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Microplastics influence physiological processes, growth and reproduction in the Manila clam, Ruditapes philippinarum
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Researchers found that Manila clams ingesting polystyrene microplastics accumulated particles in their gills, digestive glands, and intestines, leading to increased respiration and excretion rates while reducing feeding efficiency. Modeling predicted that long-term exposure would significantly reduce shell and flesh growth rates as well as reproductive potential. The study provides evidence that microplastics can fundamentally alter energy allocation and physiological processes in filter-feeding bivalves.
Microplastics (<5 mm) are widely distributed in marine environments and pose a serious threat to bivalves. Here, the ingestion and accumulation of polystyrene microplastics (PS microplastics, diameters 5 and 10 μm) by the Manila clam, Ruditapes philippinarum, and their impacts on physiological processes, growth and reproduction were studied. The results showed that both PS microplastics were ingested by the Manila clam and accumulated in their gills, hepatopancreases and intestines. Furthermore, the accumulation of 5 and 10 μm PS microplastics significantly increased the rates of respiration and excretion while significantly decreasing feeding and absorption efficiency (AE), leading to a dramatically reduced amount of energy available for growth (SfG) and ultimately led to slower growth. The dynamic energy budget (DEB) model predicts that PS microplastic exposure for 200 days would cause lower shell/flesh growth rates and reproductive potentiality. Transcriptomic profiles support these results, as carbon and protein metabolism and oxytocin and insulin-related signaling pathways were significantly altered in clams in response to PS microplastics. This study provides evidence that microplastics strongly affect the physiological activities, energy allocation, growth and reproduction of filter-feeding bivalves.
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Impact of polyethylene microplastics on the clam Ruditapes decussatus (Mollusca: Bivalvia): examination of filtration rate, growth, and immunomodulation
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Researchers exposed clams to polyethylene microplastics at three different concentrations for 14 days and measured the effects on feeding, growth, and immune function. They found that higher microplastic concentrations reduced the clams' ability to filter water and caused weight loss, while also disrupting immune cell integrity. The study demonstrates that microplastic pollution can impair both the feeding efficiency and immune defenses of shellfish.
Effects of microplastics and mercury on manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum: Feeding rate, immunomodulation, histopathology and oxidative stress
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Researchers exposed Manila clams to polyethylene microplastics and mercury, both individually and in combination, to study their effects on feeding, immune response, and tissue health. The study found that while microplastics were ingested and spread to various tissues, they played a negligible role in transporting mercury into the clams. Both pollutants independently reduced filtration rates, impaired immune function, and caused tissue damage in the gills and digestive glands.
The physiological response of the clam Ruditapes philippinarum and scallop Chlamys farreri to varied concentrations of microplastics exposure
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Researchers exposed two types of shellfish (clams and scallops) to polyethylene and PET microplastics and found that both species accumulated the particles in their digestive glands and gills. The exposure caused oxidative stress, disrupted energy and fat metabolism, and damaged tissue, with PET generally being more toxic than polyethylene. Since these are commonly eaten shellfish, the findings raise concerns about microplastic contamination affecting the safety of seafood for human consumers.
Effects of virgin and BaP-adsorbed microplastics ingestion by Manila clams (Ruditapes philippinarum)
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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.
Microplastic ingestion reduces energy intake in the clam Atactodea striata
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Researchers found that microplastic ingestion by the clam Atactodea striata reduced clearance rate — and therefore energy intake — particularly at high concentrations, while respiration rate and absorption efficiency remained unchanged, with pseudofaeces and depuration limiting the amount of plastic retained in body tissue.
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