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Effects of virgin and BaP-adsorbed microplastics ingestion by Manila clams (Ruditapes philippinarum)
Summary
Researchers exposed Manila clams to various microplastic polymer types, shapes, and concentrations, finding that clams preferentially ingested sphere-shaped particles due to their resemblance to microalgae, and that feeding rates declined as microplastic concentrations increased. The addition of benzo[a]pyrene as a co-stressor showed that microplastics can act as vectors for transporting hydrophobic contaminants into bivalve tissues.
Numerous microplastic-related studies have investigated the impact of plastic materials on the marine food chain. In this study, Manila clams were exposed to microplastic (MP) of various polymer types, shapes, and concentrations to determine the ingestion selectivity and adverse effects caused. Benzo[a]pyrene was introduced as the second stressor to investigate the role of MP as a vector of contaminant. The result of a 2-day acute exposure showed that clams are more likely to ingest those in sphere shapes due to their similarity to microalgae. The feeding rate continuously declined when clams were exposed to at least 2to/L particles. Additionally, co-exposure of MP and B[a]P resulted in higher DNA fragmentation but lower catalase activity compared to single exposure to MP. Our study revealed that the uptake of MP by clams is not only determined by its shape and concentration but also by the presence of existing contaminants.