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Exploring the effect of microparticles on bivalves: Exposure of Mytilus galloprovincialis and Ruditapes philippinarum to both microplastics and silt
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Researchers exposed mussels and clams to polyethylene microplastics, natural silt particles, and a combination of both, finding that the mixture caused significantly worse mortality and oxidative stress than either substance alone. Clams were more sensitive to microplastic exposure than mussels, while mussels retained more microplastics in their tissues. The study reveals that the combined presence of natural sediment particles and microplastics in coastal waters creates synergistic harmful effects on filter-feeding shellfish that are greater than the sum of individual exposures.
Understanding the impacts of suspended sediments and microplastics (MPs) on aquatic organisms is critical, particularly for filter-feeding bivalves such as mussels and clams. Despite their ecological and economic significance, the differential effects of MPs and natural particles on bivalves remain insufficiently studied. This research investigates the impacts of polyethylene (PE) MPs, silt, and their combination on mortality and oxidative stress biomarkers (superoxide dismutase-SOD and malondialdehyde-MDA) in Mytilus galloprovincialis (mussels) and Ruditapes philippinarum (clams). PE exposure caused significant mortality, with clams showing greater sensitivity compared to mussels. In contrast, silt exposure resulted in minimal mortality, reflecting clams' higher tolerance to natural particulate matter. However, combined PE and silt exposure exacerbated mortality in both species, highlighting synergistic effects. Combined exposure also led to a pronounced increase in SOD activity in the digestive glands of mussels and elevated MDA levels in both digestive glands and gills, indicating oxidative damage. Notably, single treatments with PE or silt also caused significant increases in MDA levels in mussels. Species interactions also significantly influenced the biochemical responses of mussels and clams. Overall, mussels showed the higher MP retention capacities, while clams appeared to modulate MP accumulation dynamics. This study advances our understanding of the ecological risks posed by particulate pollutants, particularly MPs, and highlights the importance of investigating the combined effects of multiple stressors in aquatic ecosystems.
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Investigating the combined effects of microplastics and suspended sediment on mussels in controlled experimental conditions.
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Researchers investigated the combined effects of microplastics and suspended sediment on mussels under controlled experimental conditions, examining how co-exposure to these two particulates alters physiological responses compared to single-stressor exposures. The study addressed interactions between two common aquatic stressors to better predict realistic environmental impacts on filter-feeding bivalves.
Are mixtures of micro/nanoplastics more toxic than individual micro or nanoplastic contamination in the clam Ruditapes decussatus?
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Researchers exposed clams to polystyrene nanoplastics and polyethylene microplastics, both separately and in combination, to test whether mixtures are more harmful. They found that nanoplastics accumulated more readily in clam tissues and that the mixture caused greater oxidative stress and cellular damage than either type of plastic alone. The study suggests that real-world exposure to multiple plastic particle sizes may be more harmful than exposure to a single type.
Elucidating the consequences of the co-exposure of microplastics jointly to other pollutants in bivalves: A review
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This review examines studies on the combined effects of microplastics and other pollutants in bivalves, finding that co-exposure often modifies individual toxicant effects and highlighting bivalves as important sentinel species for monitoring complex environmental contamination.
Impact of polyethylene microplastics on the clam Ruditapes decussatus (Mollusca: Bivalvia): examination of filtration rate, growth, and immunomodulation
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Researchers exposed clams to polyethylene microplastics at three different concentrations for 14 days and measured the effects on feeding, growth, and immune function. They found that higher microplastic concentrations reduced the clams' ability to filter water and caused weight loss, while also disrupting immune cell integrity. The study demonstrates that microplastic pollution can impair both the feeding efficiency and immune defenses of shellfish.
The combined effects of polyethylene microplastics and benzoanthracene on Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum
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Researchers studied the combined effects of polyethylene microplastics and a toxic organic pollutant (benzo[a]anthracene) on Manila clams. The study found that when the pollutant was present alongside microplastics, the clams showed more severe stress responses than from either contaminant alone. Evidence indicates that microplastics can act as carriers for harmful chemicals, potentially amplifying their toxic effects on marine shellfish.
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