Feeding Mechanism Research Articles

Identification of Benthic Foraminifera Presence in The Marginal Environments of Biliran Island, Philippines.

Benthic foraminifera are unicellular marine micro-organism with a hard exoskeleton and commonly present in the benthic community of marine ecosystem. This study aimed to identify the benthic foraminifera present along the coastal areas of eight municipalities in Biliran Island, Philippines. Quadrat sampling was conducted and three samples per quadrant transect of 1 m × 1 m divided into nine squares were collected. The samples were then observed under the microscope, and the specimens seen were identified by comparing them with the images of the sample species from the website https://marinespecies.org/. The researchers conducted an in-situ collection of the foraminiferal shells from intertidal areas along shallow water coastlines of the island. Results showed that the coastal environment of Biliran Island has the presence of the genera Spirillina, Quinqueloculina, Marginopora and Sorites. The identified species were classified based on their feeding mechanisms as herbivory and passive suspension feeding. The presence of benthic foraminifera species along the coastal environments of Biliran Island provides a record of the environment where they are found, making them natural bioindicators of water quality. This study provides a baseline for further studies on the distribution and abundance of benthic foraminifera in the area and can contribute to the understanding of the environmental conditions of the coastal areas in Biliran Island.

Life History Strategies Drive Meso-Scale Distribution Patterns in Coastal Benthic Macroinvertebrates.

The environment shapes the spatial distribution of species, but species also comprise suites of traits which may indicate their adaptability to a specific environment. This forms the basis of trait biogeography studies. We thus examined how a species distribution is not only influenced by its environment and traits, but by interactions among its traits. Trait information was collected for 150 intertidal macroinvertebrates along a 3000 km environmental and biogeographic gradient on the South African coast. This information was analysed, as functional entities (FEs) were species performing similar functions that have the same trait values and were further condensed into two trait domains (Reproduction and Lifestyle). We then defined Life History Strategies (LHS) as specific combinations of Lifestyle and Reproduction FEs. Seven combinations of Lifestyle and Reproduction formed LHS that dominated total biomass. Some of these LHS were ubiquitous, while others showed geographic patterns across our west-east environmental gradient. For Lifestyle, filter-feeders exhibited high abundances on the East (subtropical, oligotrophic) and West (cool-temperate, eutrophic) extremes of the biogeographic gradient, but differed between the two in size at reproductive maturity and larval development type. This similarity in functionality of feeding mechanism and mobility with different reproductive strategies suggests a trait trade-off (investment in one trait reduces resources for others) between the Reproduction and Lifestyle domains. Within the Reproduction domain, gonochoristic, annual planktotrophic reproduction was common across bioregions, reflecting spin-offs (investment in one trait facilitates another trait) among these traits. Gonochoristic investment in less frequent episodic reproduction is another trade-off, with investment in large size and delayed maturation being a trade-off for many reproductive cycles. Overall, although our data supports the habitat templet model (i.e., the importance of environmental drivers), it further indicates that species distribution patterns observed along the South African coast reflect strong trait interactions and biomass patterns related to their LHS.

A compact circularly polarized dielectric resonator antenna with MIMO characterizations for UWB applications.

Ultra-wideband (UWB) technology is extensively used in indoor navigation, medical applications, and Internet of Things devices due to its low power consumption and resilience against multipath fading and losses. This paper examines a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), circularly polarized (CP) dielectric resonator antenna for UWB systems. Compact form factor, high gain, wideband response, improved port isolation, and high data rates are the major design goals. This arrangement consists of two identical DRAs with self-decoupled orthogonal orientations eliminating the need for extra decoupling structures while achieving an impressive maximum isolation of 43 dB. The corner-edge feeding mechanism of the extended feedline generates two orthogonal E-fields, facilitating circular polarization. Additionally, a printed hook-shaped stub integrated with the ground plane enhances CP performance across the two operating bands without altering the DR structure. Fabrication and testing exhibit an impressive 133 impedance bandwidth (2.5-14 GHz) with high port isolation. For a 3 dB axial ratio reference, the single-element design exhibits axial ratio bandwidths (ARBW) of 1.2 GHz (3.6-4.8 GHz) and 0.8 GHz (9.3-10.1 GHz). Remarkably, the MIMO configuration achieves a single ARBW of 0.5 GHz (3.9-4.4 GHz). Detailed investigations of MIMO performance parameters, including diversity gain, envelope correlation coefficient, channel capacity loss, and total active reflection coefficient, underscore the design's efficacy, making it a good choice for UWB wireless applications.

