We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Effect of particles from wind turbine blades erosion on blue mussels Mytilus edulis
AI summary Read the abstract
Marine mussels (Mytilus edulis) exposed for up to 14 days to microplastic particles shed from wind turbine blade coatings and fiberglass core materials showed no significant metabolic disruption, despite particle sizes below 5 micrometers and measurable metal enrichment on the particles' surfaces. Subtle trends in metabolite levels hinted at possible short-term effects on the neuroendocrine system and longer-term effects on energy use, but the overall impact appeared minimal under the tested conditions. The study provides early reassurance but notes that further research is needed as offshore wind farm construction scales up globally.
Offshore wind farms (OWFs) pose new anthropogenic pressures on the marine environment as the erosion of turbine blades release organic and inorganic substances with potential consequences for marine life. In the present study, possible effects of the released particles and their chemical constituents on the metabolic profile of the blue mussel, Mytilus edulis, were investigated, utilizing 1H NMR spectroscopy. In the lab, mussels were exposed for 7 and 14 days to different concentrations (10 and 40 mg L-1) of microplastic (MP) particles which were derived from cryo-milled rotor blade coatings and core materials (glass fiber polymer, GFP). Raman imaging techniques revealed that 30-40 % of the coating and GFP particles had MP sizes below 5 μm, with the majority (∼98 %) being ≤50 μm. Despite the identified enrichment factors (EF) for metals and metalloids from the rotor blade materials, especially Ba, Cu, Cd, Cr and Ni with EFs between 0.93 and 6.1, untargeted metabolic profiling of the entire soft body tissues of M. edulis showed no significant metabolic disruption, regardless of the particle concentration. Observed trends in elevated concentrations of metabolites may indicate a possible short-term effect on mussels' neuroendocrine system and a possible long-term effect on energy metabolism. Experimental worst-case scenario of massive abrasion and the minimal response observed in M. edulis under the conditions tested suggest that erosion caused by wind turbine blades may pose little to no risk to bivalves at this stage. However, it is important to note that this study is only a preliminary step and further studies are needed to obtain a comprehensive overview of the issue before reaching a definite firm conclusion regarding the potential threat of OWFs abrasion to the marine environment, particularly considering the planned future extension of windpark construction in connection with the ongoing EU-wide energy transition.
More Papers Like This
The Effect of Exposure to Microplastic Particles on Baltic Sea Blue Mussel (Mytilus edulis) Filtration Rate
AI summary Read the abstract
Baltic Sea blue mussels were exposed to 1,000 microbeads per liter for six days, and the study found no significant difference in filtration rate compared to unexposed mussels. While this single concentration did not impair feeding, the study provides early baseline data on mussel responses to microplastic exposure.
Immunological responses, oxidative stress, and histopathological effects of nanoplastics on commercially relevant mussel species: A review
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how nanoplastics affect commercially important mussel species, finding that these tiny particles can cross biological barriers and accumulate in tissues. Evidence indicates that nanoplastic exposure alters metabolic rates, triggers immune responses, causes oxidative stress and DNA damage, and changes the structure of gills, gonads, and gut tissue. The findings raise concerns about both mussel health and potential implications for seafood safety.
Limited effects of chronic exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of microplastics across biological levels in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis)
AI summary Read the abstract
Good news for seafood lovers: a new study found that mussels exposed to realistic, everyday levels of microplastics in the ocean showed only minor effects on their health and growth, not the dramatic harm seen in some earlier lab studies that used unrealistically high plastic doses. This suggests that when it comes to mussels raised for food, real-world microplastic pollution may be less immediately damaging than previously feared, though it doesn't mean microplastics are harmless, just that this study didn't find major red flags at typical ocean concentrations.
Effects of environmentally relevant levels of polyethylene microplastic on Mytilus galloprovincialis (Mollusca: Bivalvia): filtration rate and oxidative stress
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed Mediterranean mussels to polyethylene microplastics at environmentally relevant concentrations and found significant reductions in filtration rate and signs of oxidative damage in the digestive gland. The study suggests that microplastics as small as 40-48 micrometers can disrupt antioxidant defenses in bivalves even at low concentrations, raising concerns about their impact on marine filter-feeders.
Tissue-Specific Biomarker Responses in the Blue Mussel Mytilus spp. Exposed to a Mixture of Microplastics at Environmentally Relevant Concentrations
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed blue mussels to an environmentally relevant mixture of polyethylene and polypropylene microplastics at three concentrations and examined tissue-specific responses over 10 days of exposure and 10 days of depuration. They found that microplastics triggered different antioxidant responses in the digestive gland versus the gills, with some evidence of DNA damage and immune system changes. The study highlights that even low, environmentally realistic concentrations of microplastics can induce measurable biochemical stress in marine bivalves.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.