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Cellular and tissue-level responses of mussels (Mytilus edulis) to aged polyethylene terephthalate (PET) micro- and nanoplastic particles
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This study exposed mussels to environmentally realistic concentrations of aged PET micro- and nanoplastics and found measurable cellular damage even at the lowest doses tested. The plastic particles caused inflammation, oxidative stress, and tissue changes in the mussels' digestive systems. Since mussels are a common seafood and are often eaten whole, these findings are relevant to understanding human microplastic exposure through shellfish consumption.
Micro- and nanoplastic particles (MNPs) are pollutants of global concern due to their persistence, ubiquity, and associated risks. Laboratory studies, however, have predominantly focused on pristine MNPs, which do not adequately reflect the characteristics of environmental plastic debris. To address this gap, this study investigated the cellular and tissue-level responses of mussels (Mytilus edulis) to aged polyethylene terephthalate (PET) MNPs (diameter 600 nm to 3.1 µm) at three environmentally relevant concentrations: 10, 103, and 105 particles/L. The particles' physicochemical characteristics and stability in exposure media were analyzed using a combination of advanced analytical techniques. The biological responses were analyzed across multiple effect endpoints during both the exposure (days 1, 3, 7, and 14) and the subsequent recovery periods (3 and 10 days post-exposure), via flow cytometry and histopathology. The results revealed the sensitivity of hemocyte subpopulations, including granulocytes and hyalinocytes, to aged PET MNPs. Concentration- and time-dependent changes in lysosomal stability, oxidative activity, and hemocyte mortality were observed, demonstrating both immediate cellular perturbations and recovery potential to alleviate particle-induced effects. Histopathological analysis of key tissues exhibited significant alterations, particularly in the gill, suggesting potential impairment of essential physiological functions. No mussel mortality or significant changes in growth metrics were observed under the tested experimental conditions. These findings underscore the systemic impacts across multiple tissues of aged MNP exposure and highlight the importance of adopting integrative, environmentally realistic approaches to assess the biological consequences in future research.
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Differential sensitivity of hemocyte subpopulations (Mytilus edulis) to aged polyethylene terephthalate micro- and nanoplastic particles
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This study examined how different immune cell types in blue mussels respond to aged PET micro- and nanoplastic particles that resemble those found in natural environments. Researchers found that the two main hemocyte subpopulations showed different sensitivities, with granulocytes being more affected in some measures than hyalinocytes. The results suggest that aged plastic particles may interfere with the immune defenses of shellfish in ways that differ from pristine lab-made particles.
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Researchers exposed mussels to both tiny polystyrene microparticles and larger polyethylene plastic fragments and found that both sizes triggered oxidative stress in the animals. The plastic exposure caused DNA damage, weakened cellular membranes, and destabilized immune cell structures in the mussels' gills and digestive glands. The findings indicate that plastics of any size and polymer type can be harmful to marine filter-feeding organisms.
Biomarker Responses in the Marine Mussel Mytilus Edulis Indicate Significant Toxicological Effects of Polyethylene Microplastics
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Scientists exposed mussels to microplastic particles for just three days and found real damage: broken DNA, cell stress, and weakened internal cell defenses. Since mussels and other shellfish are commonly eaten and also serve as an early warning system for ocean pollution, this research suggests microplastics in our waters could be causing cellular harm—though more research is needed to know what this means for people who eat seafood or are otherwise exposed to microplastics long-term.
Ingestion of microplastics by Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis): Influence of particle size on histopathological and oxidative stress responses
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This study investigated how Mediterranean mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) respond to microplastic ingestion with varying particle sizes, examining histopathological changes and oxidative stress indicators in tissues. The findings reveal that microplastic exposure causes tissue-level damage and oxidative stress in commercially important shellfish, with implications for seafood safety.
Exposure to pet-made microplastics: Particle size and pH effects on biomolecular responses in mussels
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Researchers exposed mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) to PET microplastic fibers of three size classes under two pH conditions, finding that all sizes induced oxidative stress with lipid peroxidation and glutathione peroxidase being the most sensitive biomarkers. Larger particles (0.5-3.0 mm) caused greater effects, and mussels in acidified seawater (pH 7.5) showed lower biomarker expression than those at standard pH (8.0).
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