Evaluation of Microplastics and Microcystin-LR effect for Asian clams (Corbicula flumine) by a metabolomics approach

Abstract Microplastics (MP) and Microcystins (MCs) are two co-occurring pollutants in freshwater ecosystems that pose significant risks to aquatic organisms and human health. This study investigates the interactions between MP and MCs and their effects on the metabolic responses of freshwater aquaculture. Asian clams have been used as an indicator of Microplastics pollution in freshwater ecosystems. The present study investigates metabolic responses of Asian clams during Microplastics and Microcystin-LR stress to identify health impacts and elucidate mechanistic effects of external stressors on Asian clams. A liquid chromatography/ mass spectrometry (LC–MS)-based metabolomics approach was used to identify metabolic perturbations and histological section technique were used to assess changes of tissues from different Asian clam treat groups. The results showed significantly pathological changes in the gills and hepatopancreas in experimental clam compared to control (healthy) clam. Metabolomics revealed alterations of many metabolites in hepatopancreas of six Asian clam compare groups, reflecting perturbations in several molecular pathways, including energy metabolism, amino acid metabolism, protein degradation/tissue damage and oxidative stress. Overall, this study emphasizes the importance of understanding the interactions between MP and MCs and the need for proactive measures to safeguard freshwater ecosystems and human health.