A Novel Topology of a 3 × 3 Series Phased Array Antenna with Aperture-Coupled Feeding.

This paper presents a novel 3 × 3 phased array antenna optimized for 4 GHz operation, achieving a realized gain of 13.2 dBi and enabling 30-degree beam steering with a minimal capacitance variation of 1.5 pF. The design features a series aperture-coupled feeding mechanism that not only reduces the antenna's size but also simplifies the fabrication process, making the device both cost-effective and compact. Integrating cost-efficient quadrature-hybrid phase shifters and novel power splitters with cascaded quadrature hybrids ensures uniform power distribution and precise beam steering. The innovative use of these components addresses common challenges in phased array systems, such as space constraints, high costs, and complex power distribution.

PSX-18 Long term implanting of finished Angus Hereford steers: examining the relationship between feed and water efficiency

Abstract Herein, we investigate the effects of a long-term release trenbolone acetate and estradiol implant (200 mg and 40 mg respectively, Revalor-XS; Merck Animal Health; Summit, NJ) on implanted [IMP; n = 9, body weight (BW) = 473.13 kg ± 25.22] and non-implanted (NIMP; n = 9, BW = 481.13 kg ± 21.78) finished Angus Hereford steers fed a single diet three times daily (0600, 1100, 1600 h). The objectives were to identify water and feed efficiency parameters and mechanisms of IMP and NIMP steers. Parameters evaluated included daily dry matter intake (DMI), freshwater intake (FWI), average daily gain (ADG), animal water units (AWU), drinking behavior, feed conversion (FC), feed conversion ratio (FCR), water conversion (WC), water conversion ratio (WCR), residual growth rate (RGR), and Kleiber index (KI). Linear mixed models were fitted to analyze the data under assumption of a completely randomized design, and variable relationships examined through partial correlation networks and principal component analysis. Implanted animals were more feed efficient than NIMP for FC (P < 0.001; SEM = 0.00), FCR (P < 0.001; SEM = 0.29), RGR (P < 0.001; SEM = 0.0.02), and KI (P < 0.001; SEM = 0.00). When evaluating water efficiency, IMP animals had less WCR (P < 0.001; SEM = 1.54) and greater WC (P < 0.001; SEM = 0.001). No differences were observed on marbling and carcass grades, but carcass weight, final BW, and rib eye area were greater for IMP groups (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.004, respectively). For IMP, multivariate variable contribution (values > 10) appeared to associate FWI on the first and second eigenvectors with DMI, FC, and FCR. For NIMP, FWI was associated with WC, WCR, and AWU. The FWI of Implanted animals was associated with AWU, WCR, while NIMP was associated with AWU. Feed conversion ratio and DMI had the greatest node strength for the IMP animals, whereas for NIMP, KI was the only node with strength greater than 2. Our results indicate that feed and water efficiencies may share mechanistic pathways. We present a simple metric that accurately remains relevant in evaluating water requirements for both IMP and NIMP steers as AWU. We show how relationship strength is related to gain and efficiency for IMP animals, whereas metabolic activity, potentially in relation to body composition changes, drives the variation and relationships for NIMP animals.

Sham feeding as a nursing technology: recent progress and future perspective

Abstract Sham feeding is a conventional technique employed in enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols to facilitate the restoration of gastrointestinal motility. Currently, effectiveness of sham feeding extends beyond the postoperative phase following abdominal surgery, demonstrating potential applicability in non-abdominal postoperative rehabilitation. Studies have shown that sham feeding triggers the head-vagal reflex, thereby promoting gastrointestinal motility through a combination of humoral and neural stimulation. Recognized as a highly promising ERAS technology, sham feeding needs to be further investigated regarding the form, mechanism, and application of sham feeding. This paper summarized the research progress and limitations of sham feeding. Considering contemporary research focus on the gut-brain axis, we proposed a new concept of sham feeding that integrates visual, auditory, and olfactory stimuli. Additionally, we provide suggestions and perspectives to guide future exploration of sham feeding for its potential impact on development of non-drug nursing intervention technology based on the concept of ERAS.

