We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Combined effects of polyamide microplastics and the pathogenic bacterium Vibrio parahaemolyticus on the immune parameters of Mytilus coruscus
AI summary Read the abstract
When mussels were exposed to nylon microplastics along with harmful Vibrio bacteria, they suffered gill damage, increased oxidative stress, and weakened immune defenses compared to either stressor alone. The combined exposure suppressed key immune enzymes that mussels need to fight infection. Since mussels are widely consumed as seafood, this study raises concerns that microplastic-contaminated shellfish could carry more pathogens and be less safe to eat.
The thick-shelled mussel, Mytilus coruscus, plays a vital role in marine ecosystems but is vulnerable to pollutants. Polyamide microplastics (PA-MPs), such as nylon, can adsorb harmful bacteria like Vibrio parahaemolyticus, posing threats to bivalves and economic risks to aquaculture. In this study, M. coruscus was exposed to four treatments over 14 days: (1) control, (2) PA microplastics (50 particles/L), (3) V. parahaemolyticus (10 CFU/L), and (4) combined PA and V. parahaemolyticus. Evaluations included gill tissue pathology, bacterial loads in mussel tissues, and antioxidant and immune enzyme activities in hemolymph. Results showed that co-exposure to PA microplastics and V. parahaemolyticus led to gill tissue damage, such as decreased gill epithelial thickness and hemocytic infiltration. In addition, mussels exhibited elevated oxidative stress in the hemolymph, as indicated by increased levels of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), superoxide anion (O₂), and malondialdehyde (MDA). Concurrently, immunological activity was suppressed, as evidenced by reduced activities of alkaline phosphatase (AKP), acid phosphatase (ACP), and lysozyme (LZM). Notably, PA microplastics appeared to facilitate the clearance of V. parahaemolyticus by the mussels. These findings contribute to sustainable aquaculture and shellfish safety strategies.
More Papers Like This
Potential threats of microplastics and pathogenic bacteria to the immune system of the mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis
AI summary Read the abstract
This study found that microplastics weakened the immune system of Mediterranean mussels, making them more vulnerable to bacterial infections from Vibrio, a common marine pathogen. Long-term microplastic exposure drained the mussels' energy reserves and suppressed their immune defenses, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks. Since these mussels are widely consumed as seafood, microplastic-driven disease susceptibility could affect both mussel populations and the safety of shellfish for human consumption.
The adverse impact of microplastics and their attached pathogen on hemocyte function and antioxidative response in the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined how microplastics carrying pathogenic bacteria affect the immune system of mussels. They found that while microplastics alone caused moderate immune cell disruption, the combination of microplastics and Vibrio bacteria significantly weakened antioxidant defenses and triggered cell death in mussel blood cells. The study demonstrates that microplastics can act as a "Trojan horse," delivering harmful pathogens into marine organisms and amplifying their toxic effects.
Simultaneous exposure to microplastics and heavy metal lead induces oxidative stress, histopathological damage, and immune dysfunction in marine mussel Mytilus coruscus
AI summary Read the abstract
When marine mussels were exposed to both microplastics and the heavy metal lead together, the combined effect was worse than either pollutant alone. The combination caused more severe tissue damage, higher oxidative stress, and greater immune system disruption, which is concerning because in real ocean environments, microplastics and heavy metals commonly occur together.
Immunotoxicity of petroleum hydrocarbons and microplastics alone or in combination to a bivalve species: Synergic impacts and potential toxication mechanisms
AI summary Read the abstract
Marine mussels exposed to petroleum hydrocarbons and microplastics separately and together showed that combined exposure caused greater immune suppression and lysosomal damage than either stressor alone, identifying oxidative stress pathways as a key mechanism of joint toxicity.
The combined effects of phenanthrene and micro-/nanoplastics mixtures on the cellular stress responses of the thick-shell mussel Mytilus coruscus
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists exposed thick-shell mussels to a combination of micro- and nanoplastics along with a common pollutant (phenanthrene) to study their combined effects. The mixtures caused more severe immune cell damage, increased oxidative stress, and stronger inflammatory responses than either pollutant alone. Evidence indicates that micro- and nanoplastics can worsen the toxic effects of organic pollutants in marine shellfish.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.