We demonstrated that trophic transfer is a major contributor to microplastic ingestion by fish and that prey such as mysids can fragment microplastics. Smaller particles can translocate from the digestive tract into tissues and exert adverse physiological effects. Increased amount and smaller sizes of microplastics via trophic transfer could possibly amplify plastic-mediated adverse effects on fish. Concerns have been voiced about the impacts of plasticderived chemicals on marine ecosystems. Trophic transfer and fragmentation of microplastics may also facilitate bioaccumulation and biomagnification of such chemicals. More research on trophic transfer of microplastics and their fragmentation by organisms is warranted.
