We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Tracking the microplastic pollution in the freshwater environments of southeastern Türkiye: Usage of Unio delicatus, Unio Terminalis and Dreissena polymorpha as bioindicators of microplastics
Summary
This study examined microplastic contamination in three freshwater mussel species collected from rivers and a dam lake in southeastern Turkey, finding relatively low average concentrations (under 1 microplastic per individual) but confirming that these mussels do accumulate plastic particles from their surroundings. Because mussels are filter feeders with a fixed lifestyle, they reflect local pollution levels well, making them useful sentinels for tracking microplastic contamination in freshwater ecosystems. The research adds to growing evidence that microplastics are now present even in inland freshwater species far from the ocean.
Microplastic (MP) pollution levels in aquatic environments raise concerns regarding the potential harm to biota and the environment. Mussel species are categorized as perfect bioindicator of pollutants due to their sessile lifestyle, and filter-feeding activity that also make them more prone to microplastic contamination. This study was designed to assess microplastic pollution levels in the soft tissues of dominant freshwater mussel species to understand general picture in microplastic contamination of the ambient environment. For that purpose, microplastic presence in the soft tissue of Unio delicatus (n:49), Unio Terminalis (n:31) and Dreissena polymorpha (n:82) was investigated. Including all examined specimens, mean microplastic abundance was found as 0.6 ± 0.8 items/ind, 0.2 ± 0.5 items/g ww with occurrence rate of 48 %. Reflecting global distribution, general morphological characteristics of MPs were fiber shape, blue colored and less than 500 μm in size. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy identified the polymer type of MPs as polyethylene (40 %), polypropylene (47 %), and polystyrene (27 %). The results obtained in this study provide baseline information regarding microplastic contamination in freshwater environments and emphasize the need of protective measures.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Distribution of environmental microplastics in different tissues of indigenous freshwater bivalves (Unio spp.): a case study from the Sejenane River in Northern Tunisia
Researchers examined microplastic contamination in three species of freshwater mussels from a river in Northern Tunisia, analyzing particles in gill and digestive gland tissues. They found microplastics present in all species, suggesting these filter-feeding bivalves accumulate particles from their environment. The study demonstrates that freshwater mussels can serve as effective biological indicators for monitoring microplastic pollution in river ecosystems.
The first evidence of microplastic uptake in natural freshwater mussel,Unio stevenianusfrom Karasu River, Turkey
This brief report documents the presence of microplastics in a freshwater mussel species (Unio stevenianus) from the Karasu River in Turkey, providing first evidence of microplastic uptake in this native freshwater species. High microplastic concentrations in the mussel habitat indicate that the river is significantly polluted with plastic debris.
The Use of Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) as a Sentinel Species for the Microplastic Pollution of Freshwater: The Case of Beyhan Dam Lake, Turkey
This study detected microplastics in zebra mussels from Beyhan Dam Lake in Turkey, finding an average of several particles per individual with fibers predominating, providing the first evidence of microplastic pollution in this freshwater bivalve species from Turkish inland waters.
Microplastic intake of Unio mancus Lamarck 1819 collected from Ataturk Dam Lake, Türkiye
Researchers examined microplastic intake in the freshwater bivalve Unio mancus collected from Ataturk Dam Lake in Turkey, characterizing the size, shape, and polymer composition of microplastic particles and fibers ingested by the mussels. The study documented microplastic contamination in this dam lake population, contributing to understanding of freshwater bivalve exposure to plastic pollution in Turkish inland water systems.
Use of the Zebra Mussel Dreissena polymorpha (Mollusca, Bivalvia) as a Bioindicator of Microplastics Pollution in Freshwater Ecosystems: A Case Study from Lake Iseo (North Italy)
Invasive zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) from Lake Iseo in northern Italy accumulated microplastics in their tissues, supporting their use as sentinel bioindicators for freshwater microplastic monitoring and demonstrating their value for spatial pollution assessment.