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Dynamic of small polyethylene microplastics (≤10 μm) in mussel's tissues
Beatriz Fernández1, Marina Albentosa1
1Spanish Institute of Oceanography, IEO, Oceanographic Center of Murcia, C/ Varadero, 1, 30740 San Pedro del Pinatar, Spain.
Abstract:
MPs' uptake and tissue accumulation were investigated in mussel exposed to a single dose (2.85 mg ind-1, 3 mg l-1) of a heterogeneous mixture of irregularly shaped particles of HDPE (mainly ≤10 μm), followed by a 7 days depuration period. The results showed that mussels efficiently cleared MPs from water during exposure, and that MPs were accumulated in digestive gland and gills during depuration. In digestive gland, the amount and size of the MPs accumulated decreased with time, indicating a slower processing and elimination of small MPs than of larger ones. In gills, MPs' burdens increased with time, the MPs accumulated were the smallest ones, suggesting the translocation of small MPs from the digestive system to the gills. The hazardous potential of the smaller fraction of MPs (≤4 μm) underlined that more focus should be directed towards the accumulation and effects of this fraction of MPs in the marine environment.
Insights
Mussels efficiently remove microplastics (MPs) from water, but smaller MPs accumulate in gills over time, indicating potential translocation and highlighting risks to marine ecosystems.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Marine Biology
- Ecotoxicology
Background:
- Microplastic (MP) pollution is a growing concern in marine ecosystems.
- Understanding the bioaccumulation and trophic transfer of MPs in marine organisms is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the uptake, tissue accumulation, and depuration of microplastics in mussels.
- To assess the influence of MP size on accumulation and elimination processes.
Main Methods:
- Mussels were exposed to a single dose of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) microplastics (≤10 μm).
- A 7-day depuration period followed the exposure.
- MP accumulation in digestive gland and gills was quantified over time.
Main Results:
- Mussels demonstrated efficient clearance of MPs from the water column during exposure.
- MPs accumulated in the digestive gland and gills during the depuration phase.
- Smaller MPs (≤4 μm) showed slower elimination from the digestive gland and increased accumulation in gills, suggesting translocation.
Conclusions:
- Mussels can accumulate and retain microplastics, particularly smaller fractions.
- The digestive gland and gills are key tissues for MP accumulation and potential translocation.
- The accumulation of smaller MPs warrants further investigation due to their potential ecological risks.