Morphology and ethology of Rosselia erecta in Eocene lignitic mudstone

The Middle Eocene lignite-mudstone deposits of the Kutch (Kachchh) Basin, western India, manifest a highly restricted marginal-marine depositional setting, in which an unusual preservation of Rosselia erecta can be observed within organic-carbonaceous-rich mudstone beds. It is the earliest Cenozoic record of the ichnospecies hitherto reported. Rosselia erecta occurs in a paucispecific R. erecta–Trichichnus isp. ichnofabric within thinly laminated mudstones that are intercalated with lignite seams and laminae. The burrows are primarily vertical, characterized by cone-in-cone structures that are penetrated by a centrally positioned cylindrical shaft with concentric or intermittently eccentric lining. The lining intermittently contains sulfide-mineralization, often with the framboidal pustules that probably formed as a result of anaerobiosis by chemautotrophic symbiotic bacteria. The cone opening at the bedding surface displays radial striae, indicating surface-detrital foraging behaviour. We propose that the burrow serves as a facultative multifunctional structure, with the tracemaker employing two distinct feeding mechanisms: (1) surface-detritus-feeding (fodinichnia) and (2) cultivating microbial colonies (agrichnia) of sulfate-reducing bacteria in a mutualistic symbiotic relationship. The well-preserved morphological features in the newly examined specimens facilitate a reassessment of the constructional mechanisms and functional implications of the ichnospecies R. erecta reminiscent of the recently established ethological category sequestrichnia.

Innovative K-band slot antenna array for radar applications

This article introduces a novel microstrip slot antenna array (SAA) configuration for radar applications. The proposed antenna is specifically designed for operation in the K-band, spanning from 23 to 24.3 GHz. The antenna structure comprises two substrates: the feed network and ground plane are on the bottom substrate, and the radiating slots are on the top layer of the first substrate. The incorporation of a unique grid feed configuration, featuring 50 Ohm center excitation for the first time, improves the feed mechanism of the microstrip SAA. This innovation contributes to achieving a compact size and high gain. To enhance the side lobe level, the design incorporates a substrate-integrated waveguide-backed cavity, which significantly reduces surface waves. The SAA consists of 25 radiating elements with a gain of 14 dBi. In the elevation and azimuth planes, the half-power beamwidths are measured at 12.1° and 69.1°, respectively. The proposed antenna array’s measured impedance bandwidth ranges from 23.15 to 24.75 GHz, guaranteeing a reflection coefficient (S11) of less than − 10 dB. The suggested antenna's applicability for automotive multi-input multi-output radar has been validated.

The effect of feed mechanisms on the structural design of flexible antennas, and research on their material processing and applications.

Flexible antennas are widely used in mobile communications, the Internet of Things, personalized medicine, aerospace, and military technologies due to their superior performance in terms of adaptability, impact resistance, high degree of freedom, miniaturization of structures, and cost-effectiveness. With excellent flexibility and portability, these antennas are now being integrated into paper, textiles, and even the human body to withstand the various mechanical stresses of daily life without compromising their performance. The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive overview of the basic principles and current development of flexible antennas, systematically analyze the key performance factors of flexible antennas, such as structure, process, material, and application environment, and then discuss in detail the design structure, material selection, preparation process, and corresponding experimental validation of flexible antennas. Flexible antenna design in mobile communication, wearable devices, biomedical technology, and other fields in recent years has been emphasized. Finally, the development status of flexible antenna technology is summarized, and its future development trend and research direction are proposed.

УТОЧНЕНА МОДЕЛЬ ДВОКАНАЛЬНОГО ЕЛЕКТРОПРИВОДА ПОДАЧІ З ПІДСУМОВУВАННЯМ РУХІВ НА ХОДОВІЙ ГАЙЦІ ДЛЯ ВИСОКОТОЧНИХ МЕТАЛОРІЗАЛЬНИХ ВЕРСТАТІВ

The iterative two-channel feed electric drive (ED) with the summation of movements on the rotating sliding nut (RSN) is designed to increase the speed and accuracy of traditional single-channel ED feed mechanisms (FM) of metal-cutting machines with an inertial working tool (WT). A refined generalized mathematical model of movement of the two-channel ED with RSN was obtained, which was built for WT FM of the high-precision coordinate metal-cutting ma-chine of the 24К60АФ4 model. The model takes into account the main static moments of resistance during metalwork-ing, as well as the nonlinear nature of the sliding friction forces in the machine WT FM. Convenient recurrence rela-tions are obtained for the calculation and modeling of sections of the linearized friction characteristic. The structural-algorithmic diagram of the compensated iterative two-channel feed ED with subordinate configuration of control chan-nels is proposed, which makes it possible to compensate in steady-state conditions the negative impact on the accuracy of WT feed of the main static moments of resistance and nonlinearities of sliding friction forces in the drive load. Ref. 9, fig. 3, table.

