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Bioturbation effects and behavioral changes in buried bivalves after exposure to microplastics
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Researchers studied how Manila clams interact with microplastics in marine sediments and found that clam burrowing, movement, and feeding behaviors rapidly transported microplastics to depths of 6 to 8 centimeters below the surface. While the clams showed a slightly longer adjustment period when microplastics were present, their overall health and behavior were not significantly affected. The study reveals that burrowing shellfish play an important role in redistributing microplastics deeper into ocean sediments.
Microplastic pollution has become an increasing concern. Vertical transport of microplastics is one of the major research questions concerning the distribution and fate of microplastics in the marine environment, and biologically mediated vertical transport is particularly significant. However, studies on the effects of different types of benthic organisms on the vertical distribution of microplastics in sediments are still scarce. The results of this study revealed that when exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of fluorescent polystyrene microbeads (200 µm), Manila clams (Ruditapes philippinarum) exhibited prolonged acclimation period, yet subsequent burrowing behavior (burrowing rate and burrowing velocity) was unaffected. The condition index, clearance rate, and oxygen consumption rate of the clams similarly exhibited no stress response after 14 days of exposure. We determined that microplastics were rapidly transported to deeper layers (6-8 cm below the surface) in the sediment under bioturbation. This study elucidates the mechanisms of microplastic transport, showing that clam behaviors such as burrowing, movement, and ingestion contribute to this process. The results suggest that a biologically based management strategy may be a more environmentally friendly means of mitigating microplastic pollution in seawater.
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Response of sediment-dwelling bivalves to microplastics and its potential implications for benthic processes
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This microcosm study found that microplastics affect the feeding, burrowing, and bioirrigation behaviors of two sediment-dwelling bivalve species, with effects that could alter benthic nutrient cycling. Changes in bivalve behavior caused by microplastic exposure have broader implications for the ecosystem services these organisms provide in marine sediments.
Macrofauna bioturbation promotes seabed burial of microplastics: a laboratory study
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This laboratory study found that burrowing invertebrates such as polychaete worms and bivalves living in seafloor sediments can actively move microplastics deeper into the sediment through their feeding and burrowing activities. Animal-driven burial of microplastics in marine sediments could reduce their immediate ecological impact on surface communities but increases their long-term residence in the environment.
Environmentally relevant microplastic exposure affects sediment-dwelling bivalves
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Researchers exposed two species of sediment-dwelling bivalves to polyethylene microplastics at three concentrations and three size classes for four weeks. The study found species-specific responses including reduced body condition and altered burrowing behavior, suggesting that even at environmentally relevant concentrations, microplastics can affect the physiology and behavior of benthic bivalves.
Changes in particle mixing by benthic infauna induced by microplastics: implications for nitrogen cycling in marine sediments
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Researchers found that increasing polypropylene microplastic concentrations impaired deep-burrowing behaviour of the marine worm Macroclymenella stewartensis but not the bivalve Macomona liliana, with microplastics also modifying interspecific relationships and thereby disrupting particle mixing and nutrient cycling processes in marine sediments.
Microplastics influence physiological processes, growth and reproduction in the Manila clam, Ruditapes philippinarum
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Researchers found that Manila clams ingesting polystyrene microplastics accumulated particles in their gills, digestive glands, and intestines, leading to increased respiration and excretion rates while reducing feeding efficiency. Modeling predicted that long-term exposure would significantly reduce shell and flesh growth rates as well as reproductive potential. The study provides evidence that microplastics can fundamentally alter energy allocation and physiological processes in filter-feeding bivalves.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.