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First report of microplastics presence in the mussel Mytilus chilensis from Ushuaia Bay (Beagle Channel, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina)
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This study reported the first detection of microplastics in the mussel Mytilus chilensis from Ushuaia Bay in Tierra del Fuego, one of the most remote areas of South America. The presence of microplastics even in this isolated sub-Antarctic location confirms that plastic contamination has reached the most distant corners of the world's oceans.
Microplastics contamination is reported for the first time on Mytilus chilensis from Ushuaia Bay, one of the most remote areas of South America. Our results demonstrate the occurrence of microplastics in all samples, with an average of 8.6 ± 3.53 items per individual. Fibers and fragments were the most abundant, with a percentage of 77.91 and 17.44%, respectively. The average length of the fibers was 742.3 ± 702.1 μm, while the average cross-sectional area of fragments was 1944.80 ± 960.94 μm. The polymers identified were polyamides, semi-synthetic cellulosic materials, and PVC copolymers. The number of microplastics per individual was greater than those reported in even more populated regions. Probably, the modifications included in the technique led to optimize the extraction of MPs, reflecting the detection of a greater number of particles. M. chilensis could play a role in an extensive evaluation of MPs in the Ushuaia Bay, providing information on the interaction of MPs and biota.
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Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.