Additive manufacturing of quartz glass using coaxial wire feeding technology

This study explores the process of coaxial wire feeding and melting for quartz additive manufacturing using Direct Energy Deposition (DED). Quartz glass, valued for its excellent mechanical, optical, and thermal properties, is widely used in semiconductor, aerospace, and optical communication industries. Additive manufacturing offers advantages such as cost-effective materials, rapid formation, and customization of structures. However, current methods for additive manufacturing of quartz glass often result in low quality or require complex post-processing, particularly for optical components. In optics, there is a demand for high-quality, straightforward processes, and custom-shaped quartz glass. This article presents a coaxial wire feeding mechanism wherein quartz wire is fed vertically downward along the optical axis into the melting zone created by a CO2 laser, facilitating smooth material deposition onto the molten zone’s surface. Laser power, wire feeding speed, substrate movement speed, and defocusing distance are key factors influencing the quality of single-layer quartz glass formation. Positive defocusing was found to have a beneficial impact on single-layer quartz glass additive manufacturing. Subsequently, optimized process parameters enabled the production of uniformly cross-sectional single-layer quartz glass. Microscopic morphology analysis and temperature field simulation were conducted on the experimental results before and after optimization. Finally, complex quartz glass structures were additively manufactured using the optimized experimental parameters. Results demonstrate that coaxial wire feeding technology has significant potential for achieving uniform dimensions and complex structures in quartz glass additive manufacturing.

Optically transparent coplanar wideband antenna for vehicular communication

SummaryThe presented state of the art is a novel coplanar optically transparent antenna designed to operate in extended GSM, L‐band, and UWB applications for vehicular communication. The presented radiator operates using a coplanar waveguide feed mechanism without a separate ground plane layer with a minimal conductive surface to enhance the transparency of the proposed antenna. The proposed antenna design has dimensions of 40 × 20 mm2, and a transparent material of soda–lime glass is used as a substrate with a dielectric constant of 7. The radiating element over the substrate is the conductive film fluorine‐doped tin oxide (FTO) with a sheet resistance of 7 Ω/sq. The operating frequency range of the designed antenna is from 0.86 to 14.45 GHz, which encloses the E‐GSM (900 MHz), L‐band (1–2 GHz), and UWB (3.1–10.6 GHz) frequencies. The peak gains at the operating frequencies are 1, 1.6, and 4.34 dBi, respectively. The designed antenna is fabricated and measured, and the performance metrics are plotted and compared. Since the transparent antenna is designed, the tendency of a substance to conduct light is measured as the optical transmittance, and it is calculated as 95% in the glass reference and 82% in the air reference.

Active prediction compensation strategy: A new positioning compensation technique for improving the accuracy of the dual ball screw feed mechanism under load

The dual ball screw feed mechanism (DBSFM) is commonly employed in high-end machining applications. However, its accuracy is challenging to enhance due to variations in the axial stiffness of the dual actuators under load, making geometric error compensation (GEC) difficult. To address this, our research establishes a comprehensive error model that integrates geometric error and load-induced error (LIE) to improve feeding accuracy. The axial stiffness matrix of the DBSFM is identified using motor current information, and an active prediction error matrix is defined based on the geometric error model, milling force model, and axial stiffness matrix. We propose and analyze the active prediction compensation (APC) strategy as a new method to enhance accuracy under load. Experimental validation using a gantry-type machine tool demonstrates that the APC strategy can reduce the positioning error of the DBSFM to ±2 μm under load, representing significant improvements over the established GEC method. Specifically, the APC strategy achieves a 53.07% and 57.04% enhancement in accuracy along the two axes. This work illustrates the effectiveness of the APC strategy in reducing positioning errors and improving feeding accuracy in DBSFM machining processes.

The chemical grain composition of wheat and barley affectsthe development of the lesser grain borer (Rhyzopertha dominica F.) and the rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae L.)

