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Are bio-based and biodegradable microplastics impacting for blue mussel (Mytilus edulis)?
Summary
Researchers tested whether polylactic acid microplastics, a bio-based and biodegradable alternative to conventional plastics, cause toxicity in blue mussels over eight days of exposure. Standard biomarkers for oxidative stress, neurotoxicity, and immunotoxicity showed no significant effects. However, metabolomic analysis revealed changes in glycerophospholipid levels, suggesting subtle biochemical alterations that warrant further investigation into the safety of biodegradable microplastics in marine environments.
The substitution of petrochemical plastics by bio-based and biodegradable plastics are in need of an evaluation for the potential toxic impacts that they can have on marine wildlife. This study aims to assess the toxicological effects of polylactic acid microparticles at two concentrations, 10 and 100 μg/L, during 8 days on the blue mussel, Mytilus edulis. No significant oxidative stress (catalase, glutathione-S-transferase and superoxide dismutase activities), neurotoxicity (acetylcholinesterase), or immunotoxicity (lysosomal membrane stability and acid phosphatase activity) were detectable. The multivariate analysis of metabolomic data allowed us to differentiate the individuals according to the exposure. From the loading plot of OPLS-DA, 48 ions down-regulated in the individuals exposed to microplastics. They were identified based on HRMS data as glycerophospholipids.