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Microplastic leachates induce chemical disruption of chemotactic and chemokinetic responses of an ecosystem engineer (Mytilus edulis)
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Researchers found that leachates from microplastic particles disrupt the chemotaxis and chemokinesis of blue mussels — their ability to detect and respond to chemical signals in water. These behavioral disruptions could impair the ability of mussels to locate food or avoid predators in contaminated environments. The study highlights that chemical leaching from microplastics, not just the particles themselves, can harm marine organisms.
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Microplastic leachates disrupt the chemotactic and chemokinetic behaviours of an ecosystem engineer (Mytilus edulis)
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