The lesser grain borer (Rhyzopertha dominica F.) and the rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae L.) are stored grain pests that cause significant economic losses in grain storage. This study aimed to analyze the impact of the chemical composition of wheat and barley grain (e.g., protein, fatty acids and total antioxidant capacity) on the development of two species of storage pests and to determine the relationship between the analyzed variables. The study involved the evaluation of 10 wheat cultivars and 10 barley cultivars under laboratory conditions. The observations included assessing the beetles’ progeny abundance, dust mass produced after feeding, and grain mass loss. The chemical composition of the tested wheat and barley cultivars was also determined, and the influence of different chemical compositions on insect development was investigated. The results of the experiment revealed diversity of resistance among cultivars to pest feeding. Larger populations of the lesser grain borer were observed on barley grains, while rice weevil populations were higher on wheat. Cultivars with higher protein and fat content were more susceptible to pest attacks. A connection between the amount of dust, grain mass loss, and the type of pest was also identified, indicating differences in feeding mechanisms and selective food preferences of these insects. The grain chemistry of wheat cultivars, including the content of fatty acids and antioxidants, significantly influenced the progeny abundance of S. oryzae, suggesting the potential of these components as natural barriers against storage pests. This study provides valuable insights for developing breeding strategies to enhance the natural resistance of new grain cultivars to these pests, contributing to the reduction of pesticide use. Statistical analyses confirmed the significance of differences in grain composition in varied resistance to the studied pests. The conclusions drawn from this work may help establish new storage and breeding practices, promoting sustainable agriculture and protecting natural resources.

Circularly Polarized Modified Minkowski Metasurface-Based Hybrid Dielectric Resonator Antenna for 5G n79 Wireless Applications

This paper presents a circularly polarized hybrid cylindrical dielectric resonator antenna (HCDRA) over a modified Minkowski unit-cell-based metasurface for 5G n79 band (4.4–5 GHz) and IEEE 802.11n WLAN (5 GHz) applications. The location of the perturbed probe feed mechanism and the asymmetric nature of the metasurface are the factors that influence the circularly polarized (CP) radiation within the DR element. The magnitude of E-field distribution and parametric study of the antenna to obtain the optimized feed location are the pieces of evidence of CP radiation. The return loss (RL) and axial ratio (AR) bandwidths produced by the proposed antenna are 1.837 GHz and 750 MHz with a peak gain of 7.04 dBic. The gain obtained is more than 5 dBic across the offered bandwidth of the proposed antenna. The proposed antenna is fabricated and tested in an anechoic chamber for measured results, and these results closely match with the simulation results.

Design and Simulation of 1x4 Patch Array for Enhanced Gain

In contemporary wireless communication systems, antenna design plays a crucial role in achieving better performance metrics like gain, directivity, radiation efficiency, and appropriate impedance matching. In this work, a 1x4 array antenna operating at 2.4 GHz is designed and simulated. With an emphasis on single patch antennas and linear arrays with 1x2 and 1x4 components, beam steering in antenna array investigates the design, simulation, and analysis of antenna arrays at 2.4 GHz using CST Microwave Studio. In order to maximize performance, the project starts with the design of a single patch antenna. Important factors such as substrate material, patch dimensions, and feed mechanisms are examined. To improve gain, directivity, and bandwidth, 1x2 and 1x4 linear arrays are designed as an extension of the single patch design. The antennas are simulated using CST Microwave Studio, which offers comprehensive insights into their radiation patterns, impedance matching, and overall performance. Based on the simulations, it can be observed that a 1x4 array has substantially better gain and directivity when compared to a single patch. As a result, these arrays are more appropriate for applications that need more concentrated beams and greater coverage. Performance comparisons between the single patch, 1x2, and 1x4 arrays are included in the project's thorough study, along with a discussion of the trade-offs between design complexity, physical size, and performance advantages. The findings demonstrate the advantages of antenna arrays in improving 2.4 GHz wireless communication systems and provide insightful guidance for the creation of effective and high-performing antennas in this frequency range. The suggested antenna array exhibits encouraging performance in terms of parameters like gain, directivity, and efficiency, which qualifies it for use in particular applications including Internet of Things (IoT), wireless communication systems, and radar systems

New feeding mechanism to enhance the properties of wrapped elastic composite yarn and denim fabrics thereof

In light of the recent technological advancements in composite yarns with multicomponent cores, also known as dual core spun yarns, their utilisation in the textile industry has become widespread. A V-grooved roller is employed to enhance the feeding of multicomponent cores. In this context, diverse composite yarn designs with varying feeding mechanisms can be employed to optimise yarn performance. This study presents an alternative feeding mechanism utilising a W-grooved roller for commercial use in composite yarn production. To achieve this, dual core yarns and wound elastic composite yarns (filament feeding varies with the sheath cotton fibre with elastane in the centre wrapped on the right and left side) were produced using a modified ring spinning system with different parameters. Denim fabrics were then produced using these composite yarns as weft yarns. The results demonstrated that the wrapped elastic composite yarns with left and right filament core positioning exhibited superior yarn properties in terms of strength, elongation at break, evenness and hairiness. Furthermore, denim fabrics made with wrapped elastic composite yarns exhibited superior breaking load and tearing force results on weft basis. These fabrics also exhibited lower growth, defined as the percentage of the fabric returning to its original length after tensile stress removal.

