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Polyester Microfibers Exposure Modulates Mytilus galloprovincialis Hemolymph Microbiome
Manon Auguste1,2, Martina Leonessi1,2, Lapo Doni1,2
1Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy.
Abstract:
Microplastic (MP) contamination in the aquatic environment is a cause of concern worldwide since MP can be taken up by different organisms, altering different biological functions. In particular, evidence is accumulating that MP can affect the relationship between the host and its associated microbial communities (the microbiome), with potentially negative health consequences. Synthetic microfibers (MFs) represent one of the main MPs in the marine environment, which can be accumulated by filter-feeding invertebrates, such as bivalves, with consequent negative effects and transfer through the food chain. In the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) MFs, with a size distribution resembling that of an MF released from textile washing, have been previously shown to induce multiple stress responses. In this work, in the same experimental conditions, the effects of exposure to PET-MF (96 h, 10, and 100 μg/L) on mussel hemolymph microbiome were evaluated by 16S rRNA gene amplification and sequencing. The results show that PET-MF affects the composition of bacterial communities at the phylum, family and genus level, with stronger effects at the lowest concentration tested. The relationship between MF-induced changes in hemolymph microbial communities and responses observed at the whole organism level are discussed.
Insights
Microplastic (MP) contamination impacts aquatic life. Exposure to polyethylene terephthalate microfibers (PET-MFs) alters the hemolymph microbiome in mussels, affecting bacterial communities even at low concentrations.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Microbiology
- Marine Biology
Background:
- Microplastic (MP) pollution is a global concern, with synthetic microfibers (MFs) posing a significant threat to marine ecosystems.
- Filter-feeding invertebrates like bivalves accumulate MPs, leading to potential health issues and food chain transfer.
- Previous studies showed polyethylene terephthalate (PET) MFs induce stress responses in the mussel *Mytilus galloprovincialis*.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of PET-MF exposure on the hemolymph microbiome of *Mytilus galloprovincialis*.
- To determine if PET-MFs alter bacterial community composition in mussel hemolymph.
- To assess the impact of different PET-MF concentrations on microbial communities.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of *Mytilus galloprovincialis* to PET-MFs (10 and 100 μg/L) for 96 hours.
- Analysis of hemolymph microbiome composition using 16S rRNA gene amplification and sequencing.
- Evaluation of changes at phylum, family, and genus levels.
Main Results:
- PET-MF exposure significantly altered the bacterial community composition in mussel hemolymph.
- Stronger effects on microbial communities were observed at the lower concentration of 10 μg/L.
- Changes in the hemolymph microbiome were detected at multiple taxonomic levels.
Conclusions:
- PET-MFs disrupt the host-associated microbial communities in bivalves.
- The mussel hemolymph microbiome is sensitive to microplastic pollution.
- Understanding these microbiome alterations is crucial for assessing the ecological risks of microplastic contamination.
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