion was detected between untreated LDPE microspheres and DDTtreated LDPE microspheres (Fig. 3, Student's t-test, p > 0.05)”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Particles were found throughout the larval silverside digestive tract up to 72 h postfeeding.
“particles were found throughout the larval silverside digestive tract up to 72 h postfeeding.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Silverside larvae readily ingested microplastic-fed Favella spp.
“Silverside larvae also readily ingested microplastic-fed Favella spp.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
The egestion rate integrated over the entire sampling period (72 h) was 0.15 particles h-1.
“The egestion rate integrated over the entire sampling period (72 h) was 0.15 particles h -1”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
There was no significant difference in length for microplastic-exposed larvae after the 16 d rear out period.
“There was no significant difference in length for microplastic-exposed larvae after the 16 d rear out period (ANOVA, p > 0.05)”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Direct ingestion of DDT-treated versus untreated microspheres by larval silversides was not significantly different.
“direct ingestion of DDT-treated (25.9 Æ 35.2 particles larvae -1 ) vs. untreated microspheres (37.1 Æ 23.9 particles larvae -1 ) by larval silversides was not significantly different (ANOVA, Tukey HSD, p > 0.05)”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingnone given
None of the control larvae contained microspheres.
“None of the control larvae contained microspheres.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Larvae did not ingest significantly more ciliates overall in the DDT trophic transfer treatment compared to the untreated trophic transfer treatment.
“despite not ingesting significantly more ciliates overall (Fig. 4C; ANOVA, Tukey HSD, p > 0.05)”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Beakers with larval silversides contained significantly fewer ciliates than those without larvae.
“water samples taken from beakers before and after the addition of larval silversides contained significantly fewer ciliates than those without larvae (ANOVA, Tukey HSD, p = 0.02, Fig. 4C)”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
There were no significant differences in the rate of egestion of DDT-treated and untreated microspheres.
“with no significant differences in the rate of egestion of DDT-treated and untreated microspheres (ANOVA, Tukey HSD, p > 0.05).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Premisecitation
LDPE microspheres have been found to sorb DDT in the estuarine environment.
“LDPE microspheres have been found to sorb DDT in the estuarine environment (Napper et al. 2015)”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Napper et al. 2015
Not checked in the free run.
- Interpretationown data
Larvae were actively consuming ciliate prey during the feeding sessions.
“confirming that the larvae were actively consuming ciliate prey during the feeding sessions.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationown data
The study demonstrates trophic transfer of microplastics in a model estuarine food chain.
“In this study, we demonstrate the trophic transfer of microplastics in a model estuarine food chain”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisecitation
The 10-20 μm particle size range is similar to the size of Favella's natural prey.
“this particle size range is similar to the size of Favella's natural prey (Strom et al. 2007).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Strom et al. 2007
Not checked in the free run.
- Interpretationown data
Trophic transfer from microzooplankton prey can be a significant route for microplastic exposure in larval fish predators.
“Overall, these results imply trophic transfer from microzooplankton prey can be a significant route for microplastic exposure in larval fish predators.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Study design and conductown data
A preliminary validation experiment determined that no detectable DDT levels leached from the particles into the experimental medium during the 2 h exposure.
“A preliminary validation experiment determined that no detectable DDT levels leached from the particles into the experimental medium during the 2 h exposure”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationown data
Data suggest that trophic transfer may be an important route of exposure for estuarine species.
“Nevertheless, our data suggest that trophic transfer may be an important route of exposure for estuarine species.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationown data
The study demonstrates the impact of LDPE microplastics and an associated pollutant on each species at an organismal level.
“as well as the impact of the LDPE microplastics and an associated pollutant on each species at an organismal level.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisecitation
Menidia spp. grow rapidly during their larval stage, reaching maturity within 190 dph.
“Menidia spp.grow rapidly during their larval stage, reaching maturity within 190 dph (Lankford et al. 2000)”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Lankford et al. 2000
Not checked in the free run.
- Premisecitation
These microplastic levels are still orders of magnitude higher than concentrations typically found in southeastern U.S. estuaries.