Cranial anatomy and phylogenetic affinities of Bolosaurus major, with new information on the unique bolosaurid feeding apparatus and evolution of the impedance-matching ear.

Resolving the phylogenetic relationships of early amniotes, in particular stem reptiles, remains a difficult problem. Three-dimensional morphological analysis of well-preserved stem-reptile specimens can reveal important anatomical data and clarify regions of phylogeny. Here, we present the first thorough description of the unusual early Permian stem reptile Bolosaurus major, including the first comprehensive description of a bolosaurid braincase. We describe previously obscured details of the palate, allowing for insight into bolosaurid feeding mechanics. Aspects of the rostrum, palate, mandible, and neurocranium suggest that B. major had a particularly strong bite. We additionally found B. major has a surprisingly slender stapes, similar to that of the middle Permian stem reptile Macroleter poezicus, which may suggest enhanced hearing abilities compared to other Paleozoic amniotes (e.g., captorhinids). We incorporated our new anatomical information into a large phylogenetic matrix (150 OTUs, 590 characters) to explore the relationship of Bolosauridae among stem reptiles. Our analyses generally recovered a paraphyletic "Parareptilia," and found Bolosauridae to diverge after Captorhinidae + Araeoscelidia. We also included B. major within a smaller matrix (10 OTUs, 27 characters) designed to explore the interrelationships of Bolosauridae and found all species of Bolosaurus to be monophyletic. While reptile relationships still require further investigation, our phylogeny suggests repeated evolution of impedance-matching ears in Paleozoic stem reptiles.

Design and Experiment of In-Situ Bionic Harvesting Device for Edible Sunflower

In view of the low degree of mechanization and poor quality of harvesting of edible sunflower after drying, an in situ bionic harvesting device was designed, which can achieve low-loss harvesting of edible sunflower without removing the edible sunflower disc. According to the physical characteristics of sunflower stalks in the field, influencing factors of in situ low-loss feeding were obtained, and the structural parameters of the in situ feeding mechanism were determined. Based on bionic technology and static analysis, the influencing factors on the performance of the bionic threshing mechanism were obtained. By analyzing the mechanical characteristics of edible sunflower seed, the operation parameters of the seed collection mechanism were determined. Based on the structural analysis results of the harvesting device, a response surface optimization test was carried out. The test results show that when the average rotation speed of the bionic loosening roller was 113.57 rpm, the average rotation speed of the simulated artificial striking roller was 230.80 rpm, the average forward speed of the harvesting device was 0.58 m/s, the working quality of the harvesting device was the best, the seed loss rate was 2.12%, and the edible sunflower disc threshing rate was 98.96%. A field verification test further confirms that under the optimal working parameters, the relative deviation between test indexes and response surface optimization test results was less than 2%. During the operation process, the movement of key components of the harvesting device was coordinated and stable. The research results can provide new ideas for the mechanized harvesting of the edible sunflower disc after drying.

Tracing microplastic pollution in Mahi River estuary, Gulf of Khambhat, Gujarat, and their influence on functional traits of macrobenthos.

Most maritime habitats contain microplastic (MPs) contamination. The quality of the benthic ecosystem's habitat is declining as MPs accumulate in marine system. The contamination of MPs must therefore be investigated. We studied MPs pollution in the Mahi River, estuary, and macrobenthos. In the present study, the abundance of MPs fragments gradually decreased from the high tide zone to the low tide zone and muddy sediment has high MPsconcentrations due to sediment characteristics and particle size. The majority of sediment and biota MPs were fibrous and black. MPs in both silt and biota have identical chemical compositions (modified cellulose), shapes, and colors. A significant source of pollutants and MPs fluxing into the ocean is well within the river system. Perinereis aibuhitensis ingested the most MPs out of 11 species, whereas Amphipods did not show any presence of MPs. Our findings showed that functional characteristics are essential for macrobenthos MPs intake. MPs in macrobenthos are high due to biological functions such as feeding, ecological groups, feeding mechanisms, body size, and bioturbation. MPs in marine sediment and organisms aretracked down to the Mahi River exceeding 50km. The present work has investigated the idea that the macrobenthos that live in the sediment are ingesting the MPs that are building up there and this ingestion relies on the macrobenthos' functional characteristics.