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Oxidative Stress in Mussel Mytilus trossulus Induced by Different-Sized Plastics

  • 0Il'ichev Pacific Oceanological Institute, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 690041 Vladivostok, Russia.
Journal of Xenobiotics +

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November 25, 2024

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November 25, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Plastic pollution harms marine life. Both microplastic polystyrene and macroplastic polyethylene cause oxidative stress and DNA damage in mussels, impacting their health and survival.

Area Of Science

  • Environmental Science
  • Marine Biology
  • Toxicology

Background

  • Polyethylene and polystyrene are prevalent plastic pollutants in marine ecosystems.
  • Plastic debris degrades into microplastics, posing risks to marine organisms.
  • Bivalve mollusks like Mytilus trossulus are susceptible to environmental contaminants.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To investigate the toxic effects of polystyrene microplastics and polyethylene macrofragments on the marine bivalve Mytilus trossulus.
  • To compare the biochemical responses of mussels exposed to different sizes and types of plastic pollutants.

Main Methods

  • Exposure of Mytilus trossulus to 0.9 µm polystyrene microparticles and 10 cm polyethylene fragments.
  • Assessment of oxidative stress biomarkers, lysosomal stability, DNA damage, and malondialdehyde levels.
  • Analysis of total antiradical activity in specific mussel tissues.

Main Results

  • Both polystyrene microplastics and polyethylene macrofragments induced significant oxidative stress in mussels.
  • Lysosomal stability in mussel hemocytes decreased, indicating cellular damage.
  • Increased DNA damage and malondialdehyde concentration were observed in gills and digestive glands.
  • Total antiradical activity showed tissue-specific variations.

Conclusions

  • Marine plastic pollution, irrespective of polymer type or size, is toxic to Mytilus trossulus.
  • Both ingested microplastics and leached chemicals from macroplastics contribute to mussel toxicity.
  • The study highlights the detrimental impact of plastic debris on marine invertebrate health.

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