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Mussels (Mytilus spp.) in Svalbard contain microplastic particles in tissues: Implications for monitoring
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Researchers found microplastic particles in the tissues of blue mussels collected from intertidal zones in Arctic Svalbard, detecting 148 particles per sample on average and identifying polyethylene and polystyrene as dominant polymers, with implications for Arctic food web monitoring.
We examined the presence of microplastics in blue mussels Mytilus spp. from the intertidal zone of western Spitsbergen in Arctic Svalbard. The optical microscopy technique detected a total of 148 microplastics, with the highest concentration per mussel being 24 particles. Microplastics were found in 84% of the examined mussels. The microplastics ranged in size from <0.5 mm to 5 mm and consisted of fibers (83%), fragments (13%), plates (3%), and spherules (1%). The micro-Raman spectroscopy technique revealed four different types of polymers: polyethylene (67%), nylon-12 (17%), low-density polyethylene (11%), and polypropylene (5%). Our research shows that Arctic coastal waters are polluted with microplastics notwithstanding their remoteness. These findings suggest that microplastic contamination may harm marine life and coastal ecosystems and require further research into long-term environmental effects. We also indicate that intertidal mussels may be beneficial for monitoring microplastics because they can be collected without involving diving.
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Mytilus spp. as sentinels for monitoring microplastic pollution in Norwegian coastal waters: A qualitative and quantitative study
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Researchers collected mussels from 15 sites along Norway's coastline and found microplastics at nearly every location, with remote Arctic sites containing surprisingly high levels — often more than sites near major cities. The study confirms that mussels are useful sentinels for monitoring microplastic pollution in coastal waters, with fibers making up 83% of all particles found.
Microplastics in blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) : does mussel size and distribution affect the number of microplastic particles found in the mussels?
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Researchers collected 213 blue mussels from three sites in the Oslo fjord to investigate whether mussel body size affects the number of microplastic particles found in their tissues. They found microplastics in mussels across size classes, with differences in particle counts between sites and size groups. The study contributes to understanding how mussel size and sampling location affect microplastic bioaccumulation in this commonly used sentinel species.
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Researchers quantified and characterized microplastics in blue mussels from a study site, finding microplastics in a large proportion of sampled individuals and documenting the types and sizes of particles present.
Microplastics in blue mussels and beach sediments : a study of Hovedøya in the inner Oslo Fjord
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Microplastic abundance was assessed in blue mussels and beach sediments at six sites around Hovedoya island in the inner Oslo Fjord, providing baseline data on microplastic contamination in a semi-enclosed Norwegian coastal setting. The study contributes to monitoring microplastic accumulation in shellfish and intertidal habitats.
Microplastic contamination of the drilling bivalve Hiatella arctica in Arctic rhodolith beds
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Researchers found microplastics in 100% of the Arctic bivalve Hiatella arctica sampled from Svalbard rhodolith beds, with up to 184 plastic particles per animal, and noted that polystyrene dominated at greater depths while polyethylene and PET were more common in shallower waters, raising concerns for this ecosystem engineer's health.
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.