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Microplastics in Mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis): Understanding Pollution in Italian Seas

Toxics 2025 6 citations ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count. Score: 63 ? 0–100 AI score estimating relevance to the microplastics field. Papers below 30 are filtered from public browse.

Silva Rubini, Silva Rubini, Silva Rubini, Martina Munari, Martina Munari, Cristiano Cocumelli, Erika Baldini, Filippo Barsi, Carmen Losasso Francesca Barchiesi, Francesca Barchiesi, Carmela Vaccaro, Daniela Meloni, Carmela Vaccaro, Carmela Vaccaro, Carmela Vaccaro, Gabriella Di Francesco, Carmen Losasso Gabriella Di Francesco, Carmela Vaccaro, Nicola Pussini, Nicola Pussini, Francesca Barchiesi, Gabriella Di Francesco, Erika Baldini, Gabriella Di Francesco, Carmen Losasso Stefano Manfredini, Cristiano Cocumelli, Sebastiano Virgilio, Salvatore Dara, Sebastiano Virgilio, Carmen Losasso Salvatore Dara, Sebastiano Virgilio, Sebastiano Virgilio, Sebastiano Virgilio, Sebastiano Virgilio, Salvatore Dara, Salvatore Dara, Fabio Di Nocera, A. Petrella, Gabriella Di Francesco, Gabriella Di Francesco, A. Petrella, Matteo Zinni, Matteo Zinni, Carmela Vaccaro, Negar Eftekhari, Stefano Manfredini, Silvia Vertuani, Gabriella Di Francesco, Gabriella Di Francesco, Carmen Losasso

Summary

A nationwide study across Italy found microplastics in 7-13% of common mussels sampled from Italian seas, mainly polypropylene and polystyrene fragments and fibers. Since mussels are eaten whole without removing their digestive system, any microplastics inside them are directly consumed by people. The findings underscore the need for standardized detection methods and better waste management to protect both marine ecosystems and the seafood supply.

Polymers

PP PS

Models

Invertebrate other

Plastic marine litter is a critical issue that threatens marine ecosystems. This study investigated microplastics (MPs) contamination in the Italian seas, involving regions significantly affected by pollution from urban, industrial and agricultural sources. The research, conducted in collaborations between 10 different Experimental Zooprophylactic Institutes throughout Italy, analyzed <i>Mytilus galloprovincialis</i> (common mussels) for its filtration capacity and suitability as a bioindicator. Using data from two projects funded by the Italian Ministry of Health, MPs were detected from 7% to 13% of mussel samples, mainly polypropylene and polystyrene fragments and fibers. These findings align with previous studies highlighting the pervasive presence of MPs and their potential risks as mussels are consumed whole, allowing MPs to be ingested. The study underscores the need for standardized detection methods and coordinated policies to mitigate plastic pollution. Public awareness campaigns and improved waste management practices are key to addressing the environmental and health impacts of MPs. Further research on the long-term effects of MPs on marine ecosystems and human health is essential to developing comprehensive mitigation strategies.

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