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Article ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Tier 2 ? Original research — experimental, observational, or case-control study. Direct primary evidence. Policy & Risk Sign in to save

Bivalves with potential for monitoring microplastics in South America

Case Studies in Chemical and Environmental Engineering 2021 29 citations ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count. Score: 40 ? 0–100 AI score estimating relevance to the microplastics field. Papers below 30 are filtered from public browse.
Gabriel Staichak, Augusto Luiz Ferreira Júnior, Andressa Carla Moreschi Silva, Andressa Carla Moreschi Silva, Pierre Girard, Cláudia Tasso Callil, Susete Wambier Christo

Summary

Researchers tested three South American mussel species and found that all of them accumulated microplastics in their tissues, feces, and pseudofeces, suggesting these bivalves can serve as reliable bioindicators — living monitors — for microplastic contamination in coastal waterways.

Microplastic (<5mm) accumulation in water environments is an emerging concern issue, it can be absorbed throughout the food chain. Filter organisms are the most susceptible, so they have the potential to be an environmental sentinel. Thus, tests were carried out with three mussels species in order to investigate the filtration and prevalence of microplastic in them. The investigated bivalves have shown different forms of microplastics in soft tissues, feces and pseudofeces. However, the identification of polymer blends is still tricky. This outcome has indicated the potential of these bivalves to be used as bioindicators associated with this contaminant in environments.

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