“These microplastic levels are still orders of magnitude higher than concentrations typically found in southeastern U.S. estuaries (Gray et al. 2018).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Gray et al. 2018
Not checked in the free run.
- Premisecitation
For studies that have analyzed the 10-20 μm size fraction in environmental samples, the most abundant particles typically fall into the 10-20 μm size range.
“For studies that have analyzed this size fraction in environmental samples, the most abundant particles typically fall into the 10-20 μm size range (Enders et al. 2015).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Enders et al. 2015
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- May combine two claims. 10
- Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 8
May combine two claims.
Findingown dataReduced growth of fish larvae and apparent effects on larval-ciliate interactions were observed albeit at high LDPE particle and DDT concentrations compared to typical environmental levels.
“Reduced growth of fish larvae and apparent effects on larval-ciliate interactions were observed albeit at high LDPE particle and DDT concentrations compared to typical environmental levels.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimMay combine two claims.
Findingown dataForty-four percent of Favella spp. contained ingested plastics after the 1 h feeding, with 15% containing 10 or more particles.
“Forty-four percent of Favella spp.contained ingested plastics after the 1 h feeding with 15% containing 10 or more particles”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimMay combine two claims.
Findingown dataFavella spp. readily ingested LDPE particles and began ingesting particles immediately upon provision.
“Favella spp.readily ingested the LDPE particles and video of tethered ciliates indicated they began ingesting particles immediately upon provision”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimMay combine two claims.
Findingown dataMicrospheres were only detected in the gut and did not appear to translocate to other tissues through the experiment.
“Microspheres were only detected in the gut and did not appear to translocate to other tissues through the experiment.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
PremisecitationThe trophic transfer of microplastics has been documented in both freshwater and marine systems.
“The trophic transfer of microplastics is an emerging concern and has been documented in both freshwater (Setälä et al. 2014;Santana et al. 2017;Tosetto et al. 2017) and marine systems (Batel et al. 2016;Mateos-Cárdenas et al. 2019).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites Setälä et al. 2014
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- cites Santana et al. 2017
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- cites Tosetto et al. 2017
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May combine two claims.
Interpretationown dataLarvae were unable to detect sorbed DDT or discriminate between DDT-treated and untreated LDPE microspheres.
“indicating the larvae were unable to detect sorbed DDT or discriminate between DDT-treated and untreated LDPE microspheres.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimMay combine two claims.
Interpretationown dataA short-term accumulation of microplastics in the gut negatively affects growth, possibly through obstruction of the gut.
“These results suggest a short-term accumulation of microplastics in the gut negatively affects growth, possibly through obstruction of the gut.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
PremisecitationIngested microplastics have been found in a number of important estuarine species.
“Ingested microplastics have been found in a number of important estuarine species (Alves et al. 2016;Bessa et al. 2018)”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites Alves et al. 2016
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- cites Bessa et al. 2018
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Classified as probably not a substantial claim.
PremisecitationMicroplastics can act as a vehicle for pollutant exposure in freshwater adult fish and their prey.
“Their study found microplastics can act as a vehicle for pollutant exposure in freshwater adult fish and their prey (Batel et al. 2016).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Batel et al. 2016
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May combine two claims.
PremisecitationWeight-length relationships in larval fish are nonlinear and wet weight is more tightly associated with larval development than length at this developmental stage and therefore a more sensitive metric of developmental effects.
“Pepin (1995) demonstrated A B C D that weight-length relationships in larval fish are nonlinear and that wet weight is more tightly associated with larval development than length at this developmental stage and therefore a more sensitive metric of developmental effects.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Pepin (1995)
Not checked in the free run.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
PremisecitationThe microplastic concentrations used in the present study were similar to those used in other experimental studies of microplastic feeding.
“The microplastic concentrations used in the present study were similar to those used in other experimental studies of microplastic feeding (Lo et al. 2018).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Lo et al. 2018
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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
PremisecitationDDT and associated breakdown products are some of the most common pollutants found sorbed to the surface of plastics collected in coastal waters.
