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Chemical toxicity of leachates from synthetic and natural-based spat collectors on the embryo-larval development of the pearl oyster, Pinctada margaritifera
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This study assessed the chemical toxicity of leachates from conventional shade-mesh and three alternative spat collector materials on pearl oyster (Pinctada margaritifera) embryo-larval development in French Polynesia. A newly developed biomaterial (BioM) showed the lowest levels of chemical pollutants and no toxic effects at environmentally relevant concentrations, identifying it as a promising environmentally friendly alternative to conventional plastic shade-mesh collectors.
In French Polynesia, the pearl farming industry relies entirely on collecting natural spat using a shade-mesh collector, which is reported to contribute to both plastic pollution and the release of toxic chemicals. With the aim of identifying more environment-friendly collectors, this study investigates the chemical toxicity of shade-mesh (SM) and alternative materials, including reusable plates (P), a newly developed biomaterial (BioM) and Coconut coir geotextile (Coco), on the embryo-larval development of Pinctada margaritifera. Embryos were exposed during 48 h to four concentrations (0, 0.1, 10 and 100 g L-1) of leachates produced from materials. Chemical screening of raw materials and leachates was performed to assess potential relationships with the toxicity observed on D-larvae development. Compared to the other tested materials, results demonstrated lower levels of chemical pollutants in BioM and no toxic effects of its leachates at 10 g L-1. No toxicity was observed at the lowest tested concentration (0.1 g L-1). These findings offer valuable insights for promoting safer spat collector alternatives such as BioM and contribute to the sustainable development of pearl farming.
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