Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 29, 2025
Protocol for Microplastics Sampling on the Sea Surface and Sample Analysis
Published on: December 16, 2016
Microplastic contamination in Indian edible mussels (Perna perna and Perna viridis) and their environs
Jamila Patterson1, K Immaculate Jeyasanta1, R L Laju1
1Suganthi Devadason Marine Research Institute, Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, India.
Abstract:
This study investigated the microplastic (MPs) contamination of the mussels, P. viridis and P. perna of different sizes, and their environment viz. water and sediment. MPs were recovered from the soft tissues of both species. The mean abundance of MPs ranges from 0.87 ± 0.55 to 10.02 ± 4.15 items/individual; 0.1 ± 0.03 to 2.05 ± 0.33 items/g; 31.57 ± 7.63 to 59.25 ± 14.32 items/l in water, and 79.54 ± 18.66 to 108 ± 40.36 items/kg in sediment. Smaller mussels (3-6 cm) are capable of ingesting higher quantities of MPs per gram of tissue weight, and the rate of MP uptake decreases when the mussels grow in size. These might be due to the faster filtration rate in smaller mussels. MPs of fiber type and blue color in the size range of 500 μm to 1 mm are predominant in mussels. Eleven different polymeric groups were identified, of which PE is the most common, followed by PP. The distribution patterns of MP abundance, shape, size, color, and polymer in mussels more closely resemble those in water. There is no significant difference in MP quantities between P. perna and P. viridis (p > 0.05). FTIR-ATR spectroscopy and SEM analysis show that most of the MPs have been strongly weathered. EDAX analysis detects heavy metals like As, Ni, Fe, Zn, and Cd associated with MPs. This study shows that the MPs contents of both the mussel species are transferred from seawater to their edible meat. This study again proved that mussels can act as bio indicator of MPs pollution.
Insights
Microplastic (MP) contamination was studied in green-lipped mussels (P. viridis) and brown-lipped mussels (P. perna). Smaller mussels ingested more MPs, and fiber-shaped, blue MPs were most common, indicating mussels are reliable bioindicators of MP pollution.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Environmental Science
- Ecotoxicology
Background:
- Microplastic (MP) pollution is a growing global concern, impacting marine ecosystems and potentially human health.
- Mussels are filter feeders and known to accumulate environmental contaminants, making them valuable indicators of marine pollution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate microplastic contamination in two mussel species, Perna viridis and Perna perna, of varying sizes.
- To analyze the microplastic load in the mussels' environment (water and sediment).
- To identify the characteristics (size, shape, color, polymer type) and associated heavy metals of microplastics in mussels.
Main Methods:
- Mussels (P. viridis and P. perna) and their surrounding water and sediment samples were collected.
- Microplastics were extracted from mussel soft tissues, water, and sediment.
- Microplastic characteristics were analyzed using FTIR-ATR spectroscopy, SEM, and EDAX.
- Abundance, size, shape, color, and polymer types were quantified and compared.
Main Results:
- Microplastics were detected in both mussel species and their environment, with higher MP abundance in sediment than in water.
- Smaller mussels (3-6 cm) exhibited higher MP ingestion rates per gram of tissue weight.
- Fiber-shaped, blue microplastics (500 μm–1 mm) were predominant; Polyethylene (PE) and Polypropylene (PP) were the most common polymers.
- Weathered MPs associated with heavy metals (As, Ni, Fe, Zn, Cd) were identified.
- MP profiles in mussels closely mirrored those in the water, with no significant difference between the two mussel species.
Conclusions:
- Mussels, P. viridis and P. perna, accumulate microplastics from seawater, which can be transferred to their edible tissues.
- Mussels serve as effective bioindicators for assessing microplastic pollution in marine environments.
- The findings highlight the ubiquitous nature of microplastic contamination and its potential ecological implications.
