Evaluation of tissue-specific Bisphenol A accumulation in mussels upon acute exposure: A pilot study

Tissue-specific accumulation of Bisphenol A is evaluated for the first time in the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis to trace the contaminant path within the selected tissues. Evaluation occurred in Mantle, Gills and Digestive gland after acute exposure to concentrations of the contaminant ranging from 6,25 to 125 ppb. Different uptakes were detected depending on the Bisphenol A exposure concentration: specifically, at low Bisphenol A doses (from 0 to 12.5 ppb) no substantial differences were observed among Mantle, Gills and Digestive gland. Starting from 31.25 ppb of Bisphenol A exposure, higher uptake in the Mantle was detected (up to 116.0 μg/g dry weight) and morphological alteration of reproductive organs was observed. The results obtained, supported by histological analysis, provided novel insights into the pathways of Bisphenol A bioaccumulation and the variability of tissue-level responses. Overall, this integrated strategy offers a powerful tool to investigate contaminant dynamics, paving the way to a deeper understanding of long-term effects and supporting more effective risk assessment and environmental regulation.