“The legacy pesticide DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) and associated breakdown products are some of the most common pollutants found sorbed to the surface of plastics collected in coastal waters (Rios et al. 2010;Van et al. 2012).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites Rios et al. 2010
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- cites Van et al. 2012
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Classified as probably not a substantial claim.
PremisecitationOrganisms can be exposed to microplastics through the ingestion of microplastic-contaminated prey, a phenomenon known as trophic transfer.
“Although prey misidentification and accidental ingestion of plastic debris is common, organisms can also be exposed to microplastics through the ingestion of microplastic-contaminated prey, a phenomenon known as trophic transfer (Welden et al. 2018).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Welden et al. 2018
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May combine two claims.
PremisecitationReduced growth during early life could increase the amount of time spent in the larval stage and ultimately prolong the period of high predation risk.
“Reduced growth during early life could increase the amount of time spent in the larval stage and ultimately prolong the period of high predation risk (Skajaa et al. 2003).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Skajaa et al. 2003
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May combine two claims.
Interpretationown dataCiliates did not feed differentially and are not able to detect or discriminate against particles with high levels of sorbed DDT.
“This demonstrates that ciliates did not feed differentially and that they are not able to detect or discriminate against particles with high levels of sorbed DDT.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimMay combine two claims.
InterpretationreasoningCiliates that had ingested DDT-treated microspheres were more susceptible to predation by larvae compared to ciliates that had not ingested them, leading to increased exposure to microspheres for the same number of ingested prey.
“This suggests ciliates that had ingested DDT treated microspheres were more susceptible to predation by larvae compared to ciliates that had not ingested them, leading to an increased exposure to microspheres for the same number of ingested prey.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimClassified as probably not a substantial claim.
PremisecitationWhen energy demands are not met, as through the ingestion of non-nutritious material, growth can be reduced.
“When energy demands are not met, as through the ingestion of non-nutritious material, growth can be reduced (McCauley and Bjorndal 1999).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites McCauley and Bjorndal 1999
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PremisecitationDDT is known to interfere with the activity of voltage gated sodium channels.
“DDT is known to interfere with the activity of voltage gated sodium channels (Field et al. 2017)”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Field et al. 2017
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The paper relies on this without support.
The trophic transfer of microplastics has never been investigated in estuarine systems.
“yet the trophic transfer of microplastics has never been investigated in estuarine systems.”
The paper relies on this without support.
The influence of microplastic-associated contaminants on trophic transfer in estuarine systems is unknown.
“Furthermore, the influence of microplastic-associated contaminants on trophic transfer in estuarine systems is unknown.”
The paper relies on this without support.
Microzooplankton are key microbial consumers and play an important role in estuarine food webs.
“Microzooplankton are key microbial consumers and play an important role in estuarine food webs.”
Claims other papers make about this one
Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?
The ability to ingest plastic microspheres by unicellular planktonic organisms such as ciliates and flagellates is well-known.
“The ability to ingest plastic microspheres by unicellular planktonic organisms, such as ciliates and flagellates, is well‐known (Athey et al., 2020; Børsheim, 1984; Stienbarger et al., 2021; Nygaard et al., 1988).”
From Mixotrophic flagellate ingestion boosts microplastic accumulation in ascidians (2022) · cites this paper as Athey et al., 2020
The Favella microplastic exposure section reports that ciliates readily ingested LDPE microspheres. Figure 3 also depicts a ciliate ingesting them. The paper does not establish ingestion by flagellates, so it supports only the ciliate example in the citing sentence. (LLM, conf=0.88)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measuredTintinnid ciliates Favella spp. can actively ingest 10-20 μm MPs, consuming up to 10 MPs in an hour.
“It has been recently demonstrated that tintinnid ciliates, Favella spp, can actively ingest 10–20 µm MPs, consuming up to 10 MPs in an hour (Athey et al., 2020; Stienbarger et al., 2021).”
From Mixotrophic flagellate ingestion boosts microplastic accumulation in ascidians (2022) · cites this paper as Athey et al., 2020
The Favella microplastic exposure section reports that Favella spp. readily ingested 10–20 μm microspheres during a one-hour feeding. It says 15% of ciliates contained 10 or more particles, not that they consumed up to 10; the claimed upper limit is unsupported. (LLM, conf=0.86)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measuredStudies utilising MPs intentionally pre-adsorbed with chemical pollutants are limited.
“Studies utilising MPs intentionally pre-adsorbed with chemical pollut ants are further limited (Athey et al., 2020).”
From Trophic transfer of polyester microfibres across a multi-level marine food web. (2025) · cites this paper as Athey et al., 2020
The paper’s Abstract-section discussion says that research on sorbed pollutants and microplastic trophic transfer in estuaries is lacking, and the Microplastic preparation section describes its use of DDT-treated microspheres. It does not establish that studies using intentionally pre-adsorbed microplastics are limited across settings generally; its stated research gap is narrower. (LLM, conf=0.79)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measuredAfter 1 h of exposure, only 44% of Favella spp. contained MPs at a concentration of 5 × 10^5 particles/ml.
“Indeed, after 1 h of exposure, only 44% of Favella spp. was found to contain MPs, even if the concentration was 5 × 105 particles/ml, higher than that used in this study (1000 MPs/ml).”
From Mixotrophic flagellate ingestion boosts microplastic accumulation in ascidians (2022) · cites this paper as Athey et al., 2020
Self-check
Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.
Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.
Contradictory results for ciliate consumption
MajorThe abstract says larvae ingested significantly more ciliates containing DDT-treated microspheres than ciliates containing untreated plastics. The results say larvae did not ingest significantly more ciliates overall when comparing those treatments.
“Larvae ingested significantly more ciliates containing DDT-treated microspheres than ciliates containing untreated plastics but did not discriminate when exposed directly.”
“despite not ingesting significantly more ciliates overall (Fig. 4C; ANOVA, Tukey HSD, p > 0.05).”
Different statistical tests reported for the same Figure 4C result
MinorThe text attributes the significant ciliate-count result in Figure 4C (p = 0.02) to ANOVA with Tukey HSD, whereas the figure caption attributes it to a Student's t-test.
“(ANOVA, Tukey HSD, p = 0.02, Fig. 4C)”
“(C) Bars indicate mean number of ciliates per 100 mL.Symbol (*) denotes significant findings (Student's t-test, p = 0.02).”
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“This difference could be also explained by the type of plastic or the experimental conditions that were used (Athey et al., 2020).”
BackgroundMethodResultInfluentialTrophic transfer of polyester microfibres across a multi-level marine food web.
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- Authors
- Athey, S. N., Albotra, S. D., Gordon, C. A., Monteleone, B., Seaton, P., Andrady, A. L., Taylor, A. R., & Brander, S. M.
- Affiliations
- University of North Carolina Wilmington (US)
- North Carolina State University (US)
- Oregon State University (US)
- Corresponding author
- Athey, Samantha N.
- Venue
- Limnology and Oceanography Letters
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Published
- 2020-01-07
- Volume
- 5
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 154-162
- ISSN
- 2378-2242 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2999467666
- Cited by
- 178
- References
- 42
- Citations by year
- 2026: 16 · 2025: 23 · 2024: 30 · 2023: 28 · 2022: 44 · 2021: 23 · 2020: 12 · 2018: 1
- FWCI
- 6.60
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- gold
- doi.org
- Locations
- Limnology and Oceanography Letters (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
- NOAA Institutional Repository (submittedVersion, cc-by)
- Funders
- National Center For Environmental Assessment (835799)
- National Science Foundation (IOS 0949744)
- Topics
- Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Pollution › Microplastics and Plastic Pollution
- Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis › Environmental Toxicology and Ecotoxicology
- Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Pollution › Pharmaceutical and Antibiotic Environmental Impacts
- Keywords
- microplastics, trophic transfer, Menidia beryllina, tintinnid ciliates, DDT, legacy contaminants, microplastic ingestion, fish larvae, bioaccumulation, estuaries
About these checks
Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.
Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-10.
Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-10.
Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.
Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.
What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›
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