How Do Microplastics Alter Molluscicidal Activity? Effects of Weathered Microplastics and Niclosamide in Developing Freshwater Snails

Ecotoxicity of microplastics in embryos and newly hatched snails of Biomphalaria glabrata

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Researchers exposed Biomphalaria glabrata snail embryos and hatchlings to polyethylene microplastics at environmentally relevant concentrations and found that while mortality and hatching rates were unaffected, embryos experienced elevated reactive oxygen species, increased cell death, and altered heart rate, indicating greater sensitivity during early development.

Effects of Microplastic Ingestion on Manila Clams

Uptake and Effects of Microplastic Ingestion on Manila Clams Ruditapes philippinarum

Microplastics in Terrestrial Snails

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Land snails collected from forested and grassy sites in Oak Ridge, Tennessee were found to consistently contain 2–5 microplastic particles per individual across 400 specimens and 16 species, demonstrating widespread microplastic uptake in terrestrial gastropods. This research highlights that microplastic contamination extends into relatively undisturbed terrestrial habitats and accumulates in organisms with no direct aquatic exposure, suggesting airborne or soil-based uptake routes.

Microplastics in Snails from an Urbanized Creek

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Aquatic snails collected from an urbanized creek in Knoxville, Tennessee were found to contain an average of more than 12 microplastic particles each, with microfibers comprising 92% of the 212 total particles recovered from just 10 specimens. This study demonstrates that urban freshwater invertebrates are heavily exposed to microplastics, with clothing-derived microfibers as the dominant source, raising concerns about contamination moving